Ep 1 | Perimenopause | Entering perimenopause and how to prepare

It Can't Hurt To Ask is back! This season we're taking a deep dive into menopause with leading menopause experts and everyday Queenslanders.

We're starting with the first stage of the journey – perimenopause. You'll hear from Brisbane-based endocrinologist and president-elect of the Australasian Menopause Society, Dr Christina Jang who takes us through what perimenopause is, the varying physical or mental health symptoms and how difficult it can often be to get a diagnosis. Dr Jang will be with us for the whole season sharing her expert knowledge and advice. 

You'll also hear from Nic, who shares what her early perimenopause symptoms were like and her experience with getting a diagnosis. 

What is perimenopause? What are the symptoms? What age can you go into perimenopause? Listen to find out.

If you'd like to learn more about menopause, we have a whole season lined up. Make sure you listen to our next episode, where we explore how diet and lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms. We’ll also discuss how hormonal changes can affect mental health and wellbeing.

Feel free to leave us a review too — we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Episode Resources: 

Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) 

The AMS is a not-for-profit member-based society aiming to improve the quality of life for women during and after the menopause. The AMS helps women and their health professionals better understand the transition through this stage of life by providing accurate, evidence-based information about premature menopause, perimenopause, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and alternatives, osteoporosis and how to locate a doctor interested in women's health. Visit the AMS website for more information.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health

Jean Hailes for Women's Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women's health across Australia through every life stage. They work in public health, research, clinical services and policy. Their website has practical and easy-to-understand information for women and for health professionals. Visit the Jean Hailes website for more information.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia. Counsellors are available to provide mental health support and emotional assistance, not only via telephone but face-to-face and online. Visit the Lifeline website or call them on 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is an Australian mental health and wellbeing support organisation. They offer free, qualified mental health support via chat or phone. Visit the Beyond Blue website or call them on 1300 22 4636.