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

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>.

The psychological reset of midlife

What if preparing for menopause actually started decades earlier?

In this episode, Prevention Editor Zoe sits down with triple Olympian Lisa Curry, co-founder of Happy Healthy You, one of Australia’s leading programs supporting women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

Together, they share how younger women can lay the groundwork now for a smoother transition later,  from building metabolic and hormonal resilience to understanding the early signals your body may already be sending.

Founded in 2015, Happy Healthy You has supported more than 1.5 million women and was one of the first programs in Australia designed to work alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with conventional care.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or already navigating change, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights to help you feel more in control of what’s ahead.

What if preparing for menopause actually started decades earlier?
In this episode, Prevention Editor Zoe sits down with triple Olympian Lisa Curry, co-founder of <a href="https://happyhealthyyou.com.au/">Happy Healthy You,</a>&nbsp;one of Australia&rsquo;s leading programs supporting women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Together, they share how younger women can lay the groundwork now for a smoother transition later,&nbsp; from building metabolic and hormonal resilience to understanding the early signals your body may already be sending.
Founded in 2015, Happy Healthy You has supported more than 1.5 million women and was one of the first programs in Australia designed to work alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with conventional care.
Whether you&rsquo;re in your 30s, 40s or already navigating change, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights to help you feel more in control of what&rsquo;s ahead.

S8 Ep 02 Self worth and eating disorders in menopause

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