Rage Against The Vagine How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? | Dismissal to Direction - Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause Care
Ever walked out of a doctor’s office brushed off, told to lose weight, or handed a script you didn’t ask for? You’re not alone.
In this episode, host Em Rusciano unpacks the messy reality of trying to get help in a medical system that wasn’t built for perimenopause. With raw stories from the Rage Committee and insights from leading GPs, specialists and researchers, we shine a light on why so many women and AFAB people are dismissed… and how you can push back.
We can’t cover every treatment, therapy or pathway in one episode — but we want to give you thought starters. From six-minute consults to fragmented care, from lifestyle supports to new Medicare changes, we explore what’s broken, what’s shifting, and how you can approach your care conversations with more confidence.
Because getting help shouldn’t feel impossible. And you shouldn’t have to settle.
The Voices You’ll Hear
Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman
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
Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong
A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123
Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_
A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia
Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist @drstacysims
Resources, References & Rabbit Holes
Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action
Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services
Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Peak body for menopause in Australia and New Zealand
Jean Hailes: A website that provides tools and reputable, evidence-based information for women's health.
WellFemme: A Telehealth menopause clinic and resource.
5 Top Tips for “The Menopause Chat” with your GP
HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health.
Cognition and Hormones Research
Dr Stacy Sims: We Are Not Small Men Website
Full chat on the Emsolation Podcast
Reminder
This episode of Rage Against the Vagine explores the challenges of finding the right support during perimenopause. We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support
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 6 - How Do We Fix The (F*cking) Systems - drops Monday 22 September
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