In this episode, I sit down with Professor Susan Davis, a world-renowned endocrinologist and women's health researcher with over 40 years of experience. She is Head of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and holds a Level 3 NHMRC Investigator Grant. Susan is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne and a consultant at Cabrini Medical Centre. She is a Fellow and Council Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Susan’s research spans basic science to clinical trials and has been pivotal in our understanding of sex hormones in women in multiple non-reproductive target tissues including the brain (cognition, mood, sexual function), cardiovascular system (lipids, vascular function and coagulation) and other tissues (fat, muscle, joint cartilage and bone).
Susan was one of five founders of Jean Hailes for Women, is a past President of the Australasian Menopause Society and International Menopause Society. She has 435+ peer-reviewed publications and has received numerous prestigious research awards.
In 2022 she was also awarded the Medal of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
From questioning conventional wisdom about hormone therapy to conducting groundbreaking research that's changed how we understand menopause, Professor Davis brings clarity to a topic often clouded by misinformation and marketing hype.
Key Takeaways
Menopause reality check
Contrary to popular belief, about 70% of women don't experience severe menopausal symptoms. Those who do have significant symptoms typically improve within the first few years after menopause. This knowledge can help women approach this transition with less anxiety and better preparation.
Hormone therapy truth
The decision to use hormone therapy should be primarily symptom-driven. It's proven effective for managing classic menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood changes) and preventing bone loss. Still, it's not a universal requirement or an anti-ageing solution. Professor Davis emphasises that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Beyond hormones
Many symptoms attributed to menopause might have underlying causes. Key tests include iron levels (especially if fatigueD), thyroid function, and zinc levels. This highlights the importance of comprehensive health screening during midlife.
Navigating information
With the rise of menopause-related content on social media, it's crucial to fact-check information against reliable sources. Professor Davis recommends consulting websites of professionsal organisations for evidence-based information.
As you navigate your midlife journey, remember that this phase of life deserves thoughtful attention and informed care. While hormone therapy can be transformative for those who need it, creating a healthy lifestyle foundation through regular exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition remains crucial. Your midlife journey is unique - trust your experience while staying informed through credible sources.
Useful Resources:
Professor Susan Davis on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/professorsusandavis/
Women’s Health Research Programme https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/units/womenshealth?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabp7h5dTpA0i_LIMZFKCdIwa8gTZSpDFz1tUvoh3tVX7sZgWbLclN8PMw0_aem_4k6tSLbKA0OWwdzeTpTmPg
Australasian Menopause Society (for fact sheets) https://www.menopause.org.au/
International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
IMS educational videos and Podcast Library https://www.imsociety.org/education/videos/?v=8bcc25c96aa5#interviews
Jean Hailes for Women's Health (for comprehensive women's health information) https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/
You can also find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/
Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.
