In this episode, we’re slowing down and stepping into a different way of looking at perimenopause – not as something to manage or “get through,” but as a chance to reconnect with who you truly are.

Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler sit down with co-host Sam Lindsay-German, who’s in the heart of her own perimenopause journey.

Sam shares how, at 50, she’s using this phase to tune into her soul voice, deepen her inner calm, and let go of beliefs that no longer serve her.

This intimate conversation invites you to listen in on Sam’s personal insights and experiences with mindfulness, yoga, and self-reflection – practices that have helped her find peace and purpose during this time of change.

🎧 Listen to discover:

🌿 Sam’s honest take on why perimenopause feels like a spiritual awakening and how she’s choosing to listen to her inner wisdom more deeply.

🌿 Simple practices from the yogic perspective that can help you feel more grounded and in tune with yourself, especially when everything else feels in flux.

🌿 How small daily rituals like yoga, mindfulness, and quiet time have transformed Sam’s outlook, helping her embrace this phase rather than resist it.

🌿 Open reflections on self-acceptance, letting go of the “shoulds,” and approaching midlife with a little more ease and confidence.

Tune in for Sam’s grounded, soul-centered insights and feel inspired to step into this next phase with curiosity and self-compassion.

Resources to complement this episode:

• Listen to our previous episode – Insights from the World Congress on Menopause.
• Research paper about the impact of attitudes towards menopause and symptom experience.
• Red School’s The Menstruality Podcast – How We Become a Force of Nature in Menopause.
• More about Sam Lindsay-German and her healing work with women.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this week’s episode, we’re diving back into the conversation around Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) with fresh insights from the recent 19th World Congress on Menopause in Melbourne.

Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler are here to share the latest findings, practical takeaways, and a few myth-busting updates on menopause care.

If you’re curious about what the world’s top experts are saying on MHT, lifestyle impacts, and menopause brain health, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen in to hear:

🌿 New perspectives on MHT – Dr Peta and Dr Thea revisit last week’s discussion to explore whether MHT should be used to prevent chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease or if it’s best reserved for symptom relief. Hear why the latest research still favours a balanced, symptom-first approach.

🌿 Lifestyle choices that matter – Discover why some lifestyle changes, like movement and stress management, can be just as powerful as hormone therapy for long-term health and vitality.

🌿 What’s happening with menopause brain health – The latest research sheds light on how menopause affects the brain, including why “brain fog” is often temporary and may even be part of an adaptive, natural rewiring.

🌿 Testosterone and menopause – Get the facts on why testosterone has limited impact on symptoms like low libido and fatigue, and why a holistic, whole-body approach may be the best way to support wellness at this stage.

Join us for this follow-up episode as Dr Peta and Dr Thea connect cutting-edge research with practical advice that helps you make empowered, personalised choices for your health.

Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

• Last week's episode – Ep 9: Menopause and Hormone Therapy – Myths, Facts and Choices.
• Prof Pauline Maki’s Research on Menopause and Brain Health.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, we’re exploring a topic that sparks a lot of curiosity and confusion – Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), formerly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s the right option for you, this conversation will help you cut through the noise.

Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and Sam Lindsay-German dive into the history and evolution of hormone treatments, from early synthetic versions to today’s more advanced bioidentical options.

They explain what these terms really mean, how the treatments work, and the potential benefits and risks associated with them.

Along with breaking down the science, they also provide thoughtful advice on navigating the overwhelming amount of information out there, so you can feel empowered to make choices that align with your body and lifestyle.

🎧 Tune in now to hear:

🌿 The fascinating history of menopause treatments and how we’ve progressed to the more personalised hormone therapy options available today.

🌿 The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones and why bioidentical hormones are now considered a safer and more effective option for many women.

🌿 Why hormone therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and how you can work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs.

🌿 A fresh perspective on menopause and practical advice on how to manage symptoms and embrace this new chapter.

Whether you’re curious about hormone therapy, already on MHT, or exploring natural ways to support your health during menopause – this episode offers thoughtful, evidence-based insights from experienced gynaecologists who are passionate about helping women make confident choices.

And we would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about MHT or menopause that you’d like us to answer on a future episode of the podcast, please email them to hello@verawellness.com.au or reach out on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 7 of Women of the Well – Demystifying perimenopause and menopause.
• Feminine Forever by Robert Wilson – A highly controversial book that played a big role in popularising early hormone treatments for menopause.
• The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi – A great resource on the neuroendocrine changes that occur during menopause.

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To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, we take a closer look at hormonal treatments that can help reduce inflammation and ease period pain.

Because with so many options out there – it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s right for your body.

Vera Wellness gynaecologists, Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler, guide you through the different hormonal treatments, breaking down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.

🎧 Tune in now to discover…

🌿 What causes period pain and ovulation discomfort: Understand how your body works and why some symptoms might feel worse than others.

🌿 Hormonal treatments that could ease the pain: From the pill to IUDs, discover how different options can help reduce inflammation and make your cycle more manageable.

🌿 The pros and cons of hormone-based treatments: While they might work well for pain, some come with side effects like mood swings, weight changes, or even dryness.

🌿 Making the best choice for your body: Dr Peta and Dr Thea talk about why it’s essential to get personalised care so you feel confident in picking the right approach – whether that’s using hormones or trying other methods.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about hormonal treatments, or you just want to get a better handle on managing your cycle – this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make more confident, empowered decisions.

For a list of the treatments mentioned in this episode, see the extended show notes at www.verawellness.com.au/blog.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta Wright and holistic counsellor Sam Lindsay-German are unpacking one of the biggest topics for women in their 40s and 50s – perimenopause and menopause.

There’s a lot of information out there (and a lot of misinformation too), but Dr Peta and Sam explain why this transition doesn’t have to be something to fear.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

🍃 What perimenopause and menopause actually are, and when the changes typically start.

🍃 Sam’s personal experience and the insights Peta has learned from her patients, sharing how symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog, and mood swings can be influenced by stress and lifestyle.

🍃 A brief look at HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) – why it’s one option, but definitely not the only one.

🍃 Why this time of life can be a gateway to more clarity, creativity, and freedom as you step into your “wisdom years.”

Whether you’re just beginning to explore perimenopause or are already in the thick of your transition, this episode is filled with actionable advice and supportive insights to help you navigate it all with more confidence.

Additional information and resources:

• Wise Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer – A transformative book that redefines menopause as a spiritual journey and a catalyst for personal empowerment.
• Red School – Founded by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, offering courses and resources on menstruality and menopause to help women embrace their cycles and life stages.
• Ayurveda – The ancient Indian holistic healing system that provides insights into the natural transitions of life and how to balance your body's energies during menopause.

More about the Vera Wellness Embracing Your Wise Woman Years Retreat:

At Vera, we run the Embracing Your Wise Woman Years event – a full-day retreat-style event designed to support women through the transition of perimenopause and menopause.

It includes talks from our gynaecologists and holistic practitioners, rituals to honour this life stage, and practical advice on navigating your health.

Find out more and register your interest for upcoming events here.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

To be first to know when the next Women of the Well episode is released and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this special episode of Women of the Well, we’re getting personal.

Join hosts Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and Sam Lindsay-German as they open up about their backgrounds and how they ended up working in holistic women's health.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

🍃 The book that shifted Peta's entire perspective on women’s health – leading her to question everything she’d been taught as a gynaecologist.

🍃 Thea takes us back to her roots, sharing the beautiful story of how her mum’s holistic GP practice influenced her career.

🍃 Sam shares her unconventional path from British Army Officer to holistic women’s counsellor. She talks about how following her intuition – and a few nudges from the universe – led her to the work she’s so passionate about today.

In this episode, Dr Peta and Dr Thea both share their frustrations with the conventional medical system, especially around the use of hormonal treatments like the pill.

They talk about why it’s so important to offer women alternatives that honour their natural cycles and well-being, and how they’ve brought these approaches to their practice at Vera Wellness.

If you’ve ever thought there has to be another way to practise medicine – especially when it comes to women's health – this episode is for you.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden – A fantastic guide to understanding the impact of lifestyle on your menstrual cycle.
• Dr Aviva Romm MD – A functional medicine expert who bridges traditional wisdom and modern medicine for women and children.
• Period Queen by Lucy Peach – An insightful look into the emotional and spiritual aspects of the menstrual cycle.
• Yoga for Real Life by Maya Fiennes – A practical guide to using yoga for personal transformation and healing.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

For exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and to be first to know when the next episode is released – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sam Lindsay-German sits down with women’s health physiotherapist Brooke Dobó to explore the connection between your pelvic floor and chronic pain.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your pelvic floor might be contributing to your discomfort, this conversation is a must-listen.

Brooke brings her expertise to the table, explaining how the pelvic floor muscles can become tense and contribute to pain, particularly in response to stress, anxiety, or trauma.

She also shares practical strategies for identifying and addressing pelvic floor tension, so you can find some relief.

🎧 Tune in now to discover:

🍃 The role of the pelvic floor: How these muscles work and why they might be causing your pain.

🍃 Pelvic pain triggers: Understanding how stress, anxiety, and trauma can lead to pelvic floor tension and discomfort.

🍃 Practical strategies for relief: Learn techniques like belly breathing, pelvic floor relaxation, and gentle movement to help alleviate pain and support your pelvic health.

🍃 Empowering insights: Why being aware of your body, especially your pelvic floor, is crucial for managing and overcoming chronic pain.

Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, or just want to learn more about your body – this episode is packed with insights to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take control of your health.

Additional Resources:

• More about Brooke Dobó and her work at Vera Wellness.
• Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr. Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain.
• Article on effective pelvic health physiotherapy via telehealth.
• If you’re in South East Queensland, click here to find out more about our next Healing Pelvic Pain Workshop.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

For exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and to be first to know when the next episode is released – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Vera Wellness gynaecologists Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler explore the important nuances of endometriosis diagnosis and management.

From explaining the different types of endometriosis to challenging the idea that surgery is the only solution, Dr Peta and Dr Thea offer insights into what’s really happening in your body.

They share how a more informed, whole-body approach can help you manage your symptoms and feel more in control of your health.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, have been dealing with endometriosis for years, or just want to learn more about your body – this episode is packed with insights to help you feel informed and empowered.

🎧 Tune in for this deep dive into…

🍃 What’s really causing your pain: Not all pelvic pain is due to endometriosis. Find out how to identify if your symptoms could be rooted in something else – and what that means for your next steps.

🍃 A new perspective on diagnosis: Why the push for early diagnosis might not always serve you and how embracing a holistic, whole-body approach can actually lead to better, longer-lasting outcomes.

🍃 Understanding endometriosis types: Get clear on the different types of endometriosis – from superficial and deep infiltrating endo, to ovarian endometriomas and adhesive endometriosis. Learn what these mean for your symptoms and treatment options.

🍃 The truth about laparoscopy: Why this commonly recommended diagnostic surgery might not be the “gold standard” after all – and what you should consider instead.

🍃 Alternatives to surgery that work: Explore powerful non-surgical strategies like pain education, pelvic floor therapy, nervous system regulation, diet, and lifestyle changes that could help you reclaim your health and wellbeing.

**IMPORTANT NOTE** If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and are worried about fertility – book an appointment with a fertility specialist to discuss further fertility testing and options. Some women with endometriosis may experience more challenges trying to conceive, although the majority of women have no issues. Counseling early can help provide you with information specific to you, and provide you with all the options available for investigation and treatment if this is a concern for you.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr. Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain.

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Extended show notes with transcripts are available at verawellness.com.au/blog.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.