All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flushes, sleep disruption, and mood changes. But hormonal shifts affect far more than we realise. And one area that is rarely talked about is oral health.Many women entering perimenopause or menopause begin noticing symptoms that seem unrelated at first: a dry mouth that doesn’t improve with water, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw clenching, headaches, or even a burning sensation on the tongue.In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with expert dentist Dr Martina Lavery, who specialises in the connection between oral health and whole-body health.Together they unpack how hormonal changes influence the mouth, jaw, teeth and facial structure during midlife.Dr Martina also shares practical strategies to help manage common issues including jaw tension, mouth dryness, and dental crowding that can develop later in life.If you’ve ever woken up with a tight jaw, experienced unexplained mouth discomfort, or noticed changes in your smile during midlife, this episode will help connect the dots between hormones, oral health, and overall wellbeing.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.Chapters 01:08 Why So Many People Fear the Dentist03:31 - How Hormones Change Oral Health in Menopause05:10 - Why Dry Mouth Happens in Midlife07:11 - Why Saliva Protects Your Teeth11:03 - The Oral Microbiome and Menopause13:20 - Burning Tongue Syndrome Explained15:26 - Jaw Clenching, Teeth Grinding and Headaches20:05 - How to Relax Your Jaw and Reduce Clenching32:20 - How Teeth Influence Facial Aging40:12 - Dangerous Dental Trends on Social MediaKeywordsmenopause oral healthperimenopause dry mouthmenopause jaw painburning mouth syndrome menopauseteeth grinding menopausebruxism menopausehormonal changes oral healthmenopause dental symptomsTMJ menopausemenopause facial changesmenopause dry mouth treatmentestrogen oral healthwhy does menopause cause dry mouthmenopause teeth grinding and jaw painburning tongue during menopausehow hormones affect oral healthfacial changes during menopause

Have you ever wanted to talk to your teen about alcohol or drugs but didn’t know where to start?In this episode with Paul Dillon, one of Australia’s leading experts in youth drug and alcohol education, to unpack what actually works when it comes to keeping teenagers safe.This isn’t a fear-based conversation. It’s a practical, evidence-informed discussion about how to build influence, maintain connection, and respond calmly when things don’t go to plan.You’ll learn:• Why ongoing conversations work better than one intense “sit-down talk”• How to ask about peer behavior without interrogating your teen• Why early conversations about medication build respect for substances• How to create a safe exit strategy your teen can use at parties• What to do if your teen calls you intoxicated• The difference between consequences and punishment• How to respond calmly if you find drugs in your child’s room• The three core protective factors every parent should prioritizePaul also explains how communication naturally shifts during adolescence from messaging to consulting and why maintaining connection during Years 9 and 10 can significantly influence long-term outcomes.We also cover:• Setting clear boundaries around alcohol in your home• The growing risks of pharmaceutical misuse, including Xanax and Valium• How to respond without panic when something goes wrongThis episode isn’t about raising perfect teenagers, it’s about raising connected, informed, and resilient ones.Because when it comes to protecting teens, connection, clarity, and consistency are far more powerful than fear, lectures, or avoidance.If you’re navigating the teenage years or they’re coming soon, this conversation will give you practical tools and reassurance that you’re not alone.If you’re navigating the teenage years or they’re coming soon, this conversation will give you practical tools and reassurance that you’re not alone. Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here: 🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/ Leave a Voice Note Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode. 🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com Follow and learn more from Paul Dillon here: https://www.instagram.com/dillonpauldarta/?hl=en https://bookedout.com.au/speaker/paul-dillon-darta Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social: Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247 Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Chapters 00:00 – How to Talk to Your Teen About Alcohol & Drugs 01:17 – When Should You Start Talking to Your Child About Drugs? 05:39 – Teen Xanax Use & Prescription Drug Misuse Explained 08:19 – Why the “Big Talk” About Drugs Doesn’t Work 12:32 – “You Drink, So Why Can’t I?” How to Respond 16:03 – Should Parents Be Present for Their Teen’s First Drink? 17:21 – Does Supplying Alcohol Reduce Harm? What the Research Says 21:01 – Creating a Safe Exit Strategy From Teen Parties 25:15 – Consequences vs Punishment: What Actually Works With Teens 30:02 – What to Do If You Find Drugs in Your Teen’s Room Keywords how to talk to teens about drugs how to talk to teens about alcohol teen drinking advice parenting teens alcohol teen drug prevention what to do if you find drugs in your child’s room should parents give teens alcohol teen vaping and pharmaceutical misuse setting boundaries with teenagers consequences vs punishment parenting how to keep teens safe at parties teen alcohol exit strategy

What if the strain in your relationship right now isn’t because you feel incompatibility?For many couples, midlife relationship strain doesn’t begin with one major conflict. It appears gradually; less patience, more misunderstandings, disrupted sleep, reduced intimacy, and a growing sense of distance.In this episode, Dr. Shauna Watts speaks with Senior Clinical Psychologist and Certified Gottman Therapist, Natalie King, about how perimenopause affects not only a woman’s body, but the dynamic of her relationship.Perimenopause is often discussed as a women’s health issue but it is also a relational transition.Hormonal changes can influence mood, anxiety levels, sleep quality, energy, and emotional regulation. When these shifts are not recognised, couples can begin to attach meaning to them, questioning compatibility, commitment, or the future of the relationship.Together, they explore:• Why relationship strain in midlife is often about reduced capacity rather than incompatibility• How anxiety, exhaustion, and sleep disruption affect communication• The role of resentment and why unresolved conflict builds over time• The Gottman Method and the communication patterns that place relationships at risk• Why repair conversations matter more than getting it right every time• How curiosity and small daily check-ins can prevent disconnection• The importance of maintaining friendship during major life transitionsNot every relationship will continue, and not every relationship should. But many couples can navigate this season more effectively when they understand what is changing and approach it as a shared experience rather than a personal failing.If your relationship feels harder than it used to, this episode offers perspective, clarity, and practical direction.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow and learn more from Natalie King here:https://thereadclinic.com/practitioners/natalie-king/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247—------------------------Chapters 01:10 — Perimenopause Is a Relationship Transition04:44 — The Three Patterns Couples Fall Into06:15 — Anxiety, Mood Shifts and Misinterpreted Meaning09:01 — Why Couples Stop Giving Each Other Grace11:31 — The Estrogen Veil and Role Realignment16:20 — Rejection, Desire and Male Sensitivity18:05 — Keeping Your Partner Informed21:12 — Reactive Communication and the Power of Repair24:10 — Strengthening the Friendship in Your Relationship31:10 — The Gottman Method Explained33:15 — The Four Horsemen of Relationship Breakdown39:13 — Resentment and Repairing the Past46:34 — From “What’s Wrong With Us?” to “What’s Happening to Us?”Keywordsperimenopause and relationshipsmenopause and marriagemidlife relationship problemsperimenopause anxiety and moodhow hormones affect relationshipswhy do couples struggle in midlifeperimenopause emotional changesfeeling disconnected from partner midlifeGottman method four horsemenresentment in marriage midlifeperimenopause communication problemsdivorce during menopauseDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

What if aging isn’t random, but predictable, measurable, and modifiable?Longevity medicine isn’t about living forever. It’s about protecting your strength, cognition, metabolic health, and independence, especially in midlife.In this episode with Catherine Johnson MD, Longevity & Precision Health Expert, we unpack what longevity medicine actually means for women over 40 and why the real drivers of aging aren’t what most people think.This conversation is about understanding how metabolic health, hormones, muscle mass, sleep, and stress quietly shape your health span, the years you live well, not just long.You’ll learn:The difference between lifespan and health spanWhy midlife is a critical window for preventionHow insulin resistance and cortisol influence weight gain and fatigueWhy muscle is an organ of longevity, not just something aestheticHow stress shortens telomeres and accelerates agingWhy “normal lab results” don’t always mean optimal healthWhat actually moves the needle for long-term vitalityMany women in their 40s and 50s say, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”They’re not dramatically unwell.They’re not in crisis. But something feels off.This conversation explains why.If you care about staying strong, sharp, and capable after 40, this episode will change how you think about aging.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow and learn more from Catherine Johnson Here:https://www.instagram.com/catherinejohnsonmd/https://myprecisionmedicalcare.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247—------------------------00:41 - What Longevity Medicine Actually Means02:41 - Healthspan vs Lifespan Explained05:28 - Why Midlife Is a Critical Turning Point09:20 - “I Just Don’t Feel Like Myself”13:36 - The Hormone Shifts Driving Subtle Changes16:56 - What Lab Trends Really Reveal in Midlife20:18 - What Metabolic Health Actually Means24:28 - The Cortisol–Insulin Weight Gain Cycle31:18 - Trends vs What Actually Moves the Needle33:58 - Stress, Telomeres & Accelerated Aging36:35 - Why Sleep Is Foundational39:14 - Muscle: The Organ of Longevity43:34 - BMI vs Body Composition45:05 - Is It Too Late After 60?48:17 - Aging With Agency, Not Fear—------------------------longevity medicine for womenmidlife healthhealth span vs lifespanmetabolic health womenperimenopause metabolic changes why women gain weight in midlifecortisol and weight gain womenmuscle and longevityinsulin resistance in perimenopauseaging and metabolic healthhow to improve health spanmenopause and metabolic syndromesarcopenia women

Can’t sleep through the night? In midlife, wake-ups, restless nights, and feeling unrefreshed are often misunderstood but they’re not your fault. In this episode, we explore the real reasons sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause, and how to work with your body instead of against it.We bring together key conversations on sleep, hormones, alcohol, and the female brain. If you fall asleep but wake at 3 a.m., feel wired yet exhausted, or struggle to feel rested no matter how long you sleep, this episode explains why: without fear, shame, or oversimplified “fixes.”You’ll hear why there’s no single “perfect” amount of sleep, how hormonal shifts reshape your sleep cycles, and why even one drink of alcohol can quietly sabotage restorative rest. We also dive into something rarely discussed: sleep isn’t passive. While your body rests, your brain is actively processing emotion, filing memories, and softening the edges of daily stress. When sleep is disrupted, that work doesn’t happen— nd it shows up as irritability, anxiety, low mood, or burnout.Topics covered include:- Why sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause- How REM sleep supports emotional and mental health- The impact of estrogen and progesterone on sleep quality- Why more sleep isn’t always better and less sleep isn’t always the problem- Evidence-based, practical strategies to improve sleep without pressure or perfectionIf sleep has started to feel fragile, frustrating, or out of reach, this episode will help you reframe it, calm your nervous system, and stop blaming yourself.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a524700:00 – Why sleep feels harder lately01:19 – How much sleep do we actually need?02:47 – What happens when you oversleep or undersleep05:14 – The real health risks of chronic poor sleep07:15 – Why alcohol sabotages your sleep09:32 – Alcohol, REM sleep, and emotional regulation10:57 – Hormones, fatigue, and the hidden cost of nightly drinking12:42 – Sponsor: Rediscover You Program13:27 – Sleep as emotional repair, not just rest15:24 – Why REM sleep matters so much17:01 – Practical sleep habits that actually help18:37 – How to quiet a racing mind at night20:13 – Phones, clocks, and sleep anxiety22:26 – Hormones and sleep quality in midlife25:26 – The ideal sleep environment27:08 – You can’t ‘bank’ sleep29:06 – Circadian rhythm and morning light31:26 – Why you may still feel tired after sleeping better32:58 – Screens: is it the light or the engagement?34:56 – The most important thing to know about sleepDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.sleep problems womenperimenopause sleepmenopause insomniawomen and sleepREM Sleepwhy do I wake up at 3am every nightalcohol and sleep quality womenREM sleep emotional processinghormones and sleep architecturehow to improve sleep in perimenopauseestrogen progesterone sleepwhy I’m tired after sleeping 8 hours

If you are raising a teenager, this conversation will change how you think about alcohol and drugs.Alcohol feels unavoidable, cannabis seems increasingly normalised, and parents are hearing about drugs they never encountered growing up.But what is actually happening?In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts is joined by Paul Dillon, founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), to unpack the real data behind teen alcohol and drug use. The conversation is calm, evidence based, and free from fear driven messaging.With decades of experience working directly with schools, parents, and young people, Paul explains what the research really shows, why many assumptions are outdated, and how parents can reduce harm while maintaining trust and connection with their teens.This episode is for parents who want clarity rather than panic, and guidance that works in real family life.And if you want to learn more about: • Why teen drinking is declining in Australia and internationally• What the evidence shows about alcohol and the developing teenage brain• Why delaying alcohol use matters, without unrealistic parenting rules• How parenting approaches have shifted and why that matters• Why ketamine is an emerging concern for young people• How drug access has changed, even when overall use has not increased• How to talk to teens about drugs without fear, shame, or overreaction• The difference between loss of potential and fear based brain damage messaging• Why one parenting approach rarely works for every childLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.Chapters 00:00 – Why parents are more anxious about teen drugs than ever02:18 – Are teens actually drinking less? What the data shows05:41 – How teen drinking today compares to previous generations09:12 – Alcohol and the developing teenage brain explained simply14:06 – Why delaying alcohol use matters more than total abstinence18:32 – What parents misunderstand about brain damage messaging22:47 – How parenting styles influence teen risk behaviour27:15 – Why access to drugs has changed for young people31:40 – Ketamine use in teenagers and why it concerns experts36:54 – Cannabis, MDMA, and alcohol compared for teen risk41:26 – How to talk to teens about drugs without losing trust46:08 – What effective harm reduction actually looks like at home51:02 – When parents should be genuinely concerned55:18 – The biggest mistake parents make around teen substance use59:40 – Final advice for parents raising teens todayteen drug useteen drinking statisticsteenage alcohol usedrugs and teensadolescent brain development alcoholparenting teens drugs alcoholare teens drinking lesseffects of alcohol on teenage brainketamine use in teenagershow parents should talk to teens about drugsevidence based parenting teensalcohol and drugs high school studentsteen substance use trends

Feeling foggy, anxious, or unsure of who you are in midlife? Midlife isn’t just a physical transition; it’s a profound psychological and neurological one. In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts explores why so many women experience a loss of confidence, identity shifts, anxiety, and brain fog during perimenopause and menopause, and what actually helps.Joined by clinical psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle, neuroscientist Dr. Lila Landowski, alcohol coach Sarah Rusbatch, and media personality Maz Compton, this conversation unpacks the science behind cognitive change, emotional overwhelm, and the identity crisis many women face when life roles shift.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeUnderstand why midlife identity loss is so common (and why it’s not a personal failure)Learn how perimenopause affects brain function, memory, and attentionDiscover the concept of cognitive reserve and how to protect long-term brain healthWhy multitasking increases brain fog and anxiety during midlifeHow reducing or removing alcohol can dramatically improve mood, sleep, and clarityPractical, science-backed ways to rebuild confidence and self-trustLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence?Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. your question may be featured in a future episode.https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:43 - Understanding Identity in Midlife00:08:10 - Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome00:09:04 - Identity and Relationships00:11:31 - The Role of Childhood in Shaping Identity00:12:38 - The Need for Novelty and Challenge00:13:55 - Multitasking vs Monotasking00:17:35 - Brain Hacks for Learning Faster and More Effectively00:23:04 - Rediscover You Program - Dr Shaunas 16 week program for women in midlife00:23:48 - Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Strategies and Challenges00:27:30 - The Struggle of Grey Area Drinkers00:30:39 - The Hardship of Quitting Alcohol00:31:18 - Anxiety in Perimenopause00:35:40 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Explained00:40:17 - The Importance of Therapy00:46:03 - Making the Choice to Stop Drinking00:47:58 - The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships00:52:57 - The Role of Choice in Sobriety00:54:55 - The Influence of Culture on Drinking Habits00:57:21 - The Impact of Generational Shifts on Drinkingmidlife identity crisisperimenopause brain fogmenopause mental healthconfidence in midlifewomen’s brain healthanxiety in perimenopausecognitive changes menopausealcohol and anxiety womenrebuilding identity midlifebrain fog menopause

Menopause is not the finish line, it’s a turning point. In this episode of All About You, GP Dr. Shauna Watts continues her conversation with urologist and author Dr Kelly Casperson to explore what happens after menopause and how women can protect their brain, body, and relationships for decades to come. In this episode, you’ll discover how to:Understand the role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone beyond reproductionProtect brain health and mood during and after menopauseUse strength training as a foundation for longevity and independenceImprove sleep, metabolic health, and cardiovascular resilienceRethink intimacy, pleasure, and sexual health as longevity toolsReframe menopause as a springboard into a stronger, more confident phase of lifeLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a524700:00:00 – Menopause, Hormones & What This Episode Covers00:01:15 – How Hormones Affect the Brain, Mood & Mental Health After Menopause00:07:52 – Hormones, Aging & Longevity Explained00:13:18 – Why Muscle Is Critical for Women’s Health After Menopause00:15:07 – Building Muscle After 40, 50 & Menopause00:17:35 – Overcoming Fear of Strength Training in Midlife00:21:55 – Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Changes in Perimenopause00:26:56 – Sleep Problems After Menopause and Why They Matter00:29:54 – Sex, Pleasure & Longevity After Menopause00:31:28 – Female Anatomy, Desire & Sexual Response00:32:24 – Sexual Trauma, Shame & Stigma in Women’s Health00:33:27 – Common Sexual Health Changes With Aging00:35:49 – Menopause Myths: Do Labia Really Disappear?00:36:34 – Hormones, Sexual Health & the Pelvic Floor00:42:15 – Letting Go of Fear Around Menopause00:45:28 – Menopause as Empowerment, Not Decline00:47:47 – Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare + Final TakeawaysDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.menopause and longevitylife after menopausehormones and agingmenopause brain healthmenopause muscle strengthestrogen and brain healthtestosterone in womenmenopause and cardiovascular riskmenopause sleep problemsperimenopause cholesterolhow hormones affect aging after menopausestrength training for women over 50menopause and dementia risksexual health after menopausehow to age well after menopause

Start 2026 With Clarity, Not Extreme ResolutionsA new year doesn’t have to mean doing more, it means knowing where to focus.In this special expert mash-up episode, Dr. Shauna Watts brings together trusted voices in cardiology, menopause medicine, alcohol coaching, and longevity to answer one critical question:What actually protects your long-term health during perimenopause and menopause?From heart disease and bone loss to alcohol, hormones, sexual health, and strength training, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you step into 2026 informed, capable, and confident in your health decisions.🎧 Featuring insights from:* Dr. Tom Ford (Cardiology)* Dr. Alison Mooney (Menopause GP)* Sarah Rusbatch (Alcohol & Menopause Coach)* Dr. Amy Killen (Regenerative & Longevity Medicine)In this episode, you’ll learn how to:* Protect your heart health during menopause with realistic lifestyle changes that actually reduce risk* Understand osteoporosis and bone loss, and why early screening matters more than you think* Choose the right types of exercise for cardiovascular health, bone strength, and longevity* Understand how alcohol impacts hormones, sleep, mood, and breast cancer risk during midlife* Improve sexual health and intimacy as you age by supporting blood flow, hormones, and nervous system health* Build muscle and balance to prevent frailty, fractures, and loss of independence later in lifeFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a524700:00:00 - Introduction00:00:37 - Understanding Your Body During Midlife00:01:54 - Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health00:03:43 - Supplements and Heart Health00:05:57 - The Impact of Smoking on Heart Health00:07:41 - Alcohol and Heart Health00:09:50 - Emotional Impact of Heart Disease00:12:16 - Osteoporosis and Menopause00:13:23 - Detecting Osteoporosis00:15:15 - Understanding Osteoporosis Screening00:16:08 - Identifying High Risk Groups for Osteoporosis00:17:57 - Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis00:18:52 - Promoting Bone Health from a Young Age00:20:16 - The Role of Alcohol in Bone Health00:20:41 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement00:21:26 - Addressing Alcohol and Hormone Imbalances00:23:38 - Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Perimenopause Symptoms00:26:46 - The Overlap Between Perimenopause Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption00:28:03 - Addressing Cross Addiction and Boredom After Alcohol Withdrawal00:28:12 - Rebalancing the Brain's Reward Pathways After Alcohol Withdrawal00:30:27 - Exercise and Dopamine Replacement After Alcohol Withdrawal00:31:30 - Understanding Sexual Longevity00:32:31 - Lifestyle Factors Impacting Sexual Wellness00:33:29 - Stress and Its Impact on Heart Health00:34:46 - Risks of Extreme Exercise00:36:01 - Risks of Bodybuilding and Steroid Use00:37:48 - Dietary Interventions for Heart Health00:40:00 - Strength Training and Bone Health00:41:15 - Importance of Balance for Bone Health00:42:45 - Preventing Frailty and Maintaining Independence00:43:44 - The Role of Health Professionals in Preventing Osteoporosis* menopause health* menopause and heart health* menopause and osteoporosis* perimenopause health* women’s health midlife* healthy aging for women* menopause lifestyle changes* bone density menopause* alcohol and menopause* heart disease risk women* strength training menopause* sexual health after menopause* longevity for women* hormone therapy menopause* osteopenia osteoporosis womenDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

For decades, millions of women were told hormone therapy was dangerous, or were told nothing at all. In this episode of All About You, GP Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with urologist, author, and menopause educator Dr. Kelly Casperson to unpack what modern science actually says about menopause, hormone therapy, and aging. If you’re in your 50s, 60s, or 70s and were told it was “too late” for hormones—this conversation may change everything.In this conversation, you’ll learn how to:Understand why an entire generation of women missed out on hormone therapySeparate outdated fear-based messaging from current menopause scienceKnow whether hormone therapy can still help after age 60 or 70Learn what the timing hypothesis really means (and what it doesn’t)Understand the role of testosterone in women’s energy, mood, motivation, and libidoAdvocate for yourself in medical conversations with clarity and confidenceHave a question for Dr. Shauna? Leave a voice note via the link in the show notes, you may hear it answered in a future episode.https://www.allaboutyoupod.comResources & ReferencesThe Menopause Moment – Dr. Kelly Caspersonhttps://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/You Are Not Broken - Dr Kelly Casperson https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health-initiative-whiMenopause Society Guidelines (2022)https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠https://www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.If this episode resonated, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a woman who was never given the full story about menopause.00:00 – Menopause misinformation: how women were failed by outdated science01:00 – Welcome to All About You + why this conversation matters now02:00 – Dr Kelly Casperson on women’s suffering and why she does this work03:30 – The Boomer generation: menopause without support or hormones05:10 – The biggest hormone myths still holding women back10:30 – Can older women still benefit from hormone therapy?13:55 – Dr Shaunas 16 Week Program14:40 – Why menopause and hormone myths persist in medicine18:00 – Hormones and cancer: separating fear from evidence22:40 – Why the word “hormones” causes so much confusion27:30 – Testosterone in women: what it actually does31:20 – Testosterone myths: libido, hair loss, and fear-based advice36:30 – How testosterone supports energy, mood, and motivation40:10 – Why hormones matter for the brain and long-term health43:50 – Final takeaways: what every woman deserves to know about menopausemenopause hormone therapyHRT after menopausestarting HRT later in lifemenopause mythshormone therapy safetytestosterone for womenmenopause after 60women’s hormones agingis it too late to start HRTmenopause hormone mythsvaginal estrogen safetytestosterone benefits for womenmenopause brain fog hormonesmenopause bone health hormoneshormone therapy cancer mythsmenopause treatment options evidence based

Anxiety, brain fog, low mood, loss of confidence, and feeling “not like yourself” are some of the most common, and most misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts is joined by leading menopause experts to unpack the real science behind hormones, mental health, brain function, libido, bone health, and longevity, and why so many women are being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or under-treated during midlife.This conversation cuts through fear-based messaging and outdated medical myths to explain what’s actually happening in the female brain and body, when hormone therapy helps, when it doesn’t, and what every woman deserves to know before making decisions about her health.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Understand why anxiety and depression spike in perimenopause and why hormones, not SSRIs, are often the correct first-line treatmentExplain how estrogen stabilises the brain and why hormonal fluctuations drive mood changes and brain fogSeparate fact from fear around menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT)Learn when SSRIs may be appropriate — and when they’re notUnderstand the role of testosterone in female libido, muscle, mood, and confidenceProtect your bones, muscles, brain, and cardiovascular health long-termBust common myths about vaginal estrogen safety, including in breast cancer survivorsMake informed decisions about hormones at any ageReframe menopause as a powerful life transition, not a declineResources MentionedEstrogen Matters — Avrum Bluming & Carol TavrisThe New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire HaverYou Are Not Broken — Dr. Kelly CaspersonResearch on vaginal estrogen safety in breast cancer survivorsEmerging data on estrogen, Alzheimer’s risk, and brain healthFollow Dr Mary Claire Haverhttps://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/Dr Kelly Caspersonhttps://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Dr Vonda Wrighthttps://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/ Gina Jeffreyshttps://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/ Dr Shauna Wattshttps://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:41 - About the Host00:00:54 - Part Two: Menopause Mashup00:01:50 - Understanding Menopause and Mental Health00:03:16 - Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline00:04:19 - Hopes for Future Medical Training00:06:15 - Misconceptions about Menopause00:07:20 - Testosterone and Menopause00:10:56 - Vaginal Hormones and Menopause00:14:30 - Audience Questions00:15:16 - Menopause and Evolution00:17:18 - Hormones and Osteoporosis00:19:23 - Hormone Replacement in Older Age00:20:41 - Hormone Replacement and Breast Cancer00:26:06 - Vaginal Estrogen Sensitivity00:27:42 - Risks of Not Going on HRT00:31:16 - Recommended Resources for Menopause Literacy00:32:43 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement00:33:28 - Addressing Women Who Can't or Don't Want to Take HRT00:37:10 - Building Muscle for Better Health00:41:12 - The Importance of Optimizing Sleep00:45:17 - The Role of Nutrition in Menopause00:45:38 - Importance of Nutrition and Dietary Choices00:49:07 - Alcohol Consumption and Menopause00:52:48 - Social Interaction and Menopause00:54:52 - Medical Help for Menopause Symptoms00:55:38 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement00:56:47 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Sharing Experiences00:57:22 - Empowerment and Confidence in Menopause Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

In this conversation, we break down what actually changes during midlife from muscle loss and visceral fat gain to sleep disruption, libido changes, and brain fog, and why “eat less and move more” stops working. We cover what science says works, what’s a waste of time, and how women can take back control of their health with the right training, nutrition, and hormone support.This is not about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your physiology and working with it.In this episode, we cover:• Strength training after 35 is mandatory, not optional, if you want to keep muscle, bone density, and metabolic health.• Visceral belly fat increases during menopause by default, but it can be managed with the right training, nutrition, and hormone support.• Most women under-eat protein, accelerating muscle loss, frailty, and long-term health decline.• Hormone therapy is not a weight-loss solution, but it improves sleep, energy, and how well lifestyle changes work.• Creatine combined with resistance training is one of the most effective and underused tools for midlife women.• Sleep is the force multiplier for appetite regulation, mood, and consistency.If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feel like your body suddenly stopped playing by the rules, this episode is essential listening.For more resources:Dr Mary Claire Haver: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/Dr Rachel Rubin: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelrubin/Dr Kelly Casperson: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Dr Shauna Watts: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Midlife Health Needs a Reset00:01:02 – What This Episode Will Change00:01:54 – Muscle Loss After 3500:02:24 – Why Belly Fat Increases00:05:24 – Protein Needs in Midlife00:06:55 – Eating for Muscle and Metabolism00:09:18 – Supplements That Actually Matter00:11:18 – Creatine for Women00:12:48 – Lifting With Osteopenia or Osteoporosis00:13:49 – Why Women Stop Vaginal Hormones00:17:04 – Vaginal Estrogen vs DHEA00:20:13 – Genital Urinary Syndrome Explained00:21:56 – Why Testosterone Matters for Women00:24:55 – “I Feel Like Myself Again”00:27:17 – Access to Hormone Therapy00:33:58 – Vaginal Estrogen Safety Myths00:39:34 – Sex and Desire in Midlife00:44:50 – Testosterone and Libido00:49:38 – When Hormones Start Working00:54:48 – Sleep Changes Everything* Visceral fat* Belly fat menopause* Protein for women* Strength training for women* Creatine for women* Testosterone for women* Estrogen therapy* Vaginal estrogen* Vaginal DHEA* Genital urinary syndrome of menopause* Osteoporosis prevention* Bone density women* Sleep and menopause* Brain fog menopause

What happens when a woman whose career depends on confidence and words suddenly loses both? For journalist Shelly Horton, perimenopause didn’t arrive with hot flushes at first. It showed up as anxiety, heart palpitations, crushing self-doubt, and moments of forgetting simple words at work.In this deeply honest episode, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with Shelly about her journey through perimenopause-related depression, being dismissed by doctors, and the quiet suffering of high-functioning women in midlife. Shelly shares how the right diagnosis, support, and hormone treatment helped her find herself again and why she’s now using her voice to make sure other women don’t feel invisible.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand how perimenopause can present as anxiety and depression• Recognise why high-functioning women are often missed or dismissed• Learn how hormonal changes affect confidence, cognition, and mood• Understand the role of HRT in perimenopausal depression• Recognise warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored• Learn why advocacy, for yourself and others, matters• Understand how shame and silence keep women unwellThis episode is for women who feel dismissed, disconnected, or quietly struggling in the midlife yearss. Shelly’s story sheds light on how hormonal change affects mental health and how proper support can help.For more resources from Shelly Horton:Follow her on Instagram or purchase her book ‘I’m Your Peri-Godmother’.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – When Perimenopause Steals Your Confidence00:08 – Shelly Horton’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call00:53 – Welcome to All About You with Dr Shauna Watts01:10 – “I Didn’t Recognise Myself”: Losing Confidence in Midlife02:24 – Early Perimenopause Symptoms Doctors Miss07:46 – Perimenopause, Anxiety & Depression10:56 – Getting the Right Diagnosis Changed Everything14:32 – What Depression Really Feels Like15:20 – Tracking Symptoms & Withdrawing from Life16:29 – High-Functioning Depression at Work17:28 – Why Women Hide Mental Health Struggles19:24 – Fear, Myths & Starting HRT20:45 – Dark Thoughts & Breakthrough Depression23:26 – Finding a Psychiatrist Who Understands Hormones26:32 – Extreme Heavy Bleeding in Perimenopause28:37 – A Health Crisis That Forced Change30:34 – Strength Training & Rebuilding Her Body31:50 – Body Image, Aging & Self-Trust35:46 – Going Public with Her Perimenopause Story40:13 – Vaginal Dryness & Intimate Symptoms42:17 – Invisibility, Anger & Female Empowerment48:04 – Writing a Book to Change the Conversation01:01:38 – A Message for Women Who Feel Lost* perimenopause depression* perimenopause mental health* Shelly Horton menopause* high functioning depression women* menopause anxiety and mood* hormonal depression in midlife* HRT and mental health* perimenopause symptoms women* being dismissed by doctors women* menopause advocacy Australia* women’s mental health midlife* hormone replacement therapy HRT* menopause stigma* losing confidence in perimenopause

Many women are left navigating menopause with fear, confusion or very little support, especially when cancer or early menopause is part of their story. This episode brings clarity to some of the most misunderstood areas of midlife health, from surgical menopause and abrupt hormone loss to the challenges older women face when they were never offered HRT in the first place.Dr Corinne Menn, OB-GYN, menopause specialist and breast cancer survivor, joins me to explain what the evidence really shows about hormones, why vaginal estrogen is safe for almost everyone, how polypharmacy affects women as they age, and what has finally changed in the way hormone therapy is being discussed.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand why early and surgical menopause cause more abrupt, severe symptoms and mental health effects• Learn how lack of pre-operative counselling leads to preventable suffering• Recognise why vaginal estrogen is safe for almost everyone, including cancer survivors• Explore why women in their 60s–70s are returning to discuss HRT after decades of missed care• Understand the role of shared decision-making for late-starters• Learn how polypharmacy, SSRIs, and sedatives impact bone, brain, and sexual health• Explore how HRT affects cholesterol, cardiovascular risk, and bone density• Understand the implications of the FDA’s removal of the estrogen black-box warningIf you’ve ever been told to “just cope,” felt dismissed because of your cancer history, or wondered whether hormones were still an option for you, this episode brings clarity, nuance, and evidence-based reassurance.For more resources from Dr Corinne Menn:Visit her website: https://www.drmenn.com/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmennobgyn/?hl=enFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Hormone Safety Is Being Re-Examined00:01:14 – Meet Dr Corinne Menn00:01:54 – What Makes Early Menopause Different00:04:06 – HRT for Women in Their 60s and 70s00:10:00 – Understanding HRT Risks and Benefits00:11:03 – Polypharmacy vs Hormone Therapy00:14:10 – Menopause, Cholesterol & Heart Health00:16:36 – Rediscover You Program (Sponsor)00:17:21 – FDA Removes Estrogen Black Box Warning00:24:51 – How FDA Changes Impact Doctors00:25:40 – What the New Label Actually Means00:27:17 – Key Updates to Estrogen Labeling00:29:13 – How Women on HRT Should Be Monitored00:30:07 – Do You Need Hormone Level Testing?00:34:33 – Managing Symptoms & Side Effects00:35:14 – Testosterone Use After Breast Cancer00:37:19 – Evidence on HRT After Breast Cancer00:40:40 – Why Menopause Advocacy Matters00:42:03 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways* vaginal estrogen safety* FDA black box estrogen* menopause after cancer* surgical menopause symptoms* early menopause risks* hormone therapy after breast cancer* HRT for women over 60* polypharmacy in menopause* SSRI risks bone health* cholesterol changes menopause* HRT cardiovascular benefits* osteoporosis prevention estrogen* Dr Corinne Menn interview* menopause specialist podcast* All About You Dr Shauna Watts

Have you ever been told, “You can never have hormones again” because of a breast cancer diagnosis, and felt terrified to even ask a follow-up question? This episode is for every woman who’s been left in limbo between cancer care and menopause care, wondering what’s actually safe and what’s fear and old data talking.In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB/GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and breast cancer survivor who went through treatment-induced menopause in her early 20s. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience, Corinne unpacks how breast cancer became so tightly (and often inaccurately) linked to HRT, what “estrogen receptor positive” really means, and why so many survivors are excluded from nuanced conversations about hormones and long-term health.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How one study and its miscommunication sparked decades of fear around HRT and breast cancer• What “estrogen receptor positive” actually means, and why it doesn’t prove estrogen caused your cancer• Why short-term HRT cannot biologically create a breast cancer that develops over the years• The difference between baseline breast cancer risk, family history, and what HRT truly changes• How synthetic progestins, body-identical progesterone, and estrogen-only therapy differ in safety data• Practical steps to prepare for appointments, track symptoms, and advocate for vaginal or systemic hormonesIf you’ve ever felt scared, confused, or dismissed when asking about hormones after breast cancer, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and evidence you can trust, helping you understand real risk, navigate safer options, and feel more empowered in your care.For more resources from Dr Corinne Menn:Visit her website: https://www.drmenn.com/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmennobgyn/?hl=en
Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Introduction & Why Hormones Feel Confusing00:37 – How HRT Became Fear-Based01:10 – Meet Dr Corinne Menn02:10 – Corinne’s Cancer & Early Menopause04:15 – How HRT Got Linked to Breast Cancer07:09 – What ER+ Really Means10:44 – Family History & True Risk11:22 – How HRT Affects Risk15:12 – What WHI Actually Showed16:32 – Why Balanced Risk Matters17:26 – Modifiable vs Fixed Risk Factors20:55 – Synthetic vs Body-Identical Hormones23:44 – Hormone Absorption Explained25:39 – Transdermal vs Oral Hormones30:17 – Benefits & Limits of Progesterone32:54 – Early Menopause & HRT Needs38:16 – Challenges for Survivors41:52 – Local vs Systemic Hormones45:24 – Vaginal Estrogen Safety48:56 – Advocating for Yourself* HRT after breast cancer* estrogen receptor positive explained* vaginal estrogen breast cancer survivors* Dr Corinne Menn interview* menopause after chemotherapy* surgical menopause HRT dosing* premature menopause health risks* bioidentical vs synthetic hormones* breast cancer family history risk* modifiable breast cancer risk factors* menopause and cancer support* hormone therapy WHI study* progesterone and breast density* advocating for vaginal estrogen* women’s health podcast midlife

What if taking a break from alcohol was not about losing something, but finally feeling like yourself again? For many midlife women, the nightly glass feels comforting, yet the anxiety, poor sleep and low mood often reveal a different story.In this episode, Sarah Rusbatch shares the science and lived experience behind reducing or removing alcohol. From better sleep and calmer moods to clearer thinking and stronger relationships, she explains the changes thousands of women notice when they step out of gray area drinking.In this episode, you will learn:• Why 30 days can completely shift your sleep, mood and energy• How dopamine and GABA rebalance after drinking stops• Why alcohol often intensifies perimenopause symptoms• Tools for managing cravings and avoiding cross addictions• How to navigate social pressure without losing confidence• What loved ones can do that truly helps• How gut health and serotonin change when alcohol is removed• Why life often becomes calmer, brighter and more connectedIf you have ever wondered whether alcohol affects your mood, hormones, energy or sense of self, this episode offers compassion, clarity and real hope for change.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appFor more resources from Sarah Rusbatch:Follow Sarah on Instagram, visit her website and download her free guide “100 Things To Do Instead of Drinking” here.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Women Reevaluate Drinking00:01:25 – Sarah Rusbatch and Her Work00:02:03 – How to Cut Back on Alcohol00:04:16 – Alcohol Free Socialising Tips00:05:44 – Handling Slips and Setbacks00:06:44 – The Truth About Moderate Drinking00:09:33 – Supporting Someone Cutting Back00:11:01 – Barriers to Drinking Less00:12:08 – Alcohol and Relationship Dynamics00:13:15 – When to Seek Professional Help00:15:31 – First Weeks Alcohol Free00:19:33 – Alcohol Hormones and Menopause00:20:22 – Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk00:26:01 – Alcohol or Perimenopause00:27:21 – Alcohol and Dopamine Changes00:29:40 – Cross Addiction Strategies00:30:19 – Filling the Space Alcohol Leaves00:31:24 – Navigating Unsupportive Friends00:32:23 – Friendship Shifts When You Drink Less00:33:50 – Alcohol and True Calm00:34:46 – How Alcohol Affects Sleep00:36:08 – Life Satisfaction After Drinking Less00:40:15 – Managing Social Anxiety Without Alcohol00:42:30 – Rebuilding Identity Beyond Drinking* Gray area drinking* Stop drinking midlife* Alcohol and perimenopause* Alcohol anxiety women* Dopamine reset alcohol* Alcohol and sleep problems* Quit drinking support* Sarah Rusbatch* Dr Shauna Watts* Alcohol free lifestyle* Midlife health* Gut health and alcohol* Perimenopause symptoms* HRT and alcohol* Women and alcohol use

Once your child turns 18, control disappears but the fear, guilt and 3am “what ifs” don’t, especially when they’re gaming all night, drinking too much, not working or shutting you out. In this episode, parent coach Kim Muench joins me to unpack how to support young adults who are “lost in place”, stuck on the sofa, stuck in anxiety or stuck in risky behaviour and what actually helps: clear boundaries, honest conversations and doing your own emotional work so you’re leading, not pleading.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why control ends at 18 but your influence doesn’t and how to use it well• How to understand and support a “lost in place” young adult who won’t launch• The 4 Cs (clarity, calm, confidence, consistency) that shift stuck family patterns• Ways to talk about money, gaming, alcohol and drugs without screaming… or enabling• How to stop helicopter parenting your 20-something and become a safe place to land• Practical boundaries when you’re scared they’ll end up homeless or worse• Why emotional blackmail (“after everything I’ve done for you…”) destroys connection• How to live with estrangement, work on yourself, and leave the door open to repairIf you’re facing a young adult who won’t launch, keeps circling home, or has cut you off, this episode gives you clear language, practical tools and the “4 Cs” to shift stuck dynamics plus validation for the grief and hope that come with this stage of parenting. Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appFor more from Kim Muench:Website: Parent Coach for Parents of Emerging Adult and Adult ChildrenFacebook: Real Life Parent GuideInstagram: Kim Muench (@kimmuenchparentcoach) • Instagram profileTikTok: Kim Muench on TikTokFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Introduction: Parenting After 1800:00:25 – What Parenting Young Adults Really Looks Like00:00:41 – Meet Parent Coach Kim Muench00:02:09 – Understanding “Failure to Launch”00:03:09 – Helping a Young Adult Who’s “Lost in Place”00:05:21 – The Four Cs for Stuck Young Adults00:07:58 – Mental Health Red Flags in Young Adults00:09:25 – How Parental Anxiety Impacts Adult Children00:11:30 – Helicopter Parenting Fallout in the 20s00:12:14 – Shifting from Fixer to Supportive Guide00:13:10 – Respecting Differences Between Your Children00:16:20 – Emotional Blackmail and Broken Connection00:19:43 – Setting Financial Boundaries with Adult Children00:21:54 – Technology, Screens and Young Adult Behaviour00:24:24 – Partnering with Young Adults on Solutions00:25:15 – Today’s Pressures on 18–30-Year-Olds00:26:52 – Handling Aggression and Safety Concerns00:28:52 – Alcohol and Risky Behaviour Conversations00:32:03 – Young Adult Brain Development Explained00:33:15 – Estrangement: Coping and Leaving the Door Open00:40:58 – How to Connect with Kim Muench00:41:36 – Key Takeaways for Parenting Young Adults* parenting young adults* failure to launch adult child* adult child living at home* boundaries with adult children* parents enabling addiction* gaming addiction young adults* estranged from adult child* helicopter parenting 20 somethings* mental health and parenting* multigenerational living boundaries* setting financial boundaries kids* influence not control parenting* Kim Muench parent coach* All About You podcast* Dr Shauna Watts parenting

What happens when a woman who has spent her life on stage and on air suddenly doesn’t feel like herself? Hot, foggy, flat, and not sure why? In this intimate conversation, Australian country music trailblazer and radio host Gina Jeffreys opens up about the symptoms that blindsided her, the grief she carried, and the turning points that helped her find her spark again.Gina takes us from brutal period pain on tour, through years of infertility and loss, to surgical menopause and a long, confusing aftermath with little guidance. We explore the lesser-talked-about signs, from skin sensitivity to sleep disruption, as well as the strain on relationships, work, and identity, and the practical supports that finally made a difference.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand how perimenopause affects your whole body, from skin and sleep to mood and memory.• Learn why surgical menopause can feel unpredictable and how to track what’s really changing.• Recognise the emotional load of grief, rage, and relationship strain, and ways to ease it with support.• Explore treatment options, including estrogen, vaginal therapies, and when testosterone can help.• Get practical tips for intimacy, pelvic-floor health, and better sleep (even at 4:30 a.m.).• Use gratitude, counselling, and community to rebuild confidence and rediscover yourself.If you’ve ever thought, “Is this just me?” it’s not. You’ll hear the real story behind rage in the car park, crying in the school office, stepping back from the spotlight, and learning there is help: hormones, pelvic-floor physio, sleep and intimacy solutions, and a mindset shift toward gratitude. Gina leaves us with hope, agency, and a joyful reminder that midlife can be a beginning.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/For more from Gina Jeffrey’s you can follow her on Instagram or catch her hosting Breakfast with Matty, weekdays from 6am - 9am on Star 104.5.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Gina Jeffreys’ Story00:00:45 – From Country Star to Midlife Shift00:01:09 – Menopause Begins: First Signs00:01:27 – Symptoms, Confusion & Finding Help00:02:34 – The Struggles Behind the Spotlight00:06:35 – Hot Flushes, Pain & Physical Change00:06:57 – Emotional Turmoil & Unexpected Rage00:08:38 – Car Park Rage & Crying Spells Explained00:11:56 – Impact on Work, Marriage & Self-Esteem00:13:24 – Coping Through Songwriting & Creativity00:16:03 – IVF, Loss & Relationship Strain00:24:22 – Public Scrutiny, Weight & Confidence00:27:38 – Health Reset & Body Confidence Returns00:30:07 – Facing Gym Fear & Finding Strength00:35:29 – Pelvic Floor Physio That Changed Everything00:41:31 – Hormone Therapy: Finding the Right Mix00:45:12 – Testosterone Therapy & Renewed Libido00:46:28 – Brain Fog Battles & Clarity Returns00:49:33 – DEXA Scan & Hidden Fat Insights00:55:59 – Menopause Weight Loss Journey01:01:49 – Cutting Back Alcohol & Feeling Better01:08:35 – Gina’s Top Tips & Menopause Advice01:12:02 – Future Plans & Life After Menopause* Menopause brain fog* Surgical menopause story* Perimenopause symptoms* Menopause skin changes* Testosterone in women* Vaginal estrogen dryness* Pelvic floor physiotherapy* Menopause sleep problems* Midlife relationships* Rage and irritability menopause* Rediscover You* Sex after menopause

We’ve all told ourselves a glass of wine helps us unwind, but what if it’s actually wrecking your rest? Alcohol sedates you, but it doesn’t restore you.In this eye-opening moment, Sarah Rusbatch explains why wine disrupts REM sleep, raises cortisol, and leaves women feeling constantly “just tired.” Even one drink can hijack your brain’s ability to process emotions overnight, and that exhaustion adds up.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:• What “grey area drinking” really means, and why most women who struggle don’t identify as alcoholic• How stress, boredom, and loneliness drive drinking in midlife• The neuroscience of habit and emotional regulation behind alcohol use• Why alcohol has been sold as “self-care” and how to rewrite that story• Practical steps to reduce or stop drinking without shame• How to rebuild social confidence and friendships alcohol-free• The impact of alcohol on sleep, hormones, and midlife health• Why compassion, not willpower, is the key to real changeIf you often wake up exhausted, wired, or low in mood, this episode will help you understand the science behind it, and how to reclaim real, restorative sleep without the nightly glass.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program hereFor more resources from Sarah Rusbatch:Follow Sarah on Instagram, visit her website and download her free guide “100 Things To Do Instead of Drinking” here.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Why Women Turn to Wine01:14 – Meet Sarah Rusbatch02:18 – When Drinking Stopped Working03:33 – How Alcohol Shapes Women’s Lives08:08 – Becoming a Grey Area Drinking Coach08:56 – Alcohol’s Hidden Impact on Health13:09 – Wine, Friendship & Connection15:00 – The Emotions Behind Drinking16:52 – Stress, Loneliness & Midlife19:24 – What We Learn from Parents’ Drinking21:56 – Why Wine Isn’t Self-Care25:26 – Gender Roles, Pressure & Overload30:05 – What Is Grey Area Drinking?30:30 – Are You a Grey Area Drinker?31:42 – Early Signs You’re in the Grey Zone32:36 – Alcohol, Sleep & Mood34:46 – The Science of Stress & Wine35:43 – Alcohol’s Effect on Skin37:39 – Sedation Isn’t Sleep43:35 – Binge Drinking & Health44:48 – Life After Alcohol* Grey area drinking women* Alcohol free midlife* Stop drinking without rehab* Women and wine culture* Alcohol and menopause* Emotional drinking habits* Sarah Rusbatch Beyond Booze* How to drink less* Alcohol and anxiety* Midlife wellness podcast* Quit-lit for women* Alcohol self-care myth* Female friendship and wine* Perimenopause and alcohol* Dr Shauna Watts interview

Hot flushes, brain fog, painful intimacy—these symptoms are tough enough in menopause, but after cancer they can feel overwhelming. What happens when treatment triggers menopause overnight and the system isn’t set up to help you cope?In this honest and empowering conversation, Dr Shauna Watts talks with Dani Binnington—cancer survivor, author, and founder of Menopause and Cancer—about the realities of life after treatment. Together they explore the myths around HRT safety, the silence surrounding sexual health, and the small steps that can restore confidence and control.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why menopause after cancer can be harder than the cancer itselfHow treatment-induced menopause impacts hormones and identityThe truth about HRT safety and current evidenceWhy vaginal estrogen can be life-changing and often safeHow to approach doctors about hormone and non-hormone optionsThe lifestyle shifts that make recovery easierWhy community and advocacy matter for survivorshipWhether you’re a survivor, a health professional, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers evidence, empathy, and hope—reminding every woman that she deserves to feel well again.For more from Dani Binnington:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_binnington/Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/You can find also more resources from Menopause and Cancer:Website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Welcome & Why This Topic Matters00:36 – Understanding Menopause After Cancer01:10 – Dani Binnington’s Personal Cancer Journey01:41 – What the Community Survey Reveals02:30 – The Hidden Gap in Cancer Care03:32 – Creating the Menopause & Cancer Podcast04:15 – Founding the Menopause & Cancer Organisation05:38 – Why Open Conversations Are Essential06:38 – Launching World Menopause & Cancer Day09:20 – How Menopause Symptoms Impact Recovery11:08 – Hormone Therapy: What Women Need to Know11:42 – The Importance of Patient-Centred Care15:11 – Myths About Menopause After Breast Cancer17:28 – Why Personalised Care Matters Most24:53 – Facing Fears Around Hormone Therapy25:32 – The Struggle to Access HRT Support29:34 – What Evidence Says About HRT Safety30:27 – HRT Risks and Breast Cancer Facts31:33 – Menopause, Intimacy & Relationships After Cancer32:17 – Community Stories & Coping Strategies35:53 – Exploring Alternative Therapies & Self-Care39:00 – Key Takeaways & Closing Reflections* Menopause after cancer* HRT after breast cancer* Dani Binnington interview* Menopause and Cancer community* Vaginal estrogen safety* Endocrine therapy side effects* Hormone replacement therapy myths* Sexual health after cancer* Cancer survivorship support* Early menopause after chemotherapy* Menopause symptoms and intimacy* Dr Shauna Watts podcast* Navigating Menopause After Cancer book* Oncology menopause care* Women’s health after cancer