Listening to Lived Experience in Science

In this episode, host Em Rusciano dives into the silence, shame, and broken systems that have left half the population unprepared for perimenopause. 

We explore the historical and cultural reasons behind the lack of information, from medical paternalism and misogyny, to workplaces not designed for women. 

The episode features honest conversations about why previous generations stayed quiet, the alarming lack of menopause training for GPs, and how this societal invisibility impacts women's careers, finances, and overall health. 

We also shine a light on the unique challenges faced by disabled, rural, and Indigenous communities, and look at the fight to make things better.

The Voices You’ll Hear  

Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW

Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre

Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati

Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo 

Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper

Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher

Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au

Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Myf Warhurst's ABC series | The Truth About Menopause

Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body

Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources

HCF Study | Women Feel Unprepared for Menopause 

Reminder

This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and always check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes.

If at any point you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, remember there’s support available:

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight

NEXT: Ep 4 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore - drops Monday 8 September 

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