Women of the Well | Women's health, done differently

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Have you ever wondered how to optimise your fertility – whether you’re thinking about conceiving now or in the future?

In this episode, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam break down the essential factors influencing fertility.

From understanding ovulation to the impact of lifestyle choices, they share key insights to help you reconnect with your body and take charge of your reproductive health.

Listen now to find out:

🌿 The physiology of conception and what needs to happen for pregnancy to occur.

🌿 How to track ovulation naturally – recognising key signs your body gives you.

🌿 The role of stress and nervous system regulation in fertility.

🌿 The impact of age, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors on reproductive health.

🌿 Why fertility is more than just baby-making – it's a key indicator of overall wellbeing.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

💫 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle – A self-paced online course from Vera Wellness to understand and work with your menstrual cycle.

📖 The Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack – A guide to understanding your menstrual cycle as a health report card.

💻 YourFertility.org.au – A trusted resource for evidence-based fertility information.

📱 Yuka App – A helpful tool for checking endocrine disruptors in personal care products.

🥦 The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 – A guide to reducing pesticide exposure in your diet.

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If you struggle with endometriosis, debilitating periods, or persistent pelvic discomfort – find out more about our new online course Heal Your Pelvic Pain. 

Heal Your Pelvic Pain is a 9-week program, led by Vera Wellness gynaecologists Dr Peta and Dr Thea, alongside physiotherapist Paula Hindle, which combines evidence-based practices to help you:

✨ Understand the root cause of your pain.

✨ Calm your nervous system.

✨ Reconnect with your body to experience more ease and vitality.

The course begins on Monday, 17 February 2025. 

Learn more and sign up here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What if healing pain wasn’t just about treating your body – but learning to truly listen to it?

In this episode, Sam sits down with Vera Wellness physiotherapist Paula Hindle to uncover how reconnecting with your body and regulating your nervous system can transform your healing journey.

Paula shares her deeply personal story of loss and resilience, explaining how it shaped her holistic approach to physiotherapy, and why the mind-body connection is key to recovery.

🎙️In this episode, we explore:

🌿 The nervous system’s role in pain and healing and how recognising your states can help you find relief.

🌿 Moving beyond labels and why chronic pain is more than just a physical issue.

🌿 Creating safety and connection with simple tools to calm your nervous system and rest deeply.

🌿 Transforming adversity into purpose and how challenges can spark personal growth.

If you’re ready to move beyond the pain and reconnect with your body, our live online Heal Your Pelvic Pain course is open for enrolment.

Heal Your Pelvic Pain is a 9-week program led by Vera Wellness gynaecologists Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler, alongside physiotherapist Paula Hindle, which combines evidence-based practices to help you:

✨ Understand the root cause of your pain.

✨ Calm your nervous system.

✨ Reconnect with your body to experience more ease and vitality.

The course begins on Monday, 17 February 2025, and we have an Early Bird rate available until 1 February.

Use the code EARLYBIRD100 at checkout for $100 off the full price of the program.

Learn more and sign up here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

💻 Polyvagal Theory by Dr Stephen Porges – The science behind the nervous system.

🧘‍♀️Guided practices such as yoga, meditation, and somatic techniques to reconnect with your body.

💚 Our live online Heal Your Pelvic Pain course is open for enrolment until 14 February 2025.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What if pleasure could be the key to alleviating pelvic pain? 

In this episode, Sam Lindsay-German sits down with Brooke Dobó, one of Vera’s expert physiotherapists, to explore the connection between pleasure, safety, and pain.

You’ll learn why working with your body and nervous system, rather than against it, can help you move toward a state of safety, vulnerability, and relief.

🎧 Listen now to explore:

🌿 How pleasure and pain can coexist – and why embracing body sensations is crucial for healing.

🌿 The connection between chronic pelvic pain and the nervous system – and why safety is foundational for experiencing pleasure.

🌿 Why diagnoses like "vaginismus" can often be unhelpful – and how reframing them leads to empowerment.

🌿 Practical ways to reconnect with your body through small, daily sensory practices that promote calm and pleasure.

🌿 Tips for creating intimacy and connection with yourself and your partner, including gentle and mindful approaches to touch and presence.

Whether you’re experiencing pelvic pain, struggling with intimacy, or just curious about how pleasure can become part of your healing journey – this episode offers hope and actionable tools to move forward.

And we have some exciting news to share!

Our live Heal Your Pelvic Pain course will begin on 17 February 2025.

This 9-week online program, led by Vera Wellness gynaecologists Dr Peta and Dr Thea and our women's health physiotherapist Paula Hindle, combines evidence-based practices to help you:

✨ Understand the root cause of your pain so you can take control of your healing journey.

✨ Calm and rewire your nervous system so you can shift from constant stress to feeling grounded and supported.

✨ Reclaim your relationship with your body and rediscover its capacity for joy, pleasure and connection.

We have a special Early Bird rate for podcast listeners until 1 February 2025 and places are limited.

Use the coupon code EARLYBIRD100 to claim your discount. 

Learn more and join us here.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain.
• 📖 Come As You Are by Dr Emily Nagoski
• 🎙️ Your Erotic Blueprint Type interview with Jaiya

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Ever wondered why some periods are more painful than others? Or why stress and anxiety seem to dial up the discomfort? 

In this episode, Dr Peta and Sam discuss the powerful connection between your nervous system and your menstrual cycle.

You’ll learn why stress and environment matter, and most importantly, practical steps you can take to calm your body, reduce pain, and reconnect with your natural rhythm.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

🌿 How being in a constant state of stress or anxiety can increase inflammation and amplify period pain, and why moving toward a ‘safe’ state is crucial for better health.

🌿 Easy, actionable steps to help calm your nervous system right now – from simple breathing exercises to grounding techniques that reduce pain.

🌿 How to reframe how you think about your period and use it as an opportunity for reflection, self-care, and growth, rather than just a time of discomfort.

If you’re ready to explore the connection between your body and mind, and find real relief from period pain – this episode is for you. 

Try out the practices we discuss and notice the difference they can make.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain.
• 💻 Deb Dana’s work on the rhythm of regulation.
• 💻 Jess Maguire's workshops on practical ways to regulate the nervous system.
• 📖 Period Queen by Lucy Peach – A book on understanding the emotional landscape of the menstrual cycle.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Welcome to 2025!

As we kick off the New Year, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many women but is often misunderstood – premenstrual mood disorders like PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and PME (premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mental health condition).

In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam explore what’s really behind premenstrual mood issues and how we can better support ourselves in this often-challenging phase of the menstrual cycle.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

🌿 What’s happening in the brain and body during the luteal phase – and why some women experience heightened sensitivity to hormonal changes.

🌿 The connection between PMDD, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation – and why environment matters just as much as biology.

🌿 Why societal expectations and the “need to perform” can make symptoms worse – and how breaking the stigma around cyclic living can help.

🌿 Simple strategies for self-care, including:

• Nutrition tips for stabilising blood sugar and supporting hormonal balance.
• Lifestyle changes like slowing down, spending time in nature, and creating space for rest.
• Practical tools for nervous system regulation, from breathwork to cold water therapy.

🌿 A compassionate perspective on treatment options – from supplements and lifestyle adjustments to bioidentical hormones and, in rare cases, medical interventions.

Why this episode matters:

The New Year is a time for reflection and intention-setting, and this conversation is a powerful reminder to prioritise self-care, listen to your body, and ask for help when needed. 

Whether you’re navigating PMDD, PME, or simply feeling the strain of life’s demands, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you feel more grounded and connected.

Recommended Resources:

• 📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing pelvic pain.
• 🎙️ Episode 15 of Women of the Well – The Autumn + Winter of Your Menstrual Cycle (Luteal and Menstruation phases).
• 💻 IAPMD.org – Information on premenstrual mood disorders.
• 📖 Anchored by Deb Dana – A guide to nervous system regulation.
• 💻 Jessica Maguire’s Vagus Nerve Masterclass – Practical tools for nervous system health.

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For more information about us, visit verawellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Are new drugs really the solution to managing endometriosis, or is there a bigger picture being missed?

In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam break down the recent news about a supposed “miracle drug” for endometriosis that’s now subsidised under the PBS.

While the headlines promise life-changing results, the team shares their insights and first-hand experiences treating women with endometriosis and pelvic pain – and why this "new" solution may fall short.

🎧 Listen now to find out:

🌿 What the "new drug" actually is and why Visanne (Dienogest) isn’t as revolutionary as it’s being portrayed.

🌿 The real problem with treating endometriosis – how focusing solely on lesions and surgery ignores the whole-body factors driving pain.

🌿 Why hormone-based treatments often fail women – from worsening mood issues to long-term impacts like painful sex and vaginal atrophy.

🌿 What’s really behind pelvic pain – the role of the nervous system, muscle tension, and immune health in managing symptoms effectively.

🌿 Ways the system needs to change including better access to holistic care, physiotherapy, nervous system regulation, and longer appointments for women’s health.

Why we're so passionate about this:

Because women deserve more than cookie-cutter solutions for complex health issues like endometriosis and pelvic pain. 

This episode dives into the nuance of what truly helps women heal and reclaim their lives, beyond the band-aid fixes often prescribed.

Recommended resources:

• 📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain, with practical strategies for calming the nervous system.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

This week’s episode is a special collaboration between Women of the Well and The Best of Women’s Health Podcast.

It was recorded live at Vera Wellness during an event celebrating renowned naturopath Lara Briden’s latest book, The Metabolism Reset.

British podcast host and functional nutritionist Tanya Borowski sat down with Dr Peta and Dr Thea for an honest, eye-opening discussion about why conventional approaches to periods, pelvic pain and hormonal health might not be enough.

🎧 Listen now to find out:

🌿 Why pain doesn’t always mean surgery – reframing the approach to endometriosis and pelvic pain.

🌿 How the nervous system and immune system influence hormonal health (and what you can do to support them).

🌿 Holistic alternatives for managing periods, pelvic pain, and hormonal imbalances.

This episode is packed with insights, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on women’s health that you don’t want to miss.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

🎙️The Best of Women's Health Podcast with Tanya Borowski

📖 Dr Peta Wright’s book, Healing Pelvic Pain

📖 Lara Briden’s latest book The Metabolism Reset

📖 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Insights on trauma and the nervous system.

📖 Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden – Practical guides to menstrual and menopause health.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What if those “challenging” phases of your cycle are actually key to helping you unlock deep self-awareness and creativity?

In this episode, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam dive into the luteal and menstruation phases – often referred to as "hell week" or the “dark side” of the cycle.

This discussion reframes these phases, showing how they offer an opportunity for reflection, rest, and even transformation.

The team explores the physical and emotional shifts that occur as your hormones decline, offering tools and strategies to navigate this time with grace and get the support you need.

By tuning into your body’s cues and embracing cyclical living, you can find more balance, reduce overwhelm, and harness the incredible insights these phases provide.

Listen now to discover:

🌿 What happens hormonally during the luteal and menstrual phases – and how these changes influence your mood, energy, and cravings.

🌿 How the luteal phase connects to Autumn energy, inviting rest, self-care, and deeper connection to intuition.

🌿 Tips for managing common luteal-phase symptoms like irritability, cravings, and fatigue – without guilt or shame.

🌿 Why the menstrual phase is a sacred time for rest, release, and reconnection with yourself.

🌿 How to honour your cyclical nature in a society that values constant productivity – and why doing so can be transformative.

🎧 Tune in for a compassionate guide to embracing the beauty and wisdom of these often misunderstood or maligned phases.
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Resources Mentioned in this episode:

🌳 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle Course: A comprehensive online program (guided by Dr Peta Wright) to help you understand and optimise your cycle – with education, tools, recipes and movement practices to support you throughout the month.

🌟 Stardust App: A menstrual cycle tracking app that aligns your cycle with the phases of the moon and provides personalised insights that your partner can access too.

📖 In the FLO book by Alisa Vitti: A guide to aligning your life with the phases of your menstrual cycle for better health and productivity.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What if you could work with your cycle to feel more energised, creative, and aligned with your natural rhythm?

This week on Women of the Well, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the menstrual cycle with a deep dive into the follicular and ovulatory phases – the 'Spring' and 'Summer' of your cycle. 

These phases are often when you feel most energised, social, and capable. This makes them the perfect time to focus on productivity, creativity, and connection.

Dr Thea, Dr Peta, and Sam guide you through the hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts of these times, sharing practical ways to harness your natural energy and embrace a cyclical approach to life. 

Please note: we apologise for the sound quality in parts of this episode, we are working on a fix and should have this sorted soon!

Listen to discover:

🌿 How rising oestrogen levels influence your mood, energy, and creativity – and why the follicular phase is often the “go-getter” time of the cycle.

🌿 How tuning into your cycle can help you work smarter, not harder, and bring more balance to your life.

🌿 The physical and emotional shifts that occur during ovulation – from peak energy to the occasional emotional overwhelm.

🌿 Why you might feel more spontaneous desire around ovulation and how this connects to your hormones and emotional state.

🌿 How to align your tasks, projects, and self-care with your natural rhythm.

🎧 Tune in now to find out how to embrace the energy and possibility of these phases. 

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

🌳 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle Course: A comprehensive online program (guided by Dr Peta Wright) to help you understand and optimise your cycle – with education, tools, and practices to support you throughout the month.

📖 Florence Given’s Book – Women Living Deliciously: A bold and empowering guide to embracing self-expression, living deliciously, and doing life on your terms.

🌟 Stardust App: A menstrual cycle tracking app that aligns your cycle with the phases of the moon and provides personalised insights that your partner can access too. 

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

How do you really feel about your desire and connection to pleasure?

Curious? Confused? Maybe even a little frustrated?

In this week’s episode of Women of the Well, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating and misunderstood aspects of health: libido.

Whether you’re navigating the ups and downs of desire or simply curious about how to connect more deeply with your pleasure, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tools to inspire and empower you.

Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and Sam Lindsay-German take an honest, evidence-based, and holistic look at what impacts libido – and how you can feel more connected to yourself, your partner, and your life.

Why you’ll love this episode:

🌿 Discover why libido isn’t just about sex – it’s about how you feel in your body, your life, and your relationships.

🌿 From tantric-inspired practices to Moon Centres in yoga, learn how to nurture connection and bring more pleasure into your daily life.

🌿 Why hormones like testosterone aren’t the main factor – and what really affects desire, including stress, safety, and connection.

🌿 Understand the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire – and how to make intimacy work beautifully in long-term relationships.

🌿 Rediscover the link between sexual energy, creativity, and your overall zest for life.

🎧 Listen now and let us know what you think. 

Resources and Recommendations:

• 📖 Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski – The ultimate guide to the science of female sexuality and desire.
• 📖 Come Together by Emily Nagoski – A follow-up exploring deeper dimensions of connection and intimacy.
• 💡 Lubricants:
  • Olive & Bee – Organic olive oil and beeswax-based lubricant (not suitable with latex condoms).
  • Coconut oil or olive oil – Natural, nourishing alternatives.
  • Stimulating lubricants – Options that add warmth or tingling for extra sensation.
  • Specialty lubricants from Ellechemy – Options infused with testosterone or Viagra for enhanced blood flow.   
• 🧘 Moon Centres (from yoga traditions): Enhance connection and pleasure through gentle touch and tantric-inspired practices.
• 🌟 Eye gazing and tantric breathing techniques: Deepen intimacy through simple yet transformative practices.
• 🧘‍♀️ Pelvic flow movements: Try yoga-inspired practices like pelvic tilts to increase connection and flow.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.