Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health. Jules' tale of moving from England to Australia while pregnant, overcoming postnatal depression and then educating her own GP on the importance of understanding perimenopause, offers more than just a narrative—it's a testament to the power of understanding your own body and standing up for yourself in healthcare settings.During this generously candid conversation, Jules shares stories of her triumphs and challenges in her mental and menstrual health.We explore the intricate dance between hormones and lifestyle choices as an unexpected ADHD diagnosis is also tied to her hormonal fluctuations like PMDD, PND and Perimenopause, and the decisions Jules has made, such as quitting alcohol for her well-being. Jules and I discuss why symptom tracking and seeking second opinions are vital tools in navigating hormonal changes. With a focus on reshaping the narrative around menopause, this episode encourages you to champion your health stories and leverage your relationship with your doctor to drive change in women's healthcare.Links:The Balance App by Dr Louise NewsonConfidence in the Menopause Online CourseFor more on women's mental health and neurodiversity - Monash University HER CentreThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram