All Episodes

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 conversation prog...

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 per...

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 t...

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 truths of her e...

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 the...

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 revelation. And whi...

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're also stan...

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 sugar, caffeine, and ...

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 cardiovascula...

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 perspectives ...

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 of Dear Menopause. Yo...

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 ...

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 m...

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 politicians, bureaucrats, and th...

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 how t...

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 com...

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-dollar supple...

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 down m...

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 relaxati...

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...

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. So, w...

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 challenge...

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 member of both the A...

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...