Could a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? 

Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese government is set to transform menopause and perimenopause care across the nation. 

With bipartisan support ensuring the longevity of these initiatives, we explore the Senate Inquiries and Budget Submissions that paved the way for these groundbreaking developments and the profound impact they promise for countless women. 

This episode sheds light on how accessibility to menopause care is being reimagined, with Medicare rebates incentivising GPs to gain new skills and the expansion of existing clinics to include menopause specialists.

With advocacy playing a crucial role in these advancements, hear about the collaborative efforts behind the scenes that have resulted in cost reductions for MHT like Prometrium and Estrogel. 

We wrap up with exciting news of an upcoming Dear Menopause interview with Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, promising an in-depth look into the policy changes that are shaking up women's healthcare. 

Don't miss your chance to submit questions for this insightful conversation, as we aim to bring you all the behind-the-scenes details and celebrate these significant strides in women's health.

Links:

Health Package Fact Sheet

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics

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Leanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal experience with perimenopause symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings, became the catalyst for a career pivot aimed at supporting women in similar situations. 

Throughout, we highlight the societal need for education and understanding about menopause, ensuring future generations are not caught off guard by its onset. Leanne's narrative powerfully underscores the gaps in psychological support for women experiencing menopause and PMDD.

Our conversation emphasises a holistic and personalised approach to therapy. We discuss various therapeutic modalities, such as CBT and ACT. We also delve into the importance of social connections and the value of strong friendships alongside formal therapy. 

Leanne offers insights into how lifestyle choices—diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management—complement therapeutic practices. By setting measurable goals, women can more effectively navigate these changes and transform their experiences into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

We also discuss the pressing need for a broader understanding of women's mental health over their lifetimes. Leanne encourages self-advocacy and pursuing menopause-informed professionals to ensure the best care. 

Leanne and I also address the ageist stereotypes surrounding menopause, advocating that it be seen as a period of empowerment and transformation. 

Through validation, support, and authentic sharing, we aim to inspire you to embrace your second act confidently and boldly, challenging societal norms and celebrating the journey.

Links:

Find Leanne at Affinity Psychology

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Join me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing stress management for women over 40.

Discover how stress, rather than just diet, plays a pivotal role in overall health, as Despina highlights the critical brain-gut connection. Learn from her experience conducting anxiety awareness workshops and retreats designed to help women manage stress and improve their quality of life.

We explore the significant benefits of proper breathing techniques, particularly during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages, and challenge the social stigmas surrounding aging. As a personal trainer, I reflect on the surprising challenges of teaching clients to breathe correctly, underscoring diaphragmatic breathing's role in reducing stress and enhancing wellness.

We also segue into a broader discussion on self-worth and beauty for women navigating this pivotal life stage.

You will learn about the empowering spaces created at Despina's retreats, where women can connect and share experiences in intimate settings like the Greek islands and the Hunter Valley in Australia. These retreats offer more than just relaxation—they foster personal growth, community, and a revaluation of intrinsic qualities over superficial markers.

Despina's insights will remind you of the continuous journey of self-discovery and the profound connections that can emerge from shared experiences.

Hunter Valley, NSW Retreat Discount Code: SONYA20

Links:
Self Discovery Lab Website
Hunter Valley Retreat March 2025
UK and Greece Retreats 2025

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In our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy was pivotal in the PBAC's decision to recommend Estrogel, Prometrium and Estrogel Pro for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

With a personal milestone, Sonya shares her new role as the ambassador for Menopause and Cancer in Australia and New Zealand. This initiative seeks to fill the glaring void in post-cancer menopause care, echoing alarming statistics from the UK where the majority of women receive no support.

Johanna highlighted actionable insights in "A Citizen's Guide to Menopause Advocacy: Simple Steps for Transformative Change. " Discover how this free-to-download guide, featuring a foreword by Maria Shriver, empowers individuals to drive change.

Explore how you can advocatefor change during this pivotal period, despite the delayed government response to the Australian Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause.

We also touch on the recent paper published showing the interindividual variations of the absorption of estrogen in the real world. Results of the study showed that 1 in 4 women using the highest licensed dose showed levels considered subtherapeutic as a result of poor absorption.

So much to unpack this week!! Enjoy.

Links:
A Citizen's Guide to Menopause Advocacy download
Estrogen Absorption paper published 17 December 2024
Menopause and Cancer

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Tara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental health and daily life.

By discussing the challenges she faced—including anxiety, panic attacks, night sweats and an unexpected OCD diagnosis —Tara emphasises the importance of storytelling, awareness, and seeking support in navigating this often isolating time of life.

During our conversation, you will learn about:
• Tara's path to advocacy
• The symptoms of perimenopause she experienced at age 37
• The connection between mental health struggles and hormonal changes
• Intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the transition
• The importance of seeking help from healthcare professionals
• Tara's OCD diagnosis and the impact of being prescribed menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
• The empowering journey of how Tara rediscovered joy and self-identity

Links:
Tara on Instagram - @taraeglington
Tara on LinkedIn
Professor John Eden
Women's Health and Research Institute of Australia (WHRIA)
Meno-D Survey
Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause Submissions

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Start the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey. 

Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025. 

I spotlight influential voices in the menopause sphere, including Dr Kelly Teagle, who empowers us to build healthy habits, and Sarah Rusbach, who challenges us to rethink our relationship with alcohol. Nutritionist Ange Clark offers her expertise on supplements for midlife, while Professor Jayashri Kulkarni sheds light on the critical intersection of menopause and mental health. 

These episodes are packed with actionable insights and are perfect for anyone seeking clarity in the new year.

As I take a two-week summer break, I extend my deepest gratitude for your support and wish you warmth and meaningful connections during the holiday season. 

Here's to a year filled with growth, joy, and powerful conversations.

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Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health.

Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving understanding of menopause and cognition, and how recognising neurodiversity's spectrum from neurotypical to neurodivergent is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.

Caroline dives into the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD symptoms as she explains how hormonal changes can exacerbate or reveal previously masked ADHD symptoms in women, sometimes leading to late-in-life diagnoses that offer clarity and improved management options.

You will hear stories of women navigating the emotional journey of an ADHD diagnosis after years of misdiagnoses, often resulting in a newfound sense of relief and understanding.

Learn about the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals during periods of significant hormonal shifts, emphasising the need for more comprehensive research and personalised treatment options.

This episode is packed with information and empowering strategies aimed at enhancing women's cognitive health and wellness, encouraging listeners to reflect on and embrace their own personal growth journeys.

Links:
HER Centre
HER Centre - Cognition and Hormones
MENO-D Assessment Scale to detect depression in menopause

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Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication.

We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn't yet made it to the PBS despite public demand.

Delving deeper, we contrast MPA, a synthetic progestin, with body-identical progesterone and critique the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) tendency to group these therapies together. This sheds light on the broader issue of insufficient research funding in women's health.

As we look forward, our anticipation builds around the government's response to the Senate Inquiry report and its potential impacts on women's health policy, especially with an upcoming election.

Will Australian women receive an early Christmas gift from the Government? We hope so!

Jo shares about attending Em Rusciano's impactful "Outgrown" show. And to wrap the year up, have you checked out our creative "Menopause Myths Advent Calendar 2024" on Instagram — a fun, festive initiative aimed at busting menopause myths with a sprinkle of Christmas joy.

Thank you for your continued support and here's to more insightful discussions in the new year!

Links:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
Em Rusciano
The Holderness Family - Instagram Christmas Reel
2024 Advent Calendar - Instagram

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Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause?

Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health.

Jules' tale of moving from England to Australia while pregnant, overcoming postnatal depression and then educating her own GP on the importance of understanding perimenopause, offers more than just a narrative—it's a testament to the power of understanding your own body and standing up for yourself in healthcare settings.

During this generously candid conversation, Jules shares stories of her triumphs and challenges in her mental and menstrual health.

We explore the intricate dance between hormones and lifestyle choices as an unexpected ADHD diagnosis is also tied to her hormonal fluctuations like PMDD, PND and Perimenopause, and the decisions Jules has made, such as quitting alcohol for her well-being.

Jules and I discuss why symptom tracking and seeking second opinions are vital tools in navigating hormonal changes.

With a focus on reshaping the narrative around menopause, this episode encourages you to champion your health stories and leverage your relationship with your doctor to drive change in women's healthcare.

Links:
The Balance App by Dr Louise Newson
Confidence in the Menopause Online Course
For more on women's mental health and neurodiversity - Monash University HER Centre

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In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity.

We dive into the confusion that often surrounds vaginal estrogen because of misleading warnings on packaging. The exaggerated risks deter many from reaping the health benefits these products offer and many doctors from prescribing it.

And we chat about the anticipated "So Hot Right Now" event at the Sydney Opera House in early 2925.

With renowned voices like Dr's Louise Newson, Vonda Wright and Kelly Casperson sharing their expertise with an Australian audience, this event promises to continue to elevate the vibrant dialogue on menopause.

Links:

Research Paper
Taylor S, Davis SR. Is it time to revisit the recommendations for initiation of menopausal hormone therapy? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Oct 14:S2213-8587(24)00270-5. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00270-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39419045.

You Are Not Broken Podcast Episode with Dr Kelly Casperson and Dr Corinne Menn- Apple

Unboxing Menopause Campaign

Australian Journal of General Practice: Volume 53, Issue 5, May 2024 "Safety of vaginal oestrogens for genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer"

"Vaginal estrogen use for genitourinary symptoms in women with a history of uterine, cervical, or ovarian carcinoma"

So Hot Right Now event tickets

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