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 ...
105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina Kamper
Join me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing stress management for women over 40. Discover how stress, rather than just diet, plays a pivotal role in overall health, as Despina highlights the critical brain-gut connection. Learn from her experience conducting anxiety awareness workshops and retreats designed to help women manage stress and improve their quality of life.We explore the significant benefits of proper breathing techniques, particularly during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages, and challenge the social stigmas surrounding aging. As a personal trainer, I reflect on the surprising challenges of teaching clients to breathe correctly, underscoring diaphragmatic breathing's role in reducing stress and enhancing wellness. We also segue into a broader discussion on self-worth and beauty for women navigating this pivotal life stage.You will learn about the empowering spaces created at Despina's retreats, where women can connect and share experiences in intimate settings like the Greek islands and the Hunter Valley in Australia. These retreats offer more than just relaxation—they foster personal growth, community, and a revaluation of intrinsic qualities over superficial markers. Despina's insights will remind you of the continuous journey of self-discovery and the profound connections that can emerge from shared experiences.Hunter Valley, NSW Retreat Discount Code: SONYA20Links:Self Discovery Lab WebsiteHunter Valley Retreat March 2025UK and Greece Retreats 2025Thank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram
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104: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
In our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy was pivotal in the PBAC's decision to recommend Estrogel, Prometrium and Estrogel Pro for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. With a personal milestone, Sonya shares her new role as the ambassador for Menopause and Cancer in Australia and New Zealand. This initiative seeks to fill the glaring void in post-cancer menopause care, echoing alarming statistics from the UK where the majority of women receive no support.Johanna highlighted actionable insights in "A Citizen's Guide to Menopause Advocacy: Simple Steps for Transformative Change. " Discover how this free-to-download guide, featuring a foreword by Maria Shriver, empowers individuals to drive change. Explore how you can advocatefor change during this pivotal period, despite the delayed government response to the Australian Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause. We also touch on the recent paper published showing the interindividual variations of the absorption of estrogen in the real world. Results of the study showed that 1 in 4 women using the highest licensed dose showed levels considered subtherapeutic as a result of poor absorption.So much to unpack this week!! Enjoy.Links:A Citizen's Guide to Menopause Advocacy downloadEstrogen Absorption paper published 17 December 2024Menopause and CancerThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram
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103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara Eglington
Tara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental health and daily life. By discussing the challenges she faced—including anxiety, panic attacks, night sweats and an unexpected OCD diagnosis —Tara emphasises the importance of storytelling, awareness, and seeking support in navigating this often isolating time of life. During our conversation, you will learn about:• Tara's path to advocacy • The symptoms of perimenopause she experienced at age 37 • The connection between mental health struggles and hormonal changes • Intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the transition • The importance of seeking help from healthcare professionals • Tara's OCD diagnosis and the impact of being prescribed menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)• The empowering journey of how Tara rediscovered joy and self-identity Links:Tara on Instagram - @taraeglingtonTara on LinkedInProfessor John EdenWomen's Health and Research Institute of Australia (WHRIA)Meno-D SurveySenate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause SubmissionsThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram
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102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended Listening
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
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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
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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