Today, we are bringing you a live episode recorded in Sydney that celebrates the strength, resilience and brilliance of women everywhere. This conversation is our tribute to that journey and a vital call to action to finally close the gender pain gap.

Why are women consistently told that pain is "part and parcel" of the female experience? Following our chat with Kate Walsh, her and Claire are joined on the sofa for a panel discussion with four leading experts;

PROFESSOR CAROLINE GARGETT:

A world-leading reproductive and stem cell science researcher and Group Head of Endometrial Stem Cell Biology Laboratory with 28 years research experience in gynaecological research with a focus on endometriosis and developing a cell based therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. 

THEA BAKER: 

Thea has treated women with complex trauma and co-morbid pain conditions as a Psychotherapist in Australia for over 10 years. She also has her own lived experience of chronic pain herself from endometriosis and osteoarthritis

A/ PROFESSOR SUSAN EVANS: 

A specialist, researcher, educator, innovator, advocate and CEO in pelvic pain for over 20 years. As a gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon and pain physician, A/Prof Susan Evans Co-founded the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, co-developed the Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Schools Program, and is now working with Alyra Biotech developing innovative new treatments for pelvic pain. 

PROFESSOR MARIA FIATARONE SINGH: 

A geriatrician whose research, clinical, and teaching career has focused on the integration of medicine, exercise physiology, and nutrition as a means to improve health status and quality of life across the lifespan. (Physical & Metabolic Longevity)

We dive deep into why women’s symptoms are still frequently dismissed as psychological, the revolutionary potential of menstrual fluid in diagnostics and why "looking normal" on a scan doesn't mean the pain isn't real.

From the first period to the complexities of ageing, our experts provide a roadmap for women to reclaim their health and advocate for their own bodies. We explore the "Pain Scale Paradox", revealing why the traditional 1-10 measurement fails those with chronic conditions, while unpacking the biological "amplifier" that predisposes women to persistent pain.

It’s time to strip away the historical stigma of "hysteria" and replace it with a medical system that finally validates the female experience!

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on topics discussed, please find the resources below: 

• Bridging the Gender Pain Gap - The Inquiry into Women's Pain Report 2025
• Australasian Menopausal Society
• Endocrine Society
• The International Menopause Society
• Jean Hailes For Women’s Health

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CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy 

Guest: Kate Walsh, Professor Caroline Gargett, Thea Baker, A/Professor Susan Evans, Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Glenn Urquhart

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

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