In this episode as part of our World Menopause Month Podcast Series, Dr. Shauna Watts, a general practitioner specialising in women's health, explores the complexities of managing menopause symptoms through a robust GP-patient relationship. Dr. Watts clarifies the stages of menopause, from perimenopause through to postmenopause, noting the variability and often ambiguous markers of perimenopause. She dives deep into the myriad symptoms that women may encounter, including hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, diminished libido, and vaginal dryness.

Dr. Shauna addresses the societal stigma surrounding menopause, advocating for more open conversations and enhanced support networks. She also discusses lesser-known symptoms and the roles of diagnostic tools like blood tests and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing these symptoms effectively. Additionally, Dr. Watts touches on significant health concerns like premature ovarian insufficiency and musculoskeletal symptoms, emphasising the importance of muscle strength in maintaining joint health and mobility.

She also sheds light on the benefits of HRT in alleviating menopausal symptoms and preventing long-term illnesses. Despite the debates surrounding HRT's benefits, Dr. Shauna champions individualised care and thorough discussions between patients and healthcare providers. Lastly, Dr. Shauna introduces her innovative programme, You by Dr. Shauna Watts, which integrates aesthetic medicine with menopause care, aiming to bolster women's confidence and overall well-being during this transitional phase.

Takeaways


The GP-patient relationship is pivotal in effectively managing menopause symptoms and fostering supportive environments.


Perimenopause marks a transitional period leading to menopause, characterised by fluctuating menstrual cycles and a broad spectrum of symptoms.


Menopause officially begins twelve months after the last menstrual period, with postmenopause following thereafter.


Common menopause symptoms range from hot flushes and sleep disruptions to mood instability and sexual health challenges.


It's crucial to dismantle the societal stigma surrounding menopause to encourage open and supportive discussions.


Less typical symptoms, such as hair thinning and skin changes, need recognition and can often be indicators of underlying health issues.


Hormone replacement therapy not only eases common menopause symptoms but also plays a critical role in preventing osteoporosis and improving life quality.


Strengthening muscles through exercise can mitigate joint pain and mobility issues often exacerbated during menopause.


Personalised treatment plans, as advocated by Dr. Watts, ensure that women receive tailored care that aligns with their unique health needs during menopause.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of the GP-Patient Relationship
02:00 Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause
06:20 Exploring the Range of Menopause Symptoms
08:07 Breaking the Stigma and Societal Pressures Surrounding Menopause
16:25 Non-Common Symptoms of Menopause
23:17 The Role of Blood Tests in Menopause Diagnosis
29:51 Using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during Perimenopause
31:57 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Menopausal Symptoms
36:07 The Importance of Strong Muscles for Menopausal Women
41:23 HRT and Bone Health
47:54 Navigating the Lack of Concrete Evidence for HRT Benefits
51:51 You by Dr. Shauna Watts: A Comprehensive Approach to Menopause Care

Watch the episode here:
https://youtu.be/YJX-6SD1DmM

In this episode as part of our World Menopause Month Podcast Series, Dr. Shauna Watts, a general practitioner specialising in women's health, explores the complexities of managing menopause symptoms through a robust GP-patient relationship. Dr. Watts clarifies the stages of menopause, from perimenopause through to postmenopause, noting the variability and often ambiguous markers of perimenopause. She dives deep into the myriad symptoms that women may encounter, including hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, diminished libido, and vaginal dryness.
Dr. Shauna addresses the societal stigma surrounding menopause, advocating for more open conversations and enhanced support networks. She also discusses lesser-known symptoms and the roles of diagnostic tools like blood tests and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing these symptoms effectively. Additionally, Dr. Watts touches on significant health concerns like premature ovarian insufficiency and musculoskeletal symptoms, emphasising the importance of muscle strength in maintaining joint health and mobility.
She also sheds light on the benefits of HRT in alleviating menopausal symptoms and preventing long-term illnesses. Despite the debates surrounding HRT's benefits, Dr. Shauna champions individualised care and thorough discussions between patients and healthcare providers. Lastly, Dr. Shauna introduces her innovative programme, You by Dr. Shauna Watts, which integrates aesthetic medicine with menopause care, aiming to bolster women's confidence and overall well-being during this transitional phase.
Takeaways
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
The GP-patient relationship is pivotal in effectively managing menopause symptoms and fostering supportive environments.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Perimenopause marks a transitional period leading to menopause, characterised by fluctuating menstrual cycles and a broad spectrum of symptoms.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Menopause officially begins twelve months after the last menstrual period, with postmenopause following thereafter.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Common menopause symptoms range from hot flushes and sleep disruptions to mood instability and sexual health challenges.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
It's crucial to dismantle the societal stigma surrounding menopause to encourage open and supportive discussions.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Less typical symptoms, such as hair thinning and skin changes, need recognition and can often be indicators of underlying health issues.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Hormone replacement therapy not only eases common menopause symptoms but also plays a critical role in preventing osteoporosis and improving life quality.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Strengthening muscles through exercise can mitigate joint pain and mobility issues often exacerbated during menopause.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Personalised treatment plans, as advocated by Dr. Watts, ensure that women receive tailored care that aligns with their unique health needs during menopause.
</li>
</ul>
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of the GP-Patient Relationship 02:00 Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause 06:20 Exploring the Range of Menopause Symptoms 08:07 Breaking the Stigma and Societal Pressures Surrounding Menopause 16:25 Non-Common Symptoms of Menopause 23:17 The Role of Blood Tests in Menopause Diagnosis 29:51 Using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during Perimenopause 31:57 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Menopausal Symptoms 36:07 The Importance of Strong Muscles for Menopausal Women 41:23 HRT and Bone Health 47:54 Navigating the Lack of Concrete Evidence for HRT Benefits 51:51 You by Dr. Shauna Watts: A Comprehensive Approach to Menopause Care
Watch the episode here: <a href="https://youtu.be/YJX-6SD1DmM">https://youtu.be/YJX-6SD1DmM</a>

Ageless by Rescu takes you behind the velvet ropes of ageless beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open up my little black book of celebrities, scientists, cosmetic physicians, surgeons, glam squads, products and leading edge experts that can help transform your vitality, beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. More than a destination for trusted advice, Ageless by Rescu is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every beauty, wellbeing, and vitality concern without judgment. 


From skincare and injectables to biohacking, understanding the role of epi-genetics, and everything in between, the Ageless world is your oyster — and I'm here to help you open it. 
More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitative and confusing messages, the AGELESS by Rescu Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting edge innovations in Australia and globally.

This Podcast and opinions expressed in the episodes are not meant to be used for diagnostic purposes. Always seek independent and professional advice before embarking on any wellness, medical or fitness program. 

Ageless by Rescu takes you behind the velvet ropes of ageless beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open up my little black book of celebrities, scientists, cosmetic physicians, surgeons, glam squads, products and leading edge experts that can help transform your vitality, beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. More than a destination for trusted advice, Ageless by Rescu is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every beauty, wellbeing, and vitality concern without judgment. 
 From skincare and injectables to biohacking, understanding the role of epi-genetics, and everything in between, the Ageless world is your oyster — and I'm here to help you open it.  More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitative and confusing messages, the AGELESS by Rescu Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting edge innovations in Australia and globally.
This Podcast and opinions expressed in the episodes are not meant to be used for diagnostic purposes. Always seek independent and professional advice before embarking on any wellness, medical or fitness program.

Ageless by Rescu

Ageless by Rescu takes you behind the velvet ropes of ageless beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open up my little black book of celebrities, surgeons, cosmetic doctors, scientists, glam squads , products and leading edge experts that can help transform your vitality, beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. More than a destination for trusted advice Ageless by Rescu is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every beauty, wellbeing, and vitality concern without judgment. From skincare and injectables to bio-hacking, epi-genetics, surgery, and everything in between, the Ageless world is your oyster — and I'm here to help you open it.

More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitive and confusing messages, the AGELESS by Rescu Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting edge innovations in Australia and globally.

Ageless&nbsp;by Rescu takes you behind the velvet ropes of&nbsp;ageless&nbsp;beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open up my little black book of celebrities, surgeons, cosmetic doctors, scientists, glam squads , products and leading edge experts that can help transform your vitality, beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. More than a destination for trusted advice&nbsp;Ageless&nbsp;by Rescu is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every beauty, wellbeing, and vitality concern without judgment. From skincare and injectables to bio-hacking, epi-genetics, surgery, and everything in between, the&nbsp;Ageless&nbsp;world is your oyster &mdash; and I'm here to help you open it. More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitive and confusing messages, the&nbsp;AGELESS&nbsp;by Rescu Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting edge innovations in Australia and globally.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Menopause: Expert Insights on Symptom Management | Dr Shauna Watts | General Practitioner | Women's Health & Aesthetics Expert 

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