Dear Menopause

Start the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey. Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025. I spotlight influential voices in the menopause sphere, including Dr Kelly Teagle, who empowers us to build healthy habits, and Sarah Rusbach, who challenges us to rethink our relationship with alcohol. Nutritionist Ange Clark offers her expertise on supplements for midlife, while Professor Jayashri Kulkarni sheds light on the critical intersection of menopause and mental health. These episodes are packed with actionable insights and are perfect for anyone seeking clarity in the new year.As I take a two-week summer break, I extend my deepest gratitude for your support and wish you warmth and meaningful connections during the holiday season. Here's to a year filled with growth, joy, and powerful conversations.Thank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram

Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health. Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving understanding of menopause and cognition, and how recognising neurodiversity's spectrum from neurotypical to neurodivergent is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.Caroline dives into the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD symptoms as she explains how hormonal changes can exacerbate or reveal previously masked ADHD symptoms in women, sometimes leading to late-in-life diagnoses that offer clarity and improved management options. You will hear stories of women navigating the emotional journey of an ADHD diagnosis after years of misdiagnoses, often resulting in a newfound sense of relief and understanding.Learn about the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals during periods of significant hormonal shifts, emphasising the need for more comprehensive research and personalised treatment options. This episode is packed with information and empowering strategies aimed at enhancing women's cognitive health and wellness, encouraging listeners to reflect on and embrace their own personal growth journeys.Links:HER CentreHER Centre - Cognition and HormonesMENO-D Assessment Scale to detect depression in menopauseThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram

Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication. We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn't yet made it to the PBS despite public demand.Delving deeper, we contrast MPA, a synthetic progestin, with body-identical progesterone and critique the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) tendency to group these therapies together. This sheds light on the broader issue of insufficient research funding in women's health.As we look forward, our anticipation builds around the government's response to the Senate Inquiry report and its potential impacts on women's health policy, especially with an upcoming election. Will Australian women receive an early Christmas gift from the Government? We hope so!Jo shares about attending Em Rusciano's impactful "Outgrown" show. And to wrap the year up, have you checked out our creative "Menopause Myths Advent Calendar 2024" on Instagram — a fun, festive initiative aimed at busting menopause myths with a sprinkle of Christmas joy. Thank you for your continued support and here's to more insightful discussions in the new year!Links:Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)Em RuscianoThe Holderness Family - Instagram Christmas Reel2024 Advent Calendar - InstagramThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram

Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health. Jules' tale of moving from England to Australia while pregnant, overcoming postnatal depression and then educating her own GP on the importance of understanding perimenopause, offers more than just a narrative—it's a testament to the power of understanding your own body and standing up for yourself in healthcare settings.During this generously candid conversation, Jules shares stories of her triumphs and challenges in her mental and menstrual health.We explore the intricate dance between hormones and lifestyle choices as an unexpected ADHD diagnosis is also tied to her hormonal fluctuations like PMDD, PND and Perimenopause, and the decisions Jules has made, such as quitting alcohol for her well-being. Jules and I discuss why symptom tracking and seeking second opinions are vital tools in navigating hormonal changes. With a focus on reshaping the narrative around menopause, this episode encourages you to champion your health stories and leverage your relationship with your doctor to drive change in women's healthcare.Links:The Balance App by Dr Louise NewsonConfidence in the Menopause Online CourseFor more on women's mental health and neurodiversity - Monash University HER CentreThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram