Dr Gemma Sharp is a researcher and senior clinical psychologist at Monash University, specialising in body image and eating disorders. She lends her valuable insights into why and how our self worth is impacted by the changes that happen to us during perimenopause, which has led to a rise in eating disorders for women in midlife. 

Dr Gemma Sharp is a researcher and senior clinical psychologist at Monash University, specialising in body image and eating disorders. She lends her valuable insights into why and how our self worth is impacted by the changes that happen to us during perimenopause, which has led to a rise in eating disorders for women in midlife.

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

S8 Ep 02 Self worth and eating disorders in menopause

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.

S8 Ep 02 Self worth and eating disorders in menopause

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