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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The mental health effects of perimenopause can be severe and swift - often arriving at a time in a woman's life when she may have no other symptoms and be completely unaware of what is happening to her.

Craig Gaunt became aware of this knowledge gap after losing his wife, Debbie, to suicide in 2019, following severe and sudden mental health issues that have since been partially attributed to the hormonal effects of perimenopause.

To honour Debbie, the Gaunt family set up the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, which works to fund projects aimed at providing a greater understanding of the mental health impacts of perimenopause and other conditions that affect women's mental health. To find out more, head to debbiegauntfoundation.com.au

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Meno belly, the accumulation of belly fat and increased weight in the mid-section that occurs during peri and menopause, can be one of the most bothersome parts of the transition for many women, especially when compounded by uncomfortable bloating. We unpack what causes both, and what steps women can take to lessen their impact.

To guide us through the subject is Dr Ceri Cashell, a GP from Sydney’s Northern Beaches who specialises in hormones and their impact on health, in particular for women during peri/menopause. She is also a co-founder of Healthy Hormones (www.healthyhormones.au), an online menopause community offering free learning and support for health professionals and all Australians.

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For a life transition that happens to 50 per cent of the population, menopause has no shortage of misconceptions and confusion surrounding it. To help us dispel some of the biggest misunderstandings about menopause, we're joined in this episode by Dr Sarah White. Dr White is the Chief Executive Officer of Jean Hailes for Women's Health (www.jeanhailes.org.au), Australia's leading non-governmental organisation providing women's health information and education to the general public and health professionals. She's also a member of the National Women's Health Advisory Council and the Therapeutic Goods Administration's Women's Health Products Group, and is still actively involved in women's health research today.

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Welcome to this special extended podcast in honour of International Women's Day, in which we are joined by three special guests to address a crucial issue: women's healthcare rights, and how we can go about closing the gender health gap. Helping us to unpack what the gender health gap is, how it impacts women and what is being done to close the gap, we are joined by the following inspiring women:

Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health, Australia's leading non-governmental organisation providing women's health information and education to the general public and health professionals; and member of the National Women's Health Advisory Council, which provides the Australian Government with advice and recommendations to improve health outcomes for women in Australia

Shelly Horton, TV journalist, keynote speaker and media personality, renowned perimenopause and menopause warrior, and co-creator of online courses about confidence, health advocacy and peri and menopause in the workplace.

Dr Romy Listo, Deputy Chair of the Australian Women's Health Alliance, and a 2024 Churchill Fellowship recipient investigating models to support and destigmatise reproductive health in the workplace.

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Professor Sharon Naismith is a clinical neuropsychologist from the Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre, who is leading a world-first project looking at the focus of sleep disruption in accelerating cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia. On today's podcast episode, Professor Naismith helps us understand why sleep problems are so rife during menopause and how we can ensure our sleep issues are put to bed before they go on to cause serious health issues later in life.

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When we're feeling fatigued, stressed and burned out - not to mention grappling with menopausal symptoms - carving out time for ourselves can seem like an impossible task. But as life coach Danielle Colley explains in this episode, ensuring that we are allowing ourselves the necessary amount of work, rest and play in our lives, is absolutely crucial for our health and wellbeing, and can even make our menopause journey smoother. She explains how we can go about it.

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In November 2023, an inquiry on Issues related to menopause and perimenopause was referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. Co-sponsored by Labor Senator Marielle Smith and Greens Senator Larissa Waters, the motion hoped to shine a light on menopause and the physical, social, economic, mental and wellbeing impacts for women. Lasting nine months and following 266 written submissions as well as public hearings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, the Committee reported its findings in September of this year. Today on the podcast, Senator Marielle Smith joins us to share the recommendations and what they could mean for women's health in the future. To see the full list of recommendations, visit www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report

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