#2 Midlife, Menopause and Mental Health: A Real Conversation with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni

Episode Synopsis:In this insightful episode of Mind Your Being, we’re joined by world-renowned psychiatrist and women’s mental health advocate, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni. Together, we delve into the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences on women's mental health across the lifespan, with a particular focus on midlife.Professor Kulkarni explains the unique mental health challenges faced by women during midlife where hormones fluctuate significantly during perimenopause, before dropping dramatically with menopause, and how these factors shape conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.We discuss how shifts in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can significantly impact mood and cognition, and explore why midlife is a particularly vulnerable time for many women. Professor Kulkarni shares her insights on both conventional and emerging treatments to address women’s mental health concerns in midlife, including the role of hormonal therapies. We also explore her groundbreaking work at the HER Centre Australia and the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, where she’s pioneering research that aims to transform mental health outcomes for women.Whether you're navigating midlife, supporting others, or simply curious about the intersection of hormones and mental wellbeing, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and hope—grounded in science and compassion.BiographyProfessor Jayashri KULKARNI AM graduated from Monash University with a medical degree in 1976. She has a distinguished career in Psychiatry and founded plus directs two large psychiatric research groups, the Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) and Monash University’s HER Centre Australia. Links for Professor Jayashri Kulkarni:Twitter: https://x.com/her_centreFacebook:   https://www.facebook.com/hercentreaustraliaInstagram :   https://www.instagram.com/hercentreaustralia/MAPrc Department Website:    https://www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/psychiatry/researchHER Centre Australia Website:https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centrehttps://mindyourbeing.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#https://x.com/mind_yourbeinghttps://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcastThanks so much for listening,Cass xDisclaimer:The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.