While menopause is typically a natural transition, medically-induced menopause is another scenario altogether, coming at a time in a woman's life when she is already undergoing serious health challenges.

To understand more on the subject, we’re joined on the podcast by Professor Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne (since Feb 2010) and Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, CT. She is the lead in a world-first study, What Happens After Menopause (WHAM), that explores just how women who experience medically-induced menopause are affected. The findings might surprise you!

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This episode of the podcast focuses on a menopausal symptom that is very common but can be quite distressing to experience - female pattern hair loss. From an ever-widening hair part to temples that are creeping backwards, the good news is there is much to be done to halt the thinning. Our expert to guide us through the options is Chelcey Salinger IAT, a consultant trichologist at the Australian Trichology Centre, Sydney and Adelaide, (www.hairlossspecialist.com.au) who specialises in hair loss, baldness, alopecia areata, hair breakage, hair damage, psoriasis and other scalp problems in women and men.

Chelcey is the executive director of the International Association of Trichologists (USA). She is involved in the education of Trichologists, tutoring students all over the world and supervising the clinical training of students in Australia. To find a registered trichologist, visit www.iattrichology.com.

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There has been an explosion of interest in recent years in the gut microbiome, but in contrast, the vaginal microbiome is largely undiscussed. Understanding this delicate habitat is never more essential than during perimenopause and menopause, when the microbiome can undergo significant changes, leading to a range of health conditions.

To help us learn more about how we can support our vaginal flora through this transition and optimise our vaginal health, we are joined by Dr Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD), the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services. A Naturopath, educator and researcher with over 20 years clinical experience, she has a passion for helping people experience optimal health in sustainable and sensible ways.

Clinically, she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones and the genitourinary microbiomes.

Moira completed a PhD through Griffith University which focused on the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. She also holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and a Masters degree in Acupuncture.

In addition to her role as a Naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively at a tertiary level and in the area of holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often-overlooked area.

Find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au

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