For most women, menopause is a gradual transition. But what happens when it arrives almost overnight?

At 49, Lisa Schweighoffer, co-founder of Australian skincare brand Boost Lab, underwent a medically necessary hysterectomy and suddenly found herself navigating surgical menopause – without feeling prepared for what lay ahead.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Lisa joins Prevention editor Zoe Meunier to share her personal experience of the physical and emotional changes that followed, the challenges of finding clear medical advice and why learning to advocate for herself became such an important part of her journey.

They also explore the impact of hormonal changes on skin and confidence, how to adapt your skincare routine in midlife and why Lisa believes menopause should be a stage of life women approach feeling informed and empowered, rather than fearful.

 

For most women, menopause is a gradual transition. But what happens when it arrives almost overnight?
At 49, Lisa Schweighoffer, co-founder of Australian skincare brand <a href="https://boostlabco.com/">Boost Lab</a>, underwent a medically necessary hysterectomy and suddenly found herself navigating surgical menopause &ndash; without feeling prepared for what lay ahead.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Lisa joins Prevention editor Zoe Meunier to share her personal experience of the physical and emotional changes that followed, the challenges of finding clear medical advice and why learning to advocate for herself became such an important part of her journey.
They also explore the impact of hormonal changes on skin and confidence, how to adapt your skincare routine in midlife and why Lisa believes menopause should be a stage of life women approach feeling informed and empowered, rather than fearful.
&nbsp;

Surgical menopause: What I wish I'd known

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause can feel frustrating, confusing and sometimes downright unfair – especially when the healthy habits that once worked no longer seem to make a difference. But what if the answer isn't simply to eat less?

New research from the CSIRO has revealed that weight gain is the most commonly reported symptom of menopause, ahead of hot flushes, fatigue and sleep disturbances. And there's another surprising finding: many women in midlife aren't getting enough protein to support their changing bodies.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Dr Gilly Hendrie, Research Scientist at the CSIRO and part of the team behind the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, to unpack what's really happening to our metabolism, muscle mass and nutritional needs during menopause.

Together, they explore why traditional weight-loss advice can miss the mark, the importance of protein for healthy ageing and how small, realistic changes to what we eat can make a meaningful difference – without restrictive dieting or expensive supplements.

If you've ever wondered why your body seems to be playing by a different set of rules in midlife, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause can feel frustrating, confusing and sometimes downright unfair &ndash; especially when the healthy habits that once worked no longer seem to make a difference. But what if the answer isn't simply to eat less?
New research from the CSIRO has revealed that weight gain is the most commonly reported symptom of menopause, ahead of hot flushes, fatigue and sleep disturbances. And there's another surprising finding: many women in midlife aren't getting enough protein to support their changing bodies.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Dr Gilly Hendrie, Research Scientist at the CSIRO and part of the team behind the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, to unpack what's really happening to our metabolism, muscle mass and nutritional needs during menopause.
Together, they explore why traditional weight-loss advice can miss the mark, the importance of protein for healthy ageing and how small, realistic changes to what we eat can make a meaningful difference &ndash; without restrictive dieting or expensive supplements.
If you've ever wondered why your body seems to be playing by a different set of rules in midlife, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Menopause weight gain: why simply eating less isn't the answer

If you’ve ever felt like managing your health in midlife has become a full-time job, this episode is for you. From hormones and sleep to weight, supplements, bone health and longevity, there’s no shortage of advice about what we should be doing. But with so much information – and often conflicting opinions – how do we know where to start?

Women’s health strategist, naturopath and author Susan Hunter has spent 20 years helping women navigate their health, and she believes we don’t have an information problem – we have a navigation problem.

In this refreshingly practical conversation, Susan joins Prevention editor Zoe Meunier to explain how to cut through the wellness noise, understand what your body is telling you and make more confident decisions about your health. Because thriving through menopause isn’t about doing everything perfectly – it’s about knowing what matters most, what can wait and where to focus your energy.

Susan is the author of The Health Edit: Where to Start. What to Change. For Women Over 40.

If you&rsquo;ve ever felt like managing your health in midlife has become a full-time job, this episode is for you. From hormones and sleep to weight, supplements, bone health and longevity, there&rsquo;s no shortage of advice about what we should be doing. But with so much information &ndash; and often conflicting opinions &ndash; how do we know where to start?
Women&rsquo;s health strategist, naturopath and author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.susanhunter.com.au/">Susan Hunter</a> has spent 20 years helping women navigate their health, and she believes we don&rsquo;t have an information problem &ndash; we have a navigation problem.
In this refreshingly practical conversation, Susan joins Prevention editor Zoe Meunier to explain how to cut through the wellness noise, understand what your body is telling you and make more confident decisions about your health. Because thriving through menopause isn&rsquo;t about doing everything perfectly &ndash; it&rsquo;s about knowing what matters most, what can wait and where to focus your energy.
Susan is the author of <a href="https://www.susanhunter.com.au/the-health-edit-book">The Health Edit: Where to Start. What to Change. For Women Over 40</a>.

How to cut through the menopause health noise

Pelvic health might be one of the least talked-about parts of menopause – yet the physical changes that happen as oestrogen declines can have an enormous impact on a woman’s comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Few people are better placed to have this conversation than Lisa Fitzpatrick. A physiotherapist with more than three decades of clinical experience and a pelvic and sexual health educator, Lisa has spent her career helping women understand what’s happening to their bodies – and, importantly, what they can do about it.

Now, in her new book Sexy Menopause, she’s bringing those conversations out of the treatment room and into the open, tackling an area of women’s health that has remained taboo for far too long.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Lisa brings reassuring expertise, refreshing frankness and a welcome reminder that symptoms such as pelvic pain, prolapse and vaginal discomfort aren’t simply things women should quietly put up with as they get older. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening “down there” during and after menopause, this is an episode well worth hearing.

Pelvic health might be one of the least talked-about parts of menopause &ndash; yet the physical changes that happen as oestrogen declines can have an enormous impact on a woman&rsquo;s comfort, confidence and quality of life.
Few people are better placed to have this conversation than <a href="https://www.lisafitzpatrick.com.au">Lisa Fitzpatrick</a>. A physiotherapist with more than three decades of clinical experience and a pelvic and sexual health educator, Lisa has spent her career helping women understand what&rsquo;s happening to their bodies &ndash; and, importantly, what they can do about it.
Now, in her new book <a href="https://www.sexymenopause.com/">Sexy Menopause</a>, she&rsquo;s bringing those conversations out of the treatment room and into the open, tackling an area of women&rsquo;s health that has remained taboo for far too long.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Lisa brings reassuring expertise, refreshing frankness and a welcome reminder that symptoms such as pelvic pain, prolapse and vaginal discomfort aren&rsquo;t simply things women should quietly put up with as they get older. If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what&rsquo;s really happening &ldquo;down there&rdquo; during and after menopause, this is an episode well worth hearing.

S17 E2 Your pelvic health through menopause

There are some guests whose work feels as though it’s changing the conversation around women’s health – and Dr Vonda Wright is one of them.

A double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and internationally recognised authority on human performance, longevity and women’s health, Dr Wright has spent more than two decades studying how we can remain strong, mobile and independent as we age. She is also the author of the bestselling Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Ageing with Power and the physician who gave a name to something countless women had been experiencing but struggling to explain: the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.

Her message is an enormously empowering one for women in midlife: ageing does not have to mean quietly accepting weakness, pain and physical decline. There is much we can do now to protect our muscles, bones, joints and future independence – and midlife is a crucial time to start.

Dr Wright is one of the most compelling voices in women’s longevity today, so we’re incredibly excited to welcome her to Thriving in Menopause. This is a conversation every woman who wants to feel strong, capable and confident in her body for decades to come should hear.

There are some guests whose work feels as though it&rsquo;s changing the conversation around women&rsquo;s health &ndash; and <a href="https://www.drvondawright.com">Dr Vonda Wright</a> is one of them.
A double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and internationally recognised authority on human performance, longevity and women&rsquo;s health, Dr Wright has spent more than two decades studying how we can remain strong, mobile and independent as we age. She is also the author of the bestselling <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/unbreakable-9781785045660?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24227323907&amp;gbraid=0AAAABAo8Cf5ql4dfwImvZ-8lWBDoz7Qtl&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjww-3VBhAcEiwAwUUIu_VUyOXKPlXBg0_gmw7R2aa9k8VNoKPNvg0JgVdJW4vMOeQo-k2iRBoCX7UQAvD_BwE">Unbreakable: A Woman&rsquo;s Guide to Ageing with Power</a> and the physician who gave a name to something countless women had been experiencing but struggling to explain: the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.
Her message is an enormously empowering one for women in midlife: ageing does not have to mean quietly accepting weakness, pain and physical decline. There is much we can do now to protect our muscles, bones, joints and future independence &ndash; and midlife is a crucial time to start.
Dr Wright is one of the most compelling voices in women&rsquo;s longevity today, so we&rsquo;re incredibly excited to welcome her to Thriving in Menopause. This is a conversation every woman who wants to feel strong, capable and confident in her body for decades to come should hear.

S17E1 Dr Vonda Wright: How to become unbreakable in midlife

A year on from Australia’s landmark Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause, Senator Marielle Smith returns to Thriving in Menopause to talk about what’s changed – and what still needs to happen.

As Co-Sponsor and Deputy Chair of the inquiry, Senator Smith played a pivotal role in bringing the experiences of Australian women into the national spotlight. Now, one of its key recommendations has become a reality, with the launch of a National Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign designed to help women recognise symptoms, find trusted information and feel more confident seeking support.

In this episode, we talk about why greater awareness matters, the stigma that still surrounds menopause, the progress made since the inquiry and where gaps remain in healthcare, workplaces and the wider community.

We also ask what real change looks like beyond an awareness campaign – and what Senator Smith hopes the next chapter will bring for women navigating perimenopause and menopause in Australia.

A year on from Australia&rsquo;s landmark Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause, Senator Marielle Smith returns to Thriving in Menopause to talk about what&rsquo;s changed &ndash; and what still needs to happen.
As Co-Sponsor and Deputy Chair of the inquiry, Senator Smith played a pivotal role in bringing the experiences of Australian women into the national spotlight. Now, one of its key recommendations has become a reality, with the launch of a National Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign designed to help women recognise symptoms, find trusted information and feel more confident seeking support.
In this episode, we talk about why greater awareness matters, the stigma that still surrounds menopause, the progress made since the inquiry and where gaps remain in healthcare, workplaces and the wider community.
We also ask what real change looks like beyond an awareness campaign &ndash; and what Senator Smith hopes the next chapter will bring for women navigating perimenopause and menopause in Australia.

S16 E6 From Inquiry to action: What's changed in menopause in Australia?

Why does everything suddenly feel so much harder in perimenopause? You might find yourself overwhelmed by things you once took in your stride, snapping at the people you love, feeling emotionally exhausted or simply wondering why you don’t seem to cope the way you used to.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Narelle Dickinson to explore what’s really going on. We unpack the connection between hormones, the brain and nervous system, and how the changes of midlife can affect our emotional bandwidth, resilience and ability to deal with stress.

Narelle explains what nervous system dysregulation can look like in everyday life, where cortisol and chronic stress fit into the picture and why burnout and hormonal symptoms can be so difficult to untangle. We also explore why some women find themselves reassessing relationships and becoming less willing to tolerate things they once did - leading to the 'menodivorce' phenomenon.

Most importantly, Narelle shares practical strategies to help calm an overloaded nervous system, prioritise rest and recovery and feel more like yourself again.

Why does everything suddenly feel so much harder in perimenopause? You might find yourself overwhelmed by things you once took in your stride, snapping at the people you love, feeling emotionally exhausted or simply wondering why you don&rsquo;t seem to cope the way you used to.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we&rsquo;re joined by clinical psychologist <a href="https://www.lotushp.com.au/narelle-dickinson-profile">Narelle Dickinson</a> to explore what&rsquo;s really going on. We unpack the connection between hormones, the brain and nervous system, and how the changes of midlife can affect our emotional bandwidth, resilience and ability to deal with stress.
Narelle explains what nervous system dysregulation can look like in everyday life, where cortisol and chronic stress fit into the picture and why burnout and hormonal symptoms can be so difficult to untangle. We also explore why some women find themselves reassessing relationships and becoming less willing to tolerate things they once did - leading to the 'menodivorce' phenomenon.
Most importantly, Narelle shares practical strategies to help calm an overloaded nervous system, prioritise rest and recovery and feel more like yourself again.

S16 E5 Why everything feels harder in perimenopause

From hot flushes and disrupted sleep to anxiety and fatigue, menopause symptoms can affect almost every aspect of daily life. While hormone therapy can be transformative for many women, it isn’t suitable for everyone – and some may be interested in complementary ways to manage their symptoms.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, host Zoe Meunier speaks with Kim Gatenby, Director of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, about the role acupuncture may play in menopause care.

Kim explains how acupuncture works, what the current evidence tells us and why treatment is tailored to each woman’s individual experience. She also discusses the symptoms women most commonly seek help for, what to expect during a consultation and how to find a suitably qualified practitioner.

From hot flushes and disrupted sleep to anxiety and fatigue, menopause symptoms can affect almost every aspect of daily life. While hormone therapy can be transformative for many women, it isn&rsquo;t suitable for everyone &ndash; and some may be interested in complementary ways to manage their symptoms.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, host Zoe Meunier speaks with Kim Gatenby, Director of the <a href="https://acupuncture.org.au/">Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association</a>, about the role acupuncture may play in menopause care.
Kim explains how acupuncture works, what the current evidence tells us and why treatment is tailored to each woman&rsquo;s individual experience. She also discusses the symptoms women most commonly seek help for, what to expect during a consultation and how to find a suitably qualified practitioner.

S16 E4 Acupuncture and menopause: separating fact from fiction

Could your constant fatigue, brain fog or irritability be more than just the juggle of everyday life? For many women, the first signs of perimenopause arrive years before they expect them to – and are often mistaken for stress, burnout or simply being "too busy".

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by nutritionist, chef and WelleCo educator Zoe Bingley-Pullin, who shares her own experience of being diagnosed with perimenopause at just 39. Together, they unpack why this transition can begin earlier than many women realise, the symptoms to look out for and the simple, evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can help you feel your best.

From the importance of blood sugar balance and protein to the role of stress, sleep and movement, this conversation cuts through the online noise to focus on the habits that truly support hormone health – not just for today, but for healthy ageing in the years ahead.

Whether you're in your late 30s, already navigating menopause or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your hormones – rather than letting them control you.

Could your constant fatigue, brain fog or irritability be more than just the juggle of everyday life? For many women, the first signs of perimenopause arrive years before they expect them to &ndash; and are often mistaken for stress, burnout or simply being "too busy".
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by nutritionist, chef and <a href="https://welleco.com.au/">WelleCo</a> educator <a href="https://www.zoebingleypullin.com/">Zoe Bingley-Pullin</a>, who shares her own experience of being diagnosed with perimenopause at just 39. Together, they unpack why this transition can begin earlier than many women realise, the symptoms to look out for and the simple, evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can help you feel your best.
From the importance of blood sugar balance and protein to the role of stress, sleep and movement, this conversation cuts through the online noise to focus on the habits that truly support hormone health &ndash; not just for today, but for healthy ageing in the years ahead.
Whether you're in your late 30s, already navigating menopause or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your hormones &ndash; rather than letting them control you.

S16 E3 Take control of your hormones in perimenopause

For decades, Mary Coustas has made Australia laugh as the unforgettable Effie. But behind the sharp wit and larger-than-life persona is a woman whose own journey through midlife has been anything but straightforward.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Mary opens up about the realities of menopause, the frustration of feeling dismissed, and why she decided to turn one of life's biggest transitions into an opportunity to help other women. She shares how her own experience inspired her book Marypause and the creation of UnPause, a telehealth platform designed to give women better access to menopause care.

Along the way, we also talk about confidence, identity, finding humour in life's challenges and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Mary's trademark warmth and wit shine through, but so does her passion for making sure women feel informed, supported and empowered through every stage of midlife.

Whether you're approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or simply want to better understand what's happening to your body, this conversation is full of reassurance, practical insights and plenty of laughs.

Mary Coustas (and Effie!) will both be joining us later in the year at our World Menopause Day event. Visit worldmenopauseday.com.au to find out more!

For decades, Mary Coustas has made Australia laugh as the unforgettable Effie. But behind the sharp wit and larger-than-life persona is a woman whose own journey through midlife has been anything but straightforward.
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Mary opens up about the realities of menopause, the frustration of feeling dismissed, and why she decided to turn one of life's biggest transitions into an opportunity to help other women. She shares how her own experience inspired her book Marypause and the creation of <a href="https://unpause.com.au/">UnPause</a>, a telehealth platform designed to give women better access to menopause care.
Along the way, we also talk about confidence, identity, finding humour in life's challenges and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Mary's trademark warmth and wit shine through, but so does her passion for making sure women feel informed, supported and empowered through every stage of midlife.
<ul data-spread="false"></ul>
Whether you're approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or simply want to better understand what's happening to your body, this conversation is full of reassurance, practical insights and plenty of laughs.
Mary Coustas (and Effie!) will both be joining us later in the year at our World Menopause Day event. Visit <a href="https://www.worldmenopauseday.com.au/">worldmenopauseday.com.au</a> to find out more!

S16 E2 Mary Coustas: Finding the funny in menopause

At Prevention we know how confusing and truly overwhelming the changes caused by menopause can be. That’s why we’ve enlisted some of Australia’s best health experts to share simple ways to make midlife easier in our new podcast, Thriving in Menopause. We cover it all, from minimising those awful hot flushes, to easing mad-eyed mood swings, to managing sudden weight shifts, to handling your relationship. If you’re a woman in midlife, this series just for you!

Thriving In Menopause

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

102 clip(s)