Women Out Loud breaks the silence on midlife health

MENOPAUSE may be natural, but for many women it is anything but straightforward.

That’s the focus of the latest episode of Women Out Loud, the Surf Coast-based podcast that is changing how people talk about women’s health and challenging the silence that has surrounded this life stage for too long.

Created by the Surf Coast Women’s Health Group and recorded at TNG Studios in Torquay, Women Out Loud is hosted by GP Dr Niamh Logue, physiotherapist Courtney Weybury, and nurse and practice manager Amy McElgunn.

Together, they bring medical insight, lived experience and a strong dose of honesty to a topic that affects every woman but is rarely discussed openly.

This episode dives into perimenopause, menopause and everything in between.

Topics include brain fog, hot flushes, hormone therapy, strength training, libido, vaginal health and lifestyle changes.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment,” Dr Logue said.

“Sometimes women just want to know they’re not going crazy, and that what they’re feeling is valid and manageable.”

The discussion builds on the group’s recent Women Out Loud event in Torquay, which featured a sold-out screening of The M Factor.

The American documentary explores menopause stigma and the disparities in care for women of colour.

The event raised more than $600 for Share the Dignity and prompted powerful conversations among attendees.

“Even women who had already been through menopause told us they learned something new,” Weybury said.

“There were so many ‘Why didn’t I know this?’ moments. It really shows how far we have to go in making this information accessible and normal.”

Dr Logue noted the medical profession also has work to do.

“Despite six years of medical school and four years of GP training, I had barely a few hours of formal education on menopause,” she said.

 

“So, it’s no wonder women, and doctors, are left in the dark. But that’s changing, and it needs to.”

The trio guide listeners through common symptoms including irregular periods, fatigue, poor sleep and joint pain.

They also break down the facts around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone and vaginal oestrogen, while challenging lingering myths and confusion about their safety.

Weybury explained the importance of strength training, particularly as women lose protective oestrogen in midlife.

“Exercise is a game changer,”she said.

“It’s not just about weight. It’s about protecting your bones, muscles and mental health. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym. Just 12 minutes of lifting something heavy can make a difference.”

McElgunn spoke about how confusing this stage can be, especially for women balancing multiple roles.

“I have friends who are still breastfeeding and also starting to experience perimenopausal symptoms,” she said.

“It can be such a confusing overlap of phases. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong, when really, your body is just going through a lot.”

The team also explored how menopause can affect relationships, especially when libido changes are involved.

They encouraged open conversations with partners and health professionals to reduce shame and increase support.

“Menopause is like reverse puberty,” Dr Logue said.

“The hormones taper off instead of surging, but the chaos can feel the same. The more we talk about it, the better supported we’ll be.”

The episode includes practical tips on strength training, increasing protein and fibre intake, reducing alcohol, and using vitamin D supplements.

Listeners are also introduced to Australian-made products like Olive & Bee, which support vaginal comfort without hormones.

Above all, Women Out Loud is about giving women permission to ask questions, feel seen and feel supported.

“Talk to your friends. Talk to your GP. Talk to your physio. Talk to someone,” Weybury said.

“You’re not alone. And you don’t have to tough it out.”

Women Out Loud is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.

Follow @women_outloud for new episodes, resources and local event updates.

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