Dear Menopause

Dear Menopause

Sonya Lovell

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.

114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat Uppal

114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat Uppal

In this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition affecting one in four women yet rarely discussed openly. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on how women often normalise suffering through periods that drastically impact their quality of life.The discussion reveals shocking statistics: 25% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, yet more than half never seek medical help. Dr. Uppal pro

Mar 27, • 29:13

113: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

113: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

Updates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy more affordable and the growing momentum around women's health initiatives.• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) now includes Estrogel, Prometrium, and Estrogel Pro (as of March 1st), with Slinder joining May 1st• PBS prescriptions require specific coding - you may need a new prescription to access subsidised pricing• FDA removed warnings from

Mar 20, • 41:36

112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura Lee

112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura Lee

What happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity for sexual rediscovery and deeper connection. Psychologist and sexologist Laura Lee joins me in this episode to masterfully unpack the evolution of desire through midlife, challenging our cultural fixation on "loss of libido" by revealing how desire simply changes form. Sexual communication can feel particularly challenging during menopau

Mar 13, • 40:58

111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari Todd

111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari Todd

How do you navigate life after cancer when everything feels different? Join me for a raw discussion that dives deep into the emotional and physical realities of cancer recovery. In this episode, Shari Todd and I share similarities in our vulnerable journeys through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and what life looks like on the other side. And what it took for us to get there.You will hear a candid conversation about the weight of expectations, mental health struggles, and the often-overlooked chal

Mar 6, • 36:11

110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's Health

110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's Health

Delve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment. Join my conversation with Ged Kearney, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, who passionately shares insights from her extensive background in nursing and women's health advocacy. As we explore the various components of this funding package, Ged discusses critical advancements aimed at transforming menopause care, addressing gender disparities in the health system, and

Feb 27, • 26:28

109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and Education

109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and Education

Enjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause. With her extensive background in evidence-based medicine and a passion for translating complex medical data into practical insights, Dr. Newson sheds light on the evolving landscape of menopause awareness, specifically in Australia. You will hear about her journey from a career in pathology and cancer medicine to becoming a leading advocate for menopause education. Together, we discu

Feb 20, • 25:21

108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual Health

108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual Health

Join me today to dive into the intricacies of vaginal and sexual health with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a leading figure in female sexual health and hormones. We unpack everything you need to know about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), highlighting the critical need for understanding and treating these symptoms beyond conventional methods like antibiotics for urinary tract infections.We dissect the FDA's boxed warnings on estrogen medications, which we also have here in Australia, leadi

Feb 13, • 33:04

107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's Health

107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's Health

Could a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese government is set to transform menopause and perimenopause care across the nation. With bipartisan support ensuring the longevity of these initiatives, we explore the Senate Inquiries and Budget Submissions that paved the way for these groundbreaking developments and the profound impact they promise for countless women. This episode sheds light on how

Feb 10, • 27:06

106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne Mulheron

106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne Mulheron

Leanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal experience with perimenopause symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings, became the catalyst for a career pivot aimed at supporting women in similar situations. Throughout, we highlight the societal need for education and understanding about menopause, ensuring future generations are not caught off guard by its onset. Leanne's narrative powerfu

Feb 6, • 36:16

105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina Kamper

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 significan

Jan 30, • 30:35

104: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

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

Jan 23, • 39:36

103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara Eglington

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 sy

Jan 16, • 36:58

102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended Listening

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

Dec 26, 2024 • 4:15

101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich

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 neuroty

Dec 19, 2024 • 38:06

100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

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 proges

Dec 12, 2024 • 38:36

99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 34:45

98: A Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

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 ab

Nov 28, 2024 • 44:30

97: Progressive Menopause GP Care with Dr Ceri Cashell

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 rea

Nov 21, 2024 • 32:27

96: Senator Marielle Smith on Closing the Menopause Support Gap

96: Senator Marielle Smith on Closing the Menopause Support Gap

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause in Australia. Over the past year, this Inquiry gathered insights from over 300 submissions, culminating in 25 key recommendations supported across political lines by the Liberal Party, Labor, and the Greens. Senator Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these recommendations aim to improve women's healthcare and workplace conditions d

Nov 14, 2024 • 21:34

95: Behind the Scenes of Australia's Menopause Movement with Johanna Wicks

95: Behind the Scenes of Australia's Menopause Movement with Johanna Wicks

How does an experienced women's health advocate struggle to recognise her own perimenopausal symptoms? Join me as I explore Johanna Wicks' journey from confusion to advocacy, sparked by Dr. Ginni Mansberg's enlightening book, "The M Word." Jo's story reveals a significant gap in women's health education and sets the stage for her influential role in the national conversation on menopause in Australia. Through powerful initiatives, Jo has reshaped the landscape

Nov 7, 2024 • 44:10

94: Dr Kelly Teagle on Creating Healthy Habits

94: Dr Kelly Teagle on Creating Healthy Habits

The question Dr Kelly Teagle has for women is what will it cost you if you don't create healthy habits and make meaningful lifestyle changes now, while you're still young enough for it to make a big impact? In 10 to 20 years, will you be functioning well and still doing all the things that give your life meaning?  In this episode, Dr Kelly, a leading GP specialising in women's health, shares her expertise on how comprehensive menopausal health education, support and bedding down h

Mar 21, 2024 • 40:12

93: A Short Break

93: A Short Break

As one of your guides through the ever-shifting landscape of menopause, I'm hitting pause on the podcast to recharge my batteries. But only for 3 short weeks!! Dear Menopause will be back with episode 94 on Friday 22nd March 2024.Make sure you're subscribed or following the podcast to ensure you are notified when the episode drops. While I'm off savouring the joys of travel and adventure, you can use the opportunity to head back into the episode archives to discover stories that y

Feb 22, 2024 • 2:04

92: Menopausal Skin Care: A Dermatologist's Guide

92: Menopausal Skin Care: A Dermatologist's Guide

Menopause can leave many women feeling dry, itchy and irritated particularly when it comes to changes in skin health.Join me as Dr Shreya Andric, a leading dermatologist who also specialises in vulvar dermatology, shares her expertise on how declining estrogen and progesterone influence our skin during perimenopause and postmenopause.Dr Andric shares tips on embracing gentle skincare routines to maintain your skin's vitality and resilience.Our chat offers a compassionate guide for women to

Feb 15, 2024 • 27:06

91: Thriving Through Perimenopause: 3 Essential Tips

91: Thriving Through Perimenopause: 3 Essential Tips

In this episode, I share 3 essential tips for those days when perimenopause is really kicking your butt, that you can get started with today.The focus is on journaling to keep track of symptoms, how to find a supportive healthcare professional, and small mindful lifestyle changes.These steps are vital for taking back control of your health and choices at a time when you may feel completely out of control.Key Points Discussed:1. Journaling for Symptom Tracking: I highlight the importance of journ

Feb 8, 2024 • 13:27

90: Australia's Menopause Inquiry and the Push for Health Equity with Senator Marielle Smith

90: Australia's Menopause Inquiry and the Push for Health Equity with Senator Marielle Smith

Senator Marielle Smith joins Sonya to discuss the Australian Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause. Hear how this Inquiry hopes to break the silence on a topic all too often overlooked. Marielle takes us through the Inquiry's mission to recommend both legislative and societal changes and set the stage for a new era of understanding and support for this area of women's health.We delve into the heart of the Menopause Inquiry and the mechanics behind the submission process which

Feb 1, 2024 • 21:15

89: Dr Fatima Khan: Weaving Eastern traditions with Western medical science

89: Dr Fatima Khan: Weaving Eastern traditions with Western medical science

Have you wished that you could find a Doctor who weaves the wisdom of Eastern traditions with Western medical science?In this conversation with Dr Fatima Khan, we cover everything from hormone health to the influential role of our elders, reminding us that this phase is not just about changes but about adaptation and growth.Hormones can be a rollercoaster, and Dr Khan is no stranger to their ups and downs. Sharing experiences of her hormonal imbalances, this honest conversation with Dr. Khan hig

Jan 25, 2024 • 41:07

88: Beyond Booze with Sarah Rusbatch

88: Beyond Booze with Sarah Rusbatch

Have you ever found yourself in that murky space where your drinking seems more habitual than social, yet not quite what you'd label as addiction? Join the conversation with Sarah Rusbatch, a distinguished coach navigating the intricacies of grey area drinking. Sarah peels back the layers of her personal narrative, from motherhood to moving abroad, and how these pivotal moments can silently shift our drinking patterns. We're cracking open the dialogue on the subtle yet undeniable signs

Jan 18, 2024 • 35:05

87: Achieving Your Dreams Beyond Midlife with Esther Zeledon

87: Achieving Your Dreams Beyond Midlife with Esther Zeledon

Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of something extraordinary, but you're held back by the invisible chains of expectations? Esther Zeledon, the visionary behind Be Act Change, joins me to unravel the threads of these limitations and together, we tackle the nuances of going after your dreams, especially for those stepping beyond midlife.Transitioning from a career or even relationship that's comfortable to one that's driven by passion is akin to crossing a tightrope w

Jan 11, 2024 • 37:07

86: Early Menopause and POI at 15 Years Old with Sheree Hargreaves

86: Early Menopause and POI at 15 Years Old with Sheree Hargreaves

When Sheree Hargreaves was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at just 15, it reshaped her teenage years in unexpected ways.Sheree, now 22, shares her courageous story, navigating early menopause symptoms and the complexities of hormone replacement therapy—a narrative that will both inspire and educate. Her candid insights put a spotlight on the urgent need to bridge the education gaps in women's health, especially for conditions like POI that are often shrouded in silence.In the

Jan 4, 2024 • 41:18

85: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding with Dr Talat Uppal

85: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding with Dr Talat Uppal

Who knew discussing periods could be so enlightening?You'll never see menstrual health the same way again after tuning in to this powerful conversation with Dr Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr Uppal helps us break down the wall of silence surrounding menstrual health, sharing her extensive knowledge on what constitutes heavy bleeding and how it impacts a woman's life. Opening up about periods is not just liberating—it's necessa

Dec 28, 2023 • 29:13

84: Empowering Choice in Menopause After Cancer: Dani Binnington

84: Empowering Choice in Menopause After Cancer: Dani Binnington

Enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Dani Binnington, the inspiring founder of the Menopause and Cancer organisation, and a breast cancer survivor.Dani gives a raw and brutally honest account of her journey through cancer and menopause, offering invaluable insights and experiences.We touch on the societal and personal pressures that women often grapple with and the liberation that comes with breaking free from stereotypes. Self-care and mental health take centre stage as we discuss these signific

Dec 21, 2023 • 43:15

83: Dr Corinne Menn: Breast Cancer and Menopause Management

83: Dr Corinne Menn: Breast Cancer and Menopause Management

The need for better management of symptoms for women in surgically or medically induced menopause is undeniable. In this episode, we navigate through the complexities of menopause and breast cancer, with Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OBGYN and a breast cancer survivor, shedding light on this often overlooked and too often dismissed topic. Not only does Dr Menn share her journey with us, but she also highlights the urgent need for education in this area.Dr. Menn's unfiltered discourse o

Dec 14, 2023 • 57:09

82: Menopause and Insomnia: Tracey Martin's Guide to Optimal Sleep

82: Menopause and Insomnia: Tracey Martin's Guide to Optimal Sleep

Ever wondered why insomnia seems to be a constant companion when you hit perimenopause? Today, we unravel the mysteries of sleep, especially as it relates to women during the menopausal transition. I am joined by the incredibly knowledgeable Tracey Martin, a seasoned sleep coach who shares her insights on achieving optimal rest.Our enlightening conversation with Tracey takes us through the intricacies of sleep stages and the pivotal role they play in achieving deep, restorative sleep. We discuss

Dec 7, 2023 • 48:14

81: Grace Lam on Challenging Menopause Misconceptions

81: Grace Lam on Challenging Menopause Misconceptions

Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause. We've all heard about it, but few are prepared when it hits.  But what's a journey without a travel buddy? Meet Grace Lam, our guest for this episode, who has transformed her menopause journey into a beacon of hope and advocacy. An icon in fashion, a Vogue insider, and now, a board member at Revelation Film Festival and the host of 'Me Not Pause', Grace has been t

Nov 30, 2023 • 30:12

80: Tania Dalton on Navigating Menopause with Resilience and Empowerment

80: Tania Dalton on Navigating Menopause with Resilience and Empowerment

Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause? Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has journeyed through this phase of life and come out stronger. Tania shares her post-menopausal journey, discussing how it led her to reappraise her lifestyle choices, prioritise sleep, manage stress, and eventually improve her overall health. Tania's story isn't just about surviving menopause; it's about thriving. She redefines societal

Nov 23, 2023 • 44:15

79: Kaz Cooke talks "It's The Menopause" and more

79: Kaz Cooke talks "It's The Menopause" and more

Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-related. Kaz also challenges the traditional narrative around menopause, as we venture beyond hot flushes and libido changes.As the conve

Nov 16, 2023 • 39:48

78: Navigating Perimenopause Nutrition with Ange Clark

78: Navigating Perimenopause Nutrition with Ange Clark

What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause? This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition. A powerhouse in the field we dive into the far-reaching effects of low energy availability on the female body, and how to tackle the inevitable midlife weight gain with the right diet and exercise balance.We don't shy away from discussing the elephant in the room - the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of estrogen decline during p

Nov 9, 2023 • 56:03

77: Alex Isaac on Surgically Induced Menopause and Hormone Therapy

77: Alex Isaac on Surgically Induced Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the benefits of starting immediate hormone therapy.We also discuss Sarah, Alex's sister and her fight for hormone therapy, due to her breast cancer history, and the life-changing impact when she finally found a GP who supported her. We debate the urgent need for medical professionals to have a much deeper knowledge of menopause treatments and hormone

Nov 2, 2023 • 19:11

76: Genetic Mutations: Alex Isaac's Inspiring Story of Prevention and Resilience

76: Genetic Mutations: Alex Isaac's Inspiring Story of Prevention and Resilience

Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life?My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation at the age of 30. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Alex bravely recounts her family's journey into the world of genetic mutations, which started with her sister's breast cancer diagnosis at 33 and led to her own life-altering decisions.Alex doesn't shy away from the hard truth

Oct 26, 2023 • 25:20

75: Breaking Stigma and Personalised Care with Dr Louise Newson

75: Breaking Stigma and Personalised Care with Dr Louise Newson

How much do you truly know about menopause? Do you know the struggles women face while accessing adequate care for menopause-related issues? I'm joined by a passionate advocate for menopause education, UK expert, Dr Louise Newson. She shares her journey and insights as a GP who identified significant gaps in the healthcare system for women going through menopause. Listen on as we unravel the layers of this complex topic.Our conversation takes a critical look at patient care, highlighting th

Oct 19, 2023 • 47:50

Season 2: Coming Soon!

Season 2: Coming Soon!

Hold onto your headphones! The Dear Menopause podcast is back with a bang, ready to hit your airwaves on Friday, October 20th. I'm your host, Sonya Lovell, and I've spent countless hours preparing truly enlightening conversations and securing interviews with some industry legends for our second season. From taboo topics to extraordinary personal experiences, we're pushing boundaries in season two. So set a reminder and join us for our first episode, which promises to be a revelati

Oct 12, 2023 • 2:30

74: Atomic Health #4: Menopause: Challenging the fear-based narrative

74: Atomic Health #4: Menopause: Challenging the fear-based narrative

What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it? Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, challenge the fear-based narrative often associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly on social media. We delve into the confusion caused by brands misusing the term 'peri' and the dire need to educate and inform women, especially in their mid to late 30s, about the onset of perimenopause.We're not just stopping there; we&

Aug 29, 2023 • 42:45

73: Atomic Health #3: How Do We Uncomplicate Our Relationship With Food?

73: Atomic Health #3: How Do We Uncomplicate Our Relationship With Food?

Have you tried to transform the way you think about food and nutrition? Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt as we dissect the language we use when we talk about food and examine the emotional attachments we form with what we eat. Sonya kicks things off by challenging us to set aside those damaging 'good' and 'bad' food labels and understand how they contribute to a seemingly unbreakable cycle of guilt and shame. We'll also scrutinize the impact of energy sources like

Aug 22, 2023 • 32:10

72: Atomic Health #2: Pilates Is Not a Cure-All for Women

72: Atomic Health #2: Pilates Is Not a Cure-All for Women

As we age, the importance of a balanced approach to exercise becomes paramount, but where does Pilates fit into this mix? In this chat with Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt, we venture down the path of women's health and longevity, discussing Pilates and its role in overall fitness. We share our experiences and highlight the differences between mat and reformer Pilates.But don't be fooled; Pilates is not a cure-all. We emphasise the importance of aerobic exercise in combating cardiov

Aug 15, 2023 • 33:51

71: Atomic Health #1:  Women's Longevity. How we age and why we're different.

71: Atomic Health #1: Women's Longevity. How we age and why we're different.

Have you ever wondered how your lifestyle choices impact your biological versus chronological age or thought about the implications of being able to delay menopause? Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt in the Dear Menopause sub-series, Atomic Health, as we dive deep into these intriguing topics. Through our lively discussion, we'll peel back the layers on the hot issues of women's health, longevity and the unique factors that influence these areas. Let's challenge traditional

Aug 8, 2023 • 33:45

70: An Intentional Pause

70: An Intentional Pause

Are you ready for a sprinkle of change?After 70 incredible episodes and some delightful bonuses, I've decided it's time for an intentional pause. But don't worry. This is not a permanent goodbye. Just as everyone needs a little break, so does Dear Menopause.  I'm taking a hiatus, gathering fresh ideas, and will return with a new spark. Is there something more? Yes, indeed! As I step back, a little surprise is in the works. I've been quietly collaborating on a sub-series

Aug 3, 2023 • 6:25

69: Menopause Impact on Careers and the Role of Supportive Workplaces with Grace Molloy

69: Menopause Impact on Careers and the Role of Supportive Workplaces with Grace Molloy

What if there was a way to navigate your menopause transition while still thriving in your career? In this podcast, I sit down with Grace Molloy, the CEO and founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, as she sheds light on the often-overlooked journey of menopause and its impacts on women in the workplace. Grace shares valuable insights from her personal and professional experiences, stressing the importance of awareness, support, and open conversations for women to flourish in this significant li

Jul 27, 2023 • 38:16

68: Embracing Midlife Transformation: Jo Pybus on Menopause Advocacy and Nostalgic Music

68: Embracing Midlife Transformation: Jo Pybus on Menopause Advocacy and Nostalgic Music

What happens when a woman in her 40s, living a typical domestic life, suddenly decides to transform herself into an athlete?This is the story of Jo Pybus, a late-onset writer, feminist, and podcaster, who took on triathlons and endurance events while navigating the complexities of perimenopause. Her transformative journey and experiences dealing with not-so-informative GP visits and heavier periods shed light on the challenges many midlife women face.Jo is also an advocate. As a voice for midlif

Jul 20, 2023 • 49:17

67: A New Approach to Women's Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

67: A New Approach to Women's Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a pioneering force in women's mental health.  In this episode, Professor Kulkarni shares her knowledge of the urgent need for a revolutionary approach towards women's mental health treatments as the founder and director of one of Australia's most prominent psychiatric research groups.We also gain a deep insight into her groundbreaking 'HER Mental Health Campaign', a push towards elevating the conversation about mental health among politicia

Jul 13, 2023 • 30:20

66: The Silent Role of Menopause on Women's Financial Security with Mel Birks

66: The Silent Role of Menopause on Women's Financial Security with Mel Birks

What if the silent impact of menopause on a woman's career costs up to $15 billion in lost income and superannuation? Prepare for an eye-opening conversation as I sit down with Mel Birks from the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees to dive into this under-discussed issue. From the startling statistic that the average Australian woman retires at 52.1 years to the role of the gender pay gap and time taken out of the workforce to care for others, this episode is a deep dive into ho

Jul 6, 2023 • 20:05

65: Breast Cancer to Menopause: A Story of Grit and Grace with Kathryn Elliott

65: Breast Cancer to Menopause: A Story of Grit and Grace with Kathryn Elliott

When life throws unexpected challenges our way, how do we rise above them and find gratitude amidst adversity? Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Kathryn Elliott, a breast cancer thriver and mother of three teenage boys, who shares her powerful journey through the battlefields of cancer and induced menopause. Together, we peel back the layers of our remarkably similar experiences and discuss how these challenges have shaped our lives and relationships with our bodies.Navigating the complex

Jun 29, 2023 • 39:03

64: A Guide to Supplements for Women in Midlife with Ange Clark

64: A Guide to Supplements for Women in Midlife with Ange Clark

Are you tired of sifting through the world of supplements, unsure of what's best for your midlife, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal needs?Join me for an enlightening conversation with the amazing Angelique Clark, an advanced accredited sports dietitian and exercise physiologist, as we uncover the truth about supplementation for women in midlife and beyond. We promise you'll walk away with valuable knowledge to take charge of your health and confidently navigate the multi-billion-dolla

Jun 22, 2023 • 57:13

63: Nature as Menopause Medicine with Jeff Johnson

63: Nature as Menopause Medicine with Jeff Johnson

Can you imagine the power of nature transforming your mental health and well-being, especially during menopause? Join us for a captivating conversation with Jeff Johnson, host of the Nature Junkie Radio podcast, as we explore the incredible benefits of getting outdoors for menopausal women and the benefits it has on stress, sleep, and mental health. Learn from Jeff's inspiring journey of discovering nature's healing power and the science behind it.Discover the importance of:breaking do

Jun 15, 2023 • 34:58

BONUS: Menopause Your Way 4 Day Retreat with Sonya & Justine

BONUS: Menopause Your Way 4 Day Retreat with Sonya & Justine

Join Justine Thompson and me for a transformative experience at our upcoming Menopause Your Way Retreat in September 2023, set amidst the stunning New South Wales countryside. In this bonus episode, we share our passion for helping women navigate this life-changing transition, discover how our unique backgrounds and interests meld together in a balanced, holistic approach that creates a powerful, supportive space for growth and connection.Throughout this four-day retreat, you'll find relaxation

Jun 15, 2023 • 36:25

62: Research Revelations and Insights with Dr Fiona Li

62: Research Revelations and Insights with Dr Fiona Li

Today we draw back the curtain on the research that goes into providing clinicians and GPs with the best evidence-based information to support their patients.Join me as I chat with Dr Fiona Li, an obstetrics and gynecology trainee in Sydney and PhD candidate with the Grace Team at UNSW.With a refreshing and hopeful outlook, Fiona shares her passion for menopause and her dedication to understanding and managing postmenopausal vaginal symptoms. And Fiona shares information on her recent study into

Jun 8, 2023 • 27:11

61: Rethink the way you drink with Rachael Layton

61: Rethink the way you drink with Rachael Layton

Worried that you've started drinking too much but know that you're still a long way from needing an intervention?Rachael Layton went through years of questioning her relationship with alcohol, knowing that she was drinking too much and worried that she was heading down a dangerous path.While she knew she wasn’t an alcoholic (although that didn’t stop her from occasionally Googling “Am I an alcoholic?”), she also wasn’t someone who was happy with just a glass or two every now and then.S

Jun 1, 2023 • 36:18

60: Honouring the deeper internal shifts the menopause transition may bring with Kirstin Bouse

60: Honouring the deeper internal shifts the menopause transition may bring with Kirstin Bouse

Have you had this thought? Hang on a minute, I've done so much for others for such a long time, when will it be my time?My guest this week, Kirstin Bouse says, "If not now, when."Kirstin is a Clinical (and Forensic) Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She has always had an interest in supporting women through significant periods of transition in their lives (motherhood and menopause). Now, having begun her own journey of perimenopause around 5 years ago, and with a few

May 25, 2023 • 40:46

59: Making sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) with Dr Ginni Mansberg

59: Making sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) with Dr Ginni Mansberg

Has the whole "to MHT or not" conversation left you completely confused and even a little wary?MHT.  HRT.  WTF?!First off, you're not alone. Secondly, this episode with Dr Ginni Mansberg is for you.The author of the bestseller, "The M Word, How to Thrive in Menopause" and founder of science-based Evidence Skincare (ESK), Dr Ginni is an Australian GP, TV presenter, podcaster, author and columnist.As a GP she specialises in all things menopause and all things skin. As a me

May 18, 2023 • 49:30

58: The neuroscience of menopause with Dr Sarah McKay

58: The neuroscience of menopause with Dr Sarah McKay

Are your menopause symptoms really in your head? Or more precisely, in your brain?This week I chatted with my good friend, selfie buddy and fellow Kiwi, Dr Sarah McKay.Sarah is an Oxford University-educated neuroscientist, presenter of ABC Catalyst, director of The Neuroscience Academy, and author of The Women's Brain Book and her latest book, Baby Brain.  Who loves nothing more than deep diving into the neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness.We explore menopause from a brain health

May 11, 2023 • 39:43

57: Embracing The Mess: Vulnerability & Growth with Angela Raspass

57: Embracing The Mess: Vulnerability & Growth with Angela Raspass

Have you been told to just “power through” your midlife transitions, only to find yourself stuck and feeling hopeless?Meet Angela Raspass, a dedicated coach, mentor, and speaker with a passion for empowering women to embrace their potential. Her expertise lies in self-leadership and a strength-based approach honed through 25 years of experience and education in positive psychology and neuroscience. Angela is also an author and podcast host, sharing her insights with a wider audience.Her own expe

May 4, 2023 • 46:03

56: Sandy Lowres: Celebrating Wisdom & Experience of Women Beyond 40

56: Sandy Lowres: Celebrating Wisdom & Experience of Women Beyond 40

"You can't be what you can't see, and so representation matters." Sandy Lowres is a fierce advocate of women's rights and empowerment and is determined to bring the often-ignored voices of women over 40 to the forefront while challenging hypocrisy and taboos.Sandy is the innovative founder of Women Beyond 40 (WB40), a platform dedicated to uplifting and empowering women through community and storytelling. As the host of The Good Girl Confessional podcast, Sandy interview

Apr 27, 2023 • 54:43

55: Zali Steggall: An MP's Take on Menopause Education & Support

55: Zali Steggall: An MP's Take on Menopause Education & Support

Are you tired of going through peri and menopausal symptoms without getting the support you need?Have you heard that increased awareness and advocacy of menopause support is the key to getting the help you need?My special guest in this episode is Zali Steggall MP.Zali is an influential figure in the Australian political landscape, serving as the independent member for Warringah in New South Wales. With a background in athletics and a strong focus on her own health, fitness, and wellness, Zali is

Apr 20, 2023 • 28:31

54: Unlocking Midlife Health Secrets with Roma van der Walt

54: Unlocking Midlife Health Secrets with Roma van der Walt

Are you tired of the same old ineffective and unrelatable advice for improving your health and well-being in midlife? Roma van der Walt, an entrepreneurial women's health expert and exercise professional, seeks to establish a common-sense approach to healthy living for midlife women by challenging the extremes of highly qualified but unrelatable doctors and influential celebrities to find the balance between metabolic health and health span advice.The goal should really be to live those ext

Apr 13, 2023 • 47:00

53: Dr Marita Long: How to talk to your doctor about menopause and perimenopause

53: Dr Marita Long: How to talk to your doctor about menopause and perimenopause

Get the most out of appointments with your doctor or GP by following these great tips from Dr Marita Long.In our chat, Marita was open to answering all of my questions and was honest about gender bias and education gaps that exist in the field of primary care. And then gives brilliant tips for every woman to consider when talking to her GP or doctor about perimenopause and menopause.Dr Marita Long is a GP based in Victoria, Australia, specialising in women's health and medical education. Ma

Apr 6, 2023 • 40:44

52: Dr Linda Dear on giving menopausal women in NZ and Australia a voice

52: Dr Linda Dear on giving menopausal women in NZ and Australia a voice

How can we measure the true impact of perimenopause and menopause?By giving women a voice.  Dr Linda Dear crafted and launched the most extensive online survey for women to share the impact of menopause on their lives with data being collected across both NZ and Australia.And the results of these surveys will be shared with the respective governments and health and employment sectors to craft much-needed change.In her own words, Dr Dear is a doctor, menopause specialist, perimenopausal woman, mo

Mar 30, 2023 • 36:27

51: How Allie Pepper, a world class mountaineer coped when menopause threatened to end her climbing career

51: How Allie Pepper, a world class mountaineer coped when menopause threatened to end her climbing career

How would you cope if your career and life's purpose rely on a strong, healthy functioning body and seemingly overnight menopause threatened to take all of that away from you?Allie Pepper is an Australian mountaineer with 23 years of climbing experience. Mountaineering is not only Allie's passion but also her business; Allie Pepper Adventures.In 2021, amongst the chaos of COVID and a relationship breakdown, Allie was 45 and had no idea that she was perimenopausal. Then seemingly overni

Mar 23, 2023 • 38:25

50: Vulvas, Vaginas and More with Dr Ardelle Piper (replay)

50: Vulvas, Vaginas and More with Dr Ardelle Piper (replay)

Where can you learn everything you need to know about changes to your vulva and vagina during menopause, in one place?Right here!!Sitting down to record an episode with Dr Ardelle Piper was an absolute blast. Ardelle is generous with her time and her knowledge as we touched on topics including vulva and vaginal care during perimenopause and into post-menopause. No area of this topic is left untouched including maintaining a healthy sex life, managing internal and external dryness and discomfort,

Mar 16, 2023 • 47:30

49: Menopause and Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

49: Menopause and Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is one of Australia's leaders in the research and treatment of menopausal depression. I believe this episode, is the most important episode I have been able to bring to my Dear Menopause audience.Professor Kulkarni speaks about mental health and the part women's hormones play in this area, in a way that makes the topic easy to understand and relatable.We discuss why the fluctuation of hormones during the menopausal transition has such a significant impact on

Mar 9, 2023 • 38:50

48: Lisa & Adrienne: Firing women up for life post menopause!

48: Lisa & Adrienne: Firing women up for life post menopause!

Imagine having not just one but two extraordinary women on a mission to fire other women up for their lives post-menopause cheering you on.That's precisely what you got when Lisa Kiebzak and Adrienne Kramer teamed up, not only as life partners but as business partners in Age Like A Renegade.Chatting with Lisa and Adrienne was such fun and I know you'll enjoy hearing all about their crazy challenges, their individual menopause experiences and the difference that they make in the lives o

Mar 2, 2023 • 34:17

47: Joanne Kennedy: Histamine intolerance and menopause

47: Joanne Kennedy: Histamine intolerance and menopause

Do you know the signs of histamine intolerance?Joanne Kennedy is a Naturopath and specialist in MTHFR, histamine intolerance, gut health (SIBO), and women’s hormones. Joanne runs a successful clinical practice in Sydney, Australia and sees patients onlineworldwide. Joanne’s approach is to identify the root cause of illness. This is done by using functional pathology testing, assessing each patient's biochemical individuality, environmental exposures, and individual genetic testing if requir

Feb 23, 2023 • 31:40

46: Let's chat with Sonya!

46: Let's chat with Sonya!

How cool would it be if this was a radio show and you could call in and ask me questions?!Unfortunately, that's not an option, although I hope it might be something we can play with soon. In today's episode of Let's Chat, I'm experimenting with a new way to connect with you and bring you a broader range of topics and info.In this episode you'll learn:Why I've started the Let's Chat episodes and what you can expect in the futureHow you can help the Australasian

Feb 16, 2023 • 19:18

45: Ren Jones: Understanding the subtlety of the female experience in the fitness industry

45: Ren Jones: Understanding the subtlety of the female experience in the fitness industry

"I think that there's a great missed opportunity for trainers, professionals, nutritionists, and coaches to step down off of Mount Olympus and mingle with the mortals."Ren Jones was raised in a multi-generational female household and heard all the conversations that young men don't usually get exposed to.  He learned that there was a cloud of shame associated with menopause and how it was seen historically. He experienced a powerful reminder of his own mortality when he lost

Feb 9, 2023 • 42:58

44: Lou Johnson: Sparking conversations to normalise being human in the workplace

44: Lou Johnson: Sparking conversations to normalise being human in the workplace

"Break the stigma, take a stand - join the movement to normalise being human in the workforce!""Share from the scar, not from the wound" - Lou Johnson (not the original source)Lou Johnson is an almost 55-year-old publishing professional with over 30 years of experience. She is a feminist and advocates for normalising conversations around menopause, menstruation, motherhood and more in the workplace.Lou wrote an article about menopause, menstruation, life, and work to process

Feb 2, 2023 • 39:59

43: BONUS: You, Me and Morocco in 2023!

43: BONUS: You, Me and Morocco in 2023!

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s lethal.” – Paul CoelhoHave you always wanted to travel to Morocco, but not yet had the chance?Well, you are invited to join a group of extraordinary humans and me on an active retreat in Morocco in November 2023. I have partnered with Natasha from The Voyagiste Travel to bring this trip to Magical Morocco to life. In this bonus episode, you will meet Natasha, hear why we choose Morocco as our destination and what you can expect before and d

Jan 31, 2023 • 46:24

42: Roma van der Walt: Giving women power and agency during perimenopause

42: Roma van der Walt: Giving women power and agency during perimenopause

"We want to give women the power and the agency to understand their health - wholly."In this episode of the Dear Menopause podcast, Roma van der Walt, founder of Vitelle, chats with Sonya Lovell about why it's important for women to understand and manage their metabolic health to improve their life span. Through science-backed tools and technology, women have the agency to improve their health and longevity and with her company Vitelle, Roma is making this possible. Roma is a spor

Jan 26, 2023 • 42:26

41: Faith Agugu: Transforming the Narrative Around Women and Ageing

41: Faith Agugu: Transforming the Narrative Around Women and Ageing

"When women come together, magic happens." In this episode of the Dear Menopause podcast, Faith Agugu, a psychotherapist and empowered aging expert, chats with Sonya Lovell about the global positive ageing movement. Faith is a psychotherapist and empowered aging expert. She founded Silver Sirens, a community of women over 50 seeking to change the narrative around women and aging. Through her psychotherapy practice, Faith witnessed women's distress around ageing and the loss of the

Jan 19, 2023 • 29:37

40: Phil Hayes-St Clair: Fiercely advocating for women's health

40: Phil Hayes-St Clair: Fiercely advocating for women's health

Find out why I'm chatting with a middle-aged man with a passion for perimenopause and menopause."I think that the constant challenge for people working in science and medicine in particular is the way that that evidence gets translated. And I think that what you've mentioned before is a classic example of research not being communicated well that has such profound implications for women everywhere of that age."Phil Hayes-St Clair is a business leader and advocates for women&a

Jan 12, 2023 • 35:40

39: Sonya Lovell: Changing the World for the Next Generation of Women

39: Sonya Lovell: Changing the World for the Next Generation of Women

Discover the power of female voices to create a better future for the next generation. "I just took it on as my job, to go and do the research for them, connect them with the people that I knew, research who was a good person to talk to, who wasn't." In this episode, I invite my friend Yvette Meyer to chat with me and to help share more about my experience with menopause and my mission to help other women navigate this time with more knowledge and support. In this episode, you wil

Jan 5, 2023 • 44:39

38: Best of 2022: Top 5 episodes as voted by you!

38: Best of 2022: Top 5 episodes as voted by you!

Who will take the honour of the most downloaded episode in 2022?In this episode, we revisit the top 5 episodes you chose to listen to. Join me as I count them down, from five to one, and share a short extract from each.I loved pulling this episode together. With such diverse topics and guests brought to you throughout the year, reviewing what resonated with you the most was fascinating.Enjoy!Thank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram

Dec 29, 2022 • 53:03

37: Prof Rebecca Mitchell: Researching the intersection of menopause and women's careers

37: Prof Rebecca Mitchell: Researching the intersection of menopause and women's careers

How do we change the narrative around menopause in the workplace?Professor Rebecca Mitchell, of Macquarie Business School, is leading a study that draws together Macquarie Business School’s Health & Wellbeing Research Unit and Psychological Sciences researchers of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, to answer that question.The project explores the intersection of menopause and women’s careers through a positive psychology lens.Professor Mitchell says... "women are to som

Dec 22, 2022 • 44:44

36: Susan Jarvis: Stripping away stigma and expressing sexuality (NSFW)

36: Susan Jarvis: Stripping away stigma and expressing sexuality (NSFW)

Has menopause led to you shutting up shop on your sexuality?A few years ago, Susan Jarvis (in her own words) went from being a very horny, lustful ‘wench’ to someone who had virtually shut up shop on their sexuality. She once thrived on being a hot-blooded woman, it gave her confidence and energy knowing that she had a lust for life and lived a life with passion. Wearing red lipstick every day with pride, Susan went from feeling euphoric about going to work wearing the smile on her face from the

Dec 15, 2022 • 47:27

35: Kath Berry: A surprising discovery led to educating practitioners on managing menopause

35: Kath Berry: A surprising discovery led to educating practitioners on managing menopause

Want to hear the unusual way that Kath Berry became interested in understanding menopause better while treating her female clients in Ibiza? Then you'll love this episode!Kath Berry is an Aussie, living in Ibiza. She's also a world-class Acupuncturist, Author and Educator with over 25 years of clinical experience.Having gained her bachelor's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000, Kath spent time working in several hospitals in China. She then returned to Australia and com

Dec 8, 2022 • 42:58

34: Lyndal Sterenburg: The story of Es Una and changing women's lives

34: Lyndal Sterenburg: The story of Es Una and changing women's lives

Have you started feeling self-conscious at the beach? Are you covering up in a baggy old T-Shirt or worse, stopped going to the beach?Lyndal Sterenburg did too and one summer's day had a spark of an idea that would go on to change women's lives. Today Lyndal has a simple mission - for all women to enjoy summer. And through her business Es Una, she's doing exactly that.Through conversations with friends and other women, Lyndal realised that we all have the same concerns, especially

Dec 1, 2022 • 36:02

33: Olivia Park: Is your exercise working for or against you?

33: Olivia Park: Is your exercise working for or against you?

As a woman in her 40s (or older), do you want to learn how to exercise in a way that moves you forward but also honours your body through day-to-day fluctuations?Olivia Park is a women's health and performance coach who helps active women lift hard and live well both in and out of the gym. She helps women find liberation from the ‘shoulds’ in fitness and the all-or-nothing mindset through purpose-driven training. And she's a deadset legend.In this episode, Olivia shares about her own h

Nov 24, 2022 • 54:11

32: Jodie Preiss: The importance of advocacy in the face of adversity

32: Jodie Preiss: The importance of advocacy in the face of adversity

Jodie Preiss is an incredibly resilient woman who faced unimaginable adversity in 2018.  Jodie's story starts with the unexpected and traumatic loss of a loved one quickly followed weeks later by a breast cancer diagnosis that escalated from low risk to alarming within days. Navigating and healing from major surgery, chemotherapy and medically induced menopause while grieving, Jodie very quickly realised that she needed to speak up and have more control to protect her mental health.Jodie sh

Nov 17, 2022 • 35:03

31: Dr Kelly Teagle: transforming menopause care for Australian women

31: Dr Kelly Teagle: transforming menopause care for Australian women

During a career in medicine that included time with the Royal Australian Air Force, Dr Kelly Teagle developed an interest in women’s medicine with further studies and experience in reproductive and sexual health.Ironically, at the age of 42 she experienced an early menopause herself. Her symptoms were debilitating but very responsive to treatment, which led her to realise the importance of getting access to timely advice and care during menopause. Dr Teagle also noticed that her services could b

Nov 10, 2022 • 49:03

30: Maryon Stewart: Managing menopause naturally

30: Maryon Stewart: Managing menopause naturally

Maryon Stewart is the author of Manage Your Menopause Naturally and 27 other books. A world-renowned healthcare expert, she has helped tens of thousands of women around the world overcome PMS and menopause symptoms without using drugs or hormones. In 2018 she was awarded the British Empire Medal and was recognized as one of the 50 most inspirational women by the Daily Mail. In this episode we discuss Maryon's extensive career as a health care expert and what led her to work with women and m

Nov 3, 2022 • 35:59

29: Emma Lagerlow: Early menopause and the gifts of space and confidence

29: Emma Lagerlow: Early menopause and the gifts of space and confidence

Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach, course creator, blogger, wife and mum to four - almost all teenagers. Emma experienced early  menopause, at 45 and in this episode we talk about how that unraveled for her, the impact it had on her life and the advice she has for other women as a result.Emma left her corporate career not long after her menopause and now guides women to break the busy cycle and claim calm by prioritising self-care and growing their self-worth. She also supports women t

Oct 27, 2022 • 24:33

28: Susan Dean: The power of story and nurturing our feminine

28: Susan Dean: The power of story and nurturing our feminine

Susan Dean is a life and business coach and the founder of Dean Publishing. Susan is passionate about helping entrepreneurs share their stories so that they can grow their brand and their business. And she is equally passionate about empowering women to nurture and lean into their feminine.In this episode we weave our way through a whole bunch of different topics from Susan's experience working closely with John Gray, relationship counselor and author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Ve

Oct 20, 2022 • 42:51

27: Justine Thompson: Menopause, yoga and fanny farts

27: Justine Thompson: Menopause, yoga and fanny farts

Justine Thompson is a passionate student & teacher of yoga. Trained in the Anusara tradition - a style of hatha yoga that weaves a heart quality through alignment based practice. A mother of 3, her experience of perimenopause collided with teenagers, resistance to aging & a complete lack of understanding. Justine is on a mission to share the benefits of a regular yoga practice to women navigating the various stages of menopause.Join Justine & Sonya in person at the:Menopause, Yoga an

Oct 13, 2022 • 26:42

26: Amanda Thebe: Fitness, wellness wankery & the future of menopause care

26: Amanda Thebe: Fitness, wellness wankery & the future of menopause care

Amanda Thebe is a force and someone I have admired for a long time.  Recording our chat was a whole lot of fun, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Amanda is a Fitness and Women’s Health Expert, and the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!  With nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, Amanda is a highly-regarded expert on women’s fitness and health.  She is Canada’s first menopause coach and educator.

Oct 6, 2022 • 33:08

25: Luan Lawrenson-Woods: Breast Reconstruction Awareness with BRA-va Art

25: Luan Lawrenson-Woods: Breast Reconstruction Awareness with BRA-va Art

Luan Lawrenson-Woods is my guest to chat about a first-of-its-kind Instagram campaign being launched to raise awareness for BRA Day 2022 (Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day).The campaign, created by Luan, aims to raise awareness of breast reconstruction options and promote BRA Day on October 19. Luan is encouraging people to use Strava (the free digital exercise app) to exercise along a route, making GPS ‘art’ - known as Strava Art - that visually represents BRA Day and share it with the offici

Sep 29, 2022 • 19:43

24: Dr Shreya Andric: Menopause and skin changes

24: Dr Shreya Andric: Menopause and skin changes

I sat down with Dr Shreya Andric to discuss the changes to our skin during menopause, including the skin of the vulva and vagina.We discuss why our skin changes and what signs indicate that you should seek support from your GP or a Dermatologist. Conditions discussed include excema, psoriasis, thrush, Lichen sclerosus and Lichen planus.Dr Andric is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists who has several subspecialty interests, one of which is vulval dermatology.Connect with Dr And

Sep 22, 2022 • 28:04

23: Dr Lina Safro: Managing Menopausal Symptoms

23: Dr Lina Safro: Managing Menopausal Symptoms

Dr Lina Safro and I sat down to discuss the management and treatment of menopausal symptoms, specifically we talk about MHT or menopausal hormone therapy. We also touch on the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial findings which severly disrupted the use of MHT's in 2002 and continues to cause fear amongst some women and practitioners today.We discuss who should consider MHT, how long it can be safely taken for and what lifestyle factors should be taken into consideration befo

Sep 15, 2022 • 45:06

22: Prof Jayashri Kulkarni: Mental Health and Menopause

22: Prof Jayashri Kulkarni: Mental Health and Menopause

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is one of Australia's leaders in research and treatment of menopausal depression. I believe this episode, is the most important episode I have been able to bring to my Dear Menopause audience.Professor Kulkarni speaks about mental health and the part a women's hormones play in this area, in a way that makes the topic easy to understand and relatable.We discuss why the fluctuation of hormones during the menopausal transition has such a significant impact on m

Sep 8, 2022 • 39:39

21: Dr Marita Long: Talking to your GP

21: Dr Marita Long: Talking to your GP

This chat with Dr Marita Long ticked a bucket list for me and brings a long list of important topics to the table that I know you will love and learn so much from! Marita was open to answering all of my questions, was honest about gender bias and education gaps that exist in the field of primary care. And then gives briliant tips for every woman to consider when it comes to talking to her GP about perimenopause and menopause.Dr Marita Long is a GP based in Victoria, Australia with a special inte

Sep 1, 2022 • 41:30

20: Samantha Avery: The healing power of Reiki during menopause

20: Samantha Avery: The healing power of Reiki during menopause

Samantha is a Reiki Master Teacher and Spiritual Healer practicing from her sunny healing center in Sydney, where she has practised for more than 16 years.Samantha supports clients through crossroads in their personal and professional lives to live a more empowered life. This includes supporting women who struggle with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.Sam's journey into Reiki is fascinating and we had a really beautiful soul filling chat. I hope you enjoy listening in.Blog: Reiki in H

Aug 25, 2022 • 41:55

19: Sarah Rusbatch: Normalising sobriety

19: Sarah Rusbatch: Normalising sobriety

Sitting down to chat with Sarah Rusbatch about her journey from binge drinking to a career in normalising sobriety was a blast. Sarah is warm, funny and incredibly knowledgable.Sarah is a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and a Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. After years of binge drinking, Sarah quit booze in April 2019 and has never looked back!Connect with Sarah

Aug 18, 2022 • 37:54

18: Erika Cramer: Reclaim your confidence

18: Erika Cramer: Reclaim your confidence

In this episode, Erika Cramer and I chat about the trauma she has experienced in life, how she worked to  reclaim her confidence and today empowers women to show up, take up space and live confidently.Erika is a bold force and beautiful example of how you can heal your personal story to transform trauma into triumph. She has built a global community and shares with women on a daily basis to help empower, encourage and inspire them to step into their confidence. Although known as The Queen of Con

Aug 11, 2022 • 47:56

17: Emily Foster:Menopause and Gut Health

17: Emily Foster:Menopause and Gut Health

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Emily Foster, RD is a Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian focused on helping women create “gut calm” around the menopause with her practice A Gutsy Menopause®. She works with women to help

Aug 4, 2022 • 39:42

16: Martha Bodyfelt: Finding love again in your 40s, 50s and beyond!

16: Martha Bodyfelt: Finding love again in your 40s, 50s and beyond!

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.My guest in this episode is Martha Bodyfelt, a USA based certified divorce coach, and cupid for midlife ladies who want to get unstuck so they can trust themselves, have fun, and find love ag

Jul 28, 2022 • 46:17

15: Kelly Casperson, MD: Sex, Desire and Body Image

15: Kelly Casperson, MD: Sex, Desire and Body Image

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Sitting down to chat with Dr Kelly Casperson, to talk about sex and sexual health for women, was an absolute privilege. And a conversation followed that was informative, fun and cracked wide

Jul 21, 2022 • 51:33

14: Luan Lawrenson-Woods: Menopause after cancer and the importance of self advocacy

14: Luan Lawrenson-Woods: Menopause after cancer and the importance of self advocacy

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Luan Lawrenson-Woods is a woman that took a shitty situation, did the work and then immediately looked for opportunities to support the women coming up behind her. Having endured a cancer dia

Jul 14, 2022 • 43:17

13: Dr Ardelle Piper OBGYN: Vulvas, vaginas and so much more!

13: Dr Ardelle Piper OBGYN: Vulvas, vaginas and so much more!

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Sitting down to record an episode with Dr Ardelle Piper was an absolute blast. Ardelle is generous with her time and her knowledge as we touched on topics including vulva and vaginal care dur

Jul 7, 2022 • 49:27

12: Irene Falcone: Mindful drinking and challenging the norm

12: Irene Falcone: Mindful drinking and challenging the norm

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Sonya sits down with Irene Falcone, the founder of Sans Drinks who  is bursting with passion to create positive change and give people, particularly women,  better and healthier shopping choi

Jun 30, 2022 • 36:38

11: Mel Kettle: Menopause at work

11: Mel Kettle: Menopause at work

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Mel Kettle is an internationally recognised thought leader on fully connected leadership and communication. Mel is a trusted mentor to executives and leaders and a highly sought-after speaker

Jun 23, 2022 • 45:22

10: Lane Kennedy: Mindfulness, Meditation and Menopause

10: Lane Kennedy: Mindfulness, Meditation and Menopause

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Lane Kennedy is today’s no-nonsense modern-day, Calm Maker, a.k.a your calm coach.She is not your ordinary Meditation and Mindfulness teacher however,  Lane is a holistic practitioner, DNA ne

Jun 16, 2022 • 31:11

9: Ange Clark: Nutritional changes through perimenopause and beyond

9: Ange Clark: Nutritional changes through perimenopause and beyond

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Ange Clark  is an Advanced Accredited Sports Dietitian, Women’s Performance Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist and active mum!Over the last 15 years, Ange has worked extensively with elite f

Jun 9, 2022 • 59:25

8: Sandy Davies: Formulating natural relief for intimate dryness

8: Sandy Davies: Formulating natural relief for intimate dryness

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Sandy Davies is the founder and formulator of HappyPause ™ Balm.  Sandy discovered a lack of a simple, preservative-free natural solution to vaginal dryness during her own perimenopause and s

Jun 2, 2022 • 33:39

7: Alison Brahe Daddo: From model to menopausal mother

7: Alison Brahe Daddo: From model to menopausal mother

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Alison Brahe Daddo was a household name in the 90s. An entire generation of Australian’s grew up alongside her and now these same women find themselves going through menopause with her! Ali B

May 26, 2022 • 32:14

6: Anna the Anxiety Coach: Anxiety and panic attacks during menopause

6: Anna the Anxiety Coach: Anxiety and panic attacks during menopause

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.In today's episode I was delighted to sit down with Anna Papaioannoiu or as she's also known,  Anna the Anxiety Coach. Anna is a qualified counsellor specialising in anxiety. She su

May 19, 2022 • 34:32

5: 3 Things To Do When Perimenopause Is Kicking Your Butt

5: 3 Things To Do When Perimenopause Is Kicking Your Butt

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.In this episode I share 3 super simple things you can do, starting today, when it feels like perimenopause is kicking your butt!Take the perimenopause quizFind an AMS Registered DoctorWhere t

May 12, 2022 • 14:12

2: Shelly Horton: Losing joy, HRT and putting an end to secret women's business

2: Shelly Horton: Losing joy, HRT and putting an end to secret women's business

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.In today's episode I was delighted to sit down and have an open and real chat about perimenopause with the divine, Shelly Horton.Shelly is the personification of confidence. She’s a jour

May 5, 2022 • 43:56

4: Kylie Patchett: Perimenopause, body image and radiance.

4: Kylie Patchett: Perimenopause, body image and radiance.

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.Today's episode is a juicy and very open conversation with my guest Kylie Patchett. You are going to love this chat where we dig into Kylie's own perimenopause experience and have a

May 5, 2022 • 35:18

3: Jane Elliott: Cancer, early menopause and Brighter Days

3: Jane Elliott: Cancer, early menopause and Brighter Days

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.In today's episode I was humbled to sit down and chat with a remarkable and incredibly inspiring woman, my guest Jane Elliott.We are taken on Jane's journey with cancer, which she w

May 5, 2022 • 45:37

1: Sonya Lovell: Welcome to Dear Menopause!

1: Sonya Lovell: Welcome to Dear Menopause!

Do you want to take away the guess work of perimenopause and menopause, save yourself time and energy and ditch the shame? Working with me you learn what's happening to you physically, mentally and emotionally, why and what you can do about it. Go to stellarwomen.com.au/stellar-circle/ to find out more.I am so excited to bring you Dear Menopause the podcast, you can expect weekly episodes that are a combination of conversations with stellar women and brilliant experts. In these conversation

Apr 26, 2022 • 19:45

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