Hack My Age · Zora Benhamou

Perimenopause, Depression, and the One Thing That Saved Her Life - Shelly Horton

·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Did you know perimenopause depression is a real diagnosis that could save your life?

This episode of Hack My Age explores perimenopausal depression through a conversation with Australian journalist and author Shelly Horton. Host Anna connects with Shelly, a former TV presenter for major networks like ABC and Channel 7, to discuss her severe personal experience. Shelly's journey, which included a stay in the ICU, inspired her book "I'm Your Perigodmother" and a mission to reduce stigma. The discussion covers Shelly's pivot from television work to becoming an author focused on menopause. She shares how she was completely unprepared for menopause and never initially linked depression to it as a symptom. Her book, subtitled "A Happily Ever After Guide to Kicking Perimenopause in the Ovaries," sold out on Amazon on its first day. It subsequently reached number one in the menopause category for four consecutive weeks. The Audible version, which she narrated, was also crowned Book of the Month. A central focus is the "one thing" Shelly identifies as having probably saved her life during her crisis. She details the personal strategies that helped her overcome depression and now support her well-being. The conversation also touches on cultural perspectives, noting specific aspects of "menopause down under" in Australia. One key insight is the existence of a specific diagnosis called perimenopausal depression, which many may not recognize. Shelly's story powerfully illustrates how severe mental health battles can be directly tied to the menopausal transition. Her approach combines a burst of energy and positivity with a dead-serious commitment to the topic. The episode frames her path as a "pain to purpose" story that she finds empowering. The tone is highly conversational and intimate, described as chatting like two girlfriends out for a night. It balances educational content about symptoms and strategies with Shelly's real and humorous personal narrative. Listeners who enjoy candid, story-driven health discussions from a personal perspective would love this episode. Those seeking a strictly clinical, research-heavy analysis of menopause might prefer to skip it.

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