Reaching the four-week milestone in my hysterectomy recovery journey feels like crossing an important threshold.

In this episode, I discuss the remarkable physical transformation that has occurred – pain has decreased significantly, mobility has improved dramatically, and my energy levels have surged. Simple movements that caused discomfort just two weeks ago, like rolling over in bed or tying shoelaces, now feel natural again.

The four-week check-up with my surgeon brought validation and unexpected revelations. We also discussed guidelines for safely returning to exercise (stationary cycling is now approved!) and intimate relations😉, conversations I deeply appreciated for their practicality and candour.

For anyone facing similar recovery challenges, I've learned invaluable lessons: don't rush the healing process, avoid comparing your journey to others', and keep your mind engaged with projects when your body needs rest.

This recovery experience has deepened my gratitude for my body's remarkable healing abilities and the excellent medical care I've received. If you're navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone through theirs, I hope sharing my experience offers insight and reassurance. 

Reach out via email or Instagram if you'd like to connect – I'd love to hear your story or answer any questions about this profoundly personal journey.

Links:

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Sonya on Instagram - @sonyalovell

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The unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me in September 2024, launching me on a journey that ultimately led to having a hysterectomy at age 55.

This very personal episode takes you through my complete hysterectomy experience – from the shocking discovery of post-menopausal bleeding to my recovery two weeks after robotic laparoscopic surgery. I share the medical investigations that revealed my significantly thickened uterine lining (likely caused by previous Tamoxifen treatment for Breast Cancer), the decision-making process that led to surgery, and exactly what happened during my hospital stay.

You'll hear all the details about my physical recovery and my gradual return to movement and normal activities. I discuss my frustrations with vague post-surgery exercise guidelines and how I advocated for more personalised recovery information as someone who regularly engages in heavy resistance training.

Throughout this episode, I emphasise that while I'm sharing my story to help others, everyone's hysterectomy journey is unique. Your body, your choices, and your recovery will follow their own path. 

I've included practical tips about freezing meals before surgery, focusing on healing nutrition, and the importance of gentle movement in recovery.

This is the first in what will be a five-part series documenting my hysterectomy journey, with future episodes at weeks 4, 6, 9 and 12 post-surgery.

If you're facing a hysterectomy, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what this experience entails, I hope my candid sharing provides insight, reassurance, and perhaps some practical guidance for your journey.

You can send me any questions or share your story with me on my Instagram @sonyalovell or email [email protected]

Resources:

Sonya Lovell on Instagram

Tamoxifen and Uterine Lining ACOG paper

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology paper

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As the head of health programs at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Nicole Pritchard shares how their new Menopause Plan leverages a decade of research to address the unique nutritional needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women.

At the heart of the program is a powerful yet simple nutritional philosophy: emphasise high-quality protein, choose low glycemic index carbohydrates, and prioritise fiber-rich foods. This approach directly addresses the physiological changes occurring during menopause, from declining muscle mass to increased cardiovascular risk. 

Nicole explains that spreading protein consumption throughout the day (aiming for 25-30g per main meal) helps maintain muscle mass, support metabolism, and control appetite – all crucial during a time when many women struggle with weight management.

What sets this program apart is its practical, sustainable approach. Rather than restrictive dieting, Nicole emphasises making strategic food swaps and focusing on adding beneficial foods. The plan acknowledges real-life challenges like family meal preparation and busy schedules, offering flexible solutions that work for the entire household. From meal plans with shopping lists to online tracking tools and dietitian support, the program provides comprehensive resources while recognizing that lasting change happens through small, consistent actions.

Perhaps most importantly, Nicole explains that menopause doesn't have to mean inevitable weight gain or declining health. With the right nutritional approach, women can manage symptoms, reduce long-term health risks, and even thrive during this transition. The program represents a significant shift away from one-size-fits-all dieting toward evidence-based nutrition that honors women's changing bodies and supports them through midlife and beyond.

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CSIRO Total Wellbeing Menopause Plan website

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When Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) at UniSQ discovered she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, she turned to her healthcare provider for answers, only to find a glaring absence of research, resources, and support specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

"The last lot of research that we did or was done in Australia was about 12 years ago, and it was done by a group of non-Indigenous women and there were 10 women that they interviewed. That's it. That's the only body of research that has been done in the country around the menopausal or perimenopausal experiences of Indigenous women," she reveals in this eye-opening conversation.

Professor Best, who has worked in women's health for 35 years, doesn't just identify the problem - she's actively working toward solutions. After appearing at the "So Hot Right Now" event at the Sydney Opera House, she assembled a team of 32 mostly Indigenous women researchers from 13 universities to study the unique experiences of Aboriginal women traversing menopause.

The challenges are significant: funding bodies that create competition rather than collaboration, healthcare providers with minimal training on menopause and diagnostic tools that fail to incorporate cultural considerations..

During our conversation we examine how proper healthcare requires cultural understanding, appropriate funding, and research led by Indigenous women for Indigenous women. 

Are we ready to acknowledge these gaps and take meaningful action to address them?

Links:

Prof Odette Best

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What if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and CEO of Antipodes Skincare, shares this refreshing perspective as she joins us to discuss how natural ingredients can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin.

From her kitchen table to a global brand sold in over 40 countries, Elizabeth's story embodies the power of female entrepreneurship guided by genuine purpose. She reveals how winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Product Award in New Zealand and Best Emerging Brand in Paris validated her vision, yet she finds the most meaningful moments come from women sharing how her products have genuinely improved their skin health.

The conversation delves into why Antipodes created their Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream, a groundbreaking formulation specifically targeting menopausal skin concerns. Elizabeth explains the science behind key ingredients like avananthramides from oat extract that inhibit histamine release, chamomile extracts with neuropeptide properties, and plant-based hyaluronic acid that dramatically improves hydration in dehydrated menopausal skin.

What makes this discussion truly valuable is Elizabeth's holistic "inside out, outside in" approach to skincare. She emphasises that no cream alone can solve all skin challenges, advocating for nutritional awareness, reduced inflammatory foods, and increased protein intake alongside targeted skincare. Most refreshingly, she challenges the beauty industry's obsession with lineless skin, instead defining healthy skin as "radiant" regardless of age.

Don't forget to follow @SonyaLovell and @AntipodesSkincare on Instagram to enter our special skincare giveaway valued at over $250!

Links:

Antipodes Skincare

Antipodes on Instagram

Sonya Lovell on Instagram

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A captivating conversation between Sonya and Jo explores the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause healthcare, research, and politics in Australia. 

In this episode we begin by unpacking the viral podcast between Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Peter Attia – a two-and-a-half hour deep dive into menopause, vaginal health and GSM that's being celebrated as "the best podcast that has been recorded to date on this topic." What makes it exceptional isn't just the content but the peer-to-peer dynamic between two medical professionals sharing both evidence-based information and clinical experience.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when journalist Jamila Rizvi's health journey is discussed. At just 31, a missed period led to the discovery of a rare brain tumour affecting her hormone production – a sobering reminder that health changes should never be dismissed without proper investigation. 

This naturally leads us to a discussion of exciting new research published in Clinical Endocrinology that examines the relationship between sex hormones and dementia risk.

Politics takes centre stage as we celebrate Australia's increasingly female Parliament, with two major parties now led by women and gender equality achieved in the Labor cabinet. The shift in ministerial portfolios sees Rebecca White stepping into the Assistant Minister for Health role. 

We wrap up with news of an Australian company developing the first new estrogen patch in 22 years, potentially addressing supply issues and skin irritation problems plaguing current options.

Links:

ABC Conversations with Jamila Rizvi

Dr Rachel Rubin and Dr Peter Attia Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Dr Rachel Rubin and Dr Peter Attia Podcast - YouTube

Sex Hormones and Risk of Incident Dementia in Men and Postmenopausal Women - Clinical Endocrinology Article

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What happens to marriages and long-term relationships during menopause? 

Clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to the podcast to tackle this powerful question, revealing why 70% of midlife breakups are initiated by women.

The menopause transition triggers not just hormonal changes but profound psychological shifts. Neuroplasticity during this period reshapes women's brains, often leading to significant evolutions in identity, values, and what they're willing to tolerate. As Kirstin explains, "I hear from a lot of women: I just want to live from me, not from my role as mum or wife. I want to experience joy that's just about me."

We explore how these changes impact relationships from multiple angles. For partnerships with potential, we discuss how honest conversations can determine whether couples can evolve together or if paths must diverge. 

Importantly we discuss that when a woman is living in an unhealthy or controlling relationship, perimenopause may increase vulnerability making it even more important that her safety and wellbeing are the top priority.

The conversation doesn't shy away from the challenges of rebuilding life as a single person in midlife, with Kirstin offering practical guidance on finding joy, creating a new identity, and building resilience. Throughout it all, one theme remains constant: the importance of support during this transformative period.

Whether you're questioning your own relationship, supporting a friend through changes, or simply wanting to understand this common midlife phenomenon, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a roadmap for navigating relationships through the turbulence of menopause.

Subscribe to Dear Menopause for more expert conversations that help you navigate this significant life transition with knowledge and confidence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an unsafe or abusive relationship, please seek support - help is available, and you are not alone. Support services within Australia are listed below.

Links

Kirstin's website

All About Her Centre

Relationships Australia

Dept of Social Services

Mission Australia

1800RESPECT

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Your brain is undergoing a massive renovation during menopause, and Neuroscientist Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson is here to help you understand the how and why. 

With nearly three decades studying neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change itself, Dr Jen offers revolutionary insights into why perimenopause affects every woman differently and how you can harness this transformation.

When estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, your brain essentially panics. There are estrogen receptors throughout your neural networks, and as this crucial hormone decreases, your brain must create "workarounds" by changing its structure, function, and connectivity. This rewiring explains everything from mood swings to cognitive changes, but it also presents a golden opportunity for personal growth.

"Menopause is actually a gift," Dr Jen explains, challenging society's often negative perspective. Rather than viewing it as decline, she frames it as a developmental transition, a chance to become your truest, most authentic self. The extensive neural reorganisation happening during this time creates ideal conditions for consciously shaping who you want to be in your post-menopausal years.

Dr Jen shares practical tools for directing this transformation, recommending meditation to reduce neuroinflammation (which increases as estrogen decreases) and journaling to understand how past experiences have shaped your brain. She also discusses fascinating research on how previous hormonal experiences like pregnancy might better prepare women for menopause, and explains why declining estrogen levels may contribute to women's higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Download Dr Jen's free 5-minute meditation designed specifically for women in perimenopause, and discover why embracing this transition rather than fighting it could be the key to thriving through midlife and beyond.

Links

Get free Meditation here

Dr Jen's website

Dr Jen Instagram

Dr Jen LinkedIn

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We need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone therapy, testosterone has transformed my life, restoring my vitality, sharpening my focus, lifting my mood, and reawakening my sexuality. Yet accessing this life-changing treatment reveals a troubling gender bias in our healthcare system.

While nine testosterone products for men are subsidised through the PBS, Androfeme - the only female-specific testosterone cream in Australia - remains unsubsidised, costing women over $100 per script. This forces many of us to use male-formulated alternatives that require daily careful self-measurement, an imprecise and frustrating workaround that no woman should have to endure.

The numbers are staggering: an estimated 1.34 million Australian midlife women experience Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD), yet face significant barriers to diagnosis and treatment. 

Despite testosterone therapy being used safely and effectively for women since the 1940s, with Australian-made Androfemme recognised globally as a gold standard treatment, women continue to bear financial burdens that men don't face for essentially identical symptoms.

The solution is straightforward: include Androfemme on the PBS, just as other menopause treatments have recently been added.

Share this episode with friends, family, healthcare providers, and decision-makers. 

Together, we can amplify women's voices and demand the equal treatment we deserve. 

Women's health is not a luxury - it's time our healthcare system reflects that truth.

Links:

National Women's Health Advisory Council's Review

What is HSDD?

Australian Paper on HSDD

Testosterone has been treating women since 1940's

Testosterone for women: what you need to know

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Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? When should you be concerned? 

Dr Ceri Cashell joins me to demystify this common but often distressing symptom.

We dive into the definition of postmenopausal bleeding - any bleeding that occurs after 12 months without periods - and explore the various causes, from hormone imbalances to more serious conditions that require immediate attention. Dr Ceri uses a brilliant analogy, comparing the uterus to a jumbo jet where multiple hormone "switches" need perfect alignment for smooth operation.

For women recently started HRT, bleeding can be a side effect, particularly in the first three to six months or after dosage adjustments. However, Dr Ceri emphasises that certain risk factors like obesity, family history, tamoxifen use, and smoking warrant prompt investigation. 

We walk through exactly what happens during medical assessment - from initial GP visits to ultrasounds that measure endometrial thickness and potentially hysteroscopy procedures.

My own experience with unexpected bleeding after eight years without periods highlights how confronting this symptom can be. 

Dr. Ceri reminds us that while HRT offers tremendous benefits, it's not a perfect solution and may require personalised adjustments to find your hormone sweet spot. Most importantly, she urges women not to dismiss or normalise symptoms that could indicate something serious - "Women are far too good at sucking things up," she notes, encouraging listeners to prioritise their health concerns.

Have you experienced unexpected bleeding after menopause? Don't wait - speak with your healthcare provider today and get the answers and reassurance you deserve.

Links

Healthy Hormones Website

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