Women's Health: How to Speak Up, Be Heard and Get the Care You Deserve

Women's Health: How to Speak Up, Be Heard and Get the Care You Deserve

Women’s health is complex, and too often, women are left feeling unheard, dismissed, or unsure how to advocate for themselves in medical settings. In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, we sit down with global expert in AI and women’s health, Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks, to unpack the reality of the gender health gap and what women can do to take back control of their health. Dr Ariella shares her personal experience of being dismissed while navigating chronic migraines, and how that led her to build Ovum, a FemTech platform designed to empower women with personalised, intelligent healthcare. Together, we explore why so many women second-guess their symptoms, what’s being overlooked beyond reproductive health, and how to confidently speak up in medical appointments. Whether you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or simply want to better understand your body, this episode offers practical tools and powerful perspective to help you feel more informed, confident, and in control. What You’ll Learn: Why women are often dismissed in healthcare systems The reality of the gender health gap beyond reproductive health How to trust your intuition when it comes to your body Practical ways to advocate for yourself in medical appointments Common conditions that are overlooked or misdiagnosed in women How preparation and knowledge can change your health outcomes About Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks: Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks is a global expert in AI and women’s health and the founder of Ovum, a FemTech platform designed to close the gender health gap through intelligent, personalised care. Her work is focused on empowering women with the tools, data, and confidence to better understand their bodies and advocate for their health.

GLP-1s Explained: What Women Need to Know About This Shift

Weight, health, and hormones are complex, especially for women balancing career, family, and life. In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, Australian GP and medically supervised weight-loss expert Dr Angela Kwong unpacks the reality behind GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Angela explains how these medications work, why they’re not a “quick fix,” and how they should be used alongside lifestyle support, strength training, and personalised care. She also debunks common myths, shares real-life success stories, and highlights how a stigma-free, evidence-based approach can empower women to take control of their health. Whether you’re curious, already using a GLP-1, or want a thoughtful approach to weight and wellness, this episode delivers expert guidance and clarity on a topic that’s often misunderstood. What You’ll Learn: How GLP-1 medications work and why they’re not a shortcut. What benefits women experience and what misconceptions to watch out for. How weight, hormones, and metabolic health interact in women. Why strength training and nutrition are essential for long-term success. Real-life examples showing how personalised, medically supervised care can change health outcomes. About Dr Angela Kwong: Dr Angela Kwong is an Australian GP specialising in medically supervised weight loss and the founder of Enlighten Me, a program combining doctors, exercise physiologists, and nutritionists to support women in achieving sustainable results. She is NSW State Lead for the RACGP Obesity Management group and a passionate advocate for evidence-based, stigma-free women’s health care.

The Overlooked Pillar of Women’s Health with Dr Sarah Lawrence

Your smile is more than just a confidence booster; it’s a key part of your overall health. In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, Specialist Orthodontist Dr Sarah Lawrence explains why taking care of your teeth and alignment isn’t just cosmetic, but impacts your gum health, digestion, posture, and even heart health. Dr Sarah shares practical insights on women-specific oral health considerations, from hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause to diet and daily hygiene habits. She also dives into how straightening your teeth at any age can transform self-esteem, proving it’s never too late to invest in yourself. Whether you’re curious about clear aligners, orthodontics, or just want to improve your confidence and health through better oral care, this episode delivers expert-backed advice you can trust. What You’ll Learn: The link between oral health, alignment, and overall well-being. How hormones and life stages uniquely affect women’s oral health. Practical daily habits to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. How investing in your smile can boost confidence at any age. Common misconceptions about orthodontics and why functionality matters as much as aesthetics. About Dr Sarah Lawrence: Dr Sarah Lawrence is a Specialist Orthodontist and clear aligner expert with over 20 years of experience. She has treated thousands of patients of all ages and teaches orthodontists in training how to master aligner therapy. Passionate about combining confidence and health, Dr Sarah shows women that it’s never too late to take control of their smile.

Mental Health: It’s not in your head. It could be your hormones.

In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, leading women’s mental health researcher Professor Jayashri Kulkarni breaks down the science behind women’s mood, why women often feel dismissed or told “it’s just stress or hormones,” and what signs to really pay attention to. From menstrual cycles and birth control to perimenopause and postpartum changes, she offers expert-backed insights to help women understand how their body and mind are connected - and what practical steps they can take to feel more in control. Packed with science, empathy, and actionable advice, this episode is for any woman juggling career, life, and health who wants clarity, confidence, and tools to manage her mental wellbeing. What You’ll Learn: - How to recognise when mood changes are normal versus when they’re a signal to take action. - How hormones, cycles, and life stages influence mood, cognition, and resilience. - Practical strategies to regulate mood with exercise, routine, and lifestyle adjustments. - How to advocate for yourself and seek expert support that truly understands women’s mental health. - How to support friends and loved ones without feeling like you have to “fix” them. About Professor Jayashri Kulkarni: Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a world-leading researcher in women’s mental health and founder of the Women’s Mental Health Research Program at Monash University. With decades of experience studying hormonal, social, and life-stage influences on mental wellbeing, she combines rigorous science with deep empathy to help women understand and manage their mental health. Links & Resources: HER Centre Australia - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre/home Professor Kulkarni on ABC Conversations – Female Hormones & Mental Health - https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/jayashri-kulkarni-female-hormones-mental-health-rpt/105362644 We’re Fernwood Fitness; a women’s only gym ready to support you on your health and fitness journey. Get in touch to discuss your goals today. Find out more about Fernwood Fitness: https://fernwoodfitness.com.au/ Find your local Fernwood club: https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/clubs Join us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/fernwoodfitness https://facebook.com/fernwoodfitness https://tiktok.com/@fernwoodfitness

Movement is medicine: Rethinking injury and exercise

In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, osteopath and strength and injury rehab specialist Dr Dani Antonellos busts the biggest myths holding women back from exercise and shows how injuries can actually be a signal, not a barrier. Pain doesn’t have to be a stop sign! Movement is medicine. Dani shares real-life stories, including a client who was told she couldn’t lift heavy weights, yet went on to place 3rd in the world bodybuilding championships, proving that with the right plan, support, and progression, women can safely train, rehab, and thrive. You’ll learn how to distinguish safe pain from harmful strain, simple posture and strength exercises to prevent injury, and why rehab doesn’t have to be slow, boring, or fear-based. Whether you’re returning from injury, managing niggles, or just want to train smarter, this episode is packed with expert-backed advice that empowers you to move confidently. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why common advice like “stop training” or “lift light” can do more harm than good. 2. How to reframe pain as information and use it to strengthen your body safely. 3. Simple, effective exercises to counteract modern posture issues and prevent common injuries. 4. How to rebuild confidence, regain control, and continue training while injured or recovering. 5. Why consistent, intentional movement is one of the most powerful tools for long-term health. About Dr Dani Antonellos: Dr Dani Antonellos is an osteopath, strength and injury rehabilitation specialist, and founder of United Health Education and Paddo Performance Gym. With over a decade of experience, she helps women feel educated, empowered, and capable of moving safely and effectively through every stage of life. Dani also hosts the podcast Level Up: with Sharelle and Dani. Links & Resources: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ [https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/] www.unitedhealthed.com [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/r7FUCjZ1Kmsj4mljtRh2Hmc_mC?domain=unitedhealthed.com] Share This Episode: Know a woman who’s been told to “stop training” or who struggles with injury? Share this episode and help her discover that movement is medicine and that she’s capable of more than she thinks.