Dear Menopause

127: Hysterectomy | 4 Weeks Post Op Update

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reaching the four-week milestone in my hysterectomy recovery journey feels like crossing an important threshold.In this episode, I discuss the remarka...

126: Hysterectomy | 2 Weeks Post Op Update

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me i...

125: CSIRO Menopause Plan: Science-Backed Nutrition for Midlife

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the head of health programs at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Nicole Pritchard shares how their new Menopause Plan leverages a decade of research to a...

124: Critical gaps in Indigenous menopause care with Prof Odette Best

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) at UniSQ discovered she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, she turned ...

123: The Beauty of Aging: A Conversation with Elizabeth Barbalich from Antipodes Skincare

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and...

122: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A captivating conversation between Sonya and Jo explores the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause healthcare, research, and politics in Australia. ...

121: Breakups in Midlife: When Menopause Reshapes Your Relationship

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to marriages and long-term relationships during menopause? Clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to the podcast to tackle this pow...

120: Your Brain During Menopause with Dr Jen Hacker Pearson

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your brain is undergoing a massive renovation during menopause, and Neuroscientist Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson is here to help you understand the how a...

119: The Testosterone Access Gap No One's Talking About

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone ther...

118: Postmenopausal Bleeding: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? ...

117: Weight Loss, Hormones and Metabolic Health with Dr Lucy Burns

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 &...

116: ENCORE: ADHD, Autism and the Menopausal Brain

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The relationship between menopause and neurodivergence remains largely unexplored territory in women's health—until now. In this groundbreakin...

115: Creatine, Blood Tests & Supplement Hype with Sarah Gray

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Supplement confusion is at an all-time high, with social media feeds flooded with miracle promises targeting menopausal women. But how do you know wha...

114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat Uppal

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition a...

113: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Updates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy mo...

112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura Lee

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity ...

111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari Todd

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's Health

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Delve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment. Join my conversation with Ged Kearne...

109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and Education

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause. With her extensive background in ev...

108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual Health

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 hormone...

107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's Health

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese gov...

106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne Mulheron

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal ex...

105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina Kamper

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing st...

104: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy w...

103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara Eglington

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental healt...

102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended Listening

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopa...

100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? ...

98: A Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, reve...

97: Progressive Menopause GP Care with Dr Ceri Cashell

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 lea...

96: Senator Marielle Smith on Closing the Menopause Support Gap

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause ...

95: Behind the Scenes of Australia's Menopause Movement with Johanna Wicks

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How does an experienced women's health advocate struggle to recognise her own perimenopausal symptoms? Join me as I explore Johanna Wicks' j...

94: Dr Kelly Teagle on Creating Healthy Habits

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

93: A Short Break

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As one of your guides through the ever-shifting landscape of menopause, I'm hitting pause on the podcast to recharge my batteries. But only for 3...

92: Menopausal Skin Care: A Dermatologist's Guide

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Menopause can leave many women feeling dry, itchy and irritated particularly when it comes to changes in skin health.Join me as Dr Shreya Andric, a le...

91: Thriving Through Perimenopause: 3 Essential Tips

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share 3 essential tips for those days when perimenopause is really kicking your butt, that you can get started with today.The focus...

90: Australia's Menopause Inquiry and the Push for Health Equity with Senator Marielle Smith

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Marielle Smith joins Sonya to discuss the Australian Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause. Hear how this Inquiry hopes to break the...

89: Dr Fatima Khan: Weaving Eastern traditions with Western medical science

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you wished that you could find a Doctor who weaves the wisdom of Eastern traditions with Western medical science?In this conversation with Dr Fat...

88: Beyond Booze with Sarah Rusbatch

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself in that murky space where your drinking seems more habitual than social, yet not quite what you'd label as addiction...

87: Achieving Your Dreams Beyond Midlife with Esther Zeledon

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of something extraordinary, but you're held back by the invisible chains of expectations? Esther ...

86: Early Menopause and POI at 15 Years Old with Sheree Hargreaves

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Sheree Hargreaves was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at just 15, it reshaped her teenage years in unexpected ways.Sheree, now 22,...

85: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding with Dr Talat Uppal

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who knew discussing periods could be so enlightening?You'll never see menstrual health the same way again after tuning in to this powerful conver...

84: Empowering Choice in Menopause After Cancer: Dani Binnington

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Dani Binnington, the inspiring founder of the Menopause and Cancer organisation, and a breast cancer survivor.Dani...

83: Dr Corinne Menn: Breast Cancer and Menopause Management

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The need for better management of symptoms for women in surgically or medically induced menopause is undeniable. In this episode, we navigate through ...

82: Menopause and Insomnia: Tracey Martin's Guide to Optimal Sleep

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why insomnia seems to be a constant companion when you hit perimenopause? Today, we unravel the mysteries of sleep, especially as it rel...

81: Grace Lam on Challenging Menopause Misconceptions

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause. We've all heard about it, but f...

80: Tania Dalton on Navigating Menopause with Resilience and Empowerment

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause? Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has j...

79: Kaz Cooke talks "It's The Menopause" and more

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishi...

78: Navigating Perimenopause Nutrition with Ange Clark

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause? This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition...

77: Alex Isaac on Surgically Induced Menopause and Hormone Therapy

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the ben...

76: Genetic Mutations: Alex Isaac's Inspiring Story of Prevention and Resilience

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life?My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a ...

75: Breaking Stigma and Personalised Care with Dr Louise Newson

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How much do you truly know about menopause? Do you know the struggles women face while accessing adequate care for menopause-related issues? I'm ...

Season 2: Coming Soon!

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hold onto your headphones! The Dear Menopause podcast is back with a bang, ready to hit your airwaves on Friday, October 20th. I'm your host, So...

74: Atomic Health #4: Menopause: Challenging the fear-based narrative

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it? Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, ch...

73: Atomic Health #3: How Do We Uncomplicate Our Relationship With Food?

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you tried to transform the way you think about food and nutrition? Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt as we dissect the language we use when...

72: Atomic Health #2: Pilates Is Not a Cure-All for Women

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we age, the importance of a balanced approach to exercise becomes paramount, but where does Pilates fit into this mix? In this chat with Sonya Love...

71: Atomic Health #1: Women's Longevity. How we age and why we're different.

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how your lifestyle choices impact your biological versus chronological age or thought about the implications of being able to d...

70: An Intentional Pause

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready for a sprinkle of change?After 70 incredible episodes and some delightful bonuses, I've decided it's time for an intentional p...

69: Menopause Impact on Careers and the Role of Supportive Workplaces with Grace Molloy

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if there was a way to navigate your menopause transition while still thriving in your career? In this podcast, I sit down with Grace Molloy, the ...

68: Embracing Midlife Transformation: Jo Pybus on Menopause Advocacy and Nostalgic Music

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a woman in her 40s, living a typical domestic life, suddenly decides to transform herself into an athlete?This is the story of Jo Py...

67: A New Approach to Women's Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a pioneering force in women's mental health.  In this episode, Professor Kulkarni shares her knowledge of the urg...

66: The Silent Role of Menopause on Women's Financial Security with Mel Birks

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if the silent impact of menopause on a woman's career costs up to $15 billion in lost income and superannuation? Prepare for an eye-opening ...

65: Breast Cancer to Menopause: A Story of Grit and Grace with Kathryn Elliott

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When life throws unexpected challenges our way, how do we rise above them and find gratitude amidst adversity? Join me as I sit down with the inspirin...

64: A Guide to Supplements for Women in Midlife with Ange Clark

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of sifting through the world of supplements, unsure of what's best for your midlife, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal needs?Join m...

63: Nature as Menopause Medicine with Jeff Johnson

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you imagine the power of nature transforming your mental health and well-being, especially during menopause? Join us for a captivating conversati...

62: Research Revelations and Insights with Dr Fiona Li

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we draw back the curtain on the research that goes into providing clinicians and GPs with the best evidence-based information to support their p...

61: Rethink the way you drink with Rachael Layton

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Worried that you've started drinking too much but know that you're still a long way from needing an intervention?Rachael Layton went through...

60: Honouring the deeper internal shifts the menopause transition may bring with Kirstin Bouse

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you had this thought? Hang on a minute, I've done so much for others for such a long time, when will it be my time?My guest this week, Kirst...

59: Making sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) with Dr Ginni Mansberg

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Has the whole "to MHT or not" conversation left you completely confused and even a little wary?MHT.  HRT.  WTF?!First off, you're not...

58: The neuroscience of menopause with Dr Sarah McKay

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are your menopause symptoms really in your head? Or more precisely, in your brain?This week I chatted with my good friend, selfie buddy and fellow Kiw...

57: Embracing The Mess: Vulnerability & Growth with Angela Raspass

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been told to just “power through” your midlife transitions, only to find yourself stuck and feeling hopeless?Meet Angela Raspass, a dedic...

56: Sandy Lowres: Celebrating Wisdom & Experience of Women Beyond 40

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"You can't be what you can't see, and so representation matters." Sandy Lowres is a fierce advocate of women's rights and em...

55: Zali Steggall: An MP's Take on Menopause Education & Support

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of going through peri and menopausal symptoms without getting the support you need?Have you heard that increased awareness and advocacy ...

54: Unlocking Midlife Health Secrets with Roma van der Walt

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of the same old ineffective and unrelatable advice for improving your health and well-being in midlife? Roma van der Walt, an entrepren...

53: Dr Marita Long: How to talk to your doctor about menopause and perimenopause

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get the most out of appointments with your doctor or GP by following these great tips from Dr Marita Long.In our chat, Marita was open to answering al...

52: Dr Linda Dear on giving menopausal women in NZ and Australia a voice

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can we measure the true impact of perimenopause and menopause?By giving women a voice.  Dr Linda Dear crafted and launched the most extensive onl...

51: How Allie Pepper, a world class mountaineer coped when menopause threatened to end her climbing career

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How would you cope if your career and life's purpose rely on a strong, healthy functioning body and seemingly overnight menopause threatened to t...

50: Vulvas, Vaginas and More with Dr Ardelle Piper (replay)

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where can you learn everything you need to know about changes to your vulva and vagina during menopause, in one place?Right here!!Sitting down to reco...

49: Menopause and Mental Health with Prof Jayashri Kulkarni

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is one of Australia's leaders in the research and treatment of menopausal depression. I believe this episode, is the ...

48: Lisa & Adrienne: Firing women up for life post menopause!

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine having not just one but two extraordinary women on a mission to fire other women up for their lives post-menopause cheering you on.That's...

47: Joanne Kennedy: Histamine intolerance and menopause

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know the signs of histamine intolerance?Joanne Kennedy is a Naturopath and specialist in MTHFR, histamine intolerance, gut health (SIBO), and w...

46: Let's chat with Sonya!

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How cool would it be if this was a radio show and you could call in and ask me questions?!Unfortunately, that's not an option, although I hope it...

45: Ren Jones: Understanding the subtlety of the female experience in the fitness industry

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"I think that there's a great missed opportunity for trainers, professionals, nutritionists, and coaches to step down off of Mount Olympus a...

44: Lou Johnson: Sparking conversations to normalise being human in the workplace

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"Break the stigma, take a stand - join the movement to normalise being human in the workforce!""Share from the scar, not from the wound...

42: Roma van der Walt: Giving women power and agency during perimenopause

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"We want to give women the power and the agency to understand their health - wholly."In this episode of the Dear Menopause podcast, Roma van...

41: Faith Agugu: Transforming the Narrative Around Women and Ageing

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"When women come together, magic happens." In this episode of the Dear Menopause podcast, Faith Agugu, a psychotherapist and empowered aging...

40: Phil Hayes-St Clair: Fiercely advocating for women's health

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Find out why I'm chatting with a middle-aged man with a passion for perimenopause and menopause."I think that the constant challenge for peo...

39: Sonya Lovell: Changing the World for the Next Generation of Women

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the power of female voices to create a better future for the next generation. "I just took it on as my job, to go and do the research fo...

38: Best of 2022: Top 5 episodes as voted by you!

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who will take the honour of the most downloaded episode in 2022?In this episode, we revisit the top 5 episodes you chose to listen to. Join me as I co...

37: Prof Rebecca Mitchell: Researching the intersection of menopause and women's careers

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we change the narrative around menopause in the workplace?Professor Rebecca Mitchell, of Macquarie Business School, is leading a study that dra...

36: Susan Jarvis: Stripping away stigma and expressing sexuality (NSFW)

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Has menopause led to you shutting up shop on your sexuality?A few years ago, Susan Jarvis (in her own words) went from being a very horny, lustful ‘...

35: Kath Berry: A surprising discovery led to educating practitioners on managing menopause

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to hear the unusual way that Kath Berry became interested in understanding menopause better while treating her female clients in Ibiza? Then you&...

34: Lyndal Sterenburg: The story of Es Una and changing women's lives

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you started feeling self-conscious at the beach? Are you covering up in a baggy old T-Shirt or worse, stopped going to the beach?Lyndal Sterenbur...

33: Olivia Park: Is your exercise working for or against you?

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a woman in her 40s (or older), do you want to learn how to exercise in a way that moves you forward but also honours your body through day-to-day f...

32: Jodie Preiss: The importance of advocacy in the face of adversity

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jodie Preiss is an incredibly resilient woman who faced unimaginable adversity in 2018.  Jodie's story starts with the unexpected and traumatic ...

31: Dr Kelly Teagle: transforming menopause care for Australian women

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During a career in medicine that included time with the Royal Australian Air Force, Dr Kelly Teagle developed an interest in women’s medicine with f...

30: Maryon Stewart: Managing menopause naturally

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Maryon Stewart is the author of Manage Your Menopause Naturally and 27 other books. A world-renowned healthcare expert, she has helped tens of thousan...

29: Emma Lagerlow: Early menopause and the gifts of space and confidence

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach, course creator, blogger, wife and mum to four - almost all teenagers. Emma experienced early  menopause,...

28: Susan Dean: The power of story and nurturing our feminine

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Dean is a life and business coach and the founder of Dean Publishing. Susan is passionate about helping entrepreneurs share their stories so tha...