Dear Menopause
Are you experiencing changes to your physical, mental and emotional health you find hard to explain?
Have you tried talking to your doctor/partner/employer/best friend and been left feeling unsupported?
In this weekly show, host Sonya Lovell interviews a range of experts and shares the stories of everyday people to help you understand what the hell is going on, why and where you can find support, empowerment and most importantly, a like-minded community.
Episodes
118 episodes
118: Postmenopausal Bleeding: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? When should you be concerned? Dr Ceri Cashell joins me to demystify this common but oft...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 117
•
14:32
117: Weight Loss, Hormones and Metabolic Health with Dr Lucy Burns
Have you ever wondered why weight creeps on during menopause, despite your best efforts? Dr Lucy Burns pulls back the curtain on what she calls the "metabolic triad of menopause" – a perfect storm of declining estrogen, rising corti...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 117
•
52:27
116: ENCORE: ADHD, Autism and the Menopausal Brain
The relationship between menopause and neurodivergence remains largely unexplored territory in women's health—until now. In this groundbreaking conversation, neuropsychologist A/Professor Caroline Gurvich shares fascinating insights...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 116
•
38:06
115: Creatine, Blood Tests & Supplement Hype with Sarah Gray
Supplement confusion is at an all-time high, with social media feeds flooded with miracle promises targeting menopausal women. But how do you know what you actually need, what works, and what's just expensive snake oil?P...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 115
•
45:51
114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat Uppal
In this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition affecting one in four women yet rarely discussed openly. This eye-opening conversat...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 114
•
29:13
113: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
Updates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy more affordable and the growing momentum around women's health initiatives.• Pharmaceuti...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 113
•
41:36
112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura Lee
What happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity for sexual rediscovery and deeper connection. Psychologist and sexologist Laura L...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 112
•
40:58
111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari Todd
How do you navigate life after cancer when everything feels different? Join me for a raw discussion that dives deep into the emotional and physical realities of cancer recovery. In this episode, Shari Todd and I share similarities i...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 111
•
36:11
110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's Health
Delve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment. Join my conversation with Ged Kearney, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, who passionately shares insights fro...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 110
•
26:28
109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and Education
Enjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause. With her extensive background in evidence-based medicine and a passion for translating complex medical data into pract...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 109
•
25:21
108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual Health
Join me today to dive into the intricacies of vaginal and sexual health with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a leading figure in female sexual health and hormones. We unpack everything you need to know about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 108
•
33:04
107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's Health
Could a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese government is set to transform menopause and perimenopause care across the nation.&nbs...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 107
•
27:06
106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne Mulheron
Leanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal experience with perimenopause symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings, became the catalyst fo...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 106
•
36:16
105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina Kamper
Join me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing stress management for women over 40. Discover how stress, rather than just diet, plays a...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 105
•
30:35
104: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
In our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy was pivotal in the PBAC's decision to recommend Estrogel, Prometrium and Estrogel Pro for the Pharma...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 104
•
39:36
103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara Eglington
Tara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental health and daily life. By discussing the challenges she faced—including anxiety, panic atta...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 103
•
36:58
102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended Listening
Start the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey. Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025. ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 102
•
4:15
101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich
Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health. Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, wh...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 101
•
38:06
100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication. We explore the pivotal, ye...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 100
•
38:36
99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story
Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 99
•
34:45
98: A Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna
In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity....
•
Season 3
•
Episode 98
•
44:30
97: Progressive Menopause GP Care with Dr Ceri Cashell
Dr Ceri Cashell's journey into improving the menopause care she gave patients, as a GP, was sparked by one patient's suggestion that she learn more about testosterone. This led her to explore and become a vocal champion for the essential role o...
•
32:27
96: Senator Marielle Smith on Closing the Menopause Support Gap
Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause in Australia. Over the past year, this Inquiry gathered insights from over 300 su...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 96
•
21:34
95: Behind the Scenes of Australia's Menopause Movement with Johanna Wicks
How does an experienced women's health advocate struggle to recognise her own perimenopausal symptoms? Join me as I explore Johanna Wicks' journey from confusion to advocacy, sparked by Dr. Ginni Mansberg's enlightening book, "The M Wor...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 95
•
44:10
94: Dr Kelly Teagle on Creating Healthy Habits
The question Dr Kelly Teagle has for women is what will it cost you if you don't create healthy habits and make meaningful lifestyle changes now, while you're still young enough for it to make a big impact? In 10 to 20 yea...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 94
•
40:12