Lady Bites Podcast

We’re back with a special round-up episode from the British Menopause Society Annual Scientific Meeting! Join us as we discuss the key themes, latest research, and the clinical updates that caught our attention. From new evidence and evolving guidelines to practical take-home messages for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, we break down what matters most in an accessible and engaging way. Whether you’re looking to stay up to date with the latest in menopause care or simply curious about what’s new in women’s health, this episode is packed with insights, discussion, and our reflections from one of the year’s most important menopause conferences. Tune in to hear our highlights, what surprised us, and what we think will shape menopause care in the months ahead. Thanks as always to our friend Jeremy Roske for his track, A Little Love.

The new season of Lady Bites opens with a conversation a lot of us feel awkward talking about. In this episode, Aoife, Ciara and Louise discuss bowel cancer, including the key risk factors, common signs and symptoms to look out for, and the importance of screening in detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. They also explore the concerning rise in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger adults, examining what current research tells us and why awareness of symptoms is important regardless of age. Thanks as always to our friend Jeremy Roske for his track, A Little Love.

With the new year upon us, we’re talking women’s health, not unrealistic resolutions. In this episode, we dive into the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and how they support women’s wellbeing and hormonal health. Think nourishment, movement, sleep, stress, connection, and habits that truly work in real life. https://www.islm.ie/six-pillars We would like to wish all our listeners a very Happy New Year, Ciara, Louise and Aoifex Thanks as always to our friend Jeremy Roske for his track, A Little Love.

If Santa had a medical degree, what would we be asking for this Christmas? In this festive episode, we share what we’d love to find in our stockings, from a women’s health and wellbeing perspective. With plenty of laughs, light-hearted banter and evidence-based insights, we chat through our personal wishlists and the health reasons behind them. It’s fun, festive, and a reminder that looking after women’s health might just be the best gift of all. Merry Christmas everyone, Louise, Ciara and Aoife x Thanks as always to our friend Jeremy Roske for his track, A Little Love.

Red cheeks? Random flushing? Skin acting like it has a mind of its own? In this episode of Lady Bites, your hosts get into rosacea — what it is, why it happens, how to calm it down, and why women in particular keep bumping into it. Aoife, Ciara, and Louise break it all down in a friendly, accessible chat and wrap up with some myth-busters to set the record straight. Resources: HSE Rosacea NHS Rosacea Dermnet Rosacea Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes. Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

October is Menopause Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're focusing on contraception during perimenopause. While much of the conversation around menopause centres on managing symptoms, it's important to remember that contraception may still be needed during this stage. May women also worry that hormonal contraception isn't safe after 40, but is that really true? Our three hosts explore this and other common myths, discussing the wide range of contraceptive options available to women in their 40s and 50s. Resources: HSE Contraception and Menopause Sexual Wellbeing.ie Women's Health Concern factsheet on contraception for the older woman Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Why does weight seem to shift during perimenopause and menopause - even when nothing else changes? In this episode we're joined by dietitian Gillian McConnell from Inside Out Nutrition to cut through the confusion and talk evidence, not quick fixes. We explore what's really happening with hormones, metabolism, muscle and stress - and how practical nutrition, sleep and strength training can help you feel stronger and more balanced. Gillian shares simple, sustainable tips on protein, fibre, colour and mindset, plus her take on supplements and weight-loss injectables. Resources: Inside Out Nutrition British Dietetic Association: Menopause Women's Health Concern Weight Gain and Menopause Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, but awareness is still low. This September the Irish Heart Foundation ran the Her Heart Matters campaign, raising awareness of this often overlooked issue. In this episode, Louise, Ciara, and Aoife explore the symptoms of heart attack in women, how to start real conversations about heart health, and share tips to empower and protect your heart. Resources: Irish Heart Foundation Her Heart Matters

In this first episode of Season 3, we sit down with acclaimed Irish artist Anna McKeever. From training in medicine to finding her true calling in art, Anna shares how creativity became both a career and a lifeline. Ahead of her solo exhibition Full Beam at Gormleys Gallery, she talks about mental health, confidence, and grounding her work in connection and ancestry. Resources: Anna McKeever Artist Full Beam at Gormley's Gallery Professor Daisy Fancourt: Mental Health and Arts

Ovarian cysts sound scary, but they’re common and often harmless. This week our hosts, Drs Louise, Ciara and Aoife, explain what cysts actually are, when to relax, and when to get things checked out. We cover types, symptoms, diagnosis, and debunk some major myths along the way. Resources: NHS Ovarian Cyst RCOG Ovarian Cysts Before Menopause HSE Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome HSE Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes. Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

This week on Lady Bites , we’re joined by pharmacist Liz O’Hagan to explore how lifestyle medicine and integrative care are transforming real-world pharmacy practice in Ireland. From HRT access to hydration hacks and breathwork. we talk practical tips that go beyond the prescription pad. Inspired by the 2025 BMS Conference theme, this episode champions collaboration, empowerment, and patient-centred care. 🔗 Resources & Links: Meaghers Pharmacy 360 myDPS.ie – apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme healthpromotion.ie – HSE leaflets on lifestyle health Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Welcome to your fibre era , ladies. This week on Lady Bites, we’re shining a light on the unsung hero of women’s health - fibre. It’s not just about keeping things moving (although we’re not skipping that conversation), it’s about balancing hormones, boosting mood, and giving your gut that goddess glow. We’re busting fibre myths, sharing easy food swaps, and revealing how feeding your gut bacteria can level up your health in ways you didn’t expect. Small changes, big results.Join Louise, Ciara and Aoife and get your Fibre Fix!

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Lady Bites is joining the global call for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld by opening up the conversation around irregular periods— a common but often misunderstood part of menstrual health. In this short, bite-sized episode, our three hosts unpack what irregular periods really mean, why they happen, and when it's time to pay attention. It's time to break the silence and bring clarity to your cycle.

This week on Lady Bites we're joined by Dr. Ceara Belviso for a powerful Mental Health Week special. Dr. Belviso is a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience in both clinical and non-clinical roles. Now, as the founder of Calm with Ceara , she works as a mindfulness and positive living coach. In this open and honest conversation, we explore mindfulness, the “thought train” we all ride daily, and how to gently hop off and return to the present moment. She shares both personal and professional insights on building confidence—no matter your background. Related Links Calm With Ceara - www.cearabelviso.com

Join doctors Aoife, Ciara, and Louise as they shine a light on the "sunshine vitamin" — why Vitamin D is essential for your bones, muscles, mood, and immune system. From how much you need at different life stages to common myths and supplement tips, this bite-sized episode packs a healthy punch.☀️ 🔗 Resources & Links: HSE: Vitamin D NHS: Vitamin D British Dietatic Association: Vitamin D Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧 Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

In this week's episode our three hosts dive into the physical, emotional and mental shifts that come with postpartum recovery - without the pressure to "bounce back". We discuss what to expect in those first few days and beyond. Resources: HSE Advice on Recovery After Birth Cuidiú Parent Support Groups Postnatal Depression Ireland Infographic⁠ developed by Grainne Donnelly on return to exercise postpartum Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧 Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can cause pain, swelling, and even serious complications. In this episode, we break down why they happen, who’s most at risk, and the best ways to manage and treat them. From compression stockings to laser therapy, we cover what works and what doesn’t. 🔗 Resources & Links: NHS: Varicose Veins Overview HSE: Managing Varicose Veins Royal College of Surgeons: Varicose Vein Treatments Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧 Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Happy International Women's Day! This International Women's Day 2025, we're putting women's contraceptive health in the spotlight. We discuss the history of contraception in Ireland and the success of the recent Free Contraception Scheme. Unfortunately women still face barriers in accessing healthcare. The theme for IWD 2025 is #AccelerateAction, a reminder we need to continue pushing for better healthcare and awareness of women's health.

In this episode of Lady Bites Podcast, our three hosts sit down with women’s health physiotherapist Clare Farrell for an insightful conversation about women’s health. Clare shares her expertise on the role of physiotherapy in addressing a wide range of concerns, from pelvic floor dysfunction to postpartum recovery and menopause-related changes. She discusses what to expect when visiting a women’s health physio and the common issues women bring up during their appointments. Resources: Clare’s clinic Family Physio The POGP group - lots of pelvic floor resources https://www.yourpelvicfloor.org/ Sqeezy App Infographic developed by Grainne Donnelly on return to exercise postpartum

In this episode of Lady Bites, we’re diving deep into all things women’s health with the brilliant Laura Dowling! From vaginal and vulval health to lubrication, menopause, and everything in between, Laura brings her expert insights and no-nonsense advice to help you understand and embrace your body at every stage of life. Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just want to feel more empowered about your health, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in for real talk, expert tips, and a few laughs along the way!