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Peri-Menopause. What the actual what.
I currently have plantar fasciitis, which is essentially a sore heel, and I’ve been told it can be symptom of perimenopause. But what can NOT be a symptom of perimenopause I ask!?
Well, on this episode I am joined by Dr. Charlotte Middleton. She’s an integrative GP with over 25 years of expertise, specialising in women’s health. She founded Dr Charlotte’s Web, focused on mothers and their babies, and is about to open a new integrative medicine clinic. I came across her via Biolae – a supplement company – where she is Chief Medical Officer.
She’s also a mum, navigating a man’s world in the medical field. The latest reported gender pay gap for full-time medical specialists was 33.6%.
If you want to know what peri-menopause is, how we know if we’re in it, and how to deal with the symptoms, as well as a bit of Doctor Charlotte’s own story listen on.
In this episode we discuss:
- All the hats Charlotte wears – mum, wife, careerwoman
- Her own peri-menopause experience and the endless list of potential symptoms
- When to go to the dr for a discussion about symptom management and/or treatment (spoiler, it could be if you even have just one!)
- The increase in doctors – and patience – talking and learning about perimenopause
- What workplaces can do to support women through perimenopause with flexibility, education and awareness
- Biolae State of Menopause Survey Results showed 65% if women feel perimenopause symptoms have impacted them at work, but only 19% of women felt they could speak to their manager about it
- Lifestyle changes that can support you
- Her early experience in medicine, being dismissed as a young, blonde woman
About Dr Charlotte Middleton
Dr. Charlotte Middleton, Biolae’s Chief Medical Officer, brings over 25 years of clinical experience to her role, with a specialised focus on integrative medicine for women’s health, particularly perimenopause and menopause. Her practice blends evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional medicine, ensuring a balanced, holistic approach to patient care. Driven by her passion for advancing women’s health, Dr. Middleton works to improve health literacy and promote informed, effective therapeutic options for managing menopausal symptoms.
A graduate of Flinders University (Adelaide) in 1997, Dr. Middleton began her career in Neonatal, Paediatric, and Maternity Health in hospitals across Australia before transitioning into General Practice in 2012. Her extensive training through the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine has refined her expertise in areas such as autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal health, mental health, and preventive medicine.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Middleton has spent nearly a decade driving innovation in digital health. She has served in executive roles with health technology companies, providing clinical oversight for products that connect patients and providers through virtual care platforms. Her previous work includes serving as an advisor for an online mental health platform, improving access to APHRA-registered psychologists and counsellors via telehealth.
Dr. Middleton is also a seasoned educator, media contributor, and corporate speaker, including engagements at integrative medicine conferences. She has created widely used resources, such as a DVD series on post-natal care, distributed through Ramsay Health maternity hospitals and educators nationwide. Her work in medical education has been featured in television, publications, and guest panels, solidifying her reputation as a trusted voice in integrative medicine.
Dr. Middleton will soon join Young Street Medical, a dedicated integrative medicine clinic in Wollongong, opening February 3rd.