Thriving In Menopause

Women's health physiotherapist Caitlin Dunsford explains why your bladder can become less reliable in your 40s and 50s; from suffering embarrassing little leaks when you laugh to waking up for the fourth time in the night with an overwhelming urge to pass urine. Caitlin discusses the reasons your bladder is letting you down, why it may be a symptom of other issues and what you can do about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Caminiti had no idea that what was happening to her had a name: perimenopause. And now she's determined to make sure other women know that menopause can come in many guises - and it's not always having hot flushes. Here she shares her story, and the signs and signals she didn't understand until much, much later. If you are in your 40s and your health is gets rocky, it's worth you and your doctor putting menopause on the table (despite how remote 'menopause' may seem). Here's the Australian Menopause Society's symptom checklist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many doctors have little training in menopause. In fact they can fail to recognise the signs, and aren't equipped to help women through menopause. So in this episode Dr Sarah White, who is CEO of the Jean Hailes women's health clinics, talks about how to discuss menopause with your GP and get the help and support you need. You can find the Jean Hailes symptom tracker here. Using it can be an effective way to discuss your health problems with your doctor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When nutritionist Faye James hit her mid 40s she found herself piling on kilos around her belly. As someone who had always eaten healthily she was bewildered, and decided to investigate. The result is a cookbook, The Menopause Diet, which Faye and her photographer husband Darrin James have created, packed with very simple nutritious recipes that lean into the foods we need more of during menopause, and avoid ingredients known to trigger hot flushes and weight gain. In this episode Faye shares her story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Melissa Doyle and her best friend Naima Brown discuss how women can find confidence and pride in approaching our 50s. Their book How to Age Against The Machine explores many facets of life after 40, with a view to empowering others. In this episode Melissa and Naima candidly share how during the writing of this book they've reframed their own outlook on ageing and how they've come to feel great about midlife. Grab a copy of How to Age Against the Machine from Prevention's Book Club here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's surprisingly common for women to feel restless, disappointed or just less happy in our 40s and 50s. In fact, researchers have found that we tend to hit the bottom of the happiness curve in midlife. So how do we find our way back to feeling joyful and inspired by life again? In this episode clinical psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray shares how to set yourself on the path back to happiness and live your best life at midlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the many roles oestrogen plays in our bodies, it turns out that it is important in cushioning our joints. In this episode Rebecca Sabine, senior physiotherapist at Adelaide's Vital Core Physiotherapy, explains what happens to our joints as our oestrogen fluctuates during perimenopause. She also offers valuable advice for what you can do to keep your joints strong and healthy at midlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Female alcohol and binge drinking coach Kathryn Elliott shares her own journey to sobriety and discusses tips and tricks to help women drink less. You can find Melbourne-based Kathryn Elliott at www.thealcoholmindsetcoach.com Or, if you are looking for support from elsewhere in Australia, find coaches near you at www.alcoholcoachesaustralia.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a fact that two thirds of women experience ‘brain fog’, during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. And it’s natural to wonder, is this the start of a slippery slope to dementia? GP Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of Save Your Brain, discusses what causes women to start to feel fuzzy-brained during perimenopause, and if there's a link to dementia. She also reveals the important lifestyle changes in your 40s and 50s that can have a huge impact on your risk of developing dementia later on. Because studies now show that up to a third of dementia cases can be prevented entirely, and in the rest can be delayed by as much as five years by doing things now to protect your brain. You can also purchase Dr Ginni Mansberg's great new book Save Your Brain here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the first signs of perimenopause? Unlike the much easier signal, years earlier, that you were having your first period, there's no specific sign or marker of this transition. And because the process starts many years before actual 'menopause' (which is, officially, 1 year after your last period) it usually happens in our early to mid 40s. For TV presenter Shelly Horton it was an enormous shock when her doctor suggested she was perimenopausal. “I'm like, hang on a minute, I'm 46! I'm hot! What the hell?! Menopause is for old ladies with grey hair, clutching their pearls. And they have hot flushes and then their periods stop. That's all that happens. Right? Like I had no idea!" It has led Shelly to become, a self-described 'peri warrior'. And together with GP Dr Ginni Mansberg she now offers webinars and workshops to support women through perimenopause, and also to teach businesses how to support their own staff. Find out more at Don't Sweat It. Plus, she's conducting a weekend-long retreat on Hamilton Island, from June 16-18 2023, for women to meet others and to learn and be inspired. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it’s about your clothes getting tight, or anxiety about your partner seeing you naked, you are not alone. In fact, this kind of body self-criticism causes many of us to have a troubled relationship with eating, says dietitian Lyndi Cohen, author of ‘Your Weight is not the Problem’. In this episode Lindy details tips and strategies to cut the negative self-talk and develop a healthy relationship with food and with your body. Get Lyndi's book Your Weight Is Not The Problem through Prevention's Book Club hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Dr Fatima Khan, a highly skilled menopause and perimenopause doctor, discusses the fundamental pillars every woman needs to be aware of in order to thrive during menopause. Over decades of treating menopausal women, she has found that there is no point taking a pill without addressing these underlying issues. Here, Dr Khan supplies daily management strategies for your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it that some people manage to lose weight then see it slip straight back on, while others keep it off for good? Dr Gina Cleo has the answers. Gina is one of the world's leading habit change experts. In this episode she shares the surprisingly simple tweaks that will make it easy for you to stick with healthy habits, and recognise the unseen triggers that may be sabotaging them. Learn how to avoid mindless snacking (or that sneaky glass of wine after dinner) to making fitness a regular part of your routine and whatever else you hope to change to enjoy a healthy life during midlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence coach Mel Schilling is a former psychologist and currently the relationship coach on Married At First Sight in Australia and the UK. In this episode she shares powerful tips to build your confidence and navigate a positive outlook through the ups and downs of midlife. + Find the questionnaire Mel discusses to define your personal strengths here + Grab a copy of Mel's book The C Word (Confidence), here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dietitian Susie Burrell joins us to chat about belly fat and how our nutrition needs change during midlife, and what you should be eating more of. She also shares which of the popular diets really work - is it keto, 5:2, low carb or intermittent fasting that's best for long-term weight loss. You can hear more nutrition advice from Susie on her podcast The Nutrition Couch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking us through gentle moves that can ease menopause symptoms is yoga teacher Justine Thompson, who runs workshops for perimenopausal women. Rest assured, there's no headstands or mantra chanting involved. Studies have proven that simple yoga moves and yoga-style slow, deep breathing can help us with the physical and emotional upheavals around midlife. You'll want to try these simple moves at home! For more details about Justine and her workshops click here. Here's what research has shown about the benefits of yoga: Less hot flushes and better quality of life Slower breathing lowers heart rate and creates calm Deep slow breathing creates greater clarity and better decision-makingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is essential listening for every couple. Get your partner to hear this one episode - it could be a game-changer for your relationship! GP and menopause expert Dr Ginni Mansberg discusses the healthiest way to navigate mood swings, night sweats and, most importantly, what you should both know about sex and intimacy during menopause. Straight-talking Dr Ginni shares important no-holds-barred truths. Note: this episode contains explicit content. Dr Ginni Mansberg has written the comprehensive bible on menopause The M Word - you can purchase it at Prevention's Book Club on the link on book title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dry, sore eyes...blurry vision... these are common problems in our 40s and 50s - and the good news is there are simple fixes. In this final episode of series 4, optometrist Greeshma Patel from Specsavers makes sense of the changes you might be experiencing in your peepers, and shares surprising insights into how you can protect your sight and keep scratchy, dry, red eyes at bay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think of this as a bedtime story with a happy ending. If you wake up in a tangle of sweaty sheets, or find yourself staring endlessly at the ceiling, psychologist Dr Moira Junge, head of the Sleep Health Foundation, shares some practical advice to help you get a good night's sleep. Here's more practical tips from our website: How to Get Better Sleep After 40 12 Natural Remedies for Better Sleep 10 Things that Sabotage Your Sleep After 40 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accidentally weeing when you laugh... a urinary tract infection...a vagina that's painfully tight...these and other problems 'down there' happen to a surprising number of us! In this episode pelvic health physiotherapist Heba Shaheed comes to our aid. She explains the changes that happen to our pelvic floor as a normal part of going through our 40s and 50s, and the wide range of niggles and embarassing problems that can happen as a result. The good news is that with the right help, most of the time these problems can be completely fixed. Find out what you can do in this no-holds-barred episode. Heba Shaheed is a Jean Hailes' Women's Health Week champion. You can find more useful resources about your pelvic floor, bladder and bowel health at the Jean Hailes website here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hair is a defining part of who we are, so if we notice it start thinning or if we find strands of shed hair all over the place, it can be really distressing. But it's very common. In fact, it happens to many of us after menopause, or after a course of medication. Doctors may prescribe sticky lotions that you need to use every day which is, quite frankly, a pain. But there are other, better ways. Trichologist Carolyn Evans-Frost specialises in treating hair loss and scalp problems. In this episode she shares valuable tips in how we can remedy hair thinning and possibly delay the greys as well! Find out more about Carolyn and her Brisbane-based hair clinic Absolique Hair Health here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news! Neuropsychiatrist Dr Louann Brizendine is revolutionising the way we think about menopause, which she refers to instead as The Upgrade. She has been studying the changes that take place in our brains during and after menopause and says, “we are not defined by our declining hormones.” In this episode she explains how our brains really do change during and after menopause, and shares the science of why we get happier every decade of our life. You can buy Dr Louann Brizendine's book The Upgrade through Prevention's Book Club here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Brahe Daddo, who once graced the covers of Dolly and Cleo, drops into the studio for an unfiltered chat about her shifting hormones and changing body. As she muses…“Even the Kardashians will go through menopause!” She can laugh about it now, but some of her experiences will resonate with every woman. As a bonus we have an extract from her book Queen Menopause on the link here.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout history menopause has been shrouded in myth and superstition. Niki Bezzant, author of This Changes Everything, discusses some of the strange treatments and 'cures' that male doctors and healers have inflicted on women when they reached the end of their reproductive lives. From ancient Rome to as recently as the 1960s, these 'remedies' range from the odd to the tragic and, with our modern understanding, frankly infuriating.  Get Niki Bezzant's book This Changes Everything - The Honest Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause at a special Prevention discount through our Book Club here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That voice inside our head always seems to judge what we didn't do well, never what we did. So how do we reframe this? Melbourne author Madeleine Dore's book “I Didn’t Do the Thing Today”  looks at the kind of productivity guilt we all suffer and she points up some of the simple traps that might be unwittingly making you less happy than you deserve to be.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The skin doctor will see you now! Cutting through all the beauty industry hype, dermatologist Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan discusses all the skin concerns that you may be wondering about: from dryness and age spots, to rosacea, frown lines and that 'tired' look you can't shake. And she explains the ABC of getting your glow back. Dermatologist Shyamalar Gunatheesan is the founding dermatologist at ODE Dermatology in Melbourne. You can follow her on Instagram here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this explicit episode, Dr Kelly Teagle delivers straight-forward answers to questions you probably don’t ask your girlfriends.  We discuss how our changing hormones impact everything from the look of our sexual organs to the way they respond to sex.  Menopause also affects arguably our most important sexual organ – the brain. And this impacts everything from our level of interest in sex to our ability to get aroused. Understanding all of this can help you find new ways to enjoy sex and possibly have the most satisfying and happy sex of your life. Our guest Dr Kelly Teagle, is a GP who specialises in women’s health at her telehealth clinic Wellfemme.  Wellfemme’s online assessment tool can help you highlight the health issues and treatments for your stage of peri/menopause. And you can watch her webinar: Sexual Problems at Menopause  WARNING: This episode contains explicit contentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn simple ways to shift unwelcome kilos – they're radically good, because they are so very doable, and don’t involve dieting! Nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge, author of Eat, Drink and Still Shrink, shares smart hacks to ‘nudge the dial’ towards better health, just by gently tweaking your regular daily habits into better, lighter ones. Michele will discuss her ‘gin and sonic’ and other not-so-guilty pleasures! As she explains, once you start making these small everyday changes, you’ll not only notice your waist band loosen, but you’ll also rediscover that youthful spark of energy and vitality. Want to grab a copy of Michele’s book? Get it at a special price here at Prevention’s Booktopia Book Club!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brain fog – why can't I think straight? It's a common fear when you start forgetting names, wondering why you just walked into a room, struggling to concentrate…that what if this is the start of dementia? It's a proven fact that this cloudy thinking becomes worse for many of us around perimenopause. But the good news is that most times these aren't early signs of dementia. In this episode Dr Caroline Gurvich, a clinical neuropsychologist at Monash University in Melbourne, discusses the research she is doing into menopausal brain fog and explains all: why it happens and what we can do about it. Dr Gurvich is looking for recruits for her study. All that’s required is filling in a simple half-hour questionnaire. If you’re between 45 and 60, you can take this online questionnaire here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During menopause, this midway point in life, it's not uncommon for women to feel stuck in a rut, or perhaps a little bit disappointed by how life’s turned out at. So in this episode we help you clear the path to a really rewarding next chapter. Michelle Seelig, is a midlife transition counsellor and coach shares strategies to help you rediscover joy, and live a life you truly love. Michelle Seelig runs the Live Well Playground in Melbourne. https://thelivewellplayground.com.au/about-michelle-seelig-midlife-counsellor-coach/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning makeup artist Amanda Ramsay is ‘pro-ageing’. Her mission is to deliver confidence to women at midlife. Amanda explains the  key changes that happen to our skin around menopause and the essential skincare regimen that can restore a healthy ‘glow’.  Plus, she imparts smart tips for applying makeup so you look confidently polished and radiant. Don't miss this!Amanda Ramsay offers online makeup masterclasses exclusively tailored to women 40+. Visit https://www.amandaramsay.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us go around judging ourselves and at the same time feeling wild outbursts of anger, frustration and sadness that can all brought on by our see-sawing hormones. What if there was a lighter way you could be – no medication required? Mindfulness coach Charlotte Thaarup shares tips for managing frustrating real life scenarios with grace and calm. And she coaches us through a simple technique to stop, pause and live in more in the moment. Learn how to swap the noisy destructive chatter in our heads with a life-changing sense of calm. Charlotte Thaarup is a world-renowned, clinical mindfulness consultant and transformative educator.  She is the director of The Mindfulness Clinic.  Her Mindful Leadership program has been researched by Macquarie University and her Six Mindful Steps to Loving the Body and Freeing the Mind is currently being researched through Western Sydney University. Find out more about her mindfulness courses here:https://themindfulnessclinic.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Thebe is a force of nature for women who are experiencing menopause hell and want to start feeling healthy and fit in their 40s and beyond.  In episode 1 of this series she shared her own story, and in this episode she's back with a veritable toolkit of practical ways to look after your health at midlife. She explains how to avoid weight gain, overcoming emotional eating, soothe stress and anxiety, recharge your energy and rediscover the inner happy you.Amanda's lively Facebook group is called Menopausing So Hard .Buy Amanda's book Menopocalypse through Prevention's online book club by pasting this link:https://www.booktopia.com.au/books-online/prevention-book-club/l100673-p1.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot flushing when talking to your boss, a memory that now has more holes than swiss cheese... menopause can make us feel less confident in our jobs. In this episode workplace and wellbeing coach Thea O'Connor shares game-changing tips and tactics for when our hormones invade us at work. Learn how to sail through with confidence.Learn more about Thea's online program The Change to help menopausal women thrive in their workplace here:https://www.thea.com.au/the-change/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A subtle, progressive shift in our hormones can start as early as our late 30s, and it creates a raft of changes in our body and our brain. While it’s different for every woman, this can include mood swings, migraines, depression, loss of confidence and feeling like you’re not yourself anymore. Author and fitness coach Amanda Thebe dubs it the ‘Menopocalypse’. In this episode Amanda describes her harrowing journey through perimenopause, from her debilitating symptoms to how she behaved with her family (badly), and how she was able to claim back control, shed the symptoms and regain her confidence. It’s an inspiring story with many useful lessons for anyone who thinks they may be going (just a little bit) crazy during menopause.RESOURCESFind a doctor near you who has a special interest in helping women through menopause via the Australasian Menopause Society: https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/find-an-ams-doctorUse a symptom tracker:  Download this resource  by the Australasian Menopause Society to keep a record of the type, frequency and duration of your symptoms before speaking to your doctor, so they can determine the best treatment for you: https://www.menopause.org.au/images/stories/education/docs/AMS_Diagnosing_Menopause_Symptom_score_sheet_2015.pdfOr try this friendly website with its free app lets you record your symptoms on your phone. It's based in the UK, but let's face it, menopause is universal: https://www.balance-menopause.com/ Amanda Thebe's Facebook group is called Menopausing So Hard.Get Amanda's book Menopocalypse through Prevention's book club - just paste this link:https://www.booktopia.com.au/prevention/promo3538.html?irclickid=xwJ3vh2KPxyIW6D2YnW0fUvaUkBXf1z6TR8Pys0&bk_source=2713656&bk_source_id=2713656&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=Nextmedia&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=ImpactSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of the season, comedian Julia Morris shares hilarious stories of her own menopausal adventures. She opens up about the professional counselling she went through to relieve her menopausal mood swings. “I wanted to stab people!” she says. Julia also shares some valuable advice on being kind to yourself at this sensitive time. Yes, there’s practical tools from Julia, along with a few great belly laughs to help us sail happily through menopause and beyond.CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three out of four women suffer from a pretty crappy sex life during menopause – though it’s hardly something we talk about. Common symptoms are not feeling in the mood, suffering from dry or painful sex, and physical changes down there. But all is not lost as sexologist Tracey Cox, author of Great Sex Starts at 50, talks frankly and offers practical advice to maintaining a happy, healthy sexual relationship. Warning: this episode includes graphic content. CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news is that there are great treatments available to nip your menopause symptoms in the bud. They'll not just take away the hot flushes, but soothe the mood swings, restore sleep and make you feel like yourself again. GP  Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of The M Word, talks about the latest the evidence around HRT: Is it really safe? What kinds of symptoms does it treat? And if you want an all-natural option, Ginni shares what science shows really works – you’ll be surprised!CREDITS  Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE?  Visit preventionaus.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, you may feel like you’re going a little crazy, but rest assured it’s not you, it’s your hormones. Psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray talks about the common intense changes that our hormones can cause: If you feel like your normal happy self has been stolen, or if you suddenly want  want to leap out and punch someone who cuts you off in traffic, you’ll know what we mean. Dr Emanuella discusses how it’s quite normal to feel overwhelmed by life, exhausted and lose any sense of fun. And she shares ways you can get out from under this emotional black fog. She also has some important advice on managing your relationship through this rocky time. It's a time when many women feel they need to ‘fix’ their lives by making radical decisions – quit a relationship, leave a job, or uproot their home in an effort find the stability and happiness that is missing. But before you do, Dr Emmanuella has some important advice.  CREDITS  Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE?  Visit preventionaus.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many of us notice weight creeping on - especially around our belly - during menopause? In this episode, Dr Joanna McMillan, leading nutrition scientist, author and creator of Get Lean, explains why our metabolism slows down. And she discusses why belly fat can be risky for our overall health, compared with 'bingo wings' and the other places we may have discovered added padding.Dr Joanna guides us through how to curb weight gain without 'dieting'. She shares a range of simple 'tweaks' to your daily food choices and lifestyle habits, that will not only loosen that tight waist band, but can lead to feeling more energised, ease brain fog and boost your happiness. CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by hot flushes, intense mood swings and exhaustion from another lousy night’s sleep, you’re not alone. In this episode GP Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of The M Word (Murdoch Books, $32.99), explains what's really going on with our bodies, and what changes you can expect as you navigate this roller coaster of hormones that take over your body somewhere between the ages of 40 and 60. Dr Ginni answers the most common questions women ask, and shares down-to-earth advice for looking after of ourselves, soothing the symptoms, and caring for our mental health and happiness. Oh, and she has some nifty ways to ease hot flushes! CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au c265b75d6a382ca1cd201153049101fbf444abd0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.