Real 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.
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.
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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 explained
* Menopause skin changes
* Testosterone in women
* Vaginal estrogen dryness
* Pelvic floor physiotherapy
* Menopause sleep problems
* IVF grief and loss
* Midlife relationships
* Breakfast radio routine
* Rage and irritability menopause
* Rediscover You program
* Midlife confidence
* Sex after menopause
