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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Michelle Woolhouse - https://www.drmichellewoolhouse.com/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Michelle’s recommendations

• Sleep 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.aspx
• Resources for metabolic health - https://www.vively.com.au/
• Hypnotherapy for Hot Flashes – https://www.nervahealth.com/post/hypnotherapy-for-hot-flashes-the-mind-body-connection

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8
• Jean 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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Jayashri Kulkarni - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Jayashri’s recommendations

• Mental health helplines - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8
• Jean 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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Jayashri Kulkarni - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8
• Jean 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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Key websites

• Australasian 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 resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8
• Jean 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 Davidson, 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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Key websites

• Australasian 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 resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8
• Jean 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 support

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 guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/

• Women’s Health in the South East - https://whise.org.au/

Key websites

• Australasian 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 Newson

• The 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 resources

• Thorne 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-a828400d7ea8

• Jean 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.