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In this episode of Midlife Sparkle, I sit down with my friend and straight-talking powerhouse, Shelly Horton - one of Australia’s most trusted voices in media, wellness, and women’s health. Shelly’s career as a journalist, presenter, MC, and founder of ShellShocked Media has made her a familiar face on Channel Nine and across countless stages. But today, she’s here to talk about a topic that’s been swept under the rug for far too long - perimenopause.

Shelly’s new book, I’m Your Peri(God)mother, is Australia’s first comprehensive guide to perimenopause that blends memoir, science, and humour. She opens up about her own experience with the hormonal chaos that hit her in her forties - from brain fog and mood swings to sleepless nights and anxiety - and how she clawed her way back with evidence-based information, medical support, and a big dose of sass.

We talk about what happens when your hormones stage a mutiny and why so many women, like Shelly, had no idea what was happening to their bodies. Shelly shares how she was initially dismissed by a GP, blamed herself, and spent months feeling broken - until one supportive conversation with her husband led her to a doctor who finally diagnosed perimenopause and prescribed the treatment she needed. Her honesty about navigating HRT, antidepressants, and trial and error offers comfort and clarity to anyone currently in the thick of it.

Shelly and I also discuss the lack of menopause education for doctors, how systemic misogyny has impacted women’s health, and why self-advocacy matters more than ever. She shares practical advice for managing symptoms, from brain fog and hot flushes to shifting moods, and the importance of finding a GP who treats you as a teammate, not a problem to be dismissed.

Her signature humour shines through as she talks about “craft” (can’t remember a thing), the joy of lists, the infamous We Do Not Care Club, and how laughter can make even the sweatiest of moments bearable.

Key Takeaways and Actions:
If there’s one message in this episode, it’s that knowledge is power. Educate yourself about perimenopause early, even before symptoms appear, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Don’t accept dismissal from healthcare providers — find one who listens, learns, and supports you. Be kind to yourself during the hormonal rollercoaster, and use humour to lighten the load. And if you find yourself walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, remember — you’re not alone, and there’s probably a funny story in it somewhere.