The So Hot Right Now Medical Conference – Transforming Menopause Care for the Australian Community

Perimenopause and menopause are critical yet often overlooked stages in a woman’s health journey. The So Hot Right Now Medical Conference was a groundbreaking event that brought together leading experts to explore evidence-based strategies, practical applications, and emerging research in menopause management.

As healthcare professionals, acknowledging the gaps in understanding and the need for improved care is essential. This conference provided an opportunity to deepen knowledge and refine approaches to supporting women during this transition.

With over 300 healthcare professionals attending live and more than 500 tuning in via livestream, the event underscored the immense interest and need for better menopause education and care.

Key Takeaways

Several key insights from the conference stood out:

• Early menopause and dementia risk – Premature ovarian insufficiency increases dementia risk by up to 20%! This highlights the importance of early conversations between patients and their practitioners and proactive management.
• Investment in women’s health research – Our clinical studies must include women, rather than assuming that findings from studies on men apply universally.
• Osteo-sarco-obesity – what a triad! – Thinning bones, wasting muscles, and increasing weight. More must be done to support patients internally in order to regain metabolic health, function and quality of life.
• Factors affecting medication absorption through the skin – Skin thickness, blood flow, lipid content, number of hair follicles, skin cleansing, and skin temperature all play a role.
• Starting conversations about genitourinary symptoms of menopause – Practical strategies were discussed to help initiate these important but often overlooked discussions with patients.
• Understanding and managing abnormal uterine bleeding – A deep dive into causes and approaches to treatment.
• Investment into menopause research, led by our Indigenous communities, for Indigenous communities – to ensure culturally appropriate care and meaningful solutions.

Featured Experts and Discussions

The conference featured international and Australian experts who are leading voices in menopause research and education:

• Dr Mary Claire Haver – A board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and bestselling author, sharing insights into the perimenopause and menopause transition.
• Dr Louise Newson – A menopause physician speaking on the impact of hormones on mood across the life cycle.
• Dr Kelly Casperson – A board-certified urologist and expert in genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
• Dr Vonda Wright – An orthopaedic surgeon shedding light on musculoskeletal health and ageing with strength and resilience.
• Dr Ceri Cashell – Co-founder of Healthy Hormones, advocating for a holistic and personalised menopause care approach.
• Dr Talat Uppal – A pioneer in menstrual health management and digital healthcare solutions.
• Dr Angela Kwong – A leader in obesity and metabolic health, addressing the interplay between menopause and weight management.

Addressing Obesity and Metabolic Health

Our Founder, Dr. Angela Kwong, presented on the relationship between menopause, obesity, and metabolic health—an increasingly relevant issue in menopause care.

Many women who have never struggled with their weight find themselves gaining weight at a faster rate than ever before once they reach menopause. This weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, change the body shape and reflects visceral fat accumulation which affects metabolic risk, but also affects a person's self-confidence, self-esteem, and day-to-day function.

Conversations about weight can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding it or the misconception that it is purely a ‘vanity’ issue. However, menopause triggers changes at a cellular level, leading to shifts in body composition—specifically increased fat mass and reduced muscle mass—both of which impact metabolic health.

It’s time to acknowledge the reality of ‘menopausal weight gain’ instead of dismissing it with advice to ‘just eat less and move more.’ The discussion at the conference focused on how health professionals can open conversations about weight gain in a supportive and non-stigmatising way. More importantly, the emphasis was on helping women regain control of their health through sustainable, long-term changes such as increased protein, less carbohydrates and regular 'exercise snacks'!

A Celebration of Women’s Health

The So Hot Right Now Medical Conference was more than just an event—it was a celebration of women’s health and education. The collective knowledge shared will shape the future of menopause care in Australia, ensuring that women receive the recognition, support, and medical expertise they deserve.

Dr. Angela Kwong is proud to have been part of this movement and looks forward to continuing the conversation about menopause, metabolic health, and the importance of evidence-based, patient-centred care.