Episodios

  • Reaching the four-week milestone in my hysterectomy recovery journey feels like crossing an important threshold.

    In this episode, I discuss the remarkable physical transformation that has occurred – pain has decreased significantly, mobility has improved dramatically, and my energy levels have surged. Simple movements that caused discomfort just two weeks ago, like rolling over in bed or tying shoelaces, now feel natural again.

    The four-week check-up with my surgeon brought validation and unexpected revelations. We also discussed guidelines for safely returning to exercise (stationary cycling is now approved!) and intimate relations😉, conversations I deeply appreciated for their practicality and candour.

    For anyone facing similar recovery challenges, I've learned invaluable lessons: don't rush the healing process, avoid comparing your journey to others', and keep your mind engaged with projects when your body needs rest.

    This recovery experience has deepened my gratitude for my body's remarkable healing abilities and the excellent medical care I've received. If you're navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone through theirs, I hope sharing my experience offers insight and reassurance.

    Reach out via email or Instagram if you'd like to connect – I'd love to hear your story or answer any questions about this profoundly personal journey.

    Links:

    [email protected]

    Sonya on Instagram - @sonyalovell


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  • The unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me in September 2024, launching me on a journey that ultimately led to having a hysterectomy at age 55.

    This very personal episode takes you through my complete hysterectomy experience – from the shocking discovery of post-menopausal bleeding to my recovery two weeks after robotic laparoscopic surgery. I share the medical investigations that revealed my significantly thickened uterine lining (likely caused by previous Tamoxifen treatment for Breast Cancer), the decision-making process that led to surgery, and exactly what happened during my hospital stay.

    You'll hear all the details about my physical recovery and my gradual return to movement and normal activities. I discuss my frustrations with vague post-surgery exercise guidelines and how I advocated for more personalised recovery information as someone who regularly engages in heavy resistance training.

    Throughout this episode, I emphasise that while I'm sharing my story to help others, everyone's hysterectomy journey is unique. Your body, your choices, and your recovery will follow their own path.

    I've included practical tips about freezing meals before surgery, focusing on healing nutrition, and the importance of gentle movement in recovery.

    This is the first in what will be a five-part series documenting my hysterectomy journey, with future episodes at weeks 4, 6, 9 and 12 post-surgery.

    If you're facing a hysterectomy, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what this experience entails, I hope my candid sharing provides insight, reassurance, and perhaps some practical guidance for your journey.

    You can send me any questions or share your story with me on my Instagram @sonyalovell or email [email protected]

    Resources:

    Sonya Lovell on Instagram

    Tamoxifen and Uterine Lining ACOG paper

    Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology paper


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  • As the head of health programs at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Nicole Pritchard shares how their new Menopause Plan leverages a decade of research to address the unique nutritional needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women.

    At the heart of the program is a powerful yet simple nutritional philosophy: emphasise high-quality protein, choose low glycemic index carbohydrates, and prioritise fiber-rich foods. This approach directly addresses the physiological changes occurring during menopause, from declining muscle mass to increased cardiovascular risk.

    Nicole explains that spreading protein consumption throughout the day (aiming for 25-30g per main meal) helps maintain muscle mass, support metabolism, and control appetite – all crucial during a time when many women struggle with weight management.

    What sets this program apart is its practical, sustainable approach. Rather than restrictive dieting, Nicole emphasises making strategic food swaps and focusing on adding beneficial foods. The plan acknowledges real-life challenges like family meal preparation and busy schedules, offering flexible solutions that work for the entire household. From meal plans with shopping lists to online tracking tools and dietitian support, the program provides comprehensive resources while recognizing that lasting change happens through small, consistent actions.

    Perhaps most importantly, Nicole explains that menopause doesn't have to mean inevitable weight gain or declining health. With the right nutritional approach, women can manage symptoms, reduce long-term health risks, and even thrive during this transition. The program represents a significant shift away from one-size-fits-all dieting toward evidence-based nutrition that honors women's changing bodies and supports them through midlife and beyond.

    Links:

    CSIRO Total Wellbeing Menopause Plan website


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  • When Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) at UniSQ discovered she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, she turned to her healthcare provider for answers, only to find a glaring absence of research, resources, and support specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

    "The last lot of research that we did or was done in Australia was about 12 years ago, and it was done by a group of non-Indigenous women and there were 10 women that they interviewed. That's it. That's the only body of research that has been done in the country around the menopausal or perimenopausal experiences of Indigenous women," she reveals in this eye-opening conversation.

    Professor Best, who has worked in women's health for 35 years, doesn't just identify the problem - she's actively working toward solutions. After appearing at the "So Hot Right Now" event at the Sydney Opera House, she assembled a team of 32 mostly Indigenous women researchers from 13 universities to study the unique experiences of Aboriginal women traversing menopause.

    The challenges are significant: funding bodies that create competition rather than collaboration, healthcare providers with minimal training on menopause and diagnostic tools that fail to incorporate cultural considerations..

    During our conversation we examine how proper healthcare requires cultural understanding, appropriate funding, and research led by Indigenous women for Indigenous women.

    Are we ready to acknowledge these gaps and take meaningful action to address them?

    Links:

    Prof Odette Best


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  • What if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and CEO of Antipodes Skincare, shares this refreshing perspective as she joins us to discuss how natural ingredients can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin.

    From her kitchen table to a global brand sold in over 40 countries, Elizabeth's story embodies the power of female entrepreneurship guided by genuine purpose. She reveals how winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Product Award in New Zealand and Best Emerging Brand in Paris validated her vision, yet she finds the most meaningful moments come from women sharing how her products have genuinely improved their skin health.

    The conversation delves into why Antipodes created their Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream, a groundbreaking formulation specifically targeting menopausal skin concerns. Elizabeth explains the science behind key ingredients like avananthramides from oat extract that inhibit histamine release, chamomile extracts with neuropeptide properties, and plant-based hyaluronic acid that dramatically improves hydration in dehydrated menopausal skin.

    What makes this discussion truly valuable is Elizabeth's holistic "inside out, outside in" approach to skincare. She emphasises that no cream alone can solve all skin challenges, advocating for nutritional awareness, reduced inflammatory foods, and increased protein intake alongside targeted skincare. Most refreshingly, she challenges the beauty industry's obsession with lineless skin, instead defining healthy skin as "radiant" regardless of age.

    Don't forget to follow @SonyaLovell and @AntipodesSkincare on Instagram to enter our special skincare giveaway valued at over $250!

    Links:

    Antipodes Skincare

    Antipodes on Instagram

    Sonya Lovell on Instagram


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  • A captivating conversation between Sonya and Jo explores the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause healthcare, research, and politics in Australia.

    In this episode we begin by unpacking the viral podcast between Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Peter Attia – a two-and-a-half hour deep dive into menopause, vaginal health and GSM that's being celebrated as "the best podcast that has been recorded to date on this topic." What makes it exceptional isn't just the content but the peer-to-peer dynamic between two medical professionals sharing both evidence-based information and clinical experience.

    The conversation takes a powerful turn when journalist Jamila Rizvi's health journey is discussed. At just 31, a missed period led to the discovery of a rare brain tumour affecting her hormone production – a sobering reminder that health changes should never be dismissed without proper investigation.

    This naturally leads us to a discussion of exciting new research published in Clinical Endocrinology that examines the relationship between sex hormones and dementia risk.

    Politics takes centre stage as we celebrate Australia's increasingly female Parliament, with two major parties now led by women and gender equality achieved in the Labor cabinet. The shift in ministerial portfolios sees Rebecca White stepping into the Assistant Minister for Health role.

    We wrap up with news of an Australian company developing the first new estrogen patch in 22 years, potentially addressing supply issues and skin irritation problems plaguing current options.

    Links:

    ABC Conversations with Jamila Rizvi

    Dr Rachel Rubin and Dr Peter Attia Podcast - Apple Podcasts

    Dr Rachel Rubin and Dr Peter Attia Podcast - YouTube

    Sex Hormones and Risk of Incident Dementia in Men and Postmenopausal Women - Clinical Endocrinology Article


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  • What happens to marriages and long-term relationships during menopause?

    Clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to the podcast to tackle this powerful question, revealing why 70% of midlife breakups are initiated by women.

    The menopause transition triggers not just hormonal changes but profound psychological shifts. Neuroplasticity during this period reshapes women's brains, often leading to significant evolutions in identity, values, and what they're willing to tolerate. As Kirstin explains, "I hear from a lot of women: I just want to live from me, not from my role as mum or wife. I want to experience joy that's just about me."

    We explore how these changes impact relationships from multiple angles. For partnerships with potential, we discuss how honest conversations can determine whether couples can evolve together or if paths must diverge.

    Importantly we discuss that when a woman is living in an unhealthy or controlling relationship, perimenopause may increase vulnerability making it even more important that her safety and wellbeing are the top priority.

    The conversation doesn't shy away from the challenges of rebuilding life as a single person in midlife, with Kirstin offering practical guidance on finding joy, creating a new identity, and building resilience. Throughout it all, one theme remains constant: the importance of support during this transformative period.

    Whether you're questioning your own relationship, supporting a friend through changes, or simply wanting to understand this common midlife phenomenon, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a roadmap for navigating relationships through the turbulence of menopause.

    Subscribe to Dear Menopause for more expert conversations that help you navigate this significant life transition with knowledge and confidence.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing an unsafe or abusive relationship, please seek support - help is available, and you are not alone. Support services within Australia are listed below.

    Links

    Kirstin's website

    All About Her Centre

    Relationships Australia

    Dept of Social Services

    Mission Australia

    1800RESPECT


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  • Your brain is undergoing a massive renovation during menopause, and Neuroscientist Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson is here to help you understand the how and why.

    With nearly three decades studying neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change itself, Dr Jen offers revolutionary insights into why perimenopause affects every woman differently and how you can harness this transformation.

    When estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, your brain essentially panics. There are estrogen receptors throughout your neural networks, and as this crucial hormone decreases, your brain must create "workarounds" by changing its structure, function, and connectivity. This rewiring explains everything from mood swings to cognitive changes, but it also presents a golden opportunity for personal growth.

    "Menopause is actually a gift," Dr Jen explains, challenging society's often negative perspective. Rather than viewing it as decline, she frames it as a developmental transition, a chance to become your truest, most authentic self. The extensive neural reorganisation happening during this time creates ideal conditions for consciously shaping who you want to be in your post-menopausal years.

    Dr Jen shares practical tools for directing this transformation, recommending meditation to reduce neuroinflammation (which increases as estrogen decreases) and journaling to understand how past experiences have shaped your brain. She also discusses fascinating research on how previous hormonal experiences like pregnancy might better prepare women for menopause, and explains why declining estrogen levels may contribute to women's higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.

    Download Dr Jen's free 5-minute meditation designed specifically for women in perimenopause, and discover why embracing this transition rather than fighting it could be the key to thriving through midlife and beyond.

    Links

    Get free Meditation here

    Dr Jen's website

    Dr Jen Instagram

    Dr Jen LinkedIn


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  • We need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone therapy, testosterone has transformed my life, restoring my vitality, sharpening my focus, lifting my mood, and reawakening my sexuality. Yet accessing this life-changing treatment reveals a troubling gender bias in our healthcare system.

    While nine testosterone products for men are subsidised through the PBS, Androfeme - the only female-specific testosterone cream in Australia - remains unsubsidised, costing women over $100 per script. This forces many of us to use male-formulated alternatives that require daily careful self-measurement, an imprecise and frustrating workaround that no woman should have to endure.

    The numbers are staggering: an estimated 1.34 million Australian midlife women experience Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD), yet face significant barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

    Despite testosterone therapy being used safely and effectively for women since the 1940s, with Australian-made Androfemme recognised globally as a gold standard treatment, women continue to bear financial burdens that men don't face for essentially identical symptoms.

    The solution is straightforward: include Androfemme on the PBS, just as other menopause treatments have recently been added.

    Share this episode with friends, family, healthcare providers, and decision-makers.

    Together, we can amplify women's voices and demand the equal treatment we deserve.

    Women's health is not a luxury - it's time our healthcare system reflects that truth.

    Links:

    National Women's Health Advisory Council's Review

    What is HSDD?

    Australian Paper on HSDD

    Testosterone has been treating women since 1940's

    Testosterone for women: what you need to know


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  • Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? When should you be concerned?

    Dr Ceri Cashell joins me to demystify this common but often distressing symptom.

    We dive into the definition of postmenopausal bleeding - any bleeding that occurs after 12 months without periods - and explore the various causes, from hormone imbalances to more serious conditions that require immediate attention. Dr Ceri uses a brilliant analogy, comparing the uterus to a jumbo jet where multiple hormone "switches" need perfect alignment for smooth operation.

    For women recently started HRT, bleeding can be a side effect, particularly in the first three to six months or after dosage adjustments. However, Dr Ceri emphasises that certain risk factors like obesity, family history, tamoxifen use, and smoking warrant prompt investigation.

    We walk through exactly what happens during medical assessment - from initial GP visits to ultrasounds that measure endometrial thickness and potentially hysteroscopy procedures.

    My own experience with unexpected bleeding after eight years without periods highlights how confronting this symptom can be.

    Dr. Ceri reminds us that while HRT offers tremendous benefits, it's not a perfect solution and may require personalised adjustments to find your hormone sweet spot. Most importantly, she urges women not to dismiss or normalise symptoms that could indicate something serious - "Women are far too good at sucking things up," she notes, encouraging listeners to prioritise their health concerns.

    Have you experienced unexpected bleeding after menopause? Don't wait - speak with your healthcare provider today and get the answers and reassurance you deserve.

    Links

    Healthy Hormones Website


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  • Have you ever wondered why weight creeps on during menopause, despite your best efforts?

    Dr Lucy Burns pulls back the curtain on what she calls the "metabolic triad of menopause" – a perfect storm of declining estrogen, rising cortisol, and increasing insulin resistance that creates the ideal conditions for stubborn weight gain.

    As a GP who retrained in lifestyle medicine after experiencing her own health challenges, Dr. Burns offers a refreshingly honest perspective on why traditional approaches to weight management fail so many midlife women. Using the powerful analogy of a locked woodshed, she explains how high insulin levels essentially padlock your stored fat, making it impossible to access no matter how much you restrict calories or exercise.

    What makes this conversation truly valuable is how Dr Burns connects the dots between hormonal changes, metabolic health, and practical lifestyle solutions. She introduces her "six S's for success" – sustenance, sleep, stress management, strength training, sunshine, and social connection – as foundational pillars for reclaiming metabolic health during menopause and beyond.

    The discussion takes fascinating turns through hormone therapy considerations, the psychological aspects of food addiction, and why so many of us grew up alternating between strict dieting and giving up entirely. Throughout, Dr Burns maintains that improving metabolic health should be the primary goal, with weight loss simply being "a happy side effect" of addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances.

    If you're exhausted by diet culture but still concerned about your health during menopause, this episode offers a science-based approach that works with your changing physiology rather than against it. Discover why muscle is your "metabolic organ," how stress impacts your ability to lose weight, and practical steps to break free from the metabolic challenges of midlife.

    Ready to stop blaming yourself and start understanding the real science behind menopausal weight changes? Listen now and discover why it's time to focus on metabolic health, not just the number on the scale.

    Links:

    Real Life Medicine Website

    The Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

    Real Life Medicine - Instagram

    Real Life Medicine - Facebook


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  • The relationship between menopause and neurodivergence remains largely unexplored territory in women's health—until now.

    In this groundbreaking conversation, neuropsychologist A/Professor Caroline Gurvich shares fascinating insights into why cognitive symptoms during perimenopause may signal more than just typical hormone fluctuations.

    For many women, perimenopause becomes the unexpected moment when long-overlooked neurodivergent traits suddenly demand attention. "About 98% of people said their ADHD symptoms became worse across those perimenopausal years."

    Even more revealing, numerous women receive their first ADHD diagnosis during midlife, despite having experienced symptoms since childhood. This raises questions about why these conditions often go unrecognised, particularly in women, until hormonal shifts disrupt longstanding coping mechanisms.

    Listen in to learn more about Estrogen's protective effects on dopamine - a neurotransmitter central to ADHD - which diminishes during perimenopause, potentially unmasking symptoms that were previously manageable.

    Beyond ADHD, A/Prof Gurvich discusses how autism, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions may present differently during menopause, and the compelling connections between PMDD, perinatal depression, and neurodivergence.

    Whether you've wondered about undiagnosed ADHD, experienced increasing cognitive challenges during perimenopause, or simply want to understand the fascinating intersection between hormones and brain function, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical guidance.

    Listen now to better understand your changing brain and discover strategies to thrive during this transformative life stage.

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


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  • Supplement confusion is at an all-time high, with social media feeds flooded with miracle promises targeting menopausal women. But how do you know what you actually need, what works, and what's just expensive snake oil?

    Pharmacist and nutritionist Sarah Gray brings her dual expertise to this conversation, offering practical guidance for navigating the overwhelming world of supplementation.

    Unlike most health professionals who specialise in either conventional medicine or natural approaches, Sarah bridges both worlds, providing uniquely balanced insights into what supplements might actually benefit women in midlife.

    This episode delivers specific, actionable advice you can use immediately. Learn the simple trick for identifying quality supplements (look for the AUST-L or AUST-R code), understand which baseline blood tests you should request from your doctor, and discover why blindly following supplement trends can waste your money and potentially harm your health.

    Sarah warns against the common practice of continuously adding supplements without removing any, explaining how this can lead to accidental overuse of certain nutrients.

    We take a deep dive into the essential blood work every midlife woman should request annually. Sarah explains how certain symptoms commonly attributed to perimenopause could signal nutritional deficiencies that won't necessarily improve with hormone therapy.

    And you don't want to miss our discussion about Creatine - arguably the most evidence-backed supplement for women in midlife - which offers benefits for muscle strength, mood regulation, and the immune system.

    Take control of your health by understanding exactly what your body needs rather than what clever marketing suggests you buy. Your journey through perimenopause and beyond deserves an evidence-based approach to supplementation that works.

    Links

    Sarah Gray - Nutrition Pharmacist website

    Sarah on Instagram

    Sarah on Facebook

    The Benefits of Creatine by Dr Mary Claire Haver

    Why Creatine Matters for Women 40+ by Harvard Lifestyle Medicine

    Effects of six-month creatine supplementation on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome


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  • In this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition affecting one in four women yet rarely discussed openly.

    This eye-opening conversation sheds light on how women often normalise suffering through periods that drastically impact their quality of life.

    The discussion reveals shocking statistics: 25% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, yet more than half never seek medical help.

    Dr. Uppal provides clear indicators of abnormal bleeding – passing large clots, changing protection every 1-2 hours, waking at night to change, using multiple protection types simultaneously, and embarrassing "flooding" episodes. These symptoms can lead to iron deficiency, anaemia, and significant quality of life impacts.

    Learn about the spectrum of treatment options, from medications like Tranexamic Acid to the highly effective Mirena IUD and surgical interventions including endometrial ablation. She emphasises that most women find significant relief once properly treated, with many asking, "Why didn't I have this earlier? Why did I suffer so much?"

    Perhaps most powerful is the exploration of how heavy bleeding becomes normalised at multiple levels – by women themselves, healthcare providers who don't offer full treatment options, and society that suggests women should simply endure until menopause. This normalisation condemns many to years of unnecessary suffering when effective solutions exist.

    The conversation offers practical advice for women seeking help, emphasising the importance of advocating for yourself and being knowledgeable about available options.

    Have you been suffering in silence? This conversation might be the catalyst for transforming your quality of life. Listen, learn, and advocate for your menstrual health.

    Resources
    Women's Health Road Clinic - website
    Women's Health Road - Instagram
    Women's Health Road - Linkedin


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  • Updates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy more affordable and the growing momentum around women's health initiatives.

    • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) now includes Estrogel, Prometrium, and Estrogel Pro (as of March 1st), with Slinder joining May 1st

    • PBS prescriptions require specific coding - you may need a new prescription to access subsidised pricing

    • FDA removed warnings from testosterone in the USA, highlighting the need for Australia to update outdated warnings on vaginal estrogen products

    • The "So Hot Right Now" Medical Conference created an inclusive learning environment for healthcare providers to discuss menopause care

    • Government funding for GP education ($1.5 million) lacks sufficient scope and evaluation mechanisms

    • Dr. Lisa Mosconi leading a $50 million research program to reduce Alzheimer's in women by studying the relationship between protective hormones and brain health

    • Jo launches Sheela Consulting - Unapologetic Advocacy, focusing on women's health policy and advocacy

    If you've missed any of our expert conversations over the past two years, go back and listen, and please share them with anyone who needs this information.

    To listen to my previous episode and interview with Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, please head to episode 110.

    Links:

    Johanna Wicks - LinkedIn

    So Hot Right Now Medical Conference

    Dr Lisa Mosconi - CARE funding

    Australian Government $573M funding


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  • What happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity for sexual rediscovery and deeper connection.

    Psychologist and sexologist Laura Lee joins me in this episode to masterfully unpack the evolution of desire through midlife, challenging our cultural fixation on "loss of libido" by revealing how desire simply changes form.

    Sexual communication can feel particularly challenging during menopause, when changing bodies and shifting desires create vulnerability. Laura provides practical strategies for starting these conversations without the paralysing pressure many couples feel. Rather than dreading "the talk," she suggests sharing resources, expressing genuine curiosity, and validating one another's experiences to foster meaningful dialogue about evolving needs.

    Perhaps most thought provoking is Laura's invitation to expand our sexual menu beyond the narrow, penetration-focused definition of sex that dominates cultural narratives. By embracing a broader understanding of sexual connection—from sensual touch to passionate kissing—we create more opportunities to say "yes" to pleasure, even as our bodies change. This expansion allows us to discover new pathways to pleasure uniquely suited to our midlife bodies.

    Ready to transform how you think about sex during menopause? Listen now to discover how this transition can become not an ending but the beginning of your most authentic sexual experience yet.

    Links:

    Laura's website


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  • How do you navigate life after cancer when everything feels different?

    Join me for a raw discussion that dives deep into the emotional and physical realities of cancer recovery. In this episode, Shari Todd and I share similarities in our vulnerable journeys through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and what life looks like on the other side.

    And what it took for us to get there.

    You will hear a candid conversation about the weight of expectations, mental health struggles, and the often-overlooked challenges faced during recovery and the complexities of an induced menopause.

    We unpack the power of radical acceptance, the coaches that support us with this and the crucial role of community support in healing.

    Shari’s insights reflect her experience of resilience and adaptability that resonates beyond her personal story, advocating for shared experiences among women facing similar challenges.

    Join the conversation and break the silence around these essential topics.

    Remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Your feedback helps me support others on their journeys.

    Links:

    Shari Todd on Instagram

    Tactic Nutrition on Instagram


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  • Delve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment.

    Join my conversation with Ged Kearney, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, who passionately shares insights from her extensive background in nursing and women's health advocacy.

    As we explore the various components of this funding package, Ged discusses critical advancements aimed at transforming menopause care, addressing gender disparities in the health system, and fostering community awareness about healthcare needs.

    We unpack the elimination of barriers related to long-acting contraceptives, funding for additional endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause clinics, and the emphasis on educating healthcare professionals to provide better perimenopause and menopause care for women.

    This episode offers a deep look into the shifts occurring within healthcare policy and the need for comprehensive support services designed for women navigating challenges in their midlife health.

    Don't miss the chance to learn more about how these initiatives can empower women across the nation and how your vote at election time can secure this support.

    To be part of the conversation, subscribe, share this episode, and join my mission to raise awareness around women's menopausal health.

    Links:

    Health Package Details


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  • Enjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause.

    With her extensive background in evidence-based medicine and a passion for translating complex medical data into practical insights, Dr. Newson sheds light on the evolving landscape of menopause awareness, specifically in Australia.

    You will hear about her journey from a career in pathology and cancer medicine to becoming a leading advocate for menopause education. Together, we discuss the highly anticipated "So Hot Right Now" event at the iconic Sydney Opera House, a groundbreaking occasion focused on perimenopause and menopause education.

    Our discussion travels through the critical need for a patient-centered approach to hormone therapy, emphasising the importance of adapting medical education to meet real-world health challenges. With personal anecdotes and teaching experiences from Birmingham University, we dive into the intersection of scientific research and practical application, particularly in managing menopausal symptoms and future health risks.

    Dr Newson addresses common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy and the need for greater accessibility to medical literature, empowering women to make informed health decisions.

    This episode brings you a blend of expert insights, personal experiences, and a heartfelt anticipation for inspiring shared journeys.

    Links:

    Dr Louise Newson - website

    So Hot Right Now - live stream tickets


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  • Join me today to dive into the intricacies of vaginal and sexual health with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a leading figure in female sexual health and hormones.

    We unpack everything you need to know about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), highlighting the critical need for understanding and treating these symptoms beyond conventional methods like antibiotics for urinary tract infections.

    We dissect the FDA's boxed warnings on estrogen medications, which we also have here in Australia, leading to widespread confusion and at times, fear.

    Unpacking the misconceptions surrounding these warnings, particularly the safety of vaginal estrogen, drawing parallels with other regulated substances like alcohol. We also shine a light on testosterone use, unraveling the stigma and biases, especially in countries like Australia, and advocating for a more informed approach to women's health. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to challenge outdated views and navigate the evolving dynamics of hormone therapy.

    We wrap up by celebrating the powerful advocacy work being done for menopausal women globally, focusing on events in Australia and the ongoing battle against entrenched interests.

    Tune in to be inspired and informed about the promising future for women's health!

    Links:

    Dr Kelly Casperson - website

    You Are Not Broken - podcast

    You Are Not Broken - book

    So Hot Right Now - Livestream Tickets


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