Thriving In Menopause

What if preparing for menopause actually started decades earlier? In this episode, Prevention Editor Zoe sits down with triple Olympian Lisa Curry, co-founder of Happy Healthy You, one of Australia’s leading programs supporting women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Together, they share how younger women can lay the groundwork now for a smoother transition later,  from building metabolic and hormonal resilience to understanding the early signals your body may already be sending. Founded in 2015, Happy Healthy You has supported more than 1.5 million women and was one of the first programs in Australia designed to work alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with conventional care. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or already navigating change, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights to help you feel more in control of what’s ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex, desire and intimacy can change during perimenopause and menopause – but too often, women are left navigating those changes with little information and even less support. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Kelly Casperson, a renowned US urologist, international speaker and leading advocate for women’s sexual health. Dr Casperson is the author of the bestselling book You Are Not Broken and host of the globally popular podcast of the same name, where she challenges outdated narratives about female desire, pleasure and midlife sexuality. Drawing on her clinical experience and deep understanding of the science behind hormones, relationships and sexual wellbeing, Dr Casperson explains why so many women feel confused or dismissed when their bodies change – and what they can do to reclaim confidence, comfort and connection. From the role of hormones and vaginal health to the psychology of desire, this empowering conversation explores how women can move from frustration and uncertainty to knowledge, agency and thriving in midlife. With her signature mix of science, honesty and compassion, Dr Casperson offers a refreshing reminder that midlife sexuality is not something women should quietly give up on – it’s something they deserve to understand, support and enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this raw, funny and deeply honest episode, comedian, writer, broadcaster and advocate Em Rusciano joins Prevention Editor Zoe Meunier to talk about her unfiltered experience of midlife, menopause and self-discovery – as shared in her new memoir, Blood, Sweat and Glitter. Em opens up about navigating perimenopause, ADHD, and autism, and the reckoning that comes when your hormones – and your priorities – shift. With her signature mix of humour and heart, she describes this chapter of life as an “emotional exfoliation” – a painful but liberating shedding of everything that no longer serves you. Determined to help the women who have reached out to her about their own peri and menopausal struggles, Em is eager to show that midlife isn’t a breakdown – it’s a breakthrough. As she puts it, menopause is “not the end of relevance but the start of real power.” Her story is both a rallying cry and a reassurance to every woman feeling like she’s losing her mind: you’re not. You’re evolving. Don't miss this powerful episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fertility is often one of the most confusing – and surprising – aspects of perimenopause. Your hormones are fluctuating, your periods might be irregular, but yes, you can still fall pregnant. For some women, that’s an unexpected joy; for others, a wake-up call. And for those trying to conceive later in life, it can be a time filled with questions, hope and uncertainty. In this episode, we speak with reproductive endocrinologist Dr Devini Ameratunga (drdevameratunga.com), who specialises in hormonal and reproductive health, to unpack what really happens to fertility during perimenopause. Whether you’re hoping to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or simply understand your body better, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and expert advice to help you make informed choices about your reproductive health during perimenopause. For more expert insights on thriving in midlife, subscribe to Thriving in Menopause and pick up the latest issue of Prevention Australia magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If menopause has left you feeling foggy, forgetful, or like your brain has a thousand tabs open, you’re not imagining it. Cognitive changes are a very real part of perimenopause and menopause – and for women with ADHD, the impact can be even greater. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Deputy Director of HER Centre Australia at Monash University, explains how hormonal changes affect the brain, why menopause symptoms can overlap with ADHD, and what women can do to better support their memory, focus and mental clarity. Find out: Why “menopause brain” happens How ADHD symptoms are influenced by hormonal changes The role of oestrogen in memory, attention and executive function Practical strategies – from medication to lifestyle habits – that really help The latest research on women’s brain health Interested in research?Caroline and her team at Monash are running studies on women, hormones, cognition and ADHD. To get involved, visit Monash HER Centre – Cognition and Hormones Group or email adhdinwomen@monash.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future. Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage. Dr Dev shares her expert insights on: Why personalized medicine is the key to effective menopause care The truth about hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones Exciting new non-hormonal treatments and what they mean for women How technology – from telehealth to apps and wearables – can improve access and support What an equitable, future-ready menopause care system could look like If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future. Listen now to discover how menopause care is evolving – and what that means for you. About our guest: Dr Devini Ameratunga is a Brisbane-based board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist (CREI) and Gynaecologist. Medical Director of Life Fertility Clinic, Devini is also an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Senior Medical Officer (Gynae/Fertility) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Clinical Lead of QLD Health's Public Fertility Preservation Clinic. Visit drdevameratunga.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is perimenopause quietly pushing women out of the workforce – and what can be done to stop it? In this powerful episode, TV presenter, journalist and fierce perimenopause advocate Shelly Horton returns to Thriving in Menopause to lift the lid on what she calls a “hidden workplace crisis.” Drawing on her personal journey - marked by burnout, depression, and nearly quitting a career she loved – Shelly shares how untreated perimenopause symptoms sidelined her professionally and emotionally. Now the author of I’m Your Peri Godmother and founder of workplace education company Don’t Sweat It, Shelly is on a mission to make perimenopause support standard, not a surprise. From how to start the conversation at work to the workplace policy changes that really make a difference, Shelly breaks down the myths, the data and the practical steps every workplace should take. Whether you're experiencing the transition yourself or leading a team, this is a must-listen conversation packed with honesty, empathy and evidence. Listen now and share it with a colleague, manager, or friend – let’s make menopause part of the workplace conversation. Learn more about our amazing guest Shelly Horton at ShellShocked Media.  For more great menopause-related content, be sure to head to preventionaus.com.au and subscribe to Prevention magazine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, dullness... if your skin suddenly feels like it’s going through a second puberty, you’re not imagining it. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Vanessa Gray Lyndon, founder of Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare, to delve into what’s really going on beneath the surface of our skin during perimenopause and menopause – and how we can support it naturally. A formulation expert and passionate advocate for hormone-safe beauty, Vanessa explains how declining oestrogen affects skin health, from collagen loss and dehydration to increased sensitivity and pigmentation. She shares the science behind effective ingredients and which could be doing you more harm than good, as well as non-skincare treatments such as dermal massage and how it can help support your skin. Whether your skincare needs a reboot or you're simply trying to decode all the new changes, this is an empowering listen that proves midlife skin can absolutely thrive – with a little know-how and a lot of self-kindness. Links & Resources: Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare The Nasty Nine ingredients to avoid Apps for ingredient safety: Think Dirty and EWG’s Healthy Living If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe – and pick up a copy of Prevention Magazine for more expert advice on thriving through every stage of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While menopause is typically a natural transition, medically-induced menopause is another scenario altogether, coming at a time in a woman's life when she is already undergoing serious health challenges. To understand more on the subject, we’re joined on the podcast by Professor Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne (since Feb 2010) and Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, CT. She is the lead in a world-first study, What Happens After Menopause (WHAM), that explores just how women who experience medically-induced menopause are affected. The findings might surprise you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been an explosion of interest in recent years in the gut microbiome, but in contrast, the vaginal microbiome is largely undiscussed. Understanding this delicate habitat is never more essential than during perimenopause and menopause, when the microbiome can undergo significant changes, leading to a range of health conditions. To help us learn more about how we can support our vaginal flora through this transition and optimise our vaginal health, we are joined by Dr Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD), the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services. A Naturopath, educator and researcher with over 20 years clinical experience, she has a passion for helping people experience optimal health in sustainable and sensible ways.  Clinically, she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones and the genitourinary microbiomes. Moira completed a PhD through Griffith University which focused on the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. She also holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and a Masters degree in Acupuncture. In addition to her role as a Naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively at a tertiary level and in the area of holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often-overlooked area.  Find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meno belly, the accumulation of belly fat and increased weight in the mid-section that occurs during peri and menopause, can be one of the most bothersome parts of the transition for many women, especially when compounded by uncomfortable bloating. We unpack what causes both, and what steps women can take to lessen their impact.  To guide us through the subject is Dr Ceri Cashell, a GP from Sydney’s Northern Beaches who specialises in hormones and their impact on health, in particular for women during peri/menopause. She is also a co-founder of Healthy Hormones (www.healthyhormones.au), an online menopause community offering free learning and support for health professionals and all Australians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to this special extended podcast in honour of International Women's Day, in which we are joined by three special guests to address a crucial issue: women's healthcare rights, and how we can go about closing the gender health gap. Helping us to unpack what the gender health gap is, how it impacts women and what is being done to close the gap, we are joined by the following inspiring women:  Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health, Australia's leading non-governmental organisation providing women's health information and education to the general public and health professionals; and member of the National Women's Health Advisory Council, which provides the Australian Government with advice and recommendations to improve health outcomes for women in Australia Shelly Horton, TV journalist, keynote speaker and media personality, renowned perimenopause and menopause warrior, and co-creator of online courses about confidence, health advocacy and peri and menopause in the workplace. Dr Romy Listo, Deputy Chair of the Australian Women's Health Alliance, and a 2024 Churchill Fellowship recipient investigating models to support and destigmatise reproductive health in the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.