100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

12/12/24 • 38 min

Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication.
We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn't yet made it to the PBS despite public demand.
Delving deeper, we contrast MPA, a synthetic progestin, with body-identical progesterone and critique the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) tendency to group these therapies together. This sheds light on the broader issue of insufficient research funding in women's health.
As we look forward, our anticipation builds around the government's response to the Senate Inquiry report and its potential impacts on women's health policy, especially with an upcoming election.
Will Australian women receive an early Christmas gift from the Government? We hope so!
Jo shares about attending Em Rusciano's impactful "Outgrown" show. And to wrap the year up, have you checked out our creative "Menopause Myths Advent Calendar 2024" on Instagram — a fun, festive initiative aimed at busting menopause myths with a sprinkle of Christmas joy.
Thank you for your continued support and here's to more insightful discussions in the new year!
Links:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
Em Rusciano
The Holderness Family - Instagram Christmas Reel
2024 Advent Calendar - Instagram

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Join the conversation on Instagram

Thank you for listening to my show!
Join the conversation on Instagram

Previous Episode

99: Championing Hormonal Health: Julie Dutton's Inspiring Story

Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause?
Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health.
Jules' tale of moving from England to Australia while pregnant, overcoming postnatal depression and then educating her own GP on the importance of understanding perimenopause, offers more than just a narrative—it's a testament to the power of understanding your own body and standing up for yourself in healthcare settings.
During this generously candid conversation, Jules shares stories of her triumphs and challenges in her mental and menstrual health.
We explore the intricate dance between hormones and lifestyle choices as an unexpected ADHD diagnosis is also tied to her hormonal fluctuations like PMDD, PND and Perimenopause, and the decisions Jules has made, such as quitting alcohol for her well-being.
Jules and I discuss why symptom tracking and seeking second opinions are vital tools in navigating hormonal changes.
With a focus on reshaping the narrative around menopause, this episode encourages you to champion your health stories and leverage your relationship with your doctor to drive change in women's healthcare.
Links:
The Balance App by Dr Louise Newson
Confidence in the Menopause Online Course
For more on women's mental health and neurodiversity - Monash University HER Centre

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Next Episode

101: Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Health with A/Prof Caroline Gurvich

Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health.
Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving understanding of menopause and cognition, and how recognising neurodiversity's spectrum from neurotypical to neurodivergent is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.
Caroline dives into the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD symptoms as she explains how hormonal changes can exacerbate or reveal previously masked ADHD symptoms in women, sometimes leading to late-in-life diagnoses that offer clarity and improved management options.
You will hear stories of women navigating the emotional journey of an ADHD diagnosis after years of misdiagnoses, often resulting in a newfound sense of relief and understanding.
Learn about the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals during periods of significant hormonal shifts, emphasising the need for more comprehensive research and personalised treatment options.
This episode is packed with information and empowering strategies aimed at enhancing women's cognitive health and wellness, encouraging listeners to reflect on and embrace their own personal growth journeys.
Links:
HER Centre
HER Centre - Cognition and Hormones
MENO-D Assessment Scale to detect depression in menopause

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Dear Menopause - 100: Hot Take with Sonya and Johanna

Transcript

Sonya00:00:01.582

Welcome to the Dear Menopause podcast . I'm Sonia Lovell , your host Now . I've been bringing you conversations with amazing menopause experts for over two years now . If you have missed any of those conversations , now's the time to go back and listen , and you can always share them with anyone you think needs to hear them . This way , more people can find these amazing conversations ,