Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore? | Perimenopause Rage, Roles, Rewiring, Relationships and Reinvention

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Sep 7, 2025

Leanne Mulheron, a Registered Psychologist focused on women's mental health, and Kirstin Bouse, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in menopause, dive deep into the tumultuous world of perimenopause. They discuss the emotional chaos many women face, from identity loss to relationship strains. With insights on neurobiology and hormonal changes, they highlight the importance of community support and self-assertion. The conversation offers hope for reinvention and emphasizes setting boundaries for emotional wellbeing, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating midlife transitions.

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INSIGHT

Perimenopause Rewires Identity

Perimenopause can feel like a total unravelling of identity, coping and roles as the brain rewires.
That turmoil often coexists with an emergent clarity and refusal to remain the old accommodating self.

INSIGHT

Estrogen Directly Impacts The Brain

Estrogen receptors concentrate in brain regions for memory, emotion and executive function.
Fluctuating and declining estrogen causes on-off cognition, mood swings and loss of estrogen's neuroprotective benefits.

ANECDOTE

Clinician Turned Founder

Kirstin Bouse describes her mid-40s perimenopause as irritation, sleep loss and relationship strain until a lightbulb moment.
Frustrated by lack of informed clinicians, she founded All About Her to fill that gap.

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This episode of Rage Against the Vagine is for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?”

Host Em Rusciano sits down with leading experts to unpack the hormonal and neurobiological chaos of perimenopause, from brain fog and emotional outbursts, to the slow unravelling of old identities and coping strategies.

Together they explore the hidden pressures that leave so many women and AFAB people feeling flat, ragey or lost, and how relationships and roles can shift under the weight of midlife change. At the same time, this upheaval can open the door to boundaries, authenticity and reinvention.

This conversation validates the lived experience of perimenopause, including identity loss, relationship strain and the breakdown of old coping mechanisms, while also offering hope for a more authentic and discerning you on the other side.

The Voices You’ll Hear

Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology

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

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

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

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes

Affinity Psychology |

Perimenopause Survival Guide

Resources and Education

All About Her Centre |

Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist

Journal Prompts for Perimenopause

Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty

Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women

Reminder

This episode of "Rage Against the Vagine" discusses mental health and suicide. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. Your story deserves to be heard and validated by a healthcare professional who understands this stage of life.

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

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au

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

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

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

NEXT: Ep 5 - How (The F*ck) Do I Get Help? drops Monday 15 September

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