Are you experiencing changes to your physical, mental and emotional health you find hard to explain?Have you tried talking to your doctor/partner/employer/best ...
101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich
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
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100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
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
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99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story
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
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98: A Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity.We dive into the confusion that often surrounds vaginal estrogen because of misleading warnings on packaging. The exaggerated risks deter many from reaping the health benefits these products offer and many doctors from prescribing it. And we chat about the anticipated "So Hot Right Now" event at the Sydney Opera House in early 2925. With renowned voices like Dr's Louise Newson, Vonda Wright and Kelly Casperson sharing their expertise with an Australian audience, this event promises to continue to elevate the vibrant dialogue on menopause. Links:Research PaperTaylor S, Davis SR. Is it time to revisit the recommendations for initiation of menopausal hormone therapy? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Oct 14:S2213-8587(24)00270-5. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00270-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39419045.You Are Not Broken Podcast Episode with Dr Kelly Casperson and Dr Corinne Menn- AppleUnboxing Menopause CampaignAustralian Journal of General Practice: Volume 53, Issue 5, May 2024 "Safety of vaginal oestrogens for genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer" "Vaginal estrogen use for genitourinary symptoms in women with a history of uterine, cervical, or ovarian carcinoma"So Hot Right Now event ticketsThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram
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97: Progressive Menopause GP Care with Dr Ceri Cashell
Dr Ceri Cashell's journey into improving the menopause care she gave patients, as a GP, was sparked by one patient's suggestion that she learn more about testosterone. This led her to explore and become a vocal champion for the essential role of sex hormones in women's overall well-being.Join us as we talk through the complexities of menopause care, especially from a GP's perspective. Ceri is passionate about the need for real-world solutions that cater to the diverse and real needs of women globally. Ceri shares her takeaways from the recent International Menopause Society Symposium we both attended and also shares her reaction to the recommendations tabled from the recent Senate Inquiry.We delve into exciting innovations in menopause healthcare, including the benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) for bone, cardiac, and mental health. We also unpack the need for progressive healthcare changes in Australia, specifically improving equity and accessibility to good menopause care and affordable, if not free, medications.Learn about the new platform for both patients and practitioners that Ceri has co-founded, called Healthy Hormones which is changing the face of menopause education and support for all Australians.Links:Healthy Hormones website So Hot Right Now event - Sydney Opera House 1st March 2025Thank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram
Are you experiencing changes to your physical, mental and emotional health you find hard to explain?Have you tried talking to your doctor/partner/employer/best friend and been left feeling unsupported?In this weekly show, host Sonya Lovell interviews a range of experts and shares the stories of everyday people to help you understand what the hell is going on, why and where you can find support, empowerment and most importantly, a like-minded community.
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