All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

If you have ever been handed antidepressants when what you actually needed was a hormone check, this episode is the conversation you should have had in that doctor's office.

This is Part 2 of the live Q&A event hosted by Dr Shaun Watts where a panel of experts answered the questions about perimenopause that women are rarely given time to ask. If you have not listened to Part 1 yet, head back first. It covers the basics, mental health, sexual health, pelvic health, GLP-1s, and the ADHD overlap.

This episode picks up with the room-wide questions that got the most honest answers of the afternoon.

What is covered in this episode:
• The truth about the "5-year HRT rule" (and the 10-year one): where it came from and why it is completely outdated
• Perimenopause misdiagnosis: why depression and anxiety are the most commonly missed diagnoses, and how to push back
• Thyroid dysfunction and B12 deficiency: the two conditions that mimic almost every perimenopause symptom and are frequently missed
• A head-to-toe walkthrough of 42+ perimenopause symptoms, from hair thinning and tinnitus to joint pain, rage, and insomnia
• Vaginal hormones explained: what they are, who they are for, and why every woman can benefit
• The monthly vulva check: a simple shower routine that could help you catch changes early and advocate for yourself

If this episode made you feel seen, send it to one woman in your life who needs to hear it. She might not have the words for what she is going through yet, but this might help her find them. And if you found it useful, leave a review so more women can find the show.

For more resources:
Prof. Heather Irvine-Rundle:https://www.instagram.com/heatherirvine/
Gina Jeffreys: https://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/
Dr Shauna Watts: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/
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Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters
2:40 - What are vaginal hormones and who should use them?5:11 - Perimenopause misdiagnosis: when symptoms are mistaken for depression
6:47 - Thyroid and B12 deficiency: symptoms that mimic perimenopause
8:00 - The 5-year HRT rule debunked: how long should you actually take HRT?
13:28 - Bioidentical vs body identical HRT: what is the actual difference?
17:43 - 42+ perimenopause symptoms from head to toe
23:30 - The vagus nerve and nervous system regulation in perimenopause
30:59 - Plant-based diet and menopause: can 30 plants a week reduce symptoms?
34:33 - Monthly vulva check: how to know your baseline and advocate for yourself

Keywords
perimenopause symptoms
HRT how long to take
perimenopause misdiagnosis
vaginal hormones
bioidentical vs body identical HRT
perimenopause and depression
menopause palpitations
pelvic floor perimenopause
vagus nerve menopause
perimenopause brain fog
HRT gel vs patch
menopause joint pain
prolapse perimenopause
endometriosis and HRT
perimenopause in your 30s
Dr Shauna Watts
All About You podcast
menopause Q&A
hot flushes treatment
breathing for nervous system
plant-based diet menopause
thyroid vs perimenopause
B12 deficiency perimenopause

Struggling to sleep through the night in perimenopause?

Many women do and it’s not just stress or lifestyle. In this episode of the All About You Podcast, Dr. Shauna Watts unpacks the hormonal reasons behind disrupted sleep and shares strategies that actually work.

Sleep disruption is one of the most common and overlooked symptoms of perimenopause. Dr. Watts, a GP specializing in perimenopause and menopause care, explains why poor sleep in midlife isn’t just “part of getting older.” It’s hormonal, biological, and absolutely treatable.

In this episode, listeners will learn:
— Why sleep deprivation in perimenopause is more serious than fatigue
— How changes in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol affect sleep
— The four major “sleep thieves” keeping women awake: early morning awakenings, night sweats, racing thoughts, and light or fragmented sleep
— Practical strategies to improve sleep, including temperature management, sleep routines, food choices, and cortisol regulation
— The truth about supplements, magnesium, melatonin, and the role of HRT in restoring restful sleep
— How addressing sleep first can improve mood, metabolism, and long-term health
— When to consider sleep studies or thyroid checks

For anyone waking at 2 a.m., sweating through the night, or getting up unrefreshed despite doing “all the right things,” this episode provides insights into what’s happening in the body and practical tools to reclaim restorative, rejuvenating sleep.
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Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

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Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247
Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters
01:22 – Sleep deprivation: a hidden health crisis
03:10 – Sleep is not a lifestyle choice
04:03 – Deep sleep & brain health
05:17 – Hormones, hunger, and metabolism
07:32 – Hormonal triggers of sleep disruption
12:25 – Four major sleep thieves in perimenopause
15:36 – Practical strategies to improve sleep
18:17 – Food, magnesium, and melatonin tips
24:34 – How HRT can restore sleep
27:02 – Sleep apnea, thyroid, and additional considerations
28:34 – CBT for insomnia and final takeaways
Keywords
Perimenopause sleep
menopause sleep problems
hormonal sleep disruption
hot flashes at night
night sweats
sleep deprivation women
perimenopause fatigue
HRT sleep
progesterone sleep
cortisol sleep issues
midlife women sleep
perimenopause solutions
sleep tips menopause
magnesium sleep
melatonin perimenopause

Most women don’t realise what’s happening to them in midlife, they just know they don’t feel like themselves anymore.

In this special International Women’s Day episode, Dr. Shauna Watts hosts a live panel with experts in women’s health, psychology, pelvic health, and a powerful personal story from someone who has lived it.

This conversation breaks down what’s really happening during perimenopause and midlife, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and why so many women feel like they’ve suddenly “lost themselves.”

In this episode, we cover:
• Why anxiety, low mood, and overwhelm show up in midlife
• The real reason sleep changes, including the 3am wake-ups
• How hormonal shifts affect weight, energy, and confidence
• What’s happening to libido, arousal, and sexual health
• The role of pelvic floor health in strength, continence, and pleasure
• How stress and life load impact mental health during this stage
• What CBT for insomnia is and why it works
• The link between trauma history and menopause symptoms
• Why many women feel dismissed in the healthcare system
• The truth about hormone therapy and why it’s been confusing
• Why weight gain feels harder and the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic

This episode is about replacing confusion with clarity.

When you understand what’s happening, you stop blaming yourself and start making decisions that actually support you.

For more resources:
Prof. Heather Irvine-Rundle:https://www.instagram.com/heatherirvine/
Gina Jeffreys: https://www.instagram.com/gina_jeffreys/
Dr Shauna Watts: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shaunawatts/

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Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters
01:23 — Meet the Women’s Health Panel
02:30 — Early Menopause & Gina’s Story
05:22 — From Confidence to Anxiety
07:36 — Weight Gain & Body Changes Explained
10:09 — Why Weight Loss Stops Working
13:32 — Mood Swings, Irritability & Anxiety
15:19 — What Midlife Anxiety Feels Like
18:27 — The Truth About Hormone Therapy (HRT)
22:30 — Mental Health, Brain Fog & Overwhelm
25:41 — Sleep Problems & the 3AM Wake-Up
28:01 — CBT for Insomnia That Actually Works
44:34 — Sex, Libido & Why Desire Changes
52:41 — Pelvic Health, Hormones & GLP-1 (Ozempic)

Keywords
perimenopause symptoms
menopause anxiety
midlife women health
hormonal changes women 40s
perimenopause mental health
menopause weight gain
loss of libido women
pelvic health midlife
CBT insomnia menopause
hormone therapy women
midlife identity crisis women
women’s health podcast
Dr Shauna Watts
menopause support

Snoring? Jaw tension? Waking up exhausted even after a full night in bed?

Most women are told these are just part of getting older or something to “push through.” But what if the real issue isn’t just hormones, it’s your airway?

In this episode, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with integrative dentist Dr. Martina Lavery to unpack a piece of the midlife health puzzle that’s often missed: the role your mouth, jaw, and breathing play in sleep quality.

Because for many women in perimenopause and menopause, sleep disruption like night sweats or stress. It’s structural, it’s physiological and it’s often diagnosable.

Here’s what else you’ll learn:
- Why snoring often shows up or worsens in midlife
- How hormonal changes affect your airway and breathing
- The difference between snoring and sleep apnea
- Why so many women feel embarrassed talking about snoring
- What actually helps, from sleep studies to dental devices
- Why CPAP is not the only option
- How jaw position impacts your ability to breathe at night
- The signs your dentist might notice before you do
- The truth about trends like mouth taping

This conversation connects the dots between snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, jaw tension, and oral health. So you can stop guessing and start addressing the root cause.

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow Dr. Martina Lavery on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martina.lavery.96/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_martina_lavery/
Website: https://plusaesthetics.com.au/pages/martina-lavery
Website: https://martinadental.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-lavery-36926a142/

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Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters

00:22 - What Changes in Midlife Sleep
01:15 - Why Snoring Gets Worse in Menopause
02:24 - How Your Airway Affects Sleep Quality
03:01 - Snoring vs Sleep Apnea Explained
04:03 - Why You Should Get a Sleep Study
05:09 - CPAP Machines and Why People Avoid Them
06:07 - Do Dental Devices Actually Work for Snoring
07:35 - Risks of Jaw Splints You Should Know
09:05 - Mouth Taping Helpful or Just a Trend
12:09 - Why Your Lips and Mouth Change with Age
16:30 - Signs Your Dentist Can See in Your Mouth
20:16 - How Your Smile Impacts Confidence and Life

Keywords
perimenopause
sleep problems
menopause snoring
why am I snoring more
sleep apnea symptoms women
oral health and sleep
jaw clenching
menopause
teeth grinding at night women
mandibular splint sleep
CPAP alternatives
Shauna Watts
Martina Lavery

If desire and closeness are shifting in your relationship during perimenopause, this episode breaks down exactly why it happens, what couples can do, and how to stay connected without pressure, guilt, or shame.

In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with Senior Clinical Psychologist and Certified Gottman Therapist, Natalie King, to explore how perimenopause impacts intimacy, desire, and emotional connection in midlife relationships.

For many couples, sexual desire doesn’t vanish overnight. Instead, it shifts gradually, influenced by physical changes like hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, fatigue, and vaginal dryness, as well as emotional stress and brain fog. Natalie explains why emotional safety often matters more than libido for women during this stage of life and shares evidence-informed strategies to help couples reconnect without pressure or blame.

Key topics covered in this episode include:
Understanding spontaneous vs. responsive desire and how it changes in perimenopause
Practical ways to communicate about sex and intimacy without creating pressure
Why emotional connection is essential for sexual satisfaction
How to maintain closeness even when sex isn’t possible
Strategies to support partners and navigate guilt or fear
Gradual approaches for couples overcoming painful sex or low libido
Managing relationship changes while preserving connection and mutual understanding

Whether you’re experiencing changes in desire, struggling with guilt, or simply want to understand how to maintain closeness in midlife, this episode provides practical guidance, supportive insights, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

Stay connected, informed, and compassionate with your partner as you navigate the changes that come with perimenopause.

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow and learn more from Natalie King here:https://thereadclinic.com/practitioners/natalie-king/

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Chapters
01:10 - Emotional and Physical Intimacy Shifts Explained
03:45 - Communication Secrets for Better Desire
04:31 - Creating Emotional Safety During Perimenopause
06:53 - How to Build Intimacy Rituals With Your Partner
09:07 - Spontaneous vs Responsive Desire in Midlife
13:18 - Staying Affectionate Without Pressure
16:29 - Rediscover You Program for Midlife Women
37:02 - Curiosity, Patience, and Flexibility in Relationships

Keywords
perimenopause intimacy
midlife desire changes
couples counseling midlife
emotional connection in relationships
responsive desire women
rekindling intimacy perimenopause
relationship advice
40+navigating libido changes