Thriving Through Midlife - Advancing Menopause Conversations: A Year of Progress and Growing Momentum

ABOUT THIS EVENT

The past year has witnessed remarkable progress in menopause, with numerous private and governmental breakthroughs. As we continue to propel the conversation forward, it's an exhilarating time to be a part of this vital discourse.

From groundbreaking initiatives led by businesses and organizations to policy reforms that demonstrate a heightened understanding of menopause-related challenges, these advancements are helping to destigmatize and illuminate this crucial stage in women's lives.

As we celebrate the achievements made thus far and maintain our commitment to furthering the dialogue surrounding menopause, we look forward to the positive change ahead. 

Together, we can foster an environment of empathy, support, and empowerment for all. 

MC: Faith Agugu, founder of Silver Sirens

Faith, a psychotherapist based in Sydney, recognised the need for a shift in perspectives on ageing after working with women experiencing 'midlife crises.' In 2018, she founded Silver Sirens to address the contrasting cultural views on ageing that she encountered. Her mission is to challenge and transform negative narratives surrounding ageing, empowering women to embrace their unique journeys with confidence and self-assurance.

Faith's engaging and uplifting approach fosters a sense of community and support among women, encouraging them to celebrate their individuality and redefine their age gracefully. Through Silver Sirens, she continues to inspire meaningful conversations and create a platform for women to embrace their experiences and wisdom as they navigate life's transitions.

SPEAKERS: 

Chiza Westcarr - Thriving Through Menopause

During menopause, there is a dramatic shift in gut health and, therefore, in a woman's metabolism in her 40s, 50s, and beyond. The gut microbiome, made up of trillions of microbes and their genetic material, is located mainly in the large colon and communicates with our brain and other body systems. 

Our food choices impact the health of these microbes and the signals they send to the brain and other parts of the body.

With the change in gut microbes, there are noticeable changes in what you can and can no longer eat. 

The Western diet, filled with highly processed foods such as cakes, biscuits, and ice cream; fast food such as pizza, burgers, chips, sugary drinks, pies, and packaged snacks; and alcohol consumption, have all been directly linked to poor gut function and chronic disease. 

The regular consumption of these types of foods may exacerbate menopausal symptoms. This is why some women fare worse in menopause than others.

Grace Molloy, CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia

Grace holds a Master's degree in Nursing, is an ex-Big4 accountant, and has two decades of experience in corporate strategy and partnerships. She is a member of the Australasian and International Menopause societies and has worked alongside Australia's pre-eminent medical researchers and biotechnology innovators to advance medical breakthroughs through clinical trials.

Seeing Australian businesses lose experienced leaders early due to menopause symptoms, Grace co-founded Menopause Friendly Australia to ensure employers have the support they need to help people thrive through this inevitable life stage.

Dr Nicole Avard Co-fonder Metluma

Dr Nicole brings a desire to inspire and innovate. Her 20+ years as an Integrative GP has helped her to develop a wealth of experience in understanding the patient journey and meeting people where they are at. She has travelled this journey with 1000's of women. She blends her private practice with work in GP Education and Training and as a Clinical Adjunct with the National Institute of Complementary Medicine. Nicole is passionate about using technology to help provide better care. Nicole is a mother to two teenage children and enjoys decompressing in the ocean and escaping on her electric scooter.