Menopause is a huge transition in a woman’s life, yet it’s often misunderstood and not talked about enough. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey approaching 50 and how I’m preparing for menopause, plus the key insights I gained from attending the So Hot Right Now Menopause Conference in Sydney. We’ll unpack the myths around hormone therapy, why so many women struggle with weight gain and insulin resistance, and how nutrition, strength training, and stress management can help women thrive—not just survive—during menopause. What I Covered in This Episode 1️⃣ The Reality of Menopause Why menopause isn’t just about hot flushes—it affects mood, sleep, brain function, and more.How hormonal changes impact insulin resistance, weight gain, and energy levels.The common misconceptions about menopause that leave many women suffering in silence. 2️⃣ The Truth About Hormone Therapy (MHT) Debunking the myths: Is HRT really safe?Understanding estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy.The real benefits of MHT beyond symptom relief—think brain health, heart health, and bone strength.What I’ve learned as a GP—and why I’m now prescribing MHT more to help women feel their best. 3️⃣ Why Lifestyle Matters in Menopause Nutrition: Why increasing protein and reducing processed carbs & sugar is critical.Strength Training: Why walking alone isn’t enough—women need to lift heavy to maintain muscle & bone health.Stress Management: The role of breathwork, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation in managing symptoms.Circadian Health: How morning sunlight & reducing blue light at night can improve sleep & hormone balance. 4️⃣ My Personal Approach to Menopause How I’m proactively preparing for menopause and balancing lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management.Why I’m continuing to learn, unlearn, and relearn about menopause to provide better care for my patients.The key mindset shifts every woman needs to embrace this transition with confidence & vitality. Key Takeaways 💡 Menopause is more than just hot flushes—it affects your brain, metabolism, sleep, and overall well-being. 💡 MHT is safe and effective for many women—it’s time to break the stigma and have open conversations. 💡 What worked for your body before menopause may not work now—adjusting nutrition & exercise is key. 💡 Strength training is non-negotiable for muscle, bone, and metabolic health—every woman needs to lift heavy. 💡 Managing stress & improving sleep through circadian health and mindfulness makes a huge difference. Resources Mentioned 📖 Low Carb Made Easy Ebook – Learn how to optimize your nutrition & lifestyle for menopause and beyond! Grab it here: www.mlcclinic.com.au 📍 Book an appointment with Dr. Avi Charlton – Get personalized menopause & lifestyle support. Visit www.mlcclinic.com.au 📚 So Hot Right Now Menopause Conference – Learn more about the event and its key speakers. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: www.mlcclinic.com.au 📲 Instagram: @dr.avi.charlton 📘 Facebook: MLC Clinic 🎥 YouTube: @avicharlton Let’s Stay Connected 💚 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs this information! 🌐 Join my Facebook group, Melbourne Low Carb Connect, for more discussions on menopause & healthy aging. Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your lifestyle or diet.