Menopause is often seen as the beginning of an ageing decline, but what if it's actually one of the greatest opportunities to improve your long-term health?

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, editor Zoe Meunier sits down with GP, author and women's health advocate Dr Ginni Mansberg to discuss her new book, The Longevity Handbook For Women. Together, they unpack the powerful connection between menopause and longevity, exploring why this life stage is a crucial window for protecting your future health.

From heart disease and brain health to muscle, metabolism, bone density and weight changes, Dr Ginni explains the science behind what happens during menopause and, more importantly, the evidence-based lifestyle habits that can help women thrive for decades to come.

If you've ever wondered how today's choices can shape your health in your 60s, 70s and beyond, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering advice.

 

Menopause is often seen as the beginning of an ageing decline, but what if it's actually one of the greatest opportunities to improve your long-term health?
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, editor Zoe Meunier sits down with GP, author and women's health advocate Dr Ginni Mansberg to discuss her new book, The Longevity Handbook For Women. Together, they unpack the powerful connection between menopause and longevity, exploring why this life stage is a crucial window for protecting your future health.
From heart disease and brain health to muscle, metabolism, bone density and weight changes, Dr Ginni explains the science behind what happens during menopause and, more importantly, the evidence-based lifestyle habits that can help women thrive for decades to come.
If you've ever wondered how today's choices can shape your health in your 60s, 70s and beyond, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering advice.
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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

S16 E1 Future-proof your health through menopause

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.
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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

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re talking about what it really takes to change the menopause conversation – and why that change is long overdue.

Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Heather Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Gen M, the global movement behind the M-Tick – an initiative designed to help women more easily find trusted, menopause-friendly products and support.

After her own confusing and unsupported experience with perimenopause, Heather set out to tackle what she calls the “invisibility” of midlife women – bringing together major brands and retailers to better recognise, support and serve women at this life stage. Now, that movement is arriving in Australia.

Together, Zoe and Heather explore why menopause has been overlooked for so long, how fear and misinformation are shaping women’s experiences, and what needs to change – across healthcare, retail and society – to help women feel informed, supported and empowered.

From the idea of menopause as “the biggest marathon you’ll ever run” to the reality that most women can only name a handful of symptoms, this episode is a powerful reminder that preparation, education and open conversation can make all the difference.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we&rsquo;re talking about what it really takes to change the menopause conversation &ndash; and why that change is long overdue.
Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Heather Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Gen M, the global movement behind the <a href="https://gen-m.com/the-mtick/">M-Tick</a> &ndash; an initiative designed to help women more easily find trusted, menopause-friendly products and support.
After her own confusing and unsupported experience with perimenopause, Heather set out to tackle what she calls the &ldquo;invisibility&rdquo; of midlife women &ndash; bringing together major brands and retailers to better recognise, support and serve women at this life stage. Now, that movement is arriving in Australia.
Together, Zoe and Heather explore why menopause has been overlooked for so long, how fear and misinformation are shaping women&rsquo;s experiences, and what needs to change &ndash; across healthcare, retail and society &ndash; to help women feel informed, supported and empowered.
From the idea of menopause as &ldquo;the biggest marathon you&rsquo;ll ever run&rdquo; to the reality that most women can only name a handful of symptoms, this episode is a powerful reminder that preparation, education and open conversation can make all the difference.

From fear to empowerment:  transforming the menopause space

For many women, menopause isn’t just about physical symptoms – it’s a turning point.

In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we explore the often-overlooked psychological side of midlife, from identity shifts and emotional overwhelm to grief, relationships and the pressure of caring for everyone else.

Joining us is menopause support counsellor Melinda McKeown, who has spent nearly 20 years supporting women through major life transitions. After years working in perinatal mental health, Melinda now focuses on the emotional impact of menopause – helping women understand what’s happening beneath the surface, regulate their nervous systems, and feel more like themselves again.

Together, we unpack why menopause can feel like a reset – and how women can move through it with more clarity, self-compassion and confidence.

About Melinda

Melinda McKeown is a counsellor with close to 20 years’ experience in private practice. Her work has evolved from supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood to guiding them through the emotional and psychological shifts of menopause.

With training in counselling, full-spectrum doula care and midlife mental health through the HER Centre (Monash University), Melinda specialises in helping women understand hormonal change, regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with themselves.

She also runs a peri- and menopause support circle in the Illawarra region and is developed an accessible online model of care designed to provide ongoing, real-world support for women navigating this stage.

To learn more about Melinda’s online model of care, visit The Hormone Edition: Supportive Community for Hormone Health.

For many women, menopause isn&rsquo;t just about physical symptoms &ndash; it&rsquo;s a turning point.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we explore the often-overlooked psychological side of midlife, from identity shifts and emotional overwhelm to grief, relationships and the pressure of caring for everyone else.
Joining us is menopause support counsellor Melinda McKeown, who has spent nearly 20 years supporting women through major life transitions. After years working in perinatal mental health, Melinda now focuses on the emotional impact of menopause &ndash; helping women understand what&rsquo;s happening beneath the surface, regulate their nervous systems, and feel more like themselves again.
Together, we unpack why menopause can feel like a reset &ndash; and how women can move through it with more clarity, self-compassion and confidence.
About Melinda
Melinda McKeown is a counsellor with close to 20 years&rsquo; experience in private practice. Her work has evolved from supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood to guiding them through the emotional and psychological shifts of menopause.
With training in counselling, full-spectrum doula care and midlife mental health through the HER Centre (Monash University), Melinda specialises in helping women understand hormonal change, regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with themselves.
She also runs a peri- and menopause support circle in the Illawarra region and is developed an accessible online model of care designed to provide ongoing, real-world support for women navigating this stage.
To learn more about Melinda&rsquo;s online model of care, visit <a href="https://thehormoneedition.com/">The Hormone Edition: Supportive Community for Hormone Health</a>.

S16 E1 Future-proof your health through menopause

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