You've made it through perimenopause. The hot flushes have settled, your periods have stopped, and you're breathing a sigh of relief. What many women don't realise is that reaching menopause isn't the finish line. It's actually the starting point for a crucial new phase of health that demands your attention. In this honest conversation with Dr Sian Hebron, our specialist GP in women's health, we explore what happens to your body after that final ovulation and why the years ahead require a different kind of awareness and action.Key TakeawaysMenopause is forever, not just a phaseOnce your final ovulation has happened, you’re in menopause for life. Your body’s needs have changed, even if you don’t feel it day to day. Without oestrogen, your bones lose density faster, your heart needs more care, and your overall health deserves more attention.Your bones need youOestrogen is used to protect your bones, and without it, the risk of fractures increases. Strength training, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and possibly HRT can all make a big difference. Don’t wait until your seventies to check your bone density. Start in your fifties and stay proactive.Heart health matters more than everWith lower oestrogen, your risk of heart disease and stroke goes up. Starting HRT within the first ten years after menopause can offer protection, but the basics still matter most: eat well, move regularly, and know your numbers when it comes to blood pressure and cholesterol.Be the CEO of your healthMake space for proper women’s health appointments, not quick chats squeezed in at the end of another visit. Ask for the tests you need. If your GP isn’t confident with menopause care, find someone who is. You’re not being difficult—you’re taking charge of your wellbeing.Start smallIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice, but small steps lead to big change. Choose one thing to focus on: better sleep, a morning walk, saying no more often, or reconnecting with a friend. It’s never too late to start feeling better. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.Links mentioned in this podcastEpisode 130 - Sex in Midlifehttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AJpTnYzaOXbEpisode 119 - Heart Health, Hormones, and Weight Gainhttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4kRkr0zaOXbEpisode 105 - Doctor in Your Cornerhttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/2Vo5u2zaOXbEpisode 46 - Better Bone Health with Professor Belinda Beck https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/2pGMtgHaOXbhttps://menopause.org.au/https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/Join usJoin Dr Sian Hebron and me on Saturday, 8 November, for the Shifting Tides event at Noosa Springs Spa Resort.It's an intimate and supportive gathering where you'll gain valuable medical insights, practical frameworks, and a genuine connection with other women navigating this stage of life.You can get your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/shifting-tides-your-guide-to-menopause-midlife-whats-next-tickets-1681453666179?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlConnect with meBook your 20-minute connection call https://calendly.com/jo--138/20min?month=2025-07 RE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. Remember, there's so much untapped brilliance in midlife women. You are wise, strong, and talented. You just need the space to hear yourself and the courage to act on what you know.The second half of your life can be even better than the first.

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