Dear Menopause

Reaching the four-week milestone in my hysterectomy recovery journey feels like crossing an important threshold. In this episode, I discuss the remarkable physical transformation that has occurred – pain has decreased significantly, mobility has improved dramatically, and my energy levels have surged. Simple movements that caused discomfort just two weeks ago, like rolling over in bed or tying shoelaces, now feel natural again. The four-week check-up with my surgeon brought validation and un...

The unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me in September 2024, launching me on a journey that ultimately led to having a hysterectomy at age 55. This very personal episode takes you through my complete hysterectomy experience – from the shocking discovery of post-menopausal bleeding to my recovery two weeks after robotic laparoscopic surgery. I share the medical investigations that revealed my sign...

As the head of health programs at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Nicole Pritchard shares how their new Menopause Plan leverages a decade of research to address the unique nutritional needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women. At the heart of the program is a powerful yet simple nutritional philosophy: emphasise high-quality protein, choose low glycemic index carbohydrates, and prioritise fiber-rich foods. This approach directly addresses the physiological changes occurring during menopause, ...

When Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) at UniSQ discovered she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, she turned to her healthcare provider for answers, only to find a glaring absence of research, resources, and support specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. "The last lot of research that we did or was done in Australia was about 12 years ago, and it was done by a group of non-Indigenous women and there were 10 women that t...

What if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and CEO of Antipodes Skincare, shares this refreshing perspective as she joins us to discuss how natural ingredients can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin. From her kitchen table to a global brand sold in over 40 countries, Elizabeth's story embodies the power of female entrepreneurship guided by genuine purpose. She reveals how winning ...