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What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, Head Games & “So Many” Symptoms
Episode Description
Think perimenopause is just hot flushes?
THINK. AGAIN.
In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity.
It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.”
The Voices You’ll Hear
A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123
Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme
Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of RACGP
Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled
Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_
A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia
Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman
Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland
Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW
Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell
Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it
Resources, References & Rabbit Holes
Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au
13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums
StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247
QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight
A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions
Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones
WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer
Endo Untangled | Podcast
Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause
Reminder
This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time.
This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes.
NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 September
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