Thriving In Menopause

There are some guests whose work feels as though it’s changing the conversation around women’s health – and Dr Vonda Wright is one of them. A double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and internationally recognised authority on human performance, longevity and women’s health, Dr Wright has spent more than two decades studying how we can remain strong, mobile and independent as we age. She is also the author of the bestselling Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Ageing with Power and the physician who gave a name to something countless women had been experiencing but struggling to explain: the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. Her message is an enormously empowering one for women in midlife: ageing does not have to mean quietly accepting weakness, pain and physical decline. There is much we can do now to protect our muscles, bones, joints and future independence – and midlife is a crucial time to start. Dr Wright is one of the most compelling voices in women’s longevity today, so we’re incredibly excited to welcome her to Thriving in Menopause. This is a conversation every woman who wants to feel strong, capable and confident in her body for decades to come should hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year on from Australia’s landmark Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause, Senator Marielle Smith returns to Thriving in Menopause to talk about what’s changed – and what still needs to happen. As Co-Sponsor and Deputy Chair of the inquiry, Senator Smith played a pivotal role in bringing the experiences of Australian women into the national spotlight. Now, one of its key recommendations has become a reality, with the launch of a National Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign designed to help women recognise symptoms, find trusted information and feel more confident seeking support. In this episode, we talk about why greater awareness matters, the stigma that still surrounds menopause, the progress made since the inquiry and where gaps remain in healthcare, workplaces and the wider community. We also ask what real change looks like beyond an awareness campaign – and what Senator Smith hopes the next chapter will bring for women navigating perimenopause and menopause in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does everything suddenly feel so much harder in perimenopause? You might find yourself overwhelmed by things you once took in your stride, snapping at the people you love, feeling emotionally exhausted or simply wondering why you don’t seem to cope the way you used to. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Narelle Dickinson to explore what’s really going on. We unpack the connection between hormones, the brain and nervous system, and how the changes of midlife can affect our emotional bandwidth, resilience and ability to deal with stress. Narelle explains what nervous system dysregulation can look like in everyday life, where cortisol and chronic stress fit into the picture and why burnout and hormonal symptoms can be so difficult to untangle. We also explore why some women find themselves reassessing relationships and becoming less willing to tolerate things they once did - leading to the 'menodivorce' phenomenon. Most importantly, Narelle shares practical strategies to help calm an overloaded nervous system, prioritise rest and recovery and feel more like yourself again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hot flushes and disrupted sleep to anxiety and fatigue, menopause symptoms can affect almost every aspect of daily life. While hormone therapy can be transformative for many women, it isn’t suitable for everyone – and some may be interested in complementary ways to manage their symptoms. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, host Zoe Meunier speaks with Kim Gatenby, Director of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, about the role acupuncture may play in menopause care. Kim explains how acupuncture works, what the current evidence tells us and why treatment is tailored to each woman’s individual experience. She also discusses the symptoms women most commonly seek help for, what to expect during a consultation and how to find a suitably qualified practitioner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could your constant fatigue, brain fog or irritability be more than just the juggle of everyday life? For many women, the first signs of perimenopause arrive years before they expect them to – and are often mistaken for stress, burnout or simply being "too busy". In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by nutritionist, chef and WelleCo educator Zoe Bingley-Pullin, who shares her own experience of being diagnosed with perimenopause at just 39. Together, they unpack why this transition can begin earlier than many women realise, the symptoms to look out for and the simple, evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can help you feel your best. From the importance of blood sugar balance and protein to the role of stress, sleep and movement, this conversation cuts through the online noise to focus on the habits that truly support hormone health – not just for today, but for healthy ageing in the years ahead. Whether you're in your late 30s, already navigating menopause or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your hormones – rather than letting them control you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.