HOW TO THRIVE IN MENOPAUSE
The journey through perimenopause and menopause can be a challenging but also a liberating time – physically, mentally and emotionally.
In Menopause Matters, join host and author of Queen Menopause, Alison Brahe-Daddo, as she unpacks the experience of this life-changing yet entirely normal part of life.
Speaking with leading menopause experts, Alison sheds light on issues faced by many women, including some of the best ways to manage your symptoms, how to navigate your career, mental health and relationships during this time, and shares the joys of life post-menopause. You’re in for a great second act of your life.
Listen to Menopause Matters below or on your device through Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
EPISODE 1: PERIMENOPAUSE – HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS IT?
In our first episode, host Alison talks to Dr Fatima Khan, a perimenopause and menopause specialist with a holistic approach to women's physical emotional and mental wellbeing.
Dr Kahn sheds light on the difference between perimenopause and menopause, how getting a handle on your stress can make a big difference to your perimenopause symptoms, why early symptoms of perimenopause can often be related to your mental health, how to know if this is really ‘it’ and treatment options.
EPISODE 2: MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS – GETTING HELP AND FINDING SOLUTIONS
Host Alison speaks to Dr Elizabeth Farrell, a gynaecologist and medical director of Jean Hailes for Women's Health with a deep knowledge of hormones, HRT/MHT and why your brain and body can behave differently in the lead up to and during menopause.
In this episode we discuss what’s going on when your cycle suddenly becomes irregular or heavier, getting help for symptoms including hot flushes and brain fog, how to take care of your midlife mental health, and the top questions to take to your GP to get the best healthcare plan during perimenopause.
EPISODE 3: MENOPAUSE AND YOUR SEX LIFE – RECLAIMING YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Keeping your relationship and sex life thriving while dealing with hot flushes, sleepless nights and fluctuating moods in menopause can feel like an impossible task.In this episode, host Alison talks to sex and relationship therapist Jacqueline Hellyer, who delivers sage advice on why women need to reframe the way we think about sex during and after menopause: 'It comes down to what is pleasure for you? What makes YOU feel good?'
Jacqueline shares her advice on how to open up to your partner about what’s going on during perimenopause, how to create ‘micro connections’ throughout the day and why it’s time to honour the female body as the powerful miracle it is.
EPISODE 4: MENOPAUSE AND THE WORKPLACE – STARTING THE CONVERSATION
You’re in the middle of a work meeting and feel a hot flush coming on. How do you handle it? Many women struggle in silence with perimenopause symptoms at work and that’s part of the problem, says Thea O’Connor, a menopause in the workplace specialist who wants to break the stigma and normalise the conversation with managers and employees.
In this episode, host Alison chats to Thea about why we need to talk about menopause in the workplace. Thea calls out simple adjustments businesses can make to support women during this time of life, including giving you flexible work breaks and support if you're sleep deprived. Find out why being menopause friendly can benefit everyone at work.
EPISODE 5: MENOPAUSE AND NUTRITION – FOODS TO MANAGE YOUR SYMPTOMS
With so many changes that may occur in your body, from dry eyes, hair loss and itchy skin, to night sweats and weight gain, perimenopause and menopause can feel like an overwhelming time. But menopause can also be a great awakening to all of the lifestyle habits that no longer serve you, and can help you shift to a better way of eating and moving your body.
In this episode, host Alison chats to Emma Bardwell, a nutritionist who specialises in menopause, about why this isn’t the time to be trying drastic diets and the importance of strength training for all women. Emma talks about what to eat to help you reduce and manage your symptoms, and shares her tips on reducing menopause bloating and weight gain.
EPISODE 6: POST-MENOPAUSE UPSIDES – EMBRACING YOUR SECOND ACT
Join host Alison as she shares a delightfully hilarious and informative chat about the unexpected upsides of life after menopause with Puberty Blues author, Kathy Lette, and comedian, actor and author of You’re Still Hot to Me, Jean Kittson.
In this episode, we change the pace and move on from hot flushes and haywire hormones to take a look at what life looks like once you come out the other side of menopause. Kathy and Jean share their personal stories of managing menopause and relationships and why, when the sweats stop, you’re in for the time of your life.
Meet our experts
DR FATIMA KHAN
Dr Fatima Khan is a highly experienced menopause specialist at Melbourne’s Epworth Hospital. She’s passionate about helping women understand perimenopause and menopause, and the impact it has on women’s physical and mental health. For more on Dr Khan, follow her on Instagram @menopausespecialist
DR ELIZABETH FARRELL
Dr Elizabeth Farrell is a gynaecologist and medical director of Jean Hailes for Women's Health. She was one of the driving forces that established the Jean Hailes Foundation in 1992 and is recognised worldwide for her expertise in menopause management.
JACQUELINE HELLYER
Jacqueline Hellyer is a sex and relationship therapist and founder of the LoveLife Clinic in Sydney. She’s been working with individuals and couples for nearly 20 years. For more on Jacqueline, follow her on Instagram @jaqueline.hellyer and visit her website.
THEA O'CONNOR
Thea O’Connor is a wellbeing and productivity advisor and coach, and the creator of the Menopause@Work training program. For more on Thea, visit her website.
EMMA BARDWELL
Emma Bardwell is a nutritionist who specialises in menopause and author of The Perimenopause Solution. She blends nutritional sciences, diet therapy and behaviour change to help women celebrate, and not fear, the menopause transition. For more on Emma, follow her on Instagram @emma.bardwell and visit her website.
JEAN KITTSON
Jean Kittson is an actor, comedian and author whose book You’re Still Hot to Me recounted her own experience dealing with menopause and finding joy on the other side. For more on Jean, visit her website.
KATHY LETTE
Kathy Lette is an outspoken comic writer and author of 15 best-selling novels, including Puberty Blues, HRT (Husband Replacement Therapy) and Mad Cows. For more on Kathy, follow her on Twitter @KathyLette and visit her website.
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE 10:10 BE WELL PODCAST
We want to empower members to be their healthiest selves with expert-led health information and actionable insights. That's why we're proud to support the 10:10 Be Well podcast, hosted by clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo and Channel 7 TV host, Sally Bowrey, covering important topics like mental health and mindset, kids' nutrition, sleep and menopause.
Listen to the 10:10 Be Well podcast through Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Listen to the 10:10 Be Well podcast through Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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While this stage of life brings with it physical challenges, it can also have repercussions for your mental health. Here’s why, and how you can feel better.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE AND ARE YOU IN IT?
You’ve heard of menopause, but what about perimenopause? While every woman goes through this, not everyone knows about it. We speak to a GP for some general advice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, and need to speak to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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