Women of the Well | Holistic Women’s Health and Wellness

In this episode, we’re exploring a topic that sparks a lot of curiosity and confusion – Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), formerly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s the right option for you, this conversation will help you cut through the noise.
Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and Sam Lindsay-German dive into the history and evolution of hormone treatments, from early synthetic versions to today’s more advanced bioidentical options.
They explain what these terms really mean, how the treatments work, and the potential benefits and risks associated with them.
Along with breaking down the science, they also provide thoughtful advice on navigating the overwhelming amount of information out there, so you can feel empowered to make choices that align with your body and lifestyle.
🎧 Tune in now to hear:
🌿 The fascinating history of menopause treatments and how we’ve progressed to the more personalised hormone therapy options available today.
🌿 The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones and why bioidentical hormones are now considered a safer and more effective option for many women.
🌿 Why hormone therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and how you can work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs.
🌿 A fresh perspective on menopause and practical advice on how to manage symptoms and embrace this new chapter.
Whether you’re curious about hormone therapy, already on MHT, or exploring natural ways to support your health during menopause – this episode offers thoughtful, evidence-based insights from experienced gynaecologists who are passionate about helping women make confident choices.
And we would love to hear from you.
If you have any questions about MHT or menopause that you’d like us to answer on a future episode of the podcast, please email them to [email protected] or reach out on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.
Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 7 of Women of the Well – Demystifying perimenopause and menopause.
• Feminine Forever by Robert Wilson – A highly controversial book that played a big role in popularising early hormone treatments for menopause.
• The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi – A great resource on the neuroendocrine changes that occur during menopause.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

How do you really feel about your desire and connection to pleasure?
Curious? Confused? Maybe even a little frustrated?
In this week’s episode of Women of the Well, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating and misunderstood aspects of health: libido.
Whether you’re navigating the ups and downs of desire or simply curious about how to connect more deeply with your pleasure, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tools to inspire and empower you.
Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and Sam Lindsay-German take an honest, evidence-based, and holistic look at what impacts libido – and how you can feel more connected to yourself, your partner, and your life.
Why you’ll love this episode:

🌿 Discover why libido isn’t just about sex – it’s about how you feel in your body, your life, and your relationships.

🌿 From tantric-inspired practices to Moon Centres in yoga, learn how to nurture connection and bring more pleasure into your daily life.

🌿 Why hormones like testosterone aren’t the main factor – and what really affects desire, including stress, safety, and connection.

🌿 Understand the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire – and how to make intimacy work beautifully in long-term relationships.

🌿 Rediscover the link between sexual energy, creativity, and your overall zest for life.

🎧 Listen now and let us know what you think.

Resources and Recommendations:

• 📖 Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski – The ultimate guide to the science of female sexuality and desire.
• 📖 Come Together by Emily Nagoski – A follow-up exploring deeper dimensions of connection and intimacy.
• 💡 Lubricants:
  • Olive & Bee – Organic olive oil and beeswax-based lubricant (not suitable with latex condoms).
  • Coconut oil or olive oil – Natural, nourishing alternatives.
  • Stimulating lubricants – Options that add warmth or tingling for extra sensation.
  • Specialty lubricants from Ellechemy – Options infused with testosterone or Viagra for enhanced blood flow.
• 🧘 Moon Centres (from yoga traditions): Enhance connection and pleasure through gentle touch and tantric-inspired practices.
• 🌟 Eye gazing and tantric breathing techniques: Deepen intimacy through simple yet transformative practices.
• 🧘‍♀️ Pelvic flow movements: Try yoga-inspired practices like pelvic tilts to increase connection and flow.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this week’s episode, we’re diving back into the conversation around Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) with fresh insights from the recent 19th World Congress on Menopause in Melbourne.
Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler are here to share the latest findings, practical takeaways, and a few myth-busting updates on menopause care.
If you’re curious about what the world’s top experts are saying on MHT, lifestyle impacts, and menopause brain health, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen in to hear:
🌿 New perspectives on MHT – Dr Peta and Dr Thea revisit last week’s discussion to explore whether MHT should be used to prevent chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease or if it’s best reserved for symptom relief. Hear why the latest research still favours a balanced, symptom-first approach.
🌿 Lifestyle choices that matter – Discover why some lifestyle changes, like movement and stress management, can be just as powerful as hormone therapy for long-term health and vitality.
🌿 What’s happening with menopause brain health – The latest research sheds light on how menopause affects the brain, including why “brain fog” is often temporary and may even be part of an adaptive, natural rewiring.
🌿 Testosterone and menopause – Get the facts on why testosterone has limited impact on symptoms like low libido and fatigue, and why a holistic, whole-body approach may be the best way to support wellness at this stage.
Join us for this follow-up episode as Dr Peta and Dr Thea connect cutting-edge research with practical advice that helps you make empowered, personalised choices for your health.
Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

• Last week's episode – Ep 9: Menopause and Hormone Therapy – Myths, Facts and Choices.
• Prof Pauline Maki’s Research on Menopause and Brain Health.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sam Lindsay-German sits down with women’s health physiotherapist Brooke Dobó to explore the connection between your pelvic floor and chronic pain.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your pelvic floor might be contributing to your discomfort, this conversation is a must-listen.
Brooke brings her expertise to the table, explaining how the pelvic floor muscles can become tense and contribute to pain, particularly in response to stress, anxiety, or trauma.
She also shares practical strategies for identifying and addressing pelvic floor tension, so you can find some relief.
🎧 Tune in now to discover:

🍃 The role of the pelvic floor: How these muscles work and why they might be causing your pain.

🍃 Pelvic pain triggers: Understanding how stress, anxiety, and trauma can lead to pelvic floor tension and discomfort.

🍃 Practical strategies for relief: Learn techniques like belly breathing, pelvic floor relaxation, and gentle movement to help alleviate pain and support your pelvic health.

🍃 Empowering insights: Why being aware of your body, especially your pelvic floor, is crucial for managing and overcoming chronic pain.
Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, or just want to learn more about your body – this episode is packed with insights to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take control of your health.
Additional Resources:

• More about Brooke Dobó and her work at Vera Wellness.
• Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr. Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain.
• Article on effective pelvic health physiotherapy via telehealth.
• If you’re in South East Queensland, click here to find out more about our next Healing Pelvic Pain Workshop.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

For exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and to be first to know when the next episode is released – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What if you could work with your cycle to feel more energised, creative, and aligned with your natural rhythm?

This week on Women of the Well, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the menstrual cycle with a deep dive into the follicular and ovulatory phases – the 'Spring' and 'Summer' of your cycle.

These phases are often when you feel most energised, social, and capable. This makes them the perfect time to focus on productivity, creativity, and connection.

Dr Thea, Dr Peta, and Sam guide you through the hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts of these times, sharing practical ways to harness your natural energy and embrace a cyclical approach to life.

Please note: we apologise for the sound quality in parts of this episode, we are working on a fix and should have this sorted soon!

Listen to discover:

🌿 How rising oestrogen levels influence your mood, energy, and creativity – and why the follicular phase is often the “go-getter” time of the cycle.

🌿 How tuning into your cycle can help you work smarter, not harder, and bring more balance to your life.

🌿 The physical and emotional shifts that occur during ovulation – from peak energy to the occasional emotional overwhelm.

🌿 Why you might feel more spontaneous desire around ovulation and how this connects to your hormones and emotional state.

🌿 How to align your tasks, projects, and self-care with your natural rhythm.

🎧 Tune in now to find out how to embrace the energy and possibility of these phases.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:
🌳 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle Course: A comprehensive online program (guided by Dr Peta Wright) to help you understand and optimise your cycle – with education, tools, and practices to support you throughout the month.
📖 Florence Given’s Book – Women Living Deliciously: A bold and empowering guide to embracing self-expression, living deliciously, and doing life on your terms.
🌟 Stardust App: A menstrual cycle tracking app that aligns your cycle with the phases of the moon and provides personalised insights that your partner can access too.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.