Do you sometimes feel your heart race out of the blue, experience dizzy spells, or even find yourself in the grip of a panic attack? These unsettling symptoms can be surprisingly common during perimenopause and menopause - but what’s really going on?

In this episode, we're joined by integrative medicine specialist and naturopathic physician Dr Karen Coates, co-author of new book Hormonal Harmony. Dr Coates will unpack why these symptoms occur, when to seek medical advice, and the practical strategies that can help you manage them. From understanding the role of fluctuating hormones to uncovering lifestyle triggers, Dr Coates shares her expert insights to help you feel calmer and more in control.

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Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future.

Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage.

Dr Dev shares her expert insights on:

• Why personalized medicine is the key to effective menopause care

• The truth about hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones

• Exciting new non-hormonal treatments and what they mean for women

• How technology – from telehealth to apps and wearables – can improve access and support

• What an equitable, future-ready menopause care system could look like

If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future.

Listen now to discover how menopause care is evolving – and what that means for you.

About our guest: Dr Devini Ameratunga is a Brisbane-based board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist (CREI) and Gynaecologist. Medical Director of Life Fertility Clinic, Devini is also an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Senior Medical Officer (Gynae/Fertility) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Clinical Lead of QLD Health's Public Fertility Preservation Clinic. Visit drdevameratunga.com

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When it comes to women’s hormones, testosterone is often misunderstood – and frequently left out of the conversation altogether. But what role does it really play in women’s health? Does it drop at menopause? And can testosterone therapy actually help with symptoms like low libido, energy or mood?

In this episode, Thriving in Menopause host Zoe Meunier talks to Professor Susan Davis – one of the world’s leading researchers on women’s hormone health – to cut through the hype and misinformation around testosterone therapy.

Whether you’re curious about boosting libido, wondering about safety, or just want to separate fact from fiction, this conversation will help you make informed choices about your hormone health.

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How is perimenopause quietly pushing women out of the workforce – and what can be done to stop it?

In this powerful episode, TV presenter, journalist and fierce perimenopause advocate Shelly Horton returns to Thriving in Menopause to lift the lid on what she calls a “hidden workplace crisis.” Drawing on her personal journey - marked by burnout, depression, and nearly quitting a career she loved – Shelly shares how untreated perimenopause symptoms sidelined her professionally and emotionally.

Now the author of I’m Your Peri Godmother and founder of workplace education company Don’t Sweat It, Shelly is on a mission to make perimenopause support standard, not a surprise. From how to start the conversation at work to the workplace policy changes that really make a difference, Shelly breaks down the myths, the data and the practical steps every workplace should take.

Whether you're experiencing the transition yourself or leading a team, this is a must-listen conversation packed with honesty, empathy and evidence. Listen now and share it with a colleague, manager, or friend – let’s make menopause part of the workplace conversation.

Learn more about our amazing guest Shelly Horton at ShellShocked Media. 

For more great menopause-related content, be sure to head to preventionaus.com.au and subscribe to Prevention magazine. 

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What does it mean to reconnect with pleasure, intimacy and vitality during menopause? In this bold and insightful episode, we sit down with Adriene Cobcroft, a clinical sexologist, somatic psychotherapist and trauma therapist, to explore the powerful shift that’s possible when women reframe midlife as a time of sexual and emotional awakening – not decline.

Addie shares her wisdom on overcoming shame, the importance of body-based healing, and how emotional wellbeing and pleasure are deeply intertwined. She also unpacks the transformative potential of somatic therapy and how we can start feeling more confident, connected and turned on – no matter our age or relationship status.

What You’ll Learn:

• Common myths about libido, ageing and desire

• How shame and trauma get stored in the body – and what to do about it

• The role of somatic therapy in rekindling intimacy and self-trust

• Simple, empowering practices to reconnect with your body at home

• Why the best sex of your life could still be ahead of you

• How to navigate intimacy in both long-term relationships and new dynamics 

About Our Guest:
Adriene Cobcroft is a clinical sexologist and somatic psychotherapist who specialises in helping women reclaim pleasure, autonomy and embodied wellbeing through all life stages. She’s also part of the sold-out Beaker Street Festival event Come Again: An Evening of Sex and Science. Learn more about Addie’s work via the Beaker Street Festival or her private practice based in Hobart (adrienecobcroft.com).

For more great menopause-related content, be sure to head to preventionaus.com.au and subscribe to Prevention magazine. 

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Dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, dullness... if your skin suddenly feels like it’s going through a second puberty, you’re not imagining it. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Vanessa Gray Lyndon, founder of Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare, to delve into what’s really going on beneath the surface of our skin during perimenopause and menopause – and how we can support it naturally.

A formulation expert and passionate advocate for hormone-safe beauty, Vanessa explains how declining oestrogen affects skin health, from collagen loss and dehydration to increased sensitivity and pigmentation. She shares the science behind effective ingredients and which could be doing you more harm than good, as well as non-skincare treatments such as dermal massage and how it can help support your skin.

Whether your skincare needs a reboot or you're simply trying to decode all the new changes, this is an empowering listen that proves midlife skin can absolutely thrive – with a little know-how and a lot of self-kindness.

Links & Resources:

• Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare

• The Nasty Nine ingredients to avoid

• Apps for ingredient safety: Think Dirty and EWG’s Healthy Living

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe – and pick up a copy of Prevention Magazine for more expert advice on thriving through every stage of life.

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Stress can feel like a constant unwanted companion during midlife – whether it's the overwhelming mental load of family and work, changing hormones, or adjusting to the next chapter of life. In this insightful episode, we’re joined by clinical and forensic psychologist Kirstin Bouse, founder of All About Her, to explore how women can better manage stress during the menopause transition.

Drawing on decades of experience, Kirstin offers practical insights to help women build emotional resilience and make sense of the internal shifts that often accompany perimenopause and menopause. It's a validating and empowering conversation for anyone who feels like they’re running on empty.

About Kirstin Bouse:

Kirstin is a registered clinical and forensic psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She’s also the founder of All About Her, a hub where you can find health professionals and resources to support women through menopause. 

A sought-after speaker, facilitator and writer, Kirstin combines deep clinical knowledge with a relatable and down-to-earth approach that resonates with women from all walks of life. She's passionate about helping women navigate life’s messier moments with clarity and compassion.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about All About Her: www.allabouthercentre.com.au

• Connect with Kirstin on Instagram: @allabouthercentre; @kirstinbousepsych; @themidlifepsychologist

Connect with Us:

• Visit www.preventionaus.com.au

• Follow Prevention on Instagram: @preventionaus

• Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review - your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife.

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While menopause is typically a natural transition, medically-induced menopause is another scenario altogether, coming at a time in a woman's life when she is already undergoing serious health challenges.

To understand more on the subject, we’re joined on the podcast by Professor Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne (since Feb 2010) and Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, CT. She is the lead in a world-first study, What Happens After Menopause (WHAM), that explores just how women who experience medically-induced menopause are affected. The findings might surprise you!

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This episode of the podcast focuses on a menopausal symptom that is very common but can be quite distressing to experience - female pattern hair loss. From an ever-widening hair part to temples that are creeping backwards, the good news is there is much to be done to halt the thinning. Our expert to guide us through the options is Chelcey Salinger IAT, a consultant trichologist at the Australian Trichology Centre, Sydney and Adelaide, (www.hairlossspecialist.com.au) who specialises in hair loss, baldness, alopecia areata, hair breakage, hair damage, psoriasis and other scalp problems in women and men.

Chelcey is the executive director of the International Association of Trichologists (USA). She is involved in the education of Trichologists, tutoring students all over the world and supervising the clinical training of students in Australia. To find a registered trichologist, visit www.iattrichology.com.

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There has been an explosion of interest in recent years in the gut microbiome, but in contrast, the vaginal microbiome is largely undiscussed. Understanding this delicate habitat is never more essential than during perimenopause and menopause, when the microbiome can undergo significant changes, leading to a range of health conditions.

To help us learn more about how we can support our vaginal flora through this transition and optimise our vaginal health, we are joined by Dr Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD), the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services. A Naturopath, educator and researcher with over 20 years clinical experience, she has a passion for helping people experience optimal health in sustainable and sensible ways. 

Clinically, she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones and the genitourinary microbiomes.

Moira completed a PhD through Griffith University which focused on the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. She also holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and a Masters degree in Acupuncture.

In addition to her role as a Naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively at a tertiary level and in the area of holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often-overlooked area. 

Find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au 

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