The Happy Menopause
Join award-winning nutritionist and author Jackie Lynch as she explores how diet and lifestyle can help manage menopause symptoms through midlife. Each month she focuses on a different topic, from hot flushes and anxiety to intimate health and bone strength. She is joined by expert guests who share advice on navigating hormonal changes and midlife challenges. The podcast aims to help listeners work toward a happier, healthier menopause. More information is available at well-well-well.co.uk and on social media at @WellWellWellUK.
Episodes
Midlife Aches and Pains: How Magnesium Might Help, with Andrew Thomas, CEO & Founder of Better You. S8. Ep 2.
Pain doesn’t get nearly enough attention, so it’s great to see chronic pain in midlife as this year’s World Menopause Day theme. So many of us are dealing with aching joints, tight muscles, headaches and night-time cramps, and we often assume it’s just part of getting older.Pain is complicated and there’s no single fix, so get all the help you can from your doctor or physio. But what you eat might
Fibremaxxing & the Menopause: the Benefits, the Pitfalls & Getting the Right Balance, with Jenny Tschiesche, Nutritionist & Cookbook Author. S8. Ep 1.
Fibremaxxing is the latest food buzzword, but before we all jump on yet another bandwagon, let’s find out what fibre actually is, what it does for us, and why and how we should be getting it.Food trends come and go, don’t they? It used to be all about low-fat. More recently, carbs became the enemy and lots of people went low-carb. Keto and paleo have been big too, with some people eating very high
7 Unmissable Insights from 7 Seasons of The Happy Menopause Podcast. S7. Ep 15.
7 seasons. 750,000 downloads. 3 International Women's Podcast Award shortlistings. To mark the finale of Season 7, I've gone back through 7 years of conversations to bring you 7 of the clips that stopped me in my tracks - and believe me, it was no easy task to choose, because every single guest has been brilliant and they’ve brought such incredible expertise, inspiration and insight to t
Foot Health in Menopause: Common Problems & Practical Solutions with Jubilee Thobejane, Podiatrist. S7. Ep14.
Did you know menopause can affect your feet?From plantar fasciitis and unexpected hard skin to changes in foot shape and structure, hormonal shifts can have a surprisingly significant impact on foot health - and it's something many of us (including me!) have never really thought about.In this episode, I'm joined by registered podiatrist Jubilee Thobejane, who has a special interest in th
Acupuncture & the Menopause with Lily Lai, PhD, Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner. S7. Ep 13.
Have you ever considered acupuncture to help support you through — and beyond — the menopause? It’s a fascinating option for women at this stage of life, focusing on restoring balance across the body’s different systems — something many of us need during times of hormonal change.This month’s guest is acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner Lily Lai, PhD. With a special interest in women’s
Your Joyful Years: Thriving Beyond Menopause, with Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science. S7. Ep 12.
How do you feel about ageing? Have you started to write yourself off, or are you making the most of life? There’s a reason I called this podcast The Happy Menopause, and that’s because I firmly believe this stage of life is our time. Not an ending, but a door opening to a whole new world of opportunity, confidence and empowerment.Building on this notion of grasping life with both hands, I’m joined
Never Too Old to Lift with Chris Tiley, Physiotherapist and Strength Expert. S7. Ep 11.
Can you open a jar or do you have to ask someone? Do you carry heavy bags easily or do you expect other people to do the heavy lifting? How physically strong are you? That’s a very important question for women in mid and later life, because the stronger you are, the better your health will be on a number of different levels. The evidence base is clear – people who lift heavy weights have a much lo
Endometriosis & the Perimenopause, with Professor Janice Rymer & Claudia Tye, Endometriosis Nurse Specialist. S7. Ep 10.
Severe period pain? Vomiting? Fainting? It’s not just “one of those things.” These can be symptoms of endometriosis - a condition far more complex than many realise, and which often goes undiagnosed and unsupported, affecting 1 in 10 women. In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Janice Rymer, consultant gynaecologist, and endometriosis nurse specialist Claudia Tye from Guy’s Hospital, London. Be
Common Weight Loss Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) with Petronella Ravenshear, Nutritional Therapist & Author
How’s the January diet going? By this time of the month, things can often start to unravel, so I’m offering a little bonus episode to help you get things back on track. This time last year, I chatted to the brilliant Petronella Ravenshear about metabolism, menopause and sustainable weight loss. Petronella is a nutritionist and author of the excellent Human Being Diet, which is an incredibly effect
Ageing Creatively: Finding Joy, Confidence & Adventure in Midlife & Beyond, with Jo Moseley, Author & Adventurer. S7. Ep 9.
As we step into a new year, this episode of The Happy Menopause explores what it really means to age creatively – and how we can rediscover joy, confidence and adventure as we grow older.I’m delighted to welcome back Jo Moseley, six years after she first shared her story of breaking down in a Tesco biscuit aisle during perimenopause - a moment that became the catalyst for a powerful midlife transf
Drink Smarter, Not More: 7 Quick Wins for Cutting Back This Festive Season, with Sarah Williamson, Coach & Founder of Drink Less, Live Better! S7. Ep 8.
This is a brilliant follow on to the Alcohol & the Menopause episode from Season 6 Episode 7 with Sarah Williamson, coach and author of Drink Less, Live Better. We all know how tricky it can be as the Christmas party season gets underway and our schedule fills up with all manner of seasonal celebrations. In this bonus episode, Sarah joins me again to share some excellent advice and sneaky quic
IBS & the Menopause: What You Can Do to Feel Better, with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist. S7. Ep.7.
Struggling with bloating, cramping, unpredictable bowels or that sudden dash-to-the-loo urgency? You’re certainly not alone. In this episode of The Happy Menopause, I take a deep dive into Irritable Bowel Syndrome — a condition that affects a huge number of women, and one that often gets worse during perimenopause and menopause.I’ll explain what IBS actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why hormona
Managing UTIs: What You Need to Know, with Helen Lake, Specialist Urology Nurse. S7. Ep 6.
Urinary tract infections — or UTIs — aren’t the most glamorous topic, but they’re incredibly important, and we just don’t talk about them enough. If you’ve ever had one, you’ll know how miserable they can be: the burning, the stinging, those endless trips to the loo, the pain, and that bone-crushing fatigue. They can really knock you sideways.For many women, UTIs become more common — and more stub
Ultra-Processed Foods & the Menopause, with Jenny Tschiesche, Nutritionist & Author. S7. Ep 5.
What exactly are ultra-processed foods – and could they be making your menopause symptoms worse? Nutritionist and bestselling cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche joins Jackie to unpack the truth about what’s really in our food, how it affects our hormones, mood and metabolism, and why those clever additives can make it so hard to stop eating once we start.Jenny shares simple, practical ways to cut ba
Lifestyle Medicine: Simple Steps for a Healthier, Happier Menopause with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist. S7. Ep 4.
October is Menopause Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Lifestyle Medicine — a subject that’s right at the heart of my work as a nutritionist. In this solo episode of The Happy Menopause, I’ll be exploring how simple, sustainable changes in the way we eat, move, sleep, and manage stress can transform your menopause experience.We’ll look at the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine — nutriti
Caring in Midlife: Managing the Emotional Load with Dr Sabina Brennan, Psychologist & Neuroscientist. S7. Ep 3.
Caring responsibilities often fall heavily on women in midlife. You’re juggling work, family life, menopause — and now, the care of ageing parents or elderly relatives too. It’s a huge emotional and physical load, and it can take a real toll on your wellbeing.In this episode of The Happy Menopause, I’m joined by psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan, author of Still Me, a compassionate
Midlife Style, Sorted! With Chantelle Znideric, Personal Stylist. S7. Ep 2.
Feeling stuck in a style rut as you navigate perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone. Changing bodies and shifting skin tones can make getting dressed feel like a bit of a minefield, and before you know it, you’re hiding behind a sea of black, shapeless clothes.In this episode of The Happy Menopause, award-winning personal stylist Chantelle Znideric joins us to share her expert tips on what r
Supplements in Menopause: What to Take, What to Avoid & How to Stay Safe. S7. Ep. 1.
Nutritionist Jackie Lynch explains how to use supplements safely in menopause, covering multivitamins, minerals, omegas, probiotics, and essential tips.Supplements can be a minefield in menopause —in this solo episode, Jackie explains how to navigate them safely and effectively. Jackie stresses that a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is your foundation, but she also explains why getting every nutrient
Summer Update and a Little Something for You
Season 6 is a wrap, and I wanted to say a big thank you for all your support, and share a quick summer update! In this mini bonus episode, I’m reflecting on how far the podcast has come, sharing some exciting news about my new book The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy, and letting you know how to enter a prize draw for a 1:1 menopause nutrition consultation with me. Plus, there's fresh new con
Sew Your Way Through the Menopause with Jenni Smith & Kay Walsh, Sewing Experts & Authors. S6. Ep 17.
What do you do to relax? It’s a question I ask all the time in my nutrition clinic, because making time to decompress from the daily stresses and strains can have a profound effect on how you experience the menopause. And yet, you’d be surprised how often it’s met with a slightly awkward pause, as someone tries to remember the last time they consciously made space to relax.In this final episode of
The Walking Cure with Annabel Streets, Researcher & Author. S6, Ep 16
In this episode, I explore one of the simplest, most overlooked tools for boosting our health – walking.We spend a fortune on gym memberships, personal trainers, and high-tech fitness gadgets – yet sometimes forget that our bodies are already brilliantly equipped for one of the best forms of exercise out there. My guest is researcher and author Annabel Streets who’s just released her latest book,
Managing Hot Flushes & Night Sweats with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist & Author. S6. Ep 15
Hot flushes have been the butt of not very funny jokes for years, but it’s no fun when it’s happening to you. A hot flush can cause huge distress, especially if it catches you in a professional or social situation, where you might already be feeling a bit vulnerable.In this episode, I’ll be diving deep into the science and solutions behind hot flushes and night sweats – those classic menopause sym
Histamine Intolerance & the Menopause, with Dr Tina Peers. S6. Ep 14.
Do you experience a range of unexplained symptoms - eczema, skin rashes, fatigue, headaches, IBS, joint pain, poor sleep, or random allergic reactions with no clear trigger? If HRT isn’t helping - or even making things worse - or if your blood tests keep coming back normal but you still feel awful, histamine intolerance could be the missing piece of the puzzle.This little-understood condition is t
The Courage to Change: A Midlife Vineyard Dream with Sally Evans, Winery Owner & Author. S6. Ep. 13.
Do you have a dream? I bet you do - most of us do! But do you dare to make it happen? It’s easy to feel stuck at this stage of life and wonder, Is this it? The truth is, it’s never too late to make a change, whether big or small.My latest podcast guest, Sally Evans, is living proof of that. An award-winning wine producer with a small vineyard near Bordeaux, France, Sally turned her life upside dow
The Power of Strength – Staying Physically Strong in Menopause & Beyond with Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Christien Bird. S6. Ep 12.
In this episode, we’re talking about strength - not weight, not size, but pure, functional strength. Because let’s be honest, we can spend way too much time worrying about one and not nearly enough about the other!Strength is vital at any age, but as we hit midlife and beyond, it becomes essential. It boosts confidence, protects our bones, and keeps us active for longer. After all, what’s the poin
Metabolism & Menopause – How to Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss with Petronella Ravenshear, Nutritionist & Author. S6. Ep11
Weight loss can feel like an uphill battle for us midlife women. What worked before no longer seems effective, and that’s often due to a slowing metabolism. Years of yoyo dieting may have played a role, but this shift is also a natural part of this life stage. If your body is stuck in fat-storage mode, no amount of eating less will bring the results you’re after.But there’s hope! In this episode,
Christmas Nutrition Tips : Your Guide to a Balanced Festive Season with Jackie Lynch, Nutritionist & Author. S6. Ep 10.
Feeling a little apprehensive about the festive season? It’s not just one day, is it? The celebrations seem to start in early December and go on... and on. Your calendar fills up fast – often with events you’re not even excited about!And let’s face it, most of these involve endless food and drink, which can take a toll on your waistline, sleep, and overall wellbeing in just a few weeks.But it does
Pause, Stretch, Breathe: 2-Minute Yoga Tips for a Calmer Christmas with Libby Stevenson, Menopause Yoga Specialist. S6. Ep. 9.
The build-up to Christmas can be hectic and stressful, and the thought of carving out a full hour for a yoga class (or any workout) when there’s so much to do can just add to the pressure. This is the 2nd in my 3-part series to help you cope with the challenges of the festive season, and it's a goodie!In this episode, I chat with menopause yoga expert Libby Stevenson, who’s full of tips to he
The Overworked Woman's Guide to a Stress-Free Christmas with Jess Baker, Chartered Psychologist. S6. Ep. 8.
Christmas can be a lot of fun and create some wonderful memories. But let’s face it, all that festive joy doesn’t happen by accident. Behind the scenes, pulling all the strings and juggling all the plates, there’s usually a woman making the magic happen. We really do take on a lot at this time of year. So, if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by all the planning, shopping, wrapping, prepping, and
Alcohol & the Menopause: Drink Less, Live Better! With Sarah Williamson, Coach & Author. S6. Ep 7
For many of us, alcohol is woven into our lives, whether it’s a glass of wine at dinner or a night out with friends. It provides the backdrop to most big occasions, both happy and sad. But how does it affect us during menopause, when our bodies are changing in so many ways? And how does it influence our hormones and our health? The festive season is fast approaching, and with that can come a lot
My Top 10 Menopause-Friendly Foods with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist & Author. S6. Ep 6.
This is a special episode which shines a spotlight on nutrition to celebrate World Menopause Day, It’s actually a re-release of one of my most popular episodes, which I thought you might like to discover or rediscover, because it’s packed with useful information and foodie tips. I thought it was important to focus on foods to balance out my other special, which is on this year’s WMD theme of HRT.
HRT: Addressing 12 Key Questions & Myths with Kathy Abernethy, BMS Menopause Specialist. S6. Ep 5.
HRT (or MHT) isn’t natural territory for The Happy Menopause podcast, but as it’s the theme for this year’s World Menopause Day, I thought it would be remiss of me not to cover it.HRT has become a pretty contentious issue in recent years, with a lot of people being very entrenched in the strongly for or strongly against position. And amongst all that there are quite a lot of self-styled experts, w
Aromatherapy to Support Menopause Symptoms with Amy Anthony, Certified Aromatherapist – S6 Ep. 4.
Aromatherapy is much more complex than just lighting a scented candle. The essential oils of flowers, plants, wood, nuts or seeds can have a powerful effect on the body. In this episode, we explore how aromatherapy might support us in midlife, menopause and beyond. My guest is Amy Anthony, a certified aromatherapist and aromatherapy educator who’s an expert in this intricate area. She practices as
Healing Herbs for the Menopause with Hannah Charman, Medical Herbalist – S6. Ep 3.
Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries to support our health and wellbeing. In fact, some Chinese and Egyptian texts about the use of herbs date back to 3000BC. In this episode I explore the role of herbs in menopause, and how to introduce them into our self-care programme to manage those pesky symptoms. My expert guest is medical herbalist, Hannah Charman. She brings 25 years of clinical ex
Moods & Menopause: Managing PMDD in Perimenopause with Dr Lynsay Matthews, Lecturer and PMDD Researcher – S6. Ep 2.
Premenstrual disorders can make life incredibly miserable. Any woman who’s struggled with PMS will know that, and I covered that specific issue in the closing episode to Season 5. This episode is a follow-on from that, as I drill down into PMDD – premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Although it occurs in the 2nd half of the cycle, this isn’t just a severe form of PMS. It’s a hormone-based mood disorde
Efficient Fitness for Busy Women with Cara Metz, Midlife Fitness Expert – S6. Ep 1.
September is a good time for new beginnings, so if you’re thinking about how to build up your strength and fitness if you’ve let things slide a bit this summer, this is the episode for you. In this episode I chat to the brilliant Cara Metz. She’s an absolute testament to the transformative power of healthy living. A dancer from a very early age, she went on to become the Latin American British Ope
PMS and the Perimenopause, with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist & Author. S5. Ep 16.
You know when it’s coming don’t you? That time of the month, when people start to tiptoe around you and discretion is definitely the better part of valour amongst your loved ones. Woe betide the fool that dares to suggest you’re a little hormonal – especially if it’s a man! Yep, I’m talking about PMS, premenstrual syndrome, which is the focus of this month’s episode PMS can make life miserable, an
Beating Brain Fog with Dr Sabina Brennan, Neuroscientist & Psychologist - Best Bits #6
Do you ever wonder what you came upstairs for, forget where you’ve parked the car or find yourself grappling for the right word that just won’t come? These are all common concerns for women in midlife because brain fog is one of the classic symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.In my latest Best Bit to celebrate half a million downloads for The Happy Menopause podcast, I’m focusing on brain fog
Sleepless: How to Cope with Insomnia, with Annabel Abbs, Author & Researcher. S5. Ep 15
Chronic insomnia can be very stressful – not only are you feeling tired and worried about how you’ll cope the next day, but you’re probably also worrying about all those stories you’ve heard about the potential long-term health impact of not sleeping. And that means that you’re even less likely to get to sleep! Women are generally much more prone to sleep disorders than men, and when we reach the
Dealing With Vaginal Dryness, with Kathy Abernethy, Menopause Specialist - Best Bits #5
Welcome to my latest Best Bit, part of my series to celebrate half a million downloads for The Happy Menopause podcast, and the chance for you to catch up on some of the brilliant episodes you may have missed. This edition focuses on vaginal dryness, which is rather the Cinderella of the menopause. In recent years, we’ve become more confident about discussing our menopause – some women will mentio
Travel, Adventure & the Midlife Woman, with Alice Morrison, Adventurer, Author & Broadcaster. S5. Ep. 14
Are you ready for an adventure? Midlife is a time when we can get itchy feet and want to explore new horizons, but sometimes niggling doubts and a lack of confidence can get in the way of that. So in this episode, I’m chatting to adventurer Alice Morrison, who’s just the woman we need to give us the encouragement to take that first big step. Alice is an adventurer, TV presenter and author, who’s c
How to Manage Anxiety & Enhance Emotional Wellbeing with Rachel Weiss, Accredited Counsellor & Coach - Best Bits #4
Welcome to my latest Best Bit, part of my series to celebrate half a million downloads for The Happy Menopause podcast and the chance for you to catch up on some of the brilliant episodes you may have missed. This edition focuses on anxiety, which is one of the most underestimated and unexpected symptoms of the menopause, and yet it’s so common. So many of the women in my nutrition clinic struggle
Emotional Eating, Body Image & the Menopause, with Dr. Romi Ran, Clinical Psychologist & Author. S5. Ep.13
Our relationship with food can be complex and it’s very often determined by a whole host of different experiences. Some of us might describe ourselves as emotional eaters and find that this can get in the way of a healthy lifestyle, affecting our weight and our body image. The whole arena can be a bit of a minefield. In fact, it’s a specialist field in clinical work, so I’ve reached out to an expe
How to Have Great Hair with Dr Sharon Wong, Consultant Dermatologist & Hair Specialist - Best Bits #3
Welcome to my latest Best Bit, part of my series to celebrate half a million downloads for The Happy Menopause podcast and to give you the chance to catch up on some of the brilliant episodes you may have missed. We’re looking back at the launch episode for Season 2 for this edition and we’re talking hair! My guest is consultant dermatologist and hair specialist Dr Sharon Wong, who is incredibly g
Pilates at Your Desk: How to Move More in Menopause, with Kerrie-Anne Bradley, Pilates Teacher & Author. S5. Ep. 12.
Are you a sloucher? Do you spend too much time pinned to your desk? Have you started to get a few niggles in your lower back, neck or shoulders? If it’s yes to all of the above, this episode is the one for you, because it’s all about posture, movement and alignment and it’s packed with practical advice to help with all those lurking issues you may have been ignoring or simply putting up with. My g
How to Improve Your Sleep with Professor Russell Foster, Circadian Neuroscientist - Best Bits #2
Welcome to another of my Best Bits to celebrate the amazing milestone of 500,000 downloads for The Happy Menopause podcast. This time, I’m diving right back into the archive to Season 1 for this one, because my chat about sleep with Professor Russell Foster was absolutely fascinating, and even in this pared-down version, there is a wealth of excellent advice. Russell is the Founder and Director of
How to Build Strength in Your Bones & Muscles in Mid- and Later Life with Dr Catherine Walter - Best Bits #1
This is the first of a series of Best Bits to celebrate the amazing milestone of 500,000 downloads. Huge thanks to all of you for making this possible by listening!Looking back over the past 5 seasons, there are so many great moments of advice, insight and inspiration from my brilliant guests that it’s hard to choose, but I’ve decided to start with some fascinating extracts from my interview with
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sex & the Menopause with Samantha Evans, Sexual Health & Pleasure Expert - S5. Ep 11.
In this episode, we talk about vaginas, vulvas, sex and sex toys, because we can! As young people we all tend to assume that older people don’t have sex, but we midlife women know better, don’t we? It may be more complicated for us, for a variety of reasons, but women in mid and later life are still sexual beings and we have every right to enjoy our intimate life just as much as we did when we wer
Simple Steps to Create a Beautiful Midlife with Tania Dalton, Midlife Women’s Health Coach - S5. Ep 10.
It’s that time of year when a fresh start seems very appealing so you’ve probably already started thinking about changes you might want to make to your life. I’m not a big fan of the radical detox, because it’s not sustainable and your body won’t really enjoy it or benefit from it in the longterm. On the other hand, simple and consistent changes can make a world of difference to your health and we
Christmas Nutrition Quiz & Festive Foodie Tips - S5. Ep9.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas isn’t it? Of course, that’s not always a good thing if you’re the one organising it and feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point. But even if you absolutely love Christmas (and I have to confess that I do!), there can be a slight sense of dread about the impact it can have on your health and wellbeing, and especially your waistline, with all those extra g
Blood Sugar Balance & the Menopause with Jackie Lynch, Menopause Nutritionist & Author - S5. Ep. 8.
Blood sugar balance seems to be very much in vogue at the moment, so I’ve decided to dedicate this episode to talking through it, because I think there’s quite a lot of confusion around it. As a nutritionist, I really believe it’s one of the key pillars to managing menopause symptoms and Nutrition 101 if you want to apply a dietary approach to your health and wellbeing during the menopause. But it
Invisibility and the Menopause – How to Get Yourself Seen & Heard with Dr Vanessa Collingridge, Broadcaster, Writer & Impact Coach - S5. Ep. 7.
Do you ever feel invisible? Perhaps you struggle to get your voice heard. If so, you’re not alone, because this is something that most women have experienced at some point, especially as we move into midlife and menopause. But it’s not something we should put up with, because it’s not right and because, let’s face it, middle aged men don’t experience the same problem, do they? I’ve invited Dr Vane
A Bloody History of Menopause with Dr Helen Foster, Oral Historian - S5. Ep. 6.
On World Menopause day it seems very fitting to look at the menopause from a historical angle and link it to women’s experience today. It hasn’t been an easy ride for middle-aged women over the centuries. We’ve proven to be quite a mystery to the medical community, which has led to some unusual, hilarious and often very distressing assumptions about what’s going on with the female body. To help u
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart with Jackie Lynch, Nutritionist & Author - S5. Ep. 5.
The theme for this year’s World Menopause Day is cardiovascular disease. You may wonder what that’s got to do with the menopause, so here’s the thing: once you come through the menopause, your body will adjust to the new hormonal version of you and for the most part your symptoms will settle down, just like they did after puberty. But there are one or two key areas that you need to continue to foc
Healthy Cooking for the Menopause, with Fiona Staunton, Chef and Educator - S5. Ep 4.
We all know that cooking with fresh ingredients can make a huge difference to our health and wellbeing, but that can be easier said than done when you’re juggling the demands of a busy life. And if you’re not especially confident in the kitchen, it can seem very daunting to start cooking from scratch if you’re worn out after a busy day. But help is at hand in today’s episode, as I’m joined by the
Reflexology for Supporting Menopause with Sally Earlam, Reflexologist - S5. Ep. 3.
Have you ever tried reflexology? It’s way more than just a fancy foot massage! In fact, it’s been used for thousands of years as a therapeutic practice to support health and wellbeing. I’m a fairly recent convert to the wonders of reflexology and I know it makes a huge difference to me. So to find out more and to understand the research behind it, I’ve called on the help of expert reflexologist an
Magnesium and the Menopause, with Andrew Thomas, Founder of Better You - S5. Ep. 2.
I’ve always thought that magnesium is every menopausal woman’s best friend. It’s a magnificent mineral and a mega multitasker. So it really does deserve a whole episode of The Happy Menopause! I’ve invited magnesium expert Andrew Thomas to talk us through everything you need to know about this marvellous mineral. Andrew is the founder of Better You, which is one of my favourite supplement companie
Exploring the FAQs of the Perimenopause with Julie Robinson, Health & Fitness Coach - S5. Ep 1.
To kick off Season 5, we’re looking at the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) of the perimenopause and menopause. Because let’s face it, we’ve all got questions and there are some subjects that you might not feel too comfortable asking about. But fear no more! I’m chatting to the brilliant Julie Robinson, founder of Meno Health and Move It, Or Lose It, who’s helped thousands of women over the year
The Power Decade: How to Thrive After Menopause with Susan Saunders, Health Coach & Author - S4. Ep.16.
I’m wrapping up Season 4 by looking at that crucial decade after menopause, when a proactive approach to our health and wellbeing is more important than ever to define the way that we age. In this episode I chat to the brilliant health coach and author Susan Saunders about her latest book The Power Decade: How to Thrive After Menopause. There are huge positives to life post-menopause: this is the
Fearless! A Celebration of Midlife & Adventure with Louise Minchin, Journalist, Author & Athlete - S4. Ep 15.
How daring do you feel these days? Sometimes it’s easy for us to write ourselves off in midlife and think the fun and adventure is all over. In this episode, we’re going to explore the extraordinary adventures of some inspiring women who have smashed through barriers, broken taboos and paved the way for the rest of us. I promise you that by the end of the episode, you’ll be just raring to go and s
Managing Your Menopause After a Cancer Diagnosis with Dr Carol Granger, Registered Nutrition Practitioner - S4. Ep 14.
Do you ever feel left out of the menopause conversation? If you’re dealing with the menopause post-cancer it can be very frustrating when all the messaging in the media seems to revolve around HRT as the solution to all your symptoms. So in this episode, I’m focusing on the very specific diet and lifestyle steps you can take to manage your menopause if you’ve recently had cancer treatment, or are
Done With Dieting? Managing a Healthy Weight in Menopause with Elizabeth Sherman, Life & Weight Loss Coach - S4. Ep. 13.
Are you fed up with dieting and not making any progress with weight loss? Managing a healthy weight in midlife can be a real minefield and it’s incredibly disheartening if despite your best efforts you’re not really getting anywhere. The female body is complicated and the cocktail of hormones around the menopause can make it a real uphill battle to keep in shape. We often find that the tried and t
The Shocking Inequalities in Women’s Health & the Menopause with Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, Menopause Champion & Founder of Pausitivity - S4. Ep 12.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is Embrace Equity focusing on forging equality for women and raising awareness around discrimination. And this got me thinking about the inequalities around women’s health and the menopause, because there are a lot of them. It’s still very much a man’s world and it can be hard for women to ensure their voice is heard in the health arena. In this IWD
Menopause Whilst Black, with Karen Arthur, Fashion Creative & Menopause Diversity Campaigner - S4. Ep. 11.
What does your menopause look like? The chances are it’s not much like a lot of the media portrayals of the menopause! With International Women’s Day fast approaching and with a theme of Embrace Equity, I wanted to take a closer look at diversity around the menopause, because it doesn’t just happen to the tired-looking grey-haired white woman that seems to take centre stage in so many of the sligh
Can Yoga Help My Menopause Symptoms? With Libby Stevenson, Yoga Instructor & Wellbeing Practitioner - S4. Ep 10.
What do you think about yoga? Are you a regular devotee; is it something you do occasionally, or do you really think this is something for other people? If yoga is something you’ve discounted or let slide in your wellbeing journey so far, you might want to think again after you’ve heard what my latest guest has to say about the multiple benefits for women in midlife. Meet Libby Stevenson – she’s a
Small Changes for Big Benefits: How to Thrive During Menopause with Amanda Thebe, Women’s Health & Fitness Coach - S4. Ep 9.
It’s 2023 and New Year, New You, they say! But is there actually anything wrong with the old you? Probably not, but we’re often very self-critical! Rather than making a whole lot of radical resolutions that won’t last more than a week or two, in this episode I’m focusing on small, consistent changes that can reap big benefits as you transition through the menopause. And I’ve found just the woman t
The Super Helper Syndrome – A Survival Guide for Compassionate People with Jess Baker, Chartered Psychologist & Author - S4. Ep 8.
Are you a caregiver? The shoulder for everyone else? The fixer in your family? The workplace workhorse? Is there no time for self-care? Women are hardwired to nurture, and it can be very difficult to know where to draw the line if we think that other people need us. And that can be a real issue, because self care is a non-negotiable for women in midlife and it can make a world of difference to th
Good Mood Food to Beat the Menopause Blues with Nutritionist & Author Jackie Lynch - S4 Ep 7.
In this episode I’m focusing on good mood foods, because there is no doubt that what we eat can have a huge impact on our brain and cognitive function. Mood swings, anxiety and brain fog are incredibly common issues for women in their early 40s onwards, which can come as an unwelcome surprise. And while there’s no doubt that your hormones are playing a big part in this, the right diet and lifestyl
The Expectation Effect – The Impact of Mindset on Your Health with David Robson, Award-Winning Science Writer - S4. Ep 6.
This summer I discovered The Expectation Effect, the latest book by David Robson and what I learned was fascinating, so I was thrilled when he agreed to come on the podcast for this World Menopause Day special on cognition. Our mindset shapes every facet of our lives, and our expectations have a direct impact on every experience. Of course, we all know that looking on the bright side promotes pos
How to Have a Younger Brain with Dr Sabina Brennan, Neuroscientist & Psychologist - S4. Ep 5.
The theme of this year’s World Menopause Day is cognition, so I’ve invited the wonderful Dr Sabina Brennan back to chat to us, because there is no better woman to help us with the cognitive challenges of the menopauseShe’s a chartered health psychologist, neuroscientist, host of the Super Brain podcast and author of two fantastic books: 100 Days to A Younger Brain and Beating Brain Fog. There’s no
How to Sing Your Way Through the Menopause with Dr Catherine Pestano, Community Musician & Social Worker - S4. Ep 4.
In this episode, we’re exploring the power of song, because there’s something very joyous about singing and it’s something we can all do and that we can all enjoy, even if you prefer to do it in the privacy of your shower! There are multiple benefits to singing and it can have a significant impact on your mental health and wellbeing, so we’ll be discovering how singing can make a difference to you
Caring For Your Skin Through Menopause & Beyond with Dr Emma Wedgeworth, Consultant Dermatologist - S4. Ep 3.
Skincare is a hot topic for many women and never more so than in midlife when the hormonal fluctuations of the perimenopause bring about a sea change in the condition of our skin. Acne, dry skin and loss of elasticity are all very common problems, and we often find that our tried and trusted skincare routine is no longer effective. And that can be a problem, because if we feel that we’re no longer
Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D, with Andrew Thomas, CEO & Founder of Better You - S4. Ep 2.
Vitamin D is a non-negotiable for our health and wellbeing at any age, but never more so than in mid and later life which is why I’ve decided to shine a light on it in this episode. I’ve invited Andrew Thomas, founder of one my favourite supplement companies Better You to chat to me about all things vitamin D. He’s just the man we need to help us understand the ins and outs of this hormone-like vi
The Art of Running for the Midlife Woman, with Sam Palmer, Award-Winning Women’s Health & Fitness Coach - S4. Ep 1.
Can’t run, won’t run? Listen to this episode before you write yourself off!It’s September and with the whole post-holiday vibe it’s often a good time be thinking about a new fitness regime. With that in mind, I’ve decided to kick off Season 4 with an episode on running. If it’s not something you’ve tried before or thought you’d never do in a million years (that was me until Hello Lockdown!) this i
How to Beat Bloating with Jackie Lynch, Nutritionist & Author - S.3 Ep.15.
Bloating can be a nasty niggling issue for a lot of women in midlife. It can affect different people in different ways. You might have a sense of overfullness after even quite a small meal. Or find that you can’t do up your trousers by the end of the day. Some women experience such a distended abdomen that they describe it as looking 6 months pregnant, after starting the day with a flat stomach.
Your Pelvic Floor - Why it's Important & How to Keep it in Shape, with Elaine Miller, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & Award-Winning Comedian - S3. Ep 14.
Do you leak a little bit of urine when you laugh or sneeze or run? Let’s face it, it’s something that’s happened to most of us at some point and statistics show that more than 1 in 3 women struggle with this. It’s called urinary stress incontinence, usually due to a weak pelvic floor, and it’s one of those things we mostly don’t talk about because it’s embarrassing. This month’s guest is going to
The Science of Restorative Sleep with Lisa Cypers Kamen, Lifestyle Coach & Author - S3. Ep 13.
When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? We all know that we’re better for it, but it can be extremely elusive, especially in midlife where a combination of the hormonal surges that often trigger night sweats and the stresses and strains of daily life can make it incredibly hard to get quality sleep. And quality more than quantity really does count when it comes to how we feel the next
52 Ways to Walk Your Way to Health with Annabel Streets, Author & Researcher - S3. Ep 12.
Walking is something that’s accessible to almost all of us and it can be a much less daunting prospect to the harassed midlife woman than high impact work, running or intense training. What’s wonderful about the research we discuss in this episode is that walking isn’t a second-best option if you’re not up to other forms of exercise. It’s much, much more than that and we discuss the very many ways
How to Manage Your Perimenopause with Ruth Devlin, Nurse, Health Coach & Author - S3. Ep11.
This episode is all about the perimenopause, because those years running up to the menopause can be full of hormonal havoc. In fact, although we use it as a catch-all term, the menopause technically only lasts for one day. It’s that day when it’s been 12 months since your last period. After that, you’re post menopausal. So the perimenopause is when all the fun and games really start and that can b
How to Have Great Sex Through the Menopause & Beyond with Dr Claire Macaulay, Oncologist & Sex Coach - S3. Ep 10.
Is your sex life everything you want it to be? If the answer is a hollow laugh and “What sex life?”, then you’re not unusual. It’s very common for women in midlife and beyond to write themselves off as sexual beings and there can be lots of reasons for that, including loss of body confidence, fatigue, anxiety, vaginal dryness, low libido. No matter the reason, we deserve to have the sex life we wa
