Thriving In Menopause

A year on from Australia’s landmark Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause, Senator Marielle Smith returns to Thriving in Menopause to talk about what’s changed – and what still needs to happen.
As Co-Sponsor and Deputy Chair of the inquiry, Senator Smith played a pivotal role in bringing the experiences of Australian women into the national spotlight. Now, one of its key recommendations has become a reality, with the launch of a National Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign designed to help women recognise symptoms, find trusted information and feel more confident seeking support.
In this episode, we talk about why greater awareness matters, the stigma that still surrounds menopause, the progress made since the inquiry and where gaps remain in healthcare, workplaces and the wider community.
We also ask what real change looks like beyond an awareness campaign – and what Senator Smith hopes the next chapter will bring for women navigating perimenopause and menopause in Australia.
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Why does everything suddenly feel so much harder in perimenopause? You might find yourself overwhelmed by things you once took in your stride, snapping at the people you love, feeling emotionally exhausted or simply wondering why you don’t seem to cope the way you used to.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Narelle Dickinson to explore what’s really going on. We unpack the connection between hormones, the brain and nervous system, and how the changes of midlife can affect our emotional bandwidth, resilience and ability to deal with stress.
Narelle explains what nervous system dysregulation can look like in everyday life, where cortisol and chronic stress fit into the picture and why burnout and hormonal symptoms can be so difficult to untangle. We also explore why some women find themselves reassessing relationships and becoming less willing to tolerate things they once did - leading to the 'menodivorce' phenomenon.
Most importantly, Narelle shares practical strategies to help calm an overloaded nervous system, prioritise rest and recovery and feel more like yourself again.
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From hot flushes and disrupted sleep to anxiety and fatigue, menopause symptoms can affect almost every aspect of daily life. While hormone therapy can be transformative for many women, it isn’t suitable for everyone – and some may be interested in complementary ways to manage their symptoms.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, host Zoe Meunier speaks with Kim Gatenby, Director of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, about the role acupuncture may play in menopause care.
Kim explains how acupuncture works, what the current evidence tells us and why treatment is tailored to each woman’s individual experience. She also discusses the symptoms women most commonly seek help for, what to expect during a consultation and how to find a suitably qualified practitioner.
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Could your constant fatigue, brain fog or irritability be more than just the juggle of everyday life? For many women, the first signs of perimenopause arrive years before they expect them to – and are often mistaken for stress, burnout or simply being "too busy".
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by nutritionist, chef and WelleCo educator Zoe Bingley-Pullin, who shares her own experience of being diagnosed with perimenopause at just 39. Together, they unpack why this transition can begin earlier than many women realise, the symptoms to look out for and the simple, evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can help you feel your best.
From the importance of blood sugar balance and protein to the role of stress, sleep and movement, this conversation cuts through the online noise to focus on the habits that truly support hormone health – not just for today, but for healthy ageing in the years ahead.
Whether you're in your late 30s, already navigating menopause or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your hormones – rather than letting them control you.
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For decades, Mary Coustas has made Australia laugh as the unforgettable Effie. But behind the sharp wit and larger-than-life persona is a woman whose own journey through midlife has been anything but straightforward.
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Mary opens up about the realities of menopause, the frustration of feeling dismissed, and why she decided to turn one of life's biggest transitions into an opportunity to help other women. She shares how her own experience inspired her book Marypause and the creation of UnPause, a telehealth platform designed to give women better access to menopause care.
Along the way, we also talk about confidence, identity, finding humour in life's challenges and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Mary's trademark warmth and wit shine through, but so does her passion for making sure women feel informed, supported and empowered through every stage of midlife.
Whether you're approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or simply want to better understand what's happening to your body, this conversation is full of reassurance, practical insights and plenty of laughs.
Mary Coustas (and Effie!) will both be joining us later in the year at our World Menopause Day event. Visit worldmenopauseday.com.au to find out more!
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