Well.

For more than twenty-five years, Grace Lam lived and breathed the rarefied air of high fashion as a Vogue editor. Everything was going according to plan for the talented, organised, focused Grace until hormones entirely upended her tidy world.
In this episode that from our sister podcast MID, Holly Wainwright and Grace Lam talk about what happened when they each started experience perimenopause. Grace has become a loud and important voice for women being messed with by their hormones. She’s just appeared before the Western Australian Senate Public Hearing on issues related to peri/menopause, presenting the practical changes we need our medical and government institutions to make to catch up with what we need.
Grace is sharp and funny and honest and no bullshit. OH, and she’s sweary.
Grace is also generous - and has opened up her Instagram Rolodex with some links to follow for more information and inspiration about perimenopause & menopause. As always - please do your own research, but this could be a good place to start.
You can follow Grace here. and listen to Unleashed here
Grace’s Suggestions Below:
@peripausers
@heramenopause
@menopause_doctor
@samtalkssex
@doctorginni
@rhitrition
@dr_naomipotter
@glucosegoddess
@drjengunter
@physicalkitchness
@menopausepilates
@dremilyleeming
GET IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAY:Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.
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Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
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CREDITS
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can your birth control really shrink your clitoris by 20%? Why do surgeons need to tilt you like a Cirque du Soleil performer during a hysterectomy? And is sleeping on your left side actually better for your heart and digestion?
In this episode, we talk about the latest news surrounding the hormonal birth control pill. In local updates, the Victorian government’s decision to allow pharmacists to prescribe the pill is sparking a massive debate among doctors. Dr Mariam explains the risks of removing clinical oversight, why the pill isn't a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. And in fake news, the viral ‘clit-bait’ headlines claiming hormonal contraception reduces the size of your most pleasurable body part. We look at why these scary claims are often based on flawed science and why they fit into a broader, more dangerous political agenda aimed at eroding reproductive autonomy.
Plus in Med School, Claire shares what she learned from watching a laparoscopic hysterectomy, revealing why internal organs look less like a neat textbook diagram and more like a ‘meat tray’.
And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Lorraine’s question about sleep positions. We break down the guidelines for side-sleeping during pregnancy, why heart patients might prefer the right side, and why the best position is ultimately whichever one lets you get some rest.
This episode discusses recent changes to pharmacy access for some contraceptive options in Victoria. These changes form part of evolving state-based healthcare access models and have been the subject of discussion among clinicians, pharmacists and policymakers.
GET IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAY:Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.
Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.
Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
Read The Vagenda by Dr Jen Gunter
CREDITS
Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the secret to “optimising” your body hidden in an unregulated, experimental peptide cocktail? Spoiler: it’s not.
In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam discuss the peptide boom. A rising biohacking trend fuelled by social media influencers and a growing distrust of traditional medical systems. From claims that peptides support your naturally occurring hormones, to weight-loss injections and “internal tanning” sprays, the hosts break down what peptides actually are, and the significant health and legal risks associated with using unregulated substances sourced from the “grey market.”
Plus, in Med School, we take a deep dive into the viral TikTok trend claiming sanitary pads contain green and black mould.
And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps a patient, who’s dealing with incredible pain potentially caused by long hair. We’re myth-busting whether “butt crack” hair is the culprit.
GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.
Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS
Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when your body starts changing at just ten years old?
Harnaam Kaur was waxing her face to avoid schoolyard bullies before she even hit her teens. Today, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and one of the most recognisable voices challenging global beauty standards.
In this episode, Claire sits down with Harnaam to unpack her journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at just ten. She opens up about years of bullying, the toll on her mental health, and the pivotal moment that led her to stop hiding and start embracing who she is.
They also explore what it means to live with a condition that challenges traditional ideas of femininity, Harnaam’s evolution from religious motivations to personal liberation, and her reflections on the future of her advocacy.
EPISODE RESOURCES
If this episode has raised concerns for you, the following resources are available:
Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.
Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:
MOVE by Mamamia

Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.
Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
THE END BITS
Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS
Host: Claire Murphy
Guest: Harnaam Kaur
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do some girls start their periods as early as eight years old?
In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam take us on a lifetime hormonal tour. We track the journey from the ‘magic and mayhem’ of puberty to the ‘window of chaos’ that is perimenopause, exploring how these changing hormones reshape our bodies, our brains, and our moods at every life stage.
We talk to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ginny Foo about why periods are starting earlier and what level of pain is actually ‘normal.’ We also speak with endocrinologist Dr Isabelle Smith about the hormone ‘dump’ after childbirth, the myth of the testosterone cure-all for libido, and why your ‘stress cup’ might be overflowing.
Plus, gynaecologist Dr Natasha Andreas joins us to unpack life over 50. We discuss the ‘second puberty’, why oestrogen is the ultimate protector of your heart and bones, and the essential health checks every woman needs to stay ahead of the game as her hormones settle into a new normal.
EPISODE RESOURCES
If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available:
Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support.

Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:
MOVE by Mamamia

Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.
Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
THE END BITS
Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS
Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guests: Dr Jinny Foo, Dr Natasha Andreadis and Dr Isobelle Smith
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.
Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.