About the Guest:

Dr. Bronwyn Devine - Associate Professor Bronwyn Devine is an esteemed obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist. With a career spanning multiple decades, Dr. Devine has guided numerous women through the various stages of their reproductive lives, including childbirth and menopause. Her expertise lies in hormonal health, fertility treatments, and menopause management, making her a highly sought-after expert in her field.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Menopause Stages: Menopause is defined by the cessation of periods for twelve months, with perimenopause and post-menopause being critical stages that bookend it.

Symptoms and Individual Experiences: Symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, brain fog, and the loss of libido are common but vary greatly among individuals.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be beneficial for some women but needs a tailored approach due to potential risks such as clotting and breast tissue changes.

Alternative Treatments: Alternatives to HRT include clonidine, isoflavones, black cohosh, and new classes of medications like neurokinin three receptor antagonists.

Corporate Awareness and Support: Increasing workplace awareness and supportive corporate policies can significantly aid women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Notable Quotes:

"Menopause is when you stop having periods. Natural menopause occurs between 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier due to surgery or chemotherapy." - Dr. Bronwyn Devine

"Hot flushes are a really quite unpleasant experience where you can really feel like your whole body's on fire." - Dr. Bronwyn Devine

"A lot of people find they struggle through their older years and lose their sense of self, which can be very challenging." - Dr. Bronwyn Devine

"We need to make sure there is a real focus on health and wellbeing in the workplace to help women during their menopausal years." - Dr. Bronwyn Devine

"For some women, hormone replacement therapy can bring back their sex drive and help them feel on top of their game." - Dr. Bronwyn Devine

Resources:

Dr. Bronwyn Devine: Obstetrician, Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist

Menopause Society: Advocacy for improving workplace conditions for menopausal women

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