All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

If you are raising a teenager, this conversation will change how you think about alcohol and drugs.Alcohol feels unavoidable, cannabis seems increasingly normalised, and parents are hearing about drugs they never encountered growing up.But what is actually happening?In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts is joined by Paul Dillon, founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), to unpack the real data behind teen alcohol and drug use. The conversation is calm, evidence based, and free from fear driven messaging.With decades of experience working directly with schools, parents, and young people, Paul explains what the research really shows, why many assumptions are outdated, and how parents can reduce harm while maintaining trust and connection with their teens.This episode is for parents who want clarity rather than panic, and guidance that works in real family life.And if you want to learn more about: • Why teen drinking is declining in Australia and internationally• What the evidence shows about alcohol and the developing teenage brain• Why delaying alcohol use matters, without unrealistic parenting rules• How parenting approaches have shifted and why that matters• Why ketamine is an emerging concern for young people• How drug access has changed, even when overall use has not increased• How to talk to teens about drugs without fear, shame, or overreaction• The difference between loss of potential and fear based brain damage messaging• Why one parenting approach rarely works for every childLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.Chapters 00:00 – Why parents are more anxious about teen drugs than ever02:18 – Are teens actually drinking less? What the data shows05:41 – How teen drinking today compares to previous generations09:12 – Alcohol and the developing teenage brain explained simply14:06 – Why delaying alcohol use matters more than total abstinence18:32 – What parents misunderstand about brain damage messaging22:47 – How parenting styles influence teen risk behaviour27:15 – Why access to drugs has changed for young people31:40 – Ketamine use in teenagers and why it concerns experts36:54 – Cannabis, MDMA, and alcohol compared for teen risk41:26 – How to talk to teens about drugs without losing trust46:08 – What effective harm reduction actually looks like at home51:02 – When parents should be genuinely concerned55:18 – The biggest mistake parents make around teen substance use59:40 – Final advice for parents raising teens todayteen drug useteen drinking statisticsteenage alcohol usedrugs and teensadolescent brain development alcoholparenting teens drugs alcoholare teens drinking lesseffects of alcohol on teenage brainketamine use in teenagershow parents should talk to teens about drugsevidence based parenting teensalcohol and drugs high school studentsteen substance use trends

Feeling foggy, anxious, or unsure of who you are in midlife? Midlife isn’t just a physical transition; it’s a profound psychological and neurological one. In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts explores why so many women experience a loss of confidence, identity shifts, anxiety, and brain fog during perimenopause and menopause, and what actually helps.Joined by clinical psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle, neuroscientist Dr. Lila Landowski, alcohol coach Sarah Rusbatch, and media personality Maz Compton, this conversation unpacks the science behind cognitive change, emotional overwhelm, and the identity crisis many women face when life roles shift.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeUnderstand why midlife identity loss is so common (and why it’s not a personal failure)Learn how perimenopause affects brain function, memory, and attentionDiscover the concept of cognitive reserve and how to protect long-term brain healthWhy multitasking increases brain fog and anxiety during midlifeHow reducing or removing alcohol can dramatically improve mood, sleep, and clarityPractical, science-backed ways to rebuild confidence and self-trustLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence?Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. your question may be featured in a future episode.https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:43 - Understanding Identity in Midlife00:08:10 - Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome00:09:04 - Identity and Relationships00:11:31 - The Role of Childhood in Shaping Identity00:12:38 - The Need for Novelty and Challenge00:13:55 - Multitasking vs Monotasking00:17:35 - Brain Hacks for Learning Faster and More Effectively00:23:04 - Rediscover You Program - Dr Shaunas 16 week program for women in midlife00:23:48 - Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Strategies and Challenges00:27:30 - The Struggle of Grey Area Drinkers00:30:39 - The Hardship of Quitting Alcohol00:31:18 - Anxiety in Perimenopause00:35:40 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Explained00:40:17 - The Importance of Therapy00:46:03 - Making the Choice to Stop Drinking00:47:58 - The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships00:52:57 - The Role of Choice in Sobriety00:54:55 - The Influence of Culture on Drinking Habits00:57:21 - The Impact of Generational Shifts on Drinkingmidlife identity crisisperimenopause brain fogmenopause mental healthconfidence in midlifewomen’s brain healthanxiety in perimenopausecognitive changes menopausealcohol and anxiety womenrebuilding identity midlifebrain fog menopause

Menopause is not the finish line, it’s a turning point. In this episode of All About You, GP Dr. Shauna Watts continues her conversation with urologist and author Dr Kelly Casperson to explore what happens after menopause and how women can protect their brain, body, and relationships for decades to come. In this episode, you’ll discover how to:Understand the role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone beyond reproductionProtect brain health and mood during and after menopauseUse strength training as a foundation for longevity and independenceImprove sleep, metabolic health, and cardiovascular resilienceRethink intimacy, pleasure, and sexual health as longevity toolsReframe menopause as a springboard into a stronger, more confident phase of lifeLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a524700:00:00 – Menopause, Hormones & What This Episode Covers00:01:15 – How Hormones Affect the Brain, Mood & Mental Health After Menopause00:07:52 – Hormones, Aging & Longevity Explained00:13:18 – Why Muscle Is Critical for Women’s Health After Menopause00:15:07 – Building Muscle After 40, 50 & Menopause00:17:35 – Overcoming Fear of Strength Training in Midlife00:21:55 – Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Changes in Perimenopause00:26:56 – Sleep Problems After Menopause and Why They Matter00:29:54 – Sex, Pleasure & Longevity After Menopause00:31:28 – Female Anatomy, Desire & Sexual Response00:32:24 – Sexual Trauma, Shame & Stigma in Women’s Health00:33:27 – Common Sexual Health Changes With Aging00:35:49 – Menopause Myths: Do Labia Really Disappear?00:36:34 – Hormones, Sexual Health & the Pelvic Floor00:42:15 – Letting Go of Fear Around Menopause00:45:28 – Menopause as Empowerment, Not Decline00:47:47 – Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare + Final TakeawaysDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.menopause and longevitylife after menopausehormones and agingmenopause brain healthmenopause muscle strengthestrogen and brain healthtestosterone in womenmenopause and cardiovascular riskmenopause sleep problemsperimenopause cholesterolhow hormones affect aging after menopausestrength training for women over 50menopause and dementia risksexual health after menopausehow to age well after menopause

Start 2026 With Clarity, Not Extreme ResolutionsA new year doesn’t have to mean doing more, it means knowing where to focus.In this special expert mash-up episode, Dr. Shauna Watts brings together trusted voices in cardiology, menopause medicine, alcohol coaching, and longevity to answer one critical question:What actually protects your long-term health during perimenopause and menopause?From heart disease and bone loss to alcohol, hormones, sexual health, and strength training, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you step into 2026 informed, capable, and confident in your health decisions.🎧 Featuring insights from:* Dr. Tom Ford (Cardiology)* Dr. Alison Mooney (Menopause GP)* Sarah Rusbatch (Alcohol & Menopause Coach)* Dr. Amy Killen (Regenerative & Longevity Medicine)In this episode, you’ll learn how to:* Protect your heart health during menopause with realistic lifestyle changes that actually reduce risk* Understand osteoporosis and bone loss, and why early screening matters more than you think* Choose the right types of exercise for cardiovascular health, bone strength, and longevity* Understand how alcohol impacts hormones, sleep, mood, and breast cancer risk during midlife* Improve sexual health and intimacy as you age by supporting blood flow, hormones, and nervous system health* Build muscle and balance to prevent frailty, fractures, and loss of independence later in lifeFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a524700:00:00 - Introduction00:00:37 - Understanding Your Body During Midlife00:01:54 - Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health00:03:43 - Supplements and Heart Health00:05:57 - The Impact of Smoking on Heart Health00:07:41 - Alcohol and Heart Health00:09:50 - Emotional Impact of Heart Disease00:12:16 - Osteoporosis and Menopause00:13:23 - Detecting Osteoporosis00:15:15 - Understanding Osteoporosis Screening00:16:08 - Identifying High Risk Groups for Osteoporosis00:17:57 - Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis00:18:52 - Promoting Bone Health from a Young Age00:20:16 - The Role of Alcohol in Bone Health00:20:41 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement00:21:26 - Addressing Alcohol and Hormone Imbalances00:23:38 - Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Perimenopause Symptoms00:26:46 - The Overlap Between Perimenopause Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption00:28:03 - Addressing Cross Addiction and Boredom After Alcohol Withdrawal00:28:12 - Rebalancing the Brain's Reward Pathways After Alcohol Withdrawal00:30:27 - Exercise and Dopamine Replacement After Alcohol Withdrawal00:31:30 - Understanding Sexual Longevity00:32:31 - Lifestyle Factors Impacting Sexual Wellness00:33:29 - Stress and Its Impact on Heart Health00:34:46 - Risks of Extreme Exercise00:36:01 - Risks of Bodybuilding and Steroid Use00:37:48 - Dietary Interventions for Heart Health00:40:00 - Strength Training and Bone Health00:41:15 - Importance of Balance for Bone Health00:42:45 - Preventing Frailty and Maintaining Independence00:43:44 - The Role of Health Professionals in Preventing Osteoporosis* menopause health* menopause and heart health* menopause and osteoporosis* perimenopause health* women’s health midlife* healthy aging for women* menopause lifestyle changes* bone density menopause* alcohol and menopause* heart disease risk women* strength training menopause* sexual health after menopause* longevity for women* hormone therapy menopause* osteopenia osteoporosis womenDisclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

For decades, millions of women were told hormone therapy was dangerous, or were told nothing at all. In this episode of All About You, GP Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with urologist, author, and menopause educator Dr. Kelly Casperson to unpack what modern science actually says about menopause, hormone therapy, and aging. If you’re in your 50s, 60s, or 70s and were told it was “too late” for hormones—this conversation may change everything.In this conversation, you’ll learn how to:Understand why an entire generation of women missed out on hormone therapySeparate outdated fear-based messaging from current menopause scienceKnow whether hormone therapy can still help after age 60 or 70Learn what the timing hypothesis really means (and what it doesn’t)Understand the role of testosterone in women’s energy, mood, motivation, and libidoAdvocate for yourself in medical conversations with clarity and confidenceHave a question for Dr. Shauna? Leave a voice note via the link in the show notes, you may hear it answered in a future episode.https://www.allaboutyoupod.comResources & ReferencesThe Menopause Moment – Dr. Kelly Caspersonhttps://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/You Are Not Broken - Dr Kelly Casperson https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health-initiative-whiMenopause Society Guidelines (2022)https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠https://www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.If this episode resonated, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a woman who was never given the full story about menopause.00:00 – Menopause misinformation: how women were failed by outdated science01:00 – Welcome to All About You + why this conversation matters now02:00 – Dr Kelly Casperson on women’s suffering and why she does this work03:30 – The Boomer generation: menopause without support or hormones05:10 – The biggest hormone myths still holding women back10:30 – Can older women still benefit from hormone therapy?13:55 – Dr Shaunas 16 Week Program14:40 – Why menopause and hormone myths persist in medicine18:00 – Hormones and cancer: separating fear from evidence22:40 – Why the word “hormones” causes so much confusion27:30 – Testosterone in women: what it actually does31:20 – Testosterone myths: libido, hair loss, and fear-based advice36:30 – How testosterone supports energy, mood, and motivation40:10 – Why hormones matter for the brain and long-term health43:50 – Final takeaways: what every woman deserves to know about menopausemenopause hormone therapyHRT after menopausestarting HRT later in lifemenopause mythshormone therapy safetytestosterone for womenmenopause after 60women’s hormones agingis it too late to start HRTmenopause hormone mythsvaginal estrogen safetytestosterone benefits for womenmenopause brain fog hormonesmenopause bone health hormoneshormone therapy cancer mythsmenopause treatment options evidence based

Anxiety, brain fog, low mood, loss of confidence, and feeling “not like yourself” are some of the most common, and most misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts is joined by leading menopause experts to unpack the real science behind hormones, mental health, brain function, libido, bone health, and longevity, and why so many women are being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or under-treated during midlife.This conversation cuts through fear-based messaging and outdated medical myths to explain what’s actually happening in the female brain and body, when hormone therapy helps, when it doesn’t, and what every woman deserves to know before making decisions about her health.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Understand why anxiety and depression spike in perimenopause and why hormones, not SSRIs, are often the correct first-line treatmentExplain how estrogen stabilises the brain and why hormonal fluctuations drive mood changes and brain fogSeparate fact from fear around menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT)Learn when SSRIs may be appropriate — and when they’re notUnderstand the role of testosterone in female libido, muscle, mood, and confidenceProtect your bones, muscles, brain, and cardiovascular health long-termBust common myths about vaginal estrogen safety, including in breast cancer survivorsMake informed decisions about hormones at any ageReframe menopause as a powerful life transition, not a declineResources MentionedEstrogen Matters — Avrum Bluming & Carol TavrisThe New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire HaverYou Are Not Broken — Dr. Kelly CaspersonResearch on vaginal estrogen safety in breast cancer survivorsEmerging data on estrogen, Alzheimer’s risk, and brain healthFollow Dr Mary Claire Haverhttps://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/Dr Kelly Caspersonhttps://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Dr Vonda Wrighthttps://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/ Gina Jeffreyshttps://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/ Dr Shauna Wattshttps://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:41 - About the Host00:00:54 - Part Two: Menopause Mashup00:01:50 - Understanding Menopause and Mental Health00:03:16 - Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline00:04:19 - Hopes for Future Medical Training00:06:15 - Misconceptions about Menopause00:07:20 - Testosterone and Menopause00:10:56 - Vaginal Hormones and Menopause00:14:30 - Audience Questions00:15:16 - Menopause and Evolution00:17:18 - Hormones and Osteoporosis00:19:23 - Hormone Replacement in Older Age00:20:41 - Hormone Replacement and Breast Cancer00:26:06 - Vaginal Estrogen Sensitivity00:27:42 - Risks of Not Going on HRT00:31:16 - Recommended Resources for Menopause Literacy00:32:43 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement00:33:28 - Addressing Women Who Can't or Don't Want to Take HRT00:37:10 - Building Muscle for Better Health00:41:12 - The Importance of Optimizing Sleep00:45:17 - The Role of Nutrition in Menopause00:45:38 - Importance of Nutrition and Dietary Choices00:49:07 - Alcohol Consumption and Menopause00:52:48 - Social Interaction and Menopause00:54:52 - Medical Help for Menopause Symptoms00:55:38 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement00:56:47 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Sharing Experiences00:57:22 - Empowerment and Confidence in Menopause Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

In this conversation, we break down what actually changes during midlife from muscle loss and visceral fat gain to sleep disruption, libido changes, and brain fog, and why “eat less and move more” stops working. We cover what science says works, what’s a waste of time, and how women can take back control of their health with the right training, nutrition, and hormone support.This is not about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your physiology and working with it.In this episode, we cover:• Strength training after 35 is mandatory, not optional, if you want to keep muscle, bone density, and metabolic health.• Visceral belly fat increases during menopause by default, but it can be managed with the right training, nutrition, and hormone support.• Most women under-eat protein, accelerating muscle loss, frailty, and long-term health decline.• Hormone therapy is not a weight-loss solution, but it improves sleep, energy, and how well lifestyle changes work.• Creatine combined with resistance training is one of the most effective and underused tools for midlife women.• Sleep is the force multiplier for appetite regulation, mood, and consistency.If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feel like your body suddenly stopped playing by the rules, this episode is essential listening.For more resources:Dr Mary Claire Haver: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/Dr Rachel Rubin: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelrubin/Dr Kelly Casperson: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Dr Shauna Watts: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Midlife Health Needs a Reset00:01:02 – What This Episode Will Change00:01:54 – Muscle Loss After 3500:02:24 – Why Belly Fat Increases00:05:24 – Protein Needs in Midlife00:06:55 – Eating for Muscle and Metabolism00:09:18 – Supplements That Actually Matter00:11:18 – Creatine for Women00:12:48 – Lifting With Osteopenia or Osteoporosis00:13:49 – Why Women Stop Vaginal Hormones00:17:04 – Vaginal Estrogen vs DHEA00:20:13 – Genital Urinary Syndrome Explained00:21:56 – Why Testosterone Matters for Women00:24:55 – “I Feel Like Myself Again”00:27:17 – Access to Hormone Therapy00:33:58 – Vaginal Estrogen Safety Myths00:39:34 – Sex and Desire in Midlife00:44:50 – Testosterone and Libido00:49:38 – When Hormones Start Working00:54:48 – Sleep Changes Everything* Visceral fat* Belly fat menopause* Protein for women* Strength training for women* Creatine for women* Testosterone for women* Estrogen therapy* Vaginal estrogen* Vaginal DHEA* Genital urinary syndrome of menopause* Osteoporosis prevention* Bone density women* Sleep and menopause* Brain fog menopause

What happens when a woman whose career depends on confidence and words suddenly loses both? For journalist Shelly Horton, perimenopause didn’t arrive with hot flushes at first. It showed up as anxiety, heart palpitations, crushing self-doubt, and moments of forgetting simple words at work.In this deeply honest episode, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with Shelly about her journey through perimenopause-related depression, being dismissed by doctors, and the quiet suffering of high-functioning women in midlife. Shelly shares how the right diagnosis, support, and hormone treatment helped her find herself again and why she’s now using her voice to make sure other women don’t feel invisible.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand how perimenopause can present as anxiety and depression• Recognise why high-functioning women are often missed or dismissed• Learn how hormonal changes affect confidence, cognition, and mood• Understand the role of HRT in perimenopausal depression• Recognise warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored• Learn why advocacy, for yourself and others, matters• Understand how shame and silence keep women unwellThis episode is for women who feel dismissed, disconnected, or quietly struggling in the midlife yearss. Shelly’s story sheds light on how hormonal change affects mental health and how proper support can help.For more resources from Shelly Horton:Follow her on Instagram or purchase her book ‘I’m Your Peri-Godmother’.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – When Perimenopause Steals Your Confidence00:08 – Shelly Horton’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call00:53 – Welcome to All About You with Dr Shauna Watts01:10 – “I Didn’t Recognise Myself”: Losing Confidence in Midlife02:24 – Early Perimenopause Symptoms Doctors Miss07:46 – Perimenopause, Anxiety & Depression10:56 – Getting the Right Diagnosis Changed Everything14:32 – What Depression Really Feels Like15:20 – Tracking Symptoms & Withdrawing from Life16:29 – High-Functioning Depression at Work17:28 – Why Women Hide Mental Health Struggles19:24 – Fear, Myths & Starting HRT20:45 – Dark Thoughts & Breakthrough Depression23:26 – Finding a Psychiatrist Who Understands Hormones26:32 – Extreme Heavy Bleeding in Perimenopause28:37 – A Health Crisis That Forced Change30:34 – Strength Training & Rebuilding Her Body31:50 – Body Image, Aging & Self-Trust35:46 – Going Public with Her Perimenopause Story40:13 – Vaginal Dryness & Intimate Symptoms42:17 – Invisibility, Anger & Female Empowerment48:04 – Writing a Book to Change the Conversation01:01:38 – A Message for Women Who Feel Lost* perimenopause depression* perimenopause mental health* Shelly Horton menopause* high functioning depression women* menopause anxiety and mood* hormonal depression in midlife* HRT and mental health* perimenopause symptoms women* being dismissed by doctors women* menopause advocacy Australia* women’s mental health midlife* hormone replacement therapy HRT* menopause stigma* losing confidence in perimenopause

Many women are left navigating menopause with fear, confusion or very little support, especially when cancer or early menopause is part of their story. This episode brings clarity to some of the most misunderstood areas of midlife health, from surgical menopause and abrupt hormone loss to the challenges older women face when they were never offered HRT in the first place.Dr Corinne Menn, OB-GYN, menopause specialist and breast cancer survivor, joins me to explain what the evidence really shows about hormones, why vaginal estrogen is safe for almost everyone, how polypharmacy affects women as they age, and what has finally changed in the way hormone therapy is being discussed.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand why early and surgical menopause cause more abrupt, severe symptoms and mental health effects• Learn how lack of pre-operative counselling leads to preventable suffering• Recognise why vaginal estrogen is safe for almost everyone, including cancer survivors• Explore why women in their 60s–70s are returning to discuss HRT after decades of missed care• Understand the role of shared decision-making for late-starters• Learn how polypharmacy, SSRIs, and sedatives impact bone, brain, and sexual health• Explore how HRT affects cholesterol, cardiovascular risk, and bone density• Understand the implications of the FDA’s removal of the estrogen black-box warningIf you’ve ever been told to “just cope,” felt dismissed because of your cancer history, or wondered whether hormones were still an option for you, this episode brings clarity, nuance, and evidence-based reassurance.For more resources from Dr Corinne Menn:Visit her website: https://www.drmenn.com/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmennobgyn/?hl=enFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Hormone Safety Is Being Re-Examined00:01:14 – Meet Dr Corinne Menn00:01:54 – What Makes Early Menopause Different00:04:06 – HRT for Women in Their 60s and 70s00:10:00 – Understanding HRT Risks and Benefits00:11:03 – Polypharmacy vs Hormone Therapy00:14:10 – Menopause, Cholesterol & Heart Health00:16:36 – Rediscover You Program (Sponsor)00:17:21 – FDA Removes Estrogen Black Box Warning00:24:51 – How FDA Changes Impact Doctors00:25:40 – What the New Label Actually Means00:27:17 – Key Updates to Estrogen Labeling00:29:13 – How Women on HRT Should Be Monitored00:30:07 – Do You Need Hormone Level Testing?00:34:33 – Managing Symptoms & Side Effects00:35:14 – Testosterone Use After Breast Cancer00:37:19 – Evidence on HRT After Breast Cancer00:40:40 – Why Menopause Advocacy Matters00:42:03 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways* vaginal estrogen safety* FDA black box estrogen* menopause after cancer* surgical menopause symptoms* early menopause risks* hormone therapy after breast cancer* HRT for women over 60* polypharmacy in menopause* SSRI risks bone health* cholesterol changes menopause* HRT cardiovascular benefits* osteoporosis prevention estrogen* Dr Corinne Menn interview* menopause specialist podcast* All About You Dr Shauna Watts

Have you ever been told, “You can never have hormones again” because of a breast cancer diagnosis, and felt terrified to even ask a follow-up question? This episode is for every woman who’s been left in limbo between cancer care and menopause care, wondering what’s actually safe and what’s fear and old data talking.In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB/GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and breast cancer survivor who went through treatment-induced menopause in her early 20s. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience, Corinne unpacks how breast cancer became so tightly (and often inaccurately) linked to HRT, what “estrogen receptor positive” really means, and why so many survivors are excluded from nuanced conversations about hormones and long-term health.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How one study and its miscommunication sparked decades of fear around HRT and breast cancer• What “estrogen receptor positive” actually means, and why it doesn’t prove estrogen caused your cancer• Why short-term HRT cannot biologically create a breast cancer that develops over the years• The difference between baseline breast cancer risk, family history, and what HRT truly changes• How synthetic progestins, body-identical progesterone, and estrogen-only therapy differ in safety data• Practical steps to prepare for appointments, track symptoms, and advocate for vaginal or systemic hormonesIf you’ve ever felt scared, confused, or dismissed when asking about hormones after breast cancer, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and evidence you can trust, helping you understand real risk, navigate safer options, and feel more empowered in your care.For more resources from Dr Corinne Menn:Visit her website: https://www.drmenn.com/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmennobgyn/?hl=en
Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Introduction & Why Hormones Feel Confusing00:37 – How HRT Became Fear-Based01:10 – Meet Dr Corinne Menn02:10 – Corinne’s Cancer & Early Menopause04:15 – How HRT Got Linked to Breast Cancer07:09 – What ER+ Really Means10:44 – Family History & True Risk11:22 – How HRT Affects Risk15:12 – What WHI Actually Showed16:32 – Why Balanced Risk Matters17:26 – Modifiable vs Fixed Risk Factors20:55 – Synthetic vs Body-Identical Hormones23:44 – Hormone Absorption Explained25:39 – Transdermal vs Oral Hormones30:17 – Benefits & Limits of Progesterone32:54 – Early Menopause & HRT Needs38:16 – Challenges for Survivors41:52 – Local vs Systemic Hormones45:24 – Vaginal Estrogen Safety48:56 – Advocating for Yourself* HRT after breast cancer* estrogen receptor positive explained* vaginal estrogen breast cancer survivors* Dr Corinne Menn interview* menopause after chemotherapy* surgical menopause HRT dosing* premature menopause health risks* bioidentical vs synthetic hormones* breast cancer family history risk* modifiable breast cancer risk factors* menopause and cancer support* hormone therapy WHI study* progesterone and breast density* advocating for vaginal estrogen* women’s health podcast midlife