Shows
The Debra Shepherd Podcast197: Menopause, Cancer, Midlife and Women's Health with Sonya LovellI'm honoured to welcome Sonya Lovell to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Sonya is a menopause advocate, podcast host and speaker dedicated to reshaping the conversation around women's health. As host of Dear Menopause, Sonya shares honest, informative discussions that empower women to better understand and navigate menopause. Drawing on her own lived experience with menopause and cancer, Sonya speaks passionately about the importance of self-advocacy, bridging the gap between personal experience and professional expertise to inspire women to take charge of their health and voice. In this episode, Sonya shares her story. We talk about p...
2025-11-1237 min
Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace with Mon and MazzYou're Not Alone: Menopause Uncovered with Sonya LovellSince 2021, Sonya Lovell has been raising awareness, challenging societal stigmas and taboos, and lobbying for better education and resources for everyone who is transitioning through menopause.Sonya is the host of the popular podcast Dear Menopause, having interviewed leading local and global experts and commentators in the fields of menopausal health, mental health and government.In this interview, Sonya shares her deeply personal experience of being diagnosed with aggressive Breast cancer at 47, and navigating the chaos of a medically induced menopause, Unprepared, unsupported and uneducated she made it her mission to...
2025-10-2142 min
Dear Menopause127: Hysterectomy | 4 Weeks Post Op UpdateReaching the four-week milestone in my hysterectomy recovery journey feels like crossing an important threshold.In this episode, I discuss the remarkable physical transformation that has occurred – pain has decreased significantly, mobility has improved dramatically, and my energy levels have surged. Simple movements that caused discomfort just two weeks ago, like rolling over in bed or tying shoelaces, now feel natural again.The four-week check-up with my surgeon brought validation and unexpected revelations. We also discussed guidelines for safely returning to exercise (stationary cycling is now approved!) and intimate relations😉, conversations I deeply appreciated for their...
2025-08-2125 minDear Menopause126: Hysterectomy | 2 Weeks Post Op UpdateThe unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me in September 2024, launching me on a journey that ultimately led to having a hysterectomy at age 55.This very personal episode takes you through my complete hysterectomy experience – from the shocking discovery of post-menopausal bleeding to my recovery two weeks after robotic laparoscopic surgery. I share the medical investigations that revealed my significantly thickened uterine lining (likely caused by previous Tamoxifen treatment for Breast Cancer), the decision-making process that led to surgery, and exactly what happened during my...
2025-08-0748 minDear Menopause123: The Beauty of Aging: A Conversation with Elizabeth Barbalich from Antipodes SkincareWhat if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and CEO of Antipodes Skincare, shares this refreshing perspective as she joins us to discuss how natural ingredients can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin.From her kitchen table to a global brand sold in over 40 countries, Elizabeth's story embodies the power of female entrepreneurship guided by genuine purpose. She reveals how winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Product Award in New Zealand and Best Emerging Brand in Paris validated her vision, yet she...
2025-05-2925 minDear Menopause122: Hot Take with Sonya and JohannaA captivating conversation between Sonya and Jo explores the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause healthcare, research, and politics in Australia. In this episode we begin by unpacking the viral podcast between Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Peter Attia – a two-and-a-half hour deep dive into menopause, vaginal health and GSM that's being celebrated as "the best podcast that has been recorded to date on this topic." What makes it exceptional isn't just the content but the peer-to-peer dynamic between two medical professionals sharing both evidence-based information and clinical experience.The conversation takes a powerful turn when jou...
2025-05-2233 minDear Menopause120: Your Brain During Menopause with Dr Jen Hacker PearsonYour brain is undergoing a massive renovation during menopause, and Neuroscientist Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson is here to help you understand the how and why. With nearly three decades studying neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change itself, Dr Jen offers revolutionary insights into why perimenopause affects every woman differently and how you can harness this transformation.When estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, your brain essentially panics. There are estrogen receptors throughout your neural networks, and as this crucial hormone decreases, your brain must create "workarounds" by changing its structure, function, and connectivity. This rewiring explains e...
2025-05-0836 minDear Menopause119: The Testosterone Access Gap No One's Talking AboutWe need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone therapy, testosterone has transformed my life, restoring my vitality, sharpening my focus, lifting my mood, and reawakening my sexuality. Yet accessing this life-changing treatment reveals a troubling gender bias in our healthcare system.While nine testosterone products for men are subsidised through the PBS, Androfeme - the only female-specific testosterone cream in Australia - remains unsubsidised, costing women over $100 per script. This forces many of us to use male-formulated alternatives that require daily careful self-measurement, an...
2025-05-0110 minDear Menopause118: Postmenopausal Bleeding: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek HelpPostmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? When should you be concerned? Dr Ceri Cashell joins me to demystify this common but often distressing symptom.We dive into the definition of postmenopausal bleeding - any bleeding that occurs after 12 months without periods - and explore the various causes, from hormone imbalances to more serious conditions that require immediate attention. Dr Ceri uses a brilliant analogy, comparing the uterus to a jumbo jet where multiple hormone "switches" need perfect alignment for smooth operation.
2025-04-2414 minDear Menopause117: Weight Loss, Hormones and Metabolic Health with Dr Lucy BurnsHave you ever wondered why weight creeps on during menopause, despite your best efforts? Dr Lucy Burns pulls back the curtain on what she calls the "metabolic triad of menopause" – a perfect storm of declining estrogen, rising cortisol, and increasing insulin resistance that creates the ideal conditions for stubborn weight gain.As a GP who retrained in lifestyle medicine after experiencing her own health challenges, Dr. Burns offers a refreshingly honest perspective on why traditional approaches to weight management fail so many midlife women. Using the powerful analogy of a locked woodshed, she explains how hig...
2025-04-1752 minDear Menopause116: ENCORE: ADHD, Autism and the Menopausal BrainThe relationship between menopause and neurodivergence remains largely unexplored territory in women's health—until now. In this groundbreaking conversation, neuropsychologist A/Professor Caroline Gurvich shares fascinating insights into why cognitive symptoms during perimenopause may signal more than just typical hormone fluctuations.For many women, perimenopause becomes the unexpected moment when long-overlooked neurodivergent traits suddenly demand attention. "About 98% of people said their ADHD symptoms became worse across those perimenopausal years." Even more revealing, numerous women receive their first ADHD diagnosis during midlife, despite having experienced symptoms since childhood. This raises questions about why these cond...
2025-04-1038 minDear Menopause115: Creatine, Blood Tests & Supplement Hype with Sarah GraySupplement confusion is at an all-time high, with social media feeds flooded with miracle promises targeting menopausal women. But how do you know what you actually need, what works, and what's just expensive snake oil?Pharmacist and nutritionist Sarah Gray brings her dual expertise to this conversation, offering practical guidance for navigating the overwhelming world of supplementation. Unlike most health professionals who specialise in either conventional medicine or natural approaches, Sarah bridges both worlds, providing uniquely balanced insights into what supplements might actually benefit women in midlife.This episode d...
2025-04-0345 minDear Menopause114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat UppalIn this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition affecting one in four women yet rarely discussed openly. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on how women often normalise suffering through periods that drastically impact their quality of life.The discussion reveals shocking statistics: 25% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, yet more than half never seek medical help. Dr. Uppal provides clear indicators of abnormal bleeding – passing large clots, changing protection every 1-2 hours, waking at night to change, using multiple protection types simu...
2025-03-2729 minDear Menopause113: Hot Take with Sonya and JohannaUpdates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy more affordable and the growing momentum around women's health initiatives.• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) now includes Estrogel, Prometrium, and Estrogel Pro (as of March 1st), with Slinder joining May 1st• PBS prescriptions require specific coding - you may need a new prescription to access subsidised pricing• FDA removed warnings from testosterone in the USA, highlighting the need for Australia to update outdated warnings on vaginal estrogen products• The "So Hot Right No...
2025-03-2041 minDear Menopause112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura LeeWhat happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity for sexual rediscovery and deeper connection. Psychologist and sexologist Laura Lee joins me in this episode to masterfully unpack the evolution of desire through midlife, challenging our cultural fixation on "loss of libido" by revealing how desire simply changes form. Sexual communication can feel particularly challenging during menopause, when changing bodies and shifting desires create vulnerability. Laura provides practical strategies for starting these conversations without the paralysing pressure many couples feel. Rather than dr...
2025-03-1340 minDear Menopause111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari ToddHow do you navigate life after cancer when everything feels different? Join me for a raw discussion that dives deep into the emotional and physical realities of cancer recovery. In this episode, Shari Todd and I share similarities in our vulnerable journeys through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and what life looks like on the other side. And what it took for us to get there.You will hear a candid conversation about the weight of expectations, mental health struggles, and the often-overlooked challenges faced during recovery and the complexities of an induced menopause.
2025-03-0636 minDear Menopause110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's HealthDelve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment. Join my conversation with Ged Kearney, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, who passionately shares insights from her extensive background in nursing and women's health advocacy. As we explore the various components of this funding package, Ged discusses critical advancements aimed at transforming menopause care, addressing gender disparities in the health system, and fostering community awareness about healthcare needs.We unpack the elimination of barriers related to long-acting contraceptives, funding for additional endometriosis, pelvic pain an...
2025-02-2726 minDear Menopause109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and EducationEnjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause. With her extensive background in evidence-based medicine and a passion for translating complex medical data into practical insights, Dr. Newson sheds light on the evolving landscape of menopause awareness, specifically in Australia. You will hear about her journey from a career in pathology and cancer medicine to becoming a leading advocate for menopause education. Together, we discuss the highly anticipated "So Hot Right Now" event at the iconic Sydney Opera House, a groundbreaking occasion focused on perimenopause an...
2025-02-2025 minDear Menopause108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual HealthJoin me today to dive into the intricacies of vaginal and sexual health with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a leading figure in female sexual health and hormones. We unpack everything you need to know about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), highlighting the critical need for understanding and treating these symptoms beyond conventional methods like antibiotics for urinary tract infections.We dissect the FDA's boxed warnings on estrogen medications, which we also have here in Australia, leading to widespread confusion and at times, fear. Unpacking the misconceptions surrounding these warnings, particularly the safety of vaginal es...
2025-02-1333 minDear Menopause107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's HealthCould a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese government is set to transform menopause and perimenopause care across the nation. With bipartisan support ensuring the longevity of these initiatives, we explore the Senate Inquiries and Budget Submissions that paved the way for these groundbreaking developments and the profound impact they promise for countless women. This episode sheds light on how accessibility to menopause care is being reimagined, with Medicare rebates incentivising GPs to gain new skills and the expansion of existing cli...
2025-02-1027 minDear Menopause106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne MulheronLeanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal experience with perimenopause symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings, became the catalyst for a career pivot aimed at supporting women in similar situations. Throughout, we highlight the societal need for education and understanding about menopause, ensuring future generations are not caught off guard by its onset. Leanne's narrative powerfully underscores the gaps in psychological support for women experiencing menopause and PMDD.Our conversation emphasises a holistic and personalised approach to t...
2025-02-0636 minDear Menopause105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina KamperJoin me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing stress management for women over 40. Discover how stress, rather than just diet, plays a pivotal role in overall health, as Despina highlights the critical brain-gut connection. Learn from her experience conducting anxiety awareness workshops and retreats designed to help women manage stress and improve their quality of life.We explore the significant benefits of proper breathing techniques, particularly during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages, and challenge the social stigmas surrounding aging. As...
2025-01-3030 minDear Menopause104: Hot Take with Sonya and JohannaIn our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy was pivotal in the PBAC's decision to recommend Estrogel, Prometrium and Estrogel Pro for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. With a personal milestone, Sonya shares her new role as the ambassador for Menopause and Cancer in Australia and New Zealand. This initiative seeks to fill the glaring void in post-cancer menopause care, echoing alarming statistics from the UK where the majority of women receive no support.Johanna highlighted actionable insights in "A Citizen's Guide to...
2025-01-2339 minDear Menopause103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara EglingtonTara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental health and daily life. By discussing the challenges she faced—including anxiety, panic attacks, night sweats and an unexpected OCD diagnosis —Tara emphasises the importance of storytelling, awareness, and seeking support in navigating this often isolating time of life. During our conversation, you will learn about:• Tara's path to advocacy • The symptoms of perimenopause she experienced at age 37 • The connection between mental health struggles and hormonal changes • Intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the t...
2025-01-1636 minDear Menopause102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended ListeningStart the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey. Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025. I spotlight influential voices in the menopause sphere, including Dr Kelly Teagle, who empowers us to build healthy habits, and Sarah Rusbach, who challenges us to rethink our relationship with alcohol. Nutritionist Ange Clark offers her expertise on supplements for midlife, while Professor Jayashri Kulkarni sheds light on the critical intersection of menopause and mental health.
2024-12-2604 minDear Menopause101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline GurvichJoined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health. Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving understanding of menopause and cognition, and how recognising neurodiversity's spectrum from neurotypical to neurodivergent is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.Caroline dives into the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD symptoms as she explains how hormonal changes can...
2024-12-1938 minDear Menopause100: Hot Take with Sonya and JohannaJoin Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication. We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn't yet made it to the PBS despite public demand.Delving deeper, we contrast MPA, a synthetic progestin, with body-identical progesterone and critique the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) tendency to group these therapies together. This sheds light on...
2024-12-1238 min