Connect Talks

Cancer, perimenopause and menopause – living through one life change can be challenging enough, but two can flip your world upside down. This was the reality of Sonya Lovell, who at 47 was diagnosed with breast cancer and pushed into medically-induced menopause.In this powerful episode, Sonya will share her experiences, advice and story– one which those experiencing a chronic health or a mental health condition, alongside perimenopause and menopause may feel a strong connection to.Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Sonya Lovell - https://www.sonyalovell.com/ Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/Sonya’s recommendationsHealthy Hormones - https://www.healthyhormones.au/welcomeQuestions You’re Allowed to Ask: A conversation companion for menopause after cancer for medical appointments, relationships, work, and family - https://www.sonyalovell.com/downloadGender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Major life changes and work don’t always go hand-in-hand, but the experience doesn’t have to be difficult one.In this episode, Thea O’Connor - expert on all thing's perimenopause, menopause and work - will help us navigate the challenges many of us face. We will cover common barriers and stigma, advocating for a more inclusive workplace environment and more! Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Thea O’Connor - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/ Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Thea’s recommendationsMenopause Information Pack for Organizations - Menopause at Work - https://www.menopauseatwork.org/Thea’s TEDx talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abxcO2ur_m4 Menopause at Work – The Orca Effect program - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/education/the-orca-effect/More recommendations and resources - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qnk2sir8nrzalsvw94ilf/Helpful-Menopause-Resources.pdf?rlkey=j05k0v2e45sqt5ziv8ba1shsl&e=1&dl=0 Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

As we’ve discussed, there’s a range of treatment options available when navigating perimenopause and menopause but sometimes lifestyle changes can be just as effective as medical options to help you get a handle on it all. In this episode, holistic General Practitioner (GP) Dr Michelle Woolhouse dives into the lifestyle factors that can influence perimenopause and menopause. From the best foods to add to your diet to how movement and sleep can affect symptoms, she provides practical insights into how different ways of living can transform your menopausal journey and your long-term health, such as heart health.Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Dr Michelle Woolhouse - https://www.drmichellewoolhouse.com/ Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Michelle’s recommendationsSleep with Confidence Psychology Services - https://sleepwithconfidence.com.au/Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) Provider Directory - https://sleepcentral.org.au/Central/Central/Contents/CBTi-directory.aspxResources for metabolic health - https://www.vively.com.au/Hypnotherapy for Hot Flashes – https://www.nervahealth.com/post/hypnotherapy-for-hot-flashes-the-mind-body-connectionGender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

From brain fog and forgetfulness, to anxiety and depression, perimenopause and menopause can play havoc on our mental health and wellbeing. It can be a difficult journey, but there is support and treatment options out there. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, expert in psychiatry and women’s health, is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of those in the life stages of perimenopause and menopause. This is an important episode which affirms and empowers the experiences that many have, but feel alone in.Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Dr Jayashri Kulkarni - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Jayashri’s recommendationsMental health helplines - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) has received a lot of interest over the years – both good and bad – which means there is a lot of information out there, making is hard to decide what the right choice is.Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, expert in psychiatry and women’s health, will help us debunk the myths, understand the facts and empower us to make informed decisions to ease the perimenopause and menopause journey through the use of MHT. Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Dr Jayashri Kulkarni - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

It can be difficult to feel like you have autonomy when going through perimenopause and menopause – major life changes, non-affirming care and unexpected symptoms can take the control out of your hands. In this episode Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre, will be helping us take that control back. Learn about the power of preventative screening, where to access affirming care, information and support and how patient-led advocacy can lead to impactful outcomes. Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Sonia’s recommendations Australasian Menopause Society - Find a Practitioner - https://www.menopause.org.au/find-a-practitioner/ Better Health Channel - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

In episode two, Connect begins exploring treatment options for perimenopause and menopause with Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre. The range of treatments available can be overwhelming – hormone therapies, non-hormonal options, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes and more! Sonia will take us through the options, important considerations for those living with an existing chronic health condition or mental health condition and how you can put yourself and your needs first during these life stages. Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Sonia’s recommendations Australasian Menopause Society - Find a Practitioner - https://www.menopause.org.au/find-a-practitioner/ Better Health Channel - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Joined by Laura Riccardi, Sexual and Reproductive Health Lead at Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), today’s episode starts our deep dive into the often overlooked, but important life stages of perimenopause and menopause.From surprising symptoms to the impacts on a person’s health, wellbeing, work and relationships, perimenopause and menopause can look different for everyone and can be a confusing time, especially for those already living with a chronic health or a mental health condition. This episode will explore the 101 of perimenopause and menopause and where someone can go for affirming guidance and supportTune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.Host and guestsConnect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Women’s Health in the South East - https://whise.org.au/Key websitesAustralasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Laura’s recommendations ‘The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence’ by Lisa Mosconi, PhD‘It's The Menopause’ by Kaz Cooke‘Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause’ by Dr Louise NewsonThe Dr Louise Newson Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dr-louise-newson-podcast/id14596 The Lancet series on menopause - https://www.thelancet.com/series/menopause-2024 Health Direct - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/guide-to-menopause Gender-affirming services and resourcesThorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/ Trackers and score cards Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Get a sneak peek into our upcoming season where we will be deep diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. In each episode, the Connect team will chat to an expert special guest and focus in on one area of these important life stages. Explore everything from treatment options to lived experience insights and feel confident and supported to navigate perimenopause and menopause.

Join us as we chat to Connect's newest team member, Kass, as she tells us about what led her to her passion for accessible health communication and what to look out for when you're accessing health information.

Anxiety can be tricky to navigate but the Anxiety Recovery Centre Victroia (ARCVic) provides free support services for those needing help. ARCVic is a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders. Join us as we chat to Kelli Benjamin, the Support Group Coordinator at ARCVic.

Are you waiting to access mental health services, or finding that you need someone to speak to between appointments? Partners in Wellbeing is here to help. Learn more in this month's Let's Connect episode.

Have you heard of the Feelix Children's Library? This fantastic service from Vision Australia offers free, tactile storybook kits and more for children with vision loss. Find out more in this feel-good Let’s Connect.

Sarah Joyce is a distinguished advocate for disability and meningococcal. Listen to our chat as she walks us through her inspiring story and answers questions about living with a chronic health condition and its impacts on her life.