madman
Super Moderator
In this episode, I sit down with Professor Susan Davis, a world-renowned endocrinologist and women's health researcher with over 40 years of experience. She is a clinician researcher with expertise in the role of sex hormones in women across the lifespan. She is Head of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and holds a Level 3 NHMRC Investigator Grant. Susan is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne and a consultant at Cabrini Medical Centre. She is a Fellow and Council Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Susan’s research spans basic science to clinical trials and has been pivotal in our understanding of sex hormones in women in multiple non-reproductive target tissues including the brain (cognition, mood, sexual function), cardiovascular system (lipids, vascular function and coagulation) and other tissues (fat, muscle, joint cartilage and bone). She leads a research program supported by the NHMRC, MRFF and the Heart Foundation.
Susan was one of five founders of Jean Hailes for Women, is a past President of the Australasian Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society. She has over 435 peer-reviewed publications and has received numerous national and international prestigious research awards. Susan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine, to women's health as a clinical endocrinologist and researcher, and to medical education.
In 2022 she was also awarded the Medal of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for her outstanding contribution and leadership in endocrinology and women’s health. From questioning conventional wisdom about hormone therapy to conducting groundbreaking research that's changed how we understand menopause, Professor Davis brings clarity to a topic often clouded by misinformation and marketing hype.
Key Takeaways:
Menopause reality check
Contrary to popular belief, about 70% of women do not experience severe menopausal symptoms. For those who do have significant symptoms, they typically improve within the first few years after menopause. This knowledge can help women approach this transition with less anxiety and better preparation.
Hormone therapy truth
The decision to use hormone therapy should be primarily symptom-driven. It's proven effective for managing classic menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood changes) and preventing bone loss. Still, it's not a universal requirement or an anti-ageing solution. Professor Davis emphasises that there's no one-size-fits-all approach - what works for one woman may not work for another.
Beyond hormones
Many symptoms attributed to menopause might have other underlying causes. Key tests include iron levels (especially if experiencing fatigue), thyroid function, and zinc levels (particularly important for vegetarians and vegans). This highlights the importance of comprehensive health screening during midlife.
Navigating information
With the rise of menopause-related content on social media, it's crucial to fact-check information against reliable sources. Professor Davis recommends consulting websites of organisations like the Australasian Menopause Society, International Menopause Society, and Jean Hailes for Women's Health for evidence-based information.
