Your 2nd Act
Welcome to Your 2nd Act podcast - where we celebrate the power and beauty of women in their middle years. Join me each fortnight as I chat to inspiring women from all walks of life, sharing their stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities of your next chapter and trust me, the curtain has just risen on your most exciting act yet.
Your 2nd Act
Perimenopause, Menopause, HRT… why does it all still feel so confusing? Even when you’re living it.
Perimenopause, Menopause, HRT… why does it all still feel so confusing? Even when you’re living it.
In this episode, Michelle Parsonage admits what so many women are quietly thinking: she’s listened to the experts, read the articles, followed the conversations, and still finds herself wondering what perimenopause, menopause and HRT actually mean for her now.
So instead of adding to the noise, this conversation goes BACK TO BASICS!
Michelle is joined by Sarah Gray, a health professional in pharmacy and nutrition, and a certified menopause practitioner, who explains perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy in a practical, make-it-make-sense way. No hype. No overwhelm. Just clear answers to the questions women often feel embarrassed to ask.
This episode is for women who want clarity, not confusion.
You’ll hear:
Perimenopause vs menopause vs post-menopause - what the difference actually is
Common perimenopause and menopause symptoms women often miss
How early perimenopause can start (and why it looks different for everyone)
When to see a doctor - and why waiting it out isn’t helpful
Testosterone for women: what it does and why it matters
What HRT (hormone replacement therapy) really is - and what it’s used for
Bio-identical hormones explained in plain English
The pill vs HRT - why some women are prescribed the pill during perimenopause
How to find menopause-trained doctors and practitioners in Australia
Resources & Links:
Sarah Gray’s book: It’s Not You, It’s Perimenopause
Follow Sarah on Instagram:
Find a menopause-trained practitioner (Australia): Australasian Menopause Society
Menopause info & symptom checklists: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
Mental health support (Australia): ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (rebated psychology sessions)
💬 Listener feedback
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com.
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Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️