Best Sonya Lovell | Menopause Mentor Podcasts (2025)

1
122: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna 33:08

1d ago33:08

33:08

A 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…

1
121: Breakups in Midlife: When Menopause Reshapes Your Relationship 41:20

8d ago41:20

41:20

What happens to marriages and long-term relationships during menopause? Clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to the podcast to tackle this powerful question, revealing why 70% of midlife breakups are initiated by women. The menopause transition triggers not just hormonal changes but profound psychological shifts. Neuroplasticity during this …

1
120: Your Brain During Menopause with Dr Jen Hacker Pearson 36:59

15d ago36:59

36:59

Your 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 yo…

1
119: The Testosterone Access Gap No One's Talking About 10:24

22d ago10:24

10:24

We 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 b…

1
118: Postmenopausal Bleeding: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help 14:32

29d ago14:32

14:32

Postmenopausal 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 mon…

1
117: Weight Loss, Hormones and Metabolic Health with Dr Lucy Burns 52:27

1M ago52:27

52:27

Have 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 retrain…

1
116: ENCORE: ADHD, Autism and the Menopausal Brain 38:06

1M ago38:06

38:06

The 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 wom…

1
115: Creatine, Blood Tests & Supplement Hype with Sarah Gray 45:51

2M ago45:51

45:51

Supplement 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 …

1
114: ENCORE | Heavy Periods: The Silent Epidemic with Dr Talat Uppal 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

In 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. …

1
113: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Updates 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 joi…

1
112: Sex Doesn't End at Menopause with Laura Lee 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

What 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 fix…

1
111: Cancer Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line: A Conversation on Expectations with Shari Todd 36:11

3M ago36:11

36:11

How 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…

1
110: Ged Kearney on Investing in Women's Health 26:28

3M ago26:28

26:28

Delve 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 fundin…

1
109: Dr Louise Newson on Menopause Advocacy and Education 25:21

3M ago25:21

25:21

Enjoy 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…

1
108: Dr. Kelly Casperson on Female Sexual Health 33:04

3M ago33:04

33:04

Join 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 …

1
107: BONUS Hot Take | $573.3M Gov Investment in Women's Health 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

Could 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 Submissio…

1
106: Psychological Support During Menopause with Leanne Mulheron 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

Leanne 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 ne…

1
105: Stress Management and Aging Gracefully with Despina Kamper 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

Join 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 experienc…

1
104: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna 39:36

4M ago39:36

39:36

In 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 Menop…

1
103. An Unexpected Path to Perimenopause Advocacy with Tara Eglington 36:58

4M ago36:58

36:58

Tara 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 …

1
102: Kickstart Your New Year with My Recommended Listening 4:15

5M ago4:15

4:15

Start 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, …

1
101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich 38:06

5M ago38:06

38:06

Joined 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 issue…

1
100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna 38:36

5M ago38:36

38:36

Join 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 …

1
99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story 34:45

6M ago34:45

34:45

Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health. Jules' …

1
98: A Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna 44:30

6M ago44:30

44:30

In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity. We dive into the confusion that often surrounds vaginal estrogen because of misleading warnings on packaging. The…

1
97: Progressive Menopause GP Care with Dr Ceri Cashell 32:27

6M ago32:27

32:27

Dr Ceri Cashell's journey into improving the menopause care she gave patients, as a GP, was sparked by one patient's suggestion that she learn more about testosterone. This led her to explore and become a vocal champion for the essential role of sex hormones in women's overall well-being. Join us as we talk through the complexities of menopause car…

1
96: Senator Marielle Smith on Closing the Menopause Support Gap 21:34

6M ago21:34

21:34

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause in Australia. Over the past year, this Inquiry gathered insights from over 300 submissions, culminating in 25 key recommendations supported across political lines by the Liberal Party, Labor, and the …

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95: Behind the Scenes of Australia's Menopause Movement with Johanna Wicks 44:10

7M ago44:10

44:10

How does an experienced women's health advocate struggle to recognise her own perimenopausal symptoms? Join me as I explore Johanna Wicks' journey from confusion to advocacy, sparked by Dr. Ginni Mansberg's enlightening book, "The M Word." Jo's story reveals a significant gap in women's health education and sets the stage for her influential role i…

1
94: Dr Kelly Teagle on Creating Healthy Habits 40:12

1y ago40:12

40:12

The question Dr Kelly Teagle has for women is what will it cost you if you don't create healthy habits and make meaningful lifestyle changes now, while you're still young enough for it to make a big impact? In 10 to 20 years, will you be functioning well and still doing all the things that give your life meaning? In this episode, Dr Kelly, a leadin…

1
93: A Short Break 2:04

1y ago2:04

2:04

As one of your guides through the ever-shifting landscape of menopause, I'm hitting pause on the podcast to recharge my batteries. But only for 3 short weeks!! Dear Menopause will be back with episode 94 on Friday 22nd March 2024. Make sure you're subscribed or following the podcast to ensure you are notified when the episode drops. While I'm off s…

1
92: Menopausal Skin Care: A Dermatologist's Guide 27:06

1+ y ago27:06

27:06

Menopause can leave many women feeling dry, itchy and irritated particularly when it comes to changes in skin health. Join me as Dr Shreya Andric, a leading dermatologist who also specialises in vulvar dermatology, shares her expertise on how declining estrogen and progesterone influence our skin during perimenopause and postmenopause. Dr Andric sh…

1
91: Thriving Through Perimenopause: 3 Essential Tips 13:27

1+ y ago13:27

13:27

In this episode, I share 3 essential tips for those days when perimenopause is really kicking your butt, that you can get started with today. The focus is on journaling to keep track of symptoms, how to find a supportive healthcare professional, and small mindful lifestyle changes. These steps are vital for taking back control of your health and ch…

1
90: Australia's Menopause Inquiry and the Push for Health Equity with Senator Marielle Smith 21:15

1+ y ago21:15

21:15

Senator Marielle Smith joins Sonya to discuss the Australian Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause. Hear how this Inquiry hopes to break the silence on a topic all too often overlooked. Marielle takes us through the Inquiry's mission to recommend both legislative and societal changes and set the stage for a new era of understanding and su…

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89: Dr Fatima Khan: Weaving Eastern traditions with Western medical science 41:07

1+ y ago41:07

41:07

Have you wished that you could find a Doctor who weaves the wisdom of Eastern traditions with Western medical science? In this conversation with Dr Fatima Khan, we cover everything from hormone health to the influential role of our elders, reminding us that this phase is not just about changes but about adaptation and growth. Hormones can be a roll…

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88: Beyond Booze with Sarah Rusbatch 35:05

1+ y ago35:05

35:05

Have you ever found yourself in that murky space where your drinking seems more habitual than social, yet not quite what you'd label as addiction? Join the conversation with Sarah Rusbatch, a distinguished coach navigating the intricacies of grey area drinking. Sarah peels back the layers of her personal narrative, from motherhood to moving abroad,…

1
87: Achieving Your Dreams Beyond Midlife with Esther Zeledon 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of something extraordinary, but you're held back by the invisible chains of expectations? Esther Zeledon, the visionary behind Be Act Change, joins me to unravel the threads of these limitations and together, we tackle the nuances of going after your dreams, especially for those stepping beyond midlife. Tr…

1
86: Early Menopause and POI at 15 Years Old with Sheree Hargreaves 41:18

1+ y ago41:18

41:18

When Sheree Hargreaves was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at just 15, it reshaped her teenage years in unexpected ways. Sheree, now 22, shares her courageous story, navigating early menopause symptoms and the complexities of hormone replacement therapy—a narrative that will both inspire and educate. Her candid insights put a spotlig…

1
85: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding with Dr Talat Uppal 29:13

1+ y ago29:13

29:13

Who knew discussing periods could be so enlightening? You'll never see menstrual health the same way again after tuning in to this powerful conversation with Dr Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr Uppal helps us break down the wall of silence surrounding menstrual health, sharing her extensive know…

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84: Empowering Choice in Menopause After Cancer: Dani Binnington 43:15

1+ y ago43:15

43:15

Enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Dani Binnington, the inspiring founder of the Menopause and Cancer organisation, and a breast cancer survivor. Dani gives a raw and brutally honest account of her journey through cancer and menopause, offering invaluable insights and experiences. We touch on the societal and personal pressures that women often gr…

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83: Dr Corinne Menn: Breast Cancer and Menopause Management 57:09

1+ y ago57:09

57:09

The need for better management of symptoms for women in surgically or medically induced menopause is undeniable. In this episode, we navigate through the complexities of menopause and breast cancer, with Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OBGYN and a breast cancer survivor, shedding light on this often overlooked and too often dismissed topic. Not …

1
82: Menopause and Insomnia: Tracey Martin's Guide to Optimal Sleep 48:14

1+ y ago48:14

48:14

Ever wondered why insomnia seems to be a constant companion when you hit perimenopause? Today, we unravel the mysteries of sleep, especially as it relates to women during the menopausal transition. I am joined by the incredibly knowledgeable Tracey Martin, a seasoned sleep coach who shares her insights on achieving optimal rest. Our enlightening co…

1
81: Grace Lam on Challenging Menopause Misconceptions 30:12

1+ y ago30:12

30:12

Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause. We've all heard about it, but few are prepared when it hits. But what's a journey without a travel buddy? Meet Grace Lam, our guest for this episode, who has transformed her menopause journey into a beacon of hope and advocacy. An icon in fa…

1
80: Tania Dalton on Navigating Menopause with Resilience and Empowerment 44:15

1+ y ago44:15

44:15

Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause? Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has journeyed through this phase of life and come out stronger. Tania shares her post-menopausal journey, discussing how it led her to reappraise her lifestyle choices, prioritise sleep, manage stress, and…

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79: Kaz Cooke talks "It's The Menopause" and more 39:48

1+ y ago39:48

39:48

Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-re…

1
78: Navigating Perimenopause Nutrition with Ange Clark 56:03

1+ y ago56:03

56:03

What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause? This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition. A powerhouse in the field we dive into the far-reaching effects of low energy availability on the female body, and how to tackle the inevitable midlife weight gain with the right diet and exercise b…

1
77: Alex Isaac on Surgically Induced Menopause and Hormone Therapy 19:11

1+ y ago19:11

19:11

Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the benefits of starting immediate hormone therapy. We also discuss Sarah, Alex's sister and her fight for hormone therapy, due to her breast cancer history, and the life-changing impact when she finally fou…

1
76: Genetic Mutations: Alex Isaac's Inspiring Story of Prevention and Resilience 25:20

1+ y ago25:20

25:20

Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life? My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation at the age of 30. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Alex bravely recounts her family's journey into the world of genetic mutations, which star…

1
75: Breaking Stigma and Personalised Care with Dr Louise Newson 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

How much do you truly know about menopause? Do you know the struggles women face while accessing adequate care for menopause-related issues? I'm joined by a passionate advocate for menopause education, UK expert, Dr Louise Newson. She shares her journey and insights as a GP who identified significant gaps in the healthcare system for women going th…

1
Season 2: Coming Soon! 2:30

1+ y ago2:30

2:30

Hold onto your headphones! The Dear Menopause podcast is back with a bang, ready to hit your airwaves on Friday, October 20th. I'm your host, Sonya Lovell, and I've spent countless hours preparing truly enlightening conversations and securing interviews with some industry legends for our second season. From taboo topics to extraordinary personal ex…

1
74: Atomic Health #4: Menopause: Challenging the fear-based narrative 42:45

1+ y ago42:45

42:45

What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it? Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, challenge the fear-based narrative often associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly on social media. We delve into the confusion caused by brands misusing the term 'peri' and the dire nee…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sonya Lovell | Menopause Mentor Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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