The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode, I’m speaking with Accredited Practising Dietitian Annie Barry about why so many women in perimenopause struggle with weight, cravings, overeating, and feeling constantly hungry, despite trying so hard to “eat less.”We unpack the connection between under-fuelling, blood sugar balance, stress, sleep, hormones, meal structure, and the unrealistic dieting advice many women have followed for decades.This conversation is incredibly practical, reassuring, and refreshing for women who feel frustrated by midlife weight changes and overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice.If you’ve ever found yourself skipping meals, surviving on coffee, raiding the kids’ lunchboxes at 3pm, or feeling like your willpower is the problem, this episode will resonate deeply. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Why under-fuelling often leads to overeating later in the dayThe connection between blood sugar balance, cravings, and energy crashesWhy many women struggle with afternoon and evening snackingHow decades of dieting impact women’s relationship with foodWhy protein and fibre matter during perimenopauseSimple meal structure strategies that support hormones and energyPractical snack ideas for busy womenHow to nourish your body without restrictive dietingWhy sustainable nutrition is about systems, not perfectionHow to create healthier meals without cooking separate meals for the family ABOUT ANNIE BARRY:Annie Barry is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 20 years of experience, a food and wine lover, and someone who genuinely believes that willpower is not the reason most women over 40 struggle with their weight. Annie runs All Round Wellness, where she helps women in perimenopause lose weight, manage symptoms and feel like themselves again, without giving up their favourite foods or cooking separate meals for the family. Her approach is built on practical systems rather than restriction, because she knows the strategies that worked in your 20s or 30s simply don't cut it anymore. Annie is passionate about giving women the tools and confidence to take back control of their health for good. CONNECT WITH ANNIE BARRY:Website: https://www.allroundwellness.com.au/ Instagram: @healthy.habits.dietitian CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this solo episode, I unpack 9 key hormones and brain chemicals that can significantly influence women during perimenopause and menopause, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and melatonin.I explain how hormonal shifts may impact mood, energy, sleep, cravings, stress, motivation, confidence, weight changes, and overall wellbeing during midlife.We also discuss why perimenopause is a natural life transition, much like puberty, and the practical lifestyle strategies that may help women feel more supported, informed, and in control again.This episode is educational, empowering, and designed to help women better understand what may be happening inside their bodies during this stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:The role oestrogen plays in metabolism, mood, and body compositionWhy progesterone changes can increase anxiety and poor sleepHow testosterone impacts motivation, confidence, and muscle massThe connection between cortisol, stress, and belly fatHow insulin resistance may contribute to cravings and fatigueWhy serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin influence mood and emotional wellbeingHow melatonin disruptions impact sleep during midlifeWhy hormones work together rather than in isolationPractical ways to support your hormones naturally through lifestyle habitsThe importance of nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, and stress management during perimenopause and menopause CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode, I’m speaking with Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst Lorna Woodcock about midlife fashion, confidence, body shape changes, and learning how to dress for the woman you are today.We discuss how perimenopause and aging can impact the way women feel in their clothes, why so many women lose confidence in midlife, and how understanding your body shape, proportions, personal style, and colour palette can completely change the way you shop and dress.This conversation is about so much more than fashion trends.It’s about confidence, self-expression, reducing overwhelm, and creating a wardrobe that actually works for your changing body and lifestyle.If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and felt frustrated, uncomfortable, outdated, or unsure what suits you anymore, this episode is packed with practical insights and empowering advice. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:How perimenopause and midlife can impact body confidenceWhy clothing proportions matter more than women realiseHow to dress for your changing body shapeThe importance of understanding your colour paletteWhy personal style evolves during midlifeHow to reduce shopping overwhelmTips for creating a wardrobe that actually works togetherWhy midlife is the perfect time for a style resetThe emotional connection between confidence and clothing ABOUT LORNA WOODCOCK:Lorna is a 52-year-old, married, working mum of 2 girls. A few years ago, while enduring both Covid lockdowns and peri-menopause, she made the decision to change both her own personal style, and her entire career path in midlife!Now, after extensive training and several years of practical styling experience she is a Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst specialising in supporting women in midlife. She is passionate about helping women 40+ find confidence and joy in getting dressed every day.With a previous background in psychology, and a long career in teaching, Lorna combine's colour science, body-shape expertise and practical wardrobe strategies to help clients feel confident and effortless. She creates wardrobes that flatter changing midlife body shapes, fit busy lifestyles and support evolving careers, using clear, teachable methods so every piece works harder and getting dressed becomes simple, and aligned with each client's own personal style. CONNECT WITH LORNA:Website: https://www.styledforlife.com.au/ Email: [email protected] Instagram/Facebook: @styledforlife LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lorna-woodcock-a0ab13323 🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Lorna’s Perimenopause Shopping Bible is available via her website and social platforms. CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode, I’m speaking with Adrian Stone, holistic nutritionist and naturopath, about a more personalised and root-cause approach to supporting women through perimenopause.We explore how looking beyond symptoms and understanding the bigger picture can help you better navigate hormonal changes in midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in perimenopauseHow gut health directly impacts hormone balanceThe role of stress and past experiences on your hormonesWhat functional testing can reveal beyond standard blood testsSimple, practical ways to support your body right nowWhy simplifying your health approach can create better resultsThis conversation brings a different perspective to women’s health, focusing on understanding your body as a whole, rather than treating isolated symptoms. ABOUT ADRIAN STONEAdrian Stone is a holistic nutritionist and certified naturopath with over 13 years of clinical experience. He is the co-founder of Living Holistic Health, a naturopathy and nutritional medicine clinic based in Geelong, supporting clients both locally and via Telehealth across Australia.Adrian specialises in uncovering the root causes of health issues, using a personalised and integrative approach that includes nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and advanced functional testing.He is also a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee at the National Institute for Integrative Medicine in Melbourne, and a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association. CONNECT WITH ADRIANWebsite: www.livingholistichealth.com.auInstagram: @livingholistichealthFacebook: Living Holistic HealthYouTube: Living Holistic Health CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode, I’m speaking with Angela Lee Jenkins, leadership wellbeing consultant, speaker and coach, about what she calls wellbeing intelligence and why it matters more than ever for women in midlife.We explore how stress, leadership demands, family life and internal expectations can impact your nervous system, and how small, intentional shifts can help you feel more grounded, in control and connected to yourself again.This is a powerful conversation that goes beyond surface-level strategies and into what really supports your wellbeing day to day. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:What “wellbeing intelligence” is and why it’s foundationalHow chronic stress and invisible load impact women in midlifeSimple ways to set boundaries without guiltThe power of micro breaks to reset your nervous systemHow to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelmingWhy aligning with your values changes everythingHow small daily actions can create meaningful changeAngela also shares her deeply personal story behind the Will to Liv message, and how purpose, connection and small moments can shift the way we experience life. ABOUT ANGELA LEE JENKINSAngela Lee Jenkins is a leadership wellbeing consultant, speaker, author and coach specialising in what she calls Wellbeing Intelligence.With a background in exercise physiology, coaching, and postgraduate studies in mental health and wellbeing, Angela takes a whole-person approach to supporting women, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, navigating stress, life transitions, and the demands of both career and personal life.Her work focuses on helping women regulate their nervous system, reconnect with themselves, and build simple, sustainable ways to support their wellbeing.Angela is also the creator of the Will to Liv message and framework, inspired by her own lived experience and grounded in the belief that the will to live starts now, even in the middle of challenge. CONNECT WITH ANGELAWebsite: https://angelaleejenkins.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelajenkins104willLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lee-jenkins CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode of The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, I’m speaking with Tanya Leake about the deeply personal and often overlooked vaginal, urinary, hormonal, and emotional changes women can experience during perimenopause and menopause.We discuss the topics many women are silently experiencing but rarely talking about openly, including clitoral atrophy, recurrent UTIs, painful intimacy, confidence changes, and the emotional impact menopause can have on identity and relationships.This conversation is honest, empowering, educational, and packed with practical insights to help women better understand what may be happening in their bodies during midlife. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:💜 What clitoral atrophy is and why more women need to know about it💜 Why UTIs become more common during menopause💜 How hormonal changes can impact intimacy, confidence, and identity💜 Why women often feel blindsided during perimenopause and menopause💜 How to better advocate for yourself with healthcare professionals💜 The importance of education, support, and open conversations around menopause💜 Why women should stop suffering in silence ABOUT GUEST:Tanya Leake, NBC-HWC (National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach), BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate), is a mindset and lifestyle coach focused on transforming wellbeing during menopause by empowering personalized, lifestyle-based, evidence-informed solutions. She is publisher of HOT FLASH! The Newsletter, a weekly, Substack-based newsletter translating menopause lifestyle research into practical evidence-based insights to support a thriving menopause journey. CONNECT WITH GUEST:Website: https://embodywell.comInstagram: @embodywellTwitter/X: @embodywellFacebook: @embodywellEmail: [email protected]: https://linkedin.com/in/tanya-leake CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis 🌍 GLOBAL MENOPAUSE & MIDLIFE SPECIALTY CENTERS 🇺🇸 United States• NYU Langone Center for Midlife Health & Menopause• Johns Hopkins Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program• Maimonides Menopause Center• Baylor College of Medicine Menopause Center• Texas Children’s Menopause Center 🇬🇧 United Kingdom• NHS menopause clinics• British Menopause Society 🇪🇺 Europe• REA Maternity Hospital Menopause & Osteoporosis Clinic• Clinics across Spain, Germany, Turkey, and the UK 🇦🇺 🇳🇿 Australia & New Zealand• Australasian Menopause Society 🇨🇦 Canada• Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Directory 🌐 Global Organisations• International Menopause Society• The Menopause Society

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, I’m speaking with Karen Aroney, Nutritionist and Women’s Health Specialist, about how high-achieving women can fuel their bodies to train, perform, and feel better in perimenopause.We explore why so many women feel like their body has stopped responding, despite doing everything “right”, and how under-fuelling, inconsistent eating, and diet culture may be holding them back.Karen shares a practical, evidence-based approach to nutrition that supports energy, performance, and long-term results without restriction. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Why high-performing women often feel like they’re “losing their edge”How under-fuelling impacts energy, muscle, hormones, and resultsWhy eating more strategically can improve performance and body compositionThe importance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in midlifeWhy fasted training may not support your goals in perimenopauseHow to build sustainable nutrition habits without restrictionThis conversation will help you shift from restriction to nourishment, so you can support your body, your training, and your life in a way that actually works. ABOUT KAREN ARONEYKaren Aroney is a Nutritionist with a background in psychology and a Women’s Health Specialist, supporting women to improve their energy, confidence, and wellbeing through simple, science-based nutrition strategies.With qualifications in both psychology and nutrition, she blends evidence‑based guidance with practical tools that fit real life - work, family, hormones, and everything in between.As the founder of ExecFuel™ and EMPWRHER™, Karen works with high performers, busy professionals, and women navigating hormonal changes to feel stronger, clearer, and more in control of their health. CONNECT WITH KARENWebsite: https://www.execfuel.com.au/Instagram: @execfuelFacebook: @execfuelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenaroney/Email: [email protected]’s Program (EMPWRHER): https://www.execfuel.com.au/empwrher-program CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Blanche Cruz, modern acupuncturist, about how a holistic approach can support women through perimenopause.We explore the physical and emotional changes many women experience, including the feeling of being “outside yourself,” and how this relates to what Chinese medicine refers to as blood deficiency.Blanche shares how acupuncture, nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation work together to support hormone balance, energy, and overall wellbeing.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:• Why many women feel ungrounded or disconnected in perimenopause • What “blood deficiency” means and how it impacts your body • How acupuncture supports the nervous system and hormone health • The role of digestion in energy and hormone balance • Foods and nutrients that support blood production • Why warm foods and hydration matter more than you think • How weight training supports bone density and metabolism • Practical ways to reduce inflammation and internal “heat”This conversation brings together traditional Chinese medicine and modern lifestyle strategies to help you better understand what’s happening in your body, and how to support it in a practical way.ABOUT DR. BLANCHE CRUZ:Blanche is a modern acupuncturist dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal health through a deeply personalised and holistic approach.With a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture, over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, and a Certificate III in disability, Blanche blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern science to deliver comprehensive, results-driven care.CONNECT WITH BLANCHE:Website: https://acupuncturebyblanche.com Instagram: @acupuncturebyblanche TikTok: @acupuncturebyblancheCONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis#acupunctureforperimenopause #perimenopausehormones #perimenopauserelief

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this first episode, I'm joined by Dr Marita Long, GP and President Elect of the Australasian Menopause Society, to unpack the medical side of perimenopause.Together, we break down hormone therapy, vaginal dryness, libido changes, testing, and what is actually worth paying attention to in midlife.This conversation brings clarity to a space that often feels confusing and overwhelming, with a strong focus on evidence-based guidance.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:When hormone therapy is appropriate and who it is forWhy vaginal dryness is common and how it can be treatedThe real reasons behind low libido, vaginal dryness and what can helpWhy hormone testing is often unnecessary in perimenopauseHow midlife impacts brain health and dementia riskWhat lifestyle factors matter most for long-term healthDr Long also shares practical insights on finding the right support and why taking a personalised approach to your health is key.If you’ve been feeling unsure about what’s happening in your body, this episode will help you better understand your options and next steps.ABOUT DR MARITA LONG:Dr Marita Long is a current committee member for the Australian Society of Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a member of the Women in General Practice RACGP committee and is the first GP to be appointed as an Honorary Medical Advisor for Dementia Australia.Marita works as a lecturer at the University of Melbourne Department of General Practice and Primary Care and is a Clinical Associate Professor for the Wicking Dementia Education and Research Centre. She was the co-host of Dementia in Practice Podcast for the first 3 seasons and is the current host of Healthed’s 45 Up podcast.CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:In this powerful launch episode of The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, host Terri Batsakis shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, health struggles, burnout, perimenopause, and the life-changing lessons that led her to create her 5 Pillars to Harmonise Your Hormones Through Menopause.Terri opens up about her own battle with anorexia, depression, adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal chaos, business burnout, and ultimately closing the doors to the fitness business she had built over 13 years.This episode is more than a personal story.It is a mission.A mission to create a movement that better supports women navigating perimenopause today, while educating younger generations so they are better prepared for the future.Terri also breaks down her foundational 5 Pillars: Sleep, Stress Management, Hydration, Nutrition, and Movement.If you are feeling confused by your symptoms, struggling to understand your body, or simply want practical strategies to better support yourself through midlife, this episode is for you.💜 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Terri’s personal perimenopause journeyHow hormonal changes impacted her health, mindset, and businessWhy perimenopause awareness is urgently neededThe hidden impact of stress and nervous system dysregulationHow sleep influences hormonal healthThe importance of hydration in midlifeFoundational nutrition strategies for hormone supportWhy movement and strength training matterThe 5 Pillars to Harmonise Your Hormones Through MenopauseHow small, consistent changes can create significant transformation💜 ABOUT GUEST:Terri Batsakis is a Menopause Coaching Specialist, Health & Nutrition Coach, Mindset Coach, and founder of The M.E.N.O. Queen Method.With over 16 years of experience in health, fitness, nutrition, and coaching, Terri helps women in perimenopause and midlife better understand their bodies, manage hormonal symptoms, improve confidence, and build healthier, more empowered lives.Through her podcast, coaching, and educational work, Terri is on a mission to create a global movement for better women’s health awareness. 💜 CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/IG: @terri.batsakisFB: @terribatsakisYouTube: @terribatsakis

Dry vagina. Rage. Belly fat.Welcome to The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, hosted by Terri Batsakis, Health, Nutrition, and Mindset Coach for women in midlife, and Menopause Coaching Specialist. This is a space for the conversations women are living, but rarely talking about openly. The podcast will be officially launching on the 11th of May, celebrating Mother's Day.In this podcast, we talk honestly about symptoms, mental health, identity shifts, confidence, boundaries, and the deep personal changes that often arrive in midlife.I’ll be sitting down with leading health and mental health experts, women navigating perimenopause right now, and organisations working to better support women in the workplace.This isn’t just about hormones — it’s about culture, mindset, self-trust, and how we stop shrinking ourselves in a stage of life where we deserve to be flourishing.Perimenopause doesn’t stay at home. It shows up at work, in leadership, and in every part of a woman’s life.It’s time we talked about it — out loud and proud – without shame.