Group of vibrant women enjoying a day at the park. Casual bonding moment captured as friends share a joyful selfie, reflecting an active, multigenerational lifestyle – Healthy lifestyle concept for women
The day was packed with groundbreaking insights from some of the world’s leading experts, including Dr. Louise Newson, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Kelly Casperson, and Dr. Vonda Wright, alongside brilliant Aussie specialists and advocates like Prof. Jayashri Kulkarni, Dr. Ceri Cashell, Michelle Bridges, and Prof. Odette Best. Their expertise and passion for empowering women with science-backed education left me inspired and ready to take action.
Dr. Ceri Cashell (GP) based in Sydney NSW, shared that So Not Right Now was born after Krystal Barter and Alex Isaac enjoyed margaritas and conversation about the need for change. This was the start of a communication shift for women’s health.
Take aways:
• 1.34 billion women globally are in perimenopause or menopause.
• Oestradiol (estrogen) drops significantly over a woman’s lifetime.
• Testosterone declines with age, yet remains crucial for health.
• Without hormonal support, the risk of heart attacks and osteoporosis increases.
• Only 5% of women globally take Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT).
• The goal: To be fitter, stronger, healthier and happier.
Dr. Louise Newson is a leading UK-based menopause specialist, GP and advocate dedicated to improving education, treatment, and awareness around perimenopause and menopause. She is the founder of The Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre and the creator of the balance app, which helps women track their own symptoms and access evidence-based menopause advice.
Take aways:
Menopause is a health priority, not just a life stage. “Be kind in everything we do.” Dr Newson emphasises that menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings – it’s a critical health transition that affects heart health, brain function, bone density, metabolism, and overall well-being.
• The mental health and menopause connection – 1 in 3 people suffer from depression and anxiety, which can worsen in menopause. Dr Louise Newson advocates for hormonal therapy/treatment before antidepressants in cases where symptoms like anxiety, depression and brain fog are hormone-related. Many women are misdiagnosed with mental health conditions when in reality, their symptoms are due to hormonal changes.
• Concerning to learn that women must be severely psychologically distressed for six months with low libido before they can access testosterone prescriptions. This approach is outlined in guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS), which emphasise that testosterone should only be prescribed after other treatments, like counseling or estrogen therapy, have been explored.
• If we want to keep women in the workforce, we must provide them with the hormones they need to function.
Prof. Jayashri Kulkarni (Psychiatrist) based in Melbourne, Vic is a prominent Australian psychiatrist specialising in women’s mental health, particularly focusing on the intersection of menopause and mental illness.
Take aways:
• Potent hormones in the brain affect mood, behaviour, and thinking, often causing havoc.
• Menopause symptoms can include panic, anxiety, brain fog, and difficulty multitasking.
Two main groups of women:
1. History of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, etc.)
2. No history of mental health issues but still experiencing cognitive and mood changes.
• Menopause can exacerbate other conditions, like ADHD.
• Key advice: Arm yourself with knowledge and find a GP who understands menopause.
References to published articles by Prof. Jayashri Kulkarni:
1. “Menopause Depression: Under Recognised and Poorly Treated” (2023): This article highlights the significant mental health challenges many women face during menopause, emphasising that these issues are often misunderstood and inadequately addressed. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00048674241253944
2. “Estrogen—A Key Neurosteroid in the Understanding and Treatment of Mental Illness in Women” (2023): In this paper, Professor Kulkarni explores the protective role of estrogen against severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia in women, noting that decreasing estrogen levels during menopause can exacerbate mental health issues. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36502712/
3. “Depression: A Major Challenge of the Menopause Transition” (2022): This article discusses the increased likelihood of depressive symptoms during perimenopause, even among women without a prior history of depression, and suggests that menopausal hormone treatment may be effective. MT2022-10-016-KULKARNI
4. “Mental Illness and the Role of Estradiol”: In this discussion, Professor Kulkarni delves into how estradiol influences brain health and function, impacting mood and cognitive abilities during perimenopause and menopause. https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/mental-illness-and-the-role-of-estradiol-with-psychiatrist-professor-jayashri-kulkarni/
Prof. Odette Best is a respected Indigenous health academic, nurse and researcher dedicated to uncovering and amplifying the histories and contributions of First Nations nurses in Australia.
Take aways:
• There is no research specifically on First Nations women and menopause.
• Focus in Indigenous health is often on mums, bubs, and elders, leaving menopause unstudied.
Dr. Kelly Casperson (Urologist & Educator) who has recognised a gap in women’s sexual health education, and has launched the “You Are Not Broken” podcast aiming to empower women to improve their intimate lives.
Take aways:
• Australia is one of the leading countries advocating for menopause awareness and MHT access.
• Unfortunately in the 1980s, menopause; or changes in the female body was referred to as “the senile vagina” in some medical discussions which was rooted in ageist and stigmatising views that framed menopause negatively, often focusing on the decline of sexual health and function.
• The term GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause) now describes a range of pelvic issues from low hormones.
• A treatment for symptoms relating to menopause, such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary issues are Vaginal hormones, including vaginal estrogen, which is like the Kombucha of hormones—it helps rebalance and reduces UTIs.
• Testosterone is in all bodies—but women’s health research is underfunded.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver (Obstetrician-Gynecologist & Researcher)
• During medical training, doctors receive only several hours of menopause education.
• Even after 20 years of practice, she realized how little research existed due to gender bias in medicine.
• Using HRT/MRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) before 60 can decrease arterial plaque by 50% annually, reducing heart disease risk.
• Social media is a powerful tool to educate, share, and empower women to make informed health decisions.
• Sharing lived experiences helps normalise menopause discussions.
Dr. Vonda Wright (Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Doctor) researcher, and author who specialises in sports medicine, ageing, and the prevention of age-related musculoskeletal conditions. She is known for her expertise in helping athletes and active individuals maintain mobility and performance as they age. Dr Vonda Wright advocates for “optimising ageing” and has contributed significantly to research on ageing and musculoskeletal health, particularly in relation to women and older adults.
Take aways:
• “Think strong not thin!” Dr. Vonda Wright says as weight training is critical for longevity and health.
• The Healthspan for a women is 63yrs (average). Healthspan is the period of life spent in good health free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging → How we age depends on what we do now. The Lifespan (years of life) of a woman is 85.3 yrs in Australia.
• Senescence: Is the biological process of aging at the cellular level. It is where cells lose their ability to divide and function properly due to factors like DNA damage or oxidative stress. These cells remain active but can contribute to ageing and age related diseases by secreting inflammatory substances. During menopause, the hormonal changes in the body can accelerate cellular senescence, leading to a decline in tissue function, such as the skin, bones, and reproductive organs, contributing to common symptoms and age-related health issues.
• Meno-Lescence: A term encompassing significant hormonal, physical, psychological and social changes. It signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years and the onset of a new phase of life.
• Musculoskeletal aging is 80% lifestyle-related and 25% genetic so you can improve this.
• Bone health affects the brain, muscle, pancreas, testes and microbiome.
• Make Muscle and Build Better Bone – Lift Heavy – 4 reps x 4 sets x /3 x weekly. Max force stimulates Satellite cell replication, stimulates nerves to fire more muscle fibres, increases metabolic rate, improves posture and stability and burns more fat = lean body mass. Build muscle with a strategic strength plan. Hire a trainer or take an online course.
• Jumping and foot speed is also great! Jump up and down 20 times a day – bones need impact to strengthen!
• Nutrition in early life is crucial for long-term bone health—especially the first six months of breastfeeding. Protein and Fibre are critical to avoid insulin / glucose spikes.
• Mindset shift: instead of mourning youth, look forward to the next 30 years with purpose.
• Develop medical literacy—choose facts over fear.
• Lifestyle tips: Pilates & yoga are great for mobility.
• Protein goals: 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (for adults over the age of 50). For example a 60kg person might aim for 72 to 96 grams of protein per day.
• Focus on complex carbs for sustained energy.
• Book recommendation: Unbreakable by Dr. Vonda Wright.
💡 Dr. Louise Newson:
“You have the power to make choices that are right for you—forever.”
💡 Dr. Kelly Casperson:
“Use lube! Women’s equality starts when we demand what men already have—like Viagra for men, we need access to the right treatments.”
💡 Dr. Mary Claire Haver:
“Menopause is inevitable, but suffering is not. The last third of your life should be your best—if you take charge of your health.”
💡 Dr. Vonda Wright:
“You are worth the daily investment in your health—without it, nothing else matters. Love yourself as you would love your neighbour.”
What can you do to advocate for better women’s health during peri-menopause and menopause?
Become part of the Men-O-Posse! This is a playful term used to describe a group of women who support each other through the challenges and experiences of menopause. It combines ‘Menopause’ with ‘Posse’ highlighting the strength, camaraderie, and mutual support women often provide one another during this transitional phase. It reflects the idea of building a supportive community where women can share knowledge, offer advice, and help each other navigate menopause with a sense of empowerment and humour.
Disclaimer: These are my personal takeaways from the So Hot Right Now event and the insights shared by the speakers. While I’ve done my best to capture key points accurately, some details may not be 100% precise. If you’re looking for expert advice or medical guidance, I recommend referring directly to the specialists mentioned or consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
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So Hot Right Now event - Sydney Opera House on 1 March, 2025
