Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the benefits of starting immediate hormone therapy.

We also discuss Sarah, Alex's sister and her fight for hormone therapy, due to her breast cancer history, and the life-changing impact when she finally found a GP who supported her.

We debate the urgent need for medical professionals to have a much deeper knowledge of menopause treatments and hormone therapies, particularly for women who have experienced induced menopause at such a young age.

This episode is not just a conversation, but a beacon for every woman navigating an induced menopause journey.

Resources:
Pink Hope - hereditary cancer support

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Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life?

My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation at the age of 30.

Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Alex bravely recounts her family's journey into the world of genetic mutations, which started with her sister's breast cancer diagnosis at 33 and led to her own life-altering decisions.

Alex doesn't shy away from the hard truths of her experience. She bares it all, from her decision to undergo risk-reducing surgeries to the rigorous process of IVF. Even after welcoming two beautiful children, her journey wasn't over.

Alex's story is not just about the physical challenges; it's a testament to her resilience. There is much to learn from Alex's journey, whether you're facing genetic mutations, considering preventive surgeries, or dealing with surgical menopause.

Her story inspires us to be brave, confront our fears and navigate through the rough waters of uncertainty.

Tune in to hear Alex's captivating story and the wisdom she gained through her challenging journey.

Resources:
Pink Hope - Support, Education and Advocacy Group 

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How much do you truly know about menopause? Do you know the struggles women face while accessing adequate care for menopause-related issues?

I'm joined by a passionate advocate for menopause education, UK expert, Dr Louise Newson. She shares her journey and insights as a GP who identified significant gaps in the healthcare system for women going through menopause.

Listen on as we unravel the layers of this complex topic.

Our conversation takes a critical look at patient care, highlighting the predominant influence of hierarchical medicine and big pharma that can sometimes hinder patient autonomy and long-term health decisions.

Dr. Newson shares her ground-breaking work aimed at improving the quality of life and future health of women through her clinic, app and websites.

We also confront the risks associated with denying hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) to some women, and the systemic issues within our healthcare system that call for a more equitable approach.

We round up our conversation with an exploration of personalised care and shared decision-making in women's healthcare.

We delve into the role of oncologists who often deny treatment to women with a breast cancer history.  And we talk about the persistent gender inequality in cancer treatment.

As we wrap up, we urge listeners to continue educating themselves about menopause and break the stigma surrounding it. 

Resources:
Newson Health
balance App
Dr Newson on Instagram
Confidence in the Menopause Online Course

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Hold onto your headphones! The Dear Menopause podcast is back with a bang, ready to hit your airwaves on Friday, October 20th. 

I'm your host, Sonya Lovell, and I've spent countless hours preparing truly enlightening conversations and securing interviews with some industry legends for our second season. 

From taboo topics to extraordinary personal experiences, we're pushing boundaries in season two. 

So set a reminder and join us for our first episode, which promises to be a revelation.

And while you're at it, dust off those walking shoes or find a cozy nook in your living room, because this season is sure to grasp your attention.

Remember, your feedback is the fuel that drives this show, so don't hesitate to leave your reviews. 

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What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it?

Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, challenge the fear-based narrative often associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly on social media. We delve into the confusion caused by brands misusing the term 'peri' and the dire need to educate and inform women, especially in their mid to late 30s, about the onset of perimenopause.

We're not just stopping there; we're also standing up for better education and healthcare standards on women’s health, specifically around menopause and perimenopause.

We discuss the pressing need for enhanced training for GPs and clinicians and the establishment of national standards for information dissemination and education. Doing so, would provide women with reliable sources and eliminate the compulsion to rely on potentially misleading social media content.

In this final segment, we explore the cavernous gap in support and knowledge around managing menopause.

We pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of healthcare professionals like Dr Ginni Mansberg,  Dr Kelly Teagle, Dr Louise Newson, and Dr Avrum Bluming in this field.

We discuss the impacts of the menopausal transition, the fear-based narratives often seen on social media, and the lack of options in education and regulation around menopause and perimenopause.

Join us as we discuss transforming fear into empowerment and reframing menopause as a positive life transition.

Resources:
Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/
Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/
Monash University Menopause Information Sheet
Dr Avrum Bluming - Estrogen Matters
Dr Ginni Mansberg
Dr Kelly Teagle - WellFemme
Dr Louise Newson
Pink Hope

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Have you tried to transform the way you think about food and nutrition?

Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt as we dissect the language we use when we talk about food and examine the emotional attachments we form with what we eat.

Sonya kicks things off by challenging us to set aside those damaging 'good' and 'bad' food labels and understand how they contribute to a seemingly unbreakable cycle of guilt and shame.

We'll also scrutinize the impact of energy sources like sugar, caffeine, and alcohol on our health, particularly in midlife.

Our chat doesn't just stop at food labels and emotions. We will unlock the secrets of protein and fibre, specifically in the diet of women over 40. Bust some common myths around protein consumption and clarify the confusion between meal replacement shakes and protein powder.

And we'll put under the microscope those smoothies and juices you gulp down every morning and uncover the critical role of gut health in overall wellness.

This episode is not to be missed if you want a healthier, less complicated, and guilt-free relationship with food.

Resources:
Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/
Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/
Research article reference: High protein diet increases sleep
Research Paper: Muscle Tissue Changes With Aging
Dietary Fibre Information
Research Paper: Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause

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As we age, the importance of a balanced approach to exercise becomes paramount, but where does Pilates fit into this mix?

In this chat with Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt, we venture down the path of women's health and longevity, discussing Pilates and its role in overall fitness. We share our experiences and highlight the differences between mat and reformer Pilates.

But don't be fooled; Pilates is not a cure-all.

We emphasise the importance of aerobic exercise in combating cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death among women in Australia and the US. And progressive overload through resistance training to prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss in mid-life.

Variety is the spice of life – and exercise? Absolutely! We delve into the world of exercise variety, emphasising the need for a well-programmed strength regimen, a specifically tailored nutrition plan, and, potentially, some supplementation for women over 35.

We believe in a balanced blend of cardio, strength, conditioning, core, stability, and mobility exercises throughout your week or even a 10-day period.

And while flexibility is crucial, we caution against pushing too far, highlighting the importance of awareness to prevent potential injuries.

We round off our chat with a comparison of flexibility and mobility. Spoiler alert: Mobility wins!

It's not just about stretching; it's about the ability to move a joint in all directions and still be able to load it. We highlight the potential dangers of performing Pilates incorrectly and its possible contribution to injuries.

We also underscore the power of strength training and sensible eating in maintaining a healthy body. To top it off, we touch on the concept of mindful nutrition and how it can aid in achieving your health goals.

Settle in, and listen to our insightful chat about women's health, longevity, and making informed fitness choices.

Resources:
Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/
Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/
The History of Pilates
Progression of volume load and muscular adaptation during resistance exercise  - European Journal of Applied Physiology
The Importance of Flexibility and Mobility - Penn State University

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Have you ever wondered how your lifestyle choices impact your biological versus chronological age or thought about the implications of being able to delay menopause?

Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt in the Dear Menopause sub-series, Atomic Health, as we dive deep into these intriguing topics. Through our lively discussion, we'll peel back the layers on the hot issues of women's health, longevity and the unique factors that influence these areas.

Let's challenge traditional perspectives together as we delve into the buzzwords of longevity and health span. Roma shares her insights on the costs and benefits of maintaining a youthful biological age, the marketing of longevity products, and the extraordinary stories from a 105-year-old woman to a tech billionaire investing heavily in his health.

We'll also discuss the potential impacts of delaying menopause and how the increase in lifespan and health span could influence career and fertility decisions.

Finally, we'll shed light on the unique challenges women face on their health journey, discuss the implications of sleep deprivation on lifespan, and explore the pressures of social media on our perceptions of health and ageing.

Get ready for an honest conversation about the sometimes overwhelming messaging around menopause and ageing and the reality of caring for aging parents and children simultaneously.

Settle in as we tackle these topics and more, and hopefully, we'll start a broader conversation about longevity, health span, and the unique challenges women face in their health journey.

Resources:
Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/
Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/
Lifespan by Dr David Sinclair
Bryan Johnson's Blueprint
Prenuvo Body Scans
Arnold - Netflix
The Buck Institute

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Are you ready for a sprinkle of change?

After 70 incredible episodes and some delightful bonuses, I've decided it's time for an intentional pause. But don't worry. This is not a permanent goodbye. 

Just as everyone needs a little break, so does Dear Menopause.  I'm taking a hiatus, gathering fresh ideas, and will return with a new spark. 

Is there something more? Yes, indeed! As I step back, a little surprise is in the works. 

I've been quietly collaborating on a sub-series of Dear Menopause. You'll discover a weekly episode from this exciting sub-series for the next four weeks. 

A little sneak peek of something fresh and stimulating. So, follow the show on your preferred platform to get notified about these new episodes.

Thanks for your unwavering support, and I can't wait to be back in your ears very soon!

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What if there was a way to navigate your menopause transition while still thriving in your career?

In this podcast, I sit down with Grace Molloy, the CEO and founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, as she sheds light on the often-overlooked journey of menopause and its impacts on women in the workplace.

Grace shares valuable insights from her personal and professional experiences, stressing the importance of awareness, support, and open conversations for women to flourish in this significant life phase.

Menopause and perimenopause can bring about various challenges in the workplace, with symptoms like night sweats, hot flushes, sleep disruption, and anxiety affecting women's confidence and career progression.

As we dig deeper into these issues with Grace, she makes us realise the importance of diagnosing and managing these symptoms and the necessity of open conversations at work.

It's a valuable discussion, giving women and workplace leaders the tools to break the cycle and for women to take control of their careers.

Creating a menopause-friendly workplace is critical.

This episode uncovers the steps to make this a reality, drawing on Grace's expertise and best practices from the UK.

We talk about identifying and leveraging existing employee assistance programs, supporting the psychological symptoms of menopause, and the potential of menopause-friendly workplaces to reduce gender pay gaps.

Finally, we delve into the need for more education about menopause in the workplace. Whether you're experiencing menopause, know someone who is, or want to be an ally, tune in to this enlightening episode.

Resources
Menopause Friendly Australia

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