The Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About and How to Get Through It

What happens when a woman who has spent her life on stage and on air suddenly doesn’t feel like herself? Hot, foggy, flat, and not sure why? In this intimate conversation, Australian country music trailblazer and radio host Gina Jeffreys opens up about the symptoms that blindsided her, the grief she carried, and the turning points that helped her find her spark again.

Gina takes us from brutal period pain on tour, through years of infertility and loss, to surgical menopause and a long, confusing aftermath with little guidance. We explore the lesser-talked-about signs, from skin sensitivity to sleep disruption, as well as the strain on relationships, work, and identity, and the practical supports that finally made a difference.

Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2 https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.app

In this episode, you’ll learn: • Understand how perimenopause affects your whole body, from skin and sleep to mood and memory. • Learn why surgical menopause can feel unpredictable and how to track what’s really changing. • Recognise the emotional load of grief, rage, and relationship strain, and ways to ease it with support. • Explore treatment options, including estrogen, vaginal therapies, and when testosterone can help. • Get practical tips for intimacy, pelvic-floor health, and better sleep (even at 4:30 a.m.). • Use gratitude, counselling, and community to rebuild confidence and rediscover yourself.

If you’ve ever thought, “Is this just me?” it’s not. You’ll hear the real story behind rage in the car park, crying in the school office, stepping back from the spotlight, and learning there is help: hormones, pelvic-floor physio, sleep and intimacy solutions, and a mindset shift toward gratitude. Gina leaves us with hope, agency, and a joyful reminder that midlife can be a beginning.

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

For more from Gina Jeffrey’s you can follow her on Instagram or catch her hosting Breakfast with Matty, weekdays from 6am - 9am on Star 104.5.

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.

00:00 – Gina Jeffreys’ Story 00:00:45 – From Country Star to Midlife Shift 00:01:09 – Menopause Begins: First Signs 00:01:27 – Symptoms, Confusion & Finding Help 00:02:34 – The Struggles Behind the Spotlight 00:06:35 – Hot Flushes, Pain & Physical Change 00:06:57 – Emotional Turmoil & Unexpected Rage 00:08:38 – Car Park Rage & Crying Spells Explained 00:11:56 – Impact on Work, Marriage & Self-Esteem 00:13:24 – Coping Through Songwriting & Creativity 00:16:03 – IVF, Loss & Relationship Strain 00:24:22 – Public Scrutiny, Weight & Confidence 00:27:38 – Health Reset & Body Confidence Returns 00:30:07 – Facing Gym Fear & Finding Strength 00:35:29 – Pelvic Floor Physio That Changed Everything 00:41:31 – Hormone Therapy: Finding the Right Mix 00:45:12 – Testosterone Therapy & Renewed Libido 00:46:28 – Brain Fog Battles & Clarity Returns 00:49:33 – DEXA Scan & Hidden Fat Insights 00:55:59 – Menopause Weight Loss Journey 01:01:49 – Cutting Back Alcohol & Feeling Better 01:08:35 – Gina’s Top Tips & Menopause Advice 01:12:02 – Future Plans & Life After Menopause

* Menopause brain fog * Surgical menopause story * Perimenopause symptoms * Menopause skin changes * Testosterone in women * Vaginal estrogen dryness * Pelvic floor physiotherapy * Menopause sleep problems * Midlife relationships * Rage and irritability menopause * Rediscover You * Sex after menopause