Thriving In Menopause

For many women, menopause isn’t just about physical symptoms – it’s a turning point.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we explore the often-overlooked psychological side of midlife, from identity shifts and emotional overwhelm to grief, relationships and the pressure of caring for everyone else.
Joining us is menopause support counsellor Melinda McKeown, who has spent nearly 20 years supporting women through major life transitions. After years working in perinatal mental health, Melinda now focuses on the emotional impact of menopause – helping women understand what’s happening beneath the surface, regulate their nervous systems, and feel more like themselves again.
Together, we unpack why menopause can feel like a reset – and how women can move through it with more clarity, self-compassion and confidence.
About Melinda
Melinda McKeown is a counsellor with close to 20 years’ experience in private practice. Her work has evolved from supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood to guiding them through the emotional and psychological shifts of menopause.
With training in counselling, full-spectrum doula care and midlife mental health through the HER Centre (Monash University), Melinda specialises in helping women understand hormonal change, regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with themselves.
She also runs a peri- and menopause support circle in the Illawarra region and is developed an accessible online model of care designed to provide ongoing, real-world support for women navigating this stage.
To learn more about Melinda’s online model of care, visit The Hormone Edition: Supportive Community for Hormone Health.
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What if preparing for menopause actually started decades earlier?
In this episode, Prevention Editor Zoe sits down with triple Olympian Lisa Curry, co-founder of Happy Healthy You, one of Australia’s leading programs supporting women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Together, they share how younger women can lay the groundwork now for a smoother transition later, from building metabolic and hormonal resilience to understanding the early signals your body may already be sending.
Founded in 2015, Happy Healthy You has supported more than 1.5 million women and was one of the first programs in Australia designed to work alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with conventional care.
Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or already navigating change, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights to help you feel more in control of what’s ahead.
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If your knees, hips, shoulders or fingers have started feeling stiff, achy or inflamed during perimenopause, you’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier speaks with exercise scientist and nutritionist Amelia Phillips about why joint pain often appears during the menopausal transition — and what women can do to support their bodies through it, with loads of practical, evidence-based advice to help you move with more confidence and comfort during this stage of life.
Amelia Phillips is an accredited exercise scientist, nutritionist, and one of Australia’s leading health and fitness experts. With more than 25 years of experience in the health industry and a familiar face in Australian media, she specialises in helping people improve their physical and mental wellbeing through sustainable movement, nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

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Sex, desire and intimacy can change during perimenopause and menopause – but too often, women are left navigating those changes with little information and even less support.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Kelly Casperson, a renowned US urologist, international speaker and leading advocate for women’s sexual health. Dr Casperson is the author of the bestselling book You Are Not Broken and host of the globally popular podcast of the same name, where she challenges outdated narratives about female desire, pleasure and midlife sexuality.
Drawing on her clinical experience and deep understanding of the science behind hormones, relationships and sexual wellbeing, Dr Casperson explains why so many women feel confused or dismissed when their bodies change – and what they can do to reclaim confidence, comfort and connection.
From the role of hormones and vaginal health to the psychology of desire, this empowering conversation explores how women can move from frustration and uncertainty to knowledge, agency and thriving in midlife.
With her signature mix of science, honesty and compassion, Dr Casperson offers a refreshing reminder that midlife sexuality is not something women should quietly give up on – it’s something they deserve to understand, support and enjoy.
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During perimenopause and menopause, many women notice changes in their bodies – from shifts in metabolism and muscle tone to energy dips and increased hunger. One nutrient that can make a powerful difference? Protein.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re joined by clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo, to unpack why protein becomes especially important during midlife, how it supports muscle, metabolism and hormone health, and how much women really need.
Sarah shares practical strategies to help women eat enough protein across the day, explains common mistakes she sees in midlife diets, explains how protein supports weight loss, and offers simple ways to boost protein intake without overhauling your entire routine.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, already in menopause, or simply want to feel stronger and more energised, this episode is packed with practical, science-based advice you can start using today.
About our guest
Sarah Di Lorenzo is a leading Australian clinical nutritionist and bestselling author known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to healthy eating. She is passionate about helping people use food as medicine and supporting women through the nutritional changes that come with midlife.
The Power Of Protein by Sarah Di Lorenzo is available in bookstores and online now (Simon & Schuster)
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