Major life changes and work don’t always go hand-in-hand, but the experience doesn’t have to be difficult one.

In this episode, Thea O’Connor - expert on all thing's perimenopause, menopause and work - will help us navigate the challenges many of us face. We will cover common barriers and stigma, advocating for a more inclusive workplace environment and more!

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Thea O’Connor - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Thea’s recommendations

• Menopause Information Pack for Organizations - Menopause at Work - https://www.menopauseatwork.org/
• Thea’s TEDx talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abxcO2ur_m4
• Menopause at Work – The Orca Effect program - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/education/the-orca-effect/
• More recommendations and resources - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qnk2sir8nrzalsvw94ilf/Helpful-Menopause-Resources.pdf?rlkey=j05k0v2e45sqt5ziv8ba1shsl&e=1&dl=0

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

As we’ve discussed, there’s a range of treatment options available when navigating perimenopause and menopause but sometimes lifestyle changes can be just as effective as medical options to help you get a handle on it all.

In this episode, holistic General Practitioner (GP) Dr Michelle Woolhouse dives into the lifestyle factors that can influence perimenopause and menopause. From the best foods to add to your diet to how movement and sleep can affect symptoms, she provides practical insights into how different ways of living can transform your menopausal journey and your long-term health, such as heart health.

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Michelle Woolhouse - https://www.drmichellewoolhouse.com/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Michelle’s recommendations

• Sleep with Confidence Psychology Services - https://sleepwithconfidence.com.au/
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) Provider Directory - https://sleepcentral.org.au/Central/Central/Contents/CBTi-directory.aspx
• Resources for metabolic health - https://www.vively.com.au/
• Hypnotherapy for Hot Flashes – https://www.nervahealth.com/post/hypnotherapy-for-hot-flashes-the-mind-body-connection

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

From brain fog and forgetfulness, to anxiety and depression, perimenopause and menopause can play havoc on our mental health and wellbeing. It can be a difficult journey, but there is support and treatment options out there.

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, expert in psychiatry and women’s health, is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of those in the life stages of perimenopause and menopause. This is an important episode which affirms and empowers the experiences that many have, but feel alone in.

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Jayashri Kulkarni - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Jayashri’s recommendations

• Mental health helplines - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf