Hera Podcasts

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October 2022

Peri-menopause and menopause can cause women to feel emotions & changes in their body that can significantly impact their quality of life. Sadly in medicine & in society we don’t talk as honestly and openly about perimenopause & menopause as much as what we should. I was very blessed to have the opportunity to discuss this health topic with Women’s Health General Practitioner - Dr Sunita Chelva. Dr Chelva worked as a General GP and as a Women's Health GP with a special interest in the Perimenopause and Menopause. Sunita is extremely passionate about helping to educate women & clinicians on this area of women’s health as well as, set the record straight about HRT

February 2024

MHT - menopause hormone therapy - also known as HRT is one of the the first line treatments for women suffering from menopause symptoms. 80% of women taking MHT have seen an improvement in their symptoms and for many women, it's a lifesaver.

And that leaves another 20% of women who are not having the same success. So what happens now? Dr Sunita talks to Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, a well known advocate for health, fitness and all things menopause from New Zealand about what to do when MHT/HRT is not working.

August 2024

A fantastic overview of the current state of menopause in 2024 with the lovely group of chaps involved in medical marketing at Naked Health in the UK. During the 60 minutes we cover a spectrum of topics:

- The basics of menopause, symptoms and common myths

- How the decades old Women's Health Initiative (WHI) impacted menopause care and what we have learned since this

- How the latest research guides and informs modern management in menopause care

- Why menopause advocacy is just getting started and hopes for the future

- Dr Chelva's insights from working with women and her specialist practice

AND much, much more!

September 2024

Menopause and Muscles! The impact of menopause on the musculoskeletal system is profound. Dr Lucy chats with menopause expert Dr Sunita Chelva, highlighting the often overlooked symptoms and challenges. They emphasise the importance of bones and muscles for support, structure, movement, and overall health.

They also discuss the role of hormones, particularly oestrogen, in maintaining bone and muscle health. The conversation touches on the concept of musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, which includes common complaints such as back pain, plantar fasciitis, and bursitis. They also discuss the importance of exercise, nutrition, and body acceptance in maintaining muscle strength and overall well-being in peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.

September 2024

Menopause and Bones! 20% of women who have a bone fracture get significant complications that severely impact their life. Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Sunita Chelva, an expert menopause doctor, discuss the importance of bone health before, during and after menopause.

They emphasise the need for early screening and prevention of fractures, as well as the role of hormones, genetics, and lifestyle factors in bone health.

They cover topics such as:

  • osteopenia vs osteoporosis

  • the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

  • the impact of diet, exercise, and sleep on bone health. 

They also discuss treatment options including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

October 2024

“What Actually is the Correct dose of HRT?” And Is Testosterone What You are Missing?”

In this conversation, Dr Shauna and Dr Sunita are talking all things HORMONES! In particular, the Hormone Replacement Therapy process from start to finish - from when to start, what to expect, different doses and what is typically needed, the pros and cons of gels, patches and tablets and so much more.

So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the HRT process, or what hormone you might be lacking as you transition through the perimenopause, this episode is for you.

January 2025

“Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Menopause Appointment?”

In this episode, Dr Shauna is joined by Dr Michelle Cotellessa - GP and co-founder of Hera Menopause, a Perth-based clinic dedicated to transforming the way women experience and manage menopause through innovative, evidence-based care. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Michelle has a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and social challenges women face during menopause.

It can be so daunting to speak to a stranger about what you're going through, so in this conversation Dr Shauna and Dr Cotellessa are breaking down exactly what you can expect from a menopause appointment.

What should you bring with you? What kinds of questions might you be asked? How can you bring up HRT with your doctor? What if you’re feeling unheard - how do you advocate for yourself?

March 2025

*Podcast for Clinicians*

“Distance is No Obstacle?”

With no one size fits all approach to managing Perimenopause and Menopause, Dr Sunita Chelva and Dr Michelle Cotellessa from Hera, provide valuable information and insights to providing your patients with a holistic approach to understanding and managing symptoms. They both chat to Dr Olga Ward

This episode includes:
• What is the story with hormone replacement therapy?
• Listening to your patients - can this woman be in perimenopause? Is this what is causing the multitude of symptoms or worsening what is happening underneath?
• What tests to undertake and when.
• With so many hormonal products on the market – what to prescribe.
• The importance of following up patients closely.
• Education, awareness, and alternative medications – what to offer patients who are post breast cancer, or any other hormonally receptive cancers, or those worried about taking hormone replacement therapy but want to manage symptoms.
• The effect of perimenopause and menopause on other medical conditions.

If perimenopause has made your ADHD feel impossible — you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not the only one.

In this raw and relatable episode, Jane sits down with Dr. Sunita Chelva to unpack what happens when fluctuating hormones collide with ADHD brains. From brain fog and rage to misdiagnosis and burnout, this conversation shines a light on what women are really experiencing — and why it’s not “just Mum life.”

What We Cover in This Episode

  • How estrogen and progesterone shifts in perimenopause impact dopamine and ADHD symptoms

  • Why burnout, brain fog, rage, and emotional reactivity spike in the late 30s–50s

  • The overlap between ADHD and PMDD — and why up to 70% of ADHD women are affected

  • Why women are often offered antidepressants instead of hormone support

  • How masking, multitasking, and guilt fuel emotional depletion

  • Red flags when seeking help — and why you may need second or third opinions

  • Practical steps: symptom tracking, seeking hormone-aware providers, and building support

October 2025

October 2025

Some days I don’t recognise myself.

The rage hits first — then the guilt follows. 💔

If you’ve ever cried over crumbs or felt calm slip away for no reason, this episode will make you feel seen.

Because what looks like “losing control” is often ADHD, hormones, and burnout colliding.

Jane sits down with Dr Sunita Chelva from Hero Menopause to unpack why perimenopause can feel like puberty all over again, how hormones intensify ADHD symptoms, and what you can do to find steadier ground when everything feels too loud, too fast, and too much.

✨ What We Cover in This Episode

  • Why hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger ADHD-like rage and emotional sensitivity

  • How estrogen and progesterone shifts impact focus, calm, and tolerance

  • The connection between histamine, mast-cell activation, and hormonal mood swings

  • What to know about HRT, supplements, and antihistamines — and how to talk to your GP about them

  • The overlap between trauma, neurodivergence, and hormonal chaos

  • Practical tools for ADHD mums: sleep, movement, boundaries, and self-compassion.