What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it? Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, challenge the fear-based narrative often associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly on social media. We delve into the confusion caused by brands misusing the term 'peri' and the dire need to educate and inform women, especially in their mid to late 30s, about the onset of perimenopause.We're not just stopping there; we're also standing up for better education and healthcare standards on women’s health, specifically around menopause and perimenopause. We discuss the pressing need for enhanced training for GPs and clinicians and the establishment of national standards for information dissemination and education. Doing so, would provide women with reliable sources and eliminate the compulsion to rely on potentially misleading social media content. In this final segment, we explore the cavernous gap in support and knowledge around managing menopause. We pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of healthcare professionals like Dr Ginni Mansberg,  Dr Kelly Teagle, Dr Louise Newson, and Dr Avrum Bluming in this field. We discuss the impacts of the menopausal transition, the fear-based narratives often seen on social media, and the lack of options in education and regulation around menopause and perimenopause. Join us as we discuss transforming fear into empowerment and reframing menopause as a positive life transition.Resources:Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/Monash University Menopause Information SheetDr Avrum Bluming - Estrogen MattersDr Ginni MansbergDr Kelly Teagle - WellFemmeDr Louise NewsonPink HopeThank you for listening to my show! Join the fun on InstagramTake the Midlife QuizStellar Women Website

Have you had this thought? Hang on a minute, I've done so much for others for such a long time, when will it be my time?My guest this week, Kirstin Bouse says, "If not now, when."Kirstin is a Clinical (and Forensic) Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She has always had an interest in supporting women through significant periods of transition in their lives (motherhood and menopause). Now, having begun her own journey of perimenopause around 5 years ago, and with a few challenges along the way, Kirstin now focuses her energies on understanding, advocating and supporting women.You will hear us talk about...Taking time to do a life audit - who we are, who we want to be, how we want to show up in this stage of lifeA shifting of identities and a desire to reinvest our energiesThe opportunity to bring back into our lives activities that, before adult responsibility, brought us joy and creativity and freedomWhat to do if you feel your career is no longer serving you and you crave a changeWhat Kirstin believes are the gifts of menopauseThe dark place that Kirstin went to during her own perimenopause saw her feeling lost, overwhelmed and unhopeful. And how she still navigates good and bad days.ResourcesKirstin's WebsiteKirstin on InstagramOther Episodes You'll EnjoyMenopause and Mental HealthBeing Human In the WorkplaceVulnerability and Growth during MidlifeThank you for listening to my show! Join the fun on InstagramTake the Midlife QuizStellar Women Website