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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