BV or Thrush? How to Tell the Difference & Get the Right Help, with Dr Charlotte-Eve Short. S8. Ep 3.

The Happy Menopause

October 28, 2026 ∙ 37 mins

About

Do you get more discharge than you used to? A fishy smell that won’t go away (if you know, you know!)? Recurrent itching, burning and discomfort? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) or thrush may be the culprit, but some of these are also classic symptoms of menopause, as the vaginal tissue becomes drier and more sensitive. It’s hard to know the difference, and many women end up treating the wrong thing for months or even years.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr Charlotte-Eve Short, a Consultant in Sexual Health who works with women struggling with these conditions. She’s also a Clinical Associate Professor at Imperial College conducting research into bacterial vaginosis.

We talk about:

  • The difference between BV and thrush, and how their symptoms compare
  • How falling oestrogen changes your risk of each, and why thrush becomes less likely but BV can still happen
  • Why self-treating can backfire, and how to get onto the correct treatment pathway
  • What happens at a sexual health clinic, and how to self-refer on the NHS
  • The important role of the vaginal microbiome in these conditions
  • Why pH tests and private microbiome tests can’t be relied on after the menopause
  • Vaginal oestrogen and moisturisers: what they do and who can use them
  • Diet, probiotics and lifestyle: how you can help yourself, and what the evidence says

You’ll need a notebook for this one, because there’s a LOT of helpful information, but it could be a gamechanger if you’re struggling with symptoms. 

If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. It really helps more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause.

Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest.

Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book
The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places. 

Information

Episode

127

Date

October 28, 2026

Length

37 mins
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  • 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 […]

  • 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 menopause She’s a chartered health psychologist, neuroscientist, host of the Super Brain podcast and author of two […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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, […]

  • How to Transform Yourself & Get the Best Out Of Your Life with Tracy Acock, Life Coach & Mentor – S3. Ep 9.

    2021 was pretty challenging for many of us and it’s good to be turning the page and moving into a new year with all the possibilities that this brings us. January is a great time for transformation and new beginnings and that’s what I’m focusing on in this episode: how can we make small changes […]

  • Hot Flushes & How to Manage Them with Dr Melanie Smith, Clinical Health Psychologist – S3. Ep 8.

    Probably the most well-known of the menopausal symptoms, the hot flush has provided endless material for humourists over the years but it’s no fun when it’s happening to you. It can cause huge distress, especially in a professional or social situation or if it’s persistently disrupting your sleep. But help is at hand in this […]

  • Foods to Support a Healthy Immune Function, with Ed Joy, Herbalist and Naturopath – S3. Ep 7.

    Now that November is here, the cold and flu season is well underway and many of you have probably already succumbed to some sort of lurgy by now. And with the spectre of Covid 19 still lurking, supporting our immune system is very much on the agenda right now, which is why I’ve dedicated this […]

  • How to Strengthen Your Bones & Muscles in Mid & Later Life with Dr Catherine Walter, Academic & Powerlifter – S3. Ep 6.

    The theme of this year’s World Menopause Day is bone health, something that really needs to be front of mind for women in mid and later life. Bones contain cells called osteoclasts which dissolve old bone and osteoblasts which build new bone. This regular renewal process helps to keep our bones strong, but bone tissue […]

  • Everything You Need To Know About Your Bones with Sarah Leyland, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse – S3. Ep 5.

    Bone health is a very real concern for women in mid and later life, because when they go through the menopause, oestrogen levels drop rapidly and bones lose strength at a much faster rate. There are 3.5 million people living with osteoporosis in the UK today, and 50% of women and 20% of men over […]

  • How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Appointment with Dr Dawn Harper, GP, Author & TV Presenter – S3. Ep 4.

    Our family doctor is at the heart of the community and the first port of call for health advice, support and treatment for us and our loved ones. But even before the restrictions around the pandemic, that had become more difficult. With appointments often limited to 10 minutes and a one problem: one appointment policy […]

  • How to Manage Hormonal Headaches with Professor Anne MacGregor, Specialist in Headaches & Women’s Health – S3. Ep 3.

    Tense, nervous headache anyone? Did you know that during our fertile years, women are 3 times more likely to suffer from headaches than men? Up until puberty and then after the menopause, our propensity for headaches is roughly the same as for men, so those pesky hormones have a lot to answer for. If menstrual […]

  • How to Transform Yourself in Your 40s, 50s & Beyond, with Rachel Lankester, Founder of Magnificent Midlife – S3. Ep 2.

    Every woman deserves to have a happy menopause – regular listeners will know how important that is to me and that’s the entire inspiration behind this podcast. In this episode we’re going to go a little broader and talk about not just having a happy menopause but how to have a magnificent midlife! This time […]

  • How to Reclaim Your Time Off with Fab Giovanetti, Author & Entrepreneur – S3. Ep 1.

    September is the perfect time for new beginnings and a different way of doing things. For most of us, things tend to be a little quieter in August, so that we can enjoy a bit of a break and this can be a handy reminder of the importance of work-life balance and getting plenty of […]

  • How to Boost Your Energy & Stop Feeling Tired All The Time with Jackie Lynch, Registered Nutritional Therapist & Author – S2. Ep 17.

    This episode of The Happy Menopause is all about energy. Have you lost your Va Va Voom? Do you feel tired all the time? Do you blame your age for your lack of energy? If this sounds familiar, then it’s definitely time to take action, because whether you’re 29 or 69, it’s far more likely […]

  • Beating Brain Fog with Dr Sabina Brennan, Neuroscientist & Psychologist – S2. Ep 16.

    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.  All that hormonal turmoil plays havoc […]

  • Dealing with Vaginal Dryness with Kathy Abernethy, Menopause Specialist – S2. Ep 15.

    In this episode, I’m focusing on the Cinderella of the menopause. In recent years, we’ve become a bit more confident about discussing our menopause – some women will mention their hot flushes without turning a hair and the common mental health symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings have also started to come out of […]

  • Shining a Spotlight on the Sandwich Generation with Katie Taylor, Founder of The Latte Lounge – S2. Ep 14.

    We’re the sandwich generation. That group of –  let’s face it – mostly women who are caught in the middle between caring for elderly parents and supporting our children, whatever age they might be. That’s a big burden to be carrying and multigenerational needs have grown even more acute during the pandemic, so that a […]

  • Challenging the Stereotypes Around Older Women with Journalist & Motorhome Adventurer, Siobhan Daniels – S2. Ep 13.

    International Women’s Day is that time of year when we come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is choose to challenge, because with challenge comes change. Today’s guest is a brilliant example of this, because she’s passionate about challenging ageism and redefining the narrative around older […]

  • Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace with Deborah Garlick of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace – S2. Ep 12.

    The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Choose to Challenge and that couldn’t be more relevant to what we’re discussing in this episode, because we’re turning the spotlight on the workplace, which can be a very unfriendly place for women in midlife. So much so that some recent statistics suggested that 1 in […]

  • How To Nourish Your Skin From The Inside Out & From Outside In, with Ada Ooi, Skin Specialist – S2. Ep 11.

    Skin is a hot topic for most women of any age, but never more so than in midlife, when hormonal changes during the perimenopause can wreak havoc. It can be baffling and infuriating to find yourself grappling with acne in your 40s, especially if it’s never been a problem in the past. And dry skin, […]

  • Managing Heavy or Painful Periods & Dealing with PMS, with Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science – S2. Ep 10.

    This episode is all about periods, because long before you hit menopause day – which is officially 12 months since your last period – you’ll have experienced changes. The hormonal rollercoaster of the perimenopause can cause a lot of period havoc and it may all start sooner than you’d think and last longer than you’d […]

  • Why Can’t I Lose Weight? With Tanja Shaw, Weight-loss and Life Coach – S2. Ep 9.

    New Year is a great opportunity to take stock, so why not make this the moment for you to take positive action to improve your health and wellbeing? Weight management is usually firmly on the agenda in January and it’s a topic I covered last year when I spoke to Dr Zoe Harcombe, so this […]

  • How to Manage Anxiety & Enhance Emotional Wellbeing, with Rachel Weiss, Accredited Counsellor & Coach – S2. Ep 8.

    Well, 2020 has been quite a year! As we slide into December, it seems a good time to reflect and check in with ourselves.  I think everyone has struggled with their own different challenges over the past few months and this second lockdown here in the UK has felt especially difficult as we’ve moved into […]

  • How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life, with Susan Saunders, Researcher & Author – S2. Ep 7.

    Ageing is something that inevitably starts to preoccupy us in midlife, because we all want to be as fit and well as possible as we grow older, and let’s be honest, we’d like to keep looking good too. As my latest guest Susan Saunders remarks, “We all know people who are ageing at different rates. […]

  • My Top 10 Menopause-Friendly Foods with Jackie Lynch, Registered Nutritional Therapist & Author – S.2 Ep 6.

    Following on from last month’s popular episode How Nutrition Can Help You Manage Your Menopause, I’m shining the spotlight on nutrition again for this World Menopause Day special as we look at the top 10 foods to support a healthy menopause. Get your notebooks ready so you can add them to your shopping list! My […]

  • Living With Premature Menopause, with Dr Rebecca Gibbs, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist – S.2 Ep 5.

    It’s World Menopause Day and this year’s theme is premature ovarian insufficiency otherwise known as premature menopause. It’s a condition which affects 1 in 100 women under 40, 1 in 1000 under 30, and 1 in 10,000 under 20. This is where the ovaries are unable to produce oestrogen and progesterone and the menopause happens […]

  • How Nutrition Can Help You Manage Your Menopause, with Registered Nutritional Therapist, Jackie Lynch – S2. Ep 4.

    It’s October at last and my regular listeners will know that my new book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish comes out this month. This book has been burning away inside me for a long time now, as there simply isn't enough information out there to support women during this hugely transitional […]

  • Finding Passion, Profit & Purpose in Midlife, with Laurie Wright, Master Neuro Coach & Business Mentor – S2. Ep 3.

    September is the perfect time to be thinking about new beginnings and of course midlife can often provide an opportunity for a whole new perspective too. As reproductive hormones subside, you’ll have the headspace to become more aware of yourself and to focus on your own choices, so it can be a time of big […]

  • How to Exercise Effectively in Midlife (Part 2): Exercising in Public Spaces, with Women’s Health & Fitness Coach Baz Moffat – S2. Ep 2.

    This interview is Part 2 of my exercise series and is full of brilliant advice from former Team GB rower, medallist and women’s health and fitness coach Baz Moffat on the best ways for women in midlife to exercise. It was actually recorded some months ago, just before lockdown, but much of the advice became […]

  • How to Have Great Hair, with Dr Sharon Wong, Consultant Dermatologist & Hair Specialist – S2. Ep 1.

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Happy Menopause podcast. We're kicking off with a fascinating episode which focuses on hair, because dry and thinning hair can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of the menopause. Of course, hot flushes, anxiety and fatigue can have a hugely negative impact on women, but there’s something about […]

  • Joy & Adventure: How to Make the Most of Midlife, with Jo Moseley, Joy Encourager & Midlife Adventurer – S1. Ep 18.

    Summer is here and lockdown is easing in most places so I thought this would be a good time to start thinking about new adventures. Midlife is a time which can be transformational and enormously liberating because the hormones that have driven your decisions, approach and emotions for years start to subside and there’s some […]

  • Nutrition for Managing Stress & Boosting Resilience, with Jackie Lynch, Nutritional Therapist – S1. Ep 17.and Author

    In this episode, we hear from expert nutritional therapist and host of The Happy Menopause podcast, Jackie Lynch, as she explores a nutritional approach to managing stress. It’s been a bruising few months in lockdown and everyone has faced different challenges, which can’t have been easy. Whatever’s been going on with you, the chances are […]

  • How to Improve Your Sleep with circadian neuroscientist, Professor Russell Foster – S1. Ep 16.

    Sleep can feel like the holy grail for women in midlife – something you’re desperately searching for which is incredibly hard to find. There are many reasons that sleep can be elusive during the menopause – hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety can all play their part in disrupting our slumber. And when we […]

  • How to Exercise Effectively in Midlife (Part 1): Exercising at Home, with women's health and fitness coach, Baz Moffat – S1. Ep 15.

    Exercise is a non-negotiable for women in midlife. It can make a material difference to bone density and muscle tone which both decline significantly during and post-menopause, and of course it’s also crucial for heart health, mental health and stress management. And with self-isolation now part of our daily lives, it’s more important than ever […]

  • International Women’s Day Special: The Menopause Café – From Light Bulb Moment to Global Movement – S1, Ep 14.

    International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s all about getting the message out there and enabling and empowering women to make a difference to their lives. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to interview Rachel Weiss, the founder of Menopause Café, a grassroots project to support […]

  • Transformation & New Beginnings – How to Reinvent Yourself in Midlife with Camilla Sacre-Dallerup, Life Coach and Author – S1. Ep 13.

    The menopause might be the end of a chapter, but it’s also an opportunity for a whole new one. This stage of life can actually be transformative and enormously liberating on a number of levels, because the hormones that have driven your decisions, your approach and your emotions since puberty start to take a back […]

  • How to Boost Your Libido & Have Great Sex in Midlife, with Tracey Cox, Sex and Relationship Expert – S1. Ep 12.

    Low libido is one of those extra little gifts from the menopause which you may not have expected. As sex hormones start to decline, it can have a very real impact on your va va voom and there are lots of ways this might affect you – vaginal dryness might make sex too painful; you […]

  • Managing a Healthy Weight in Mid Life with Dr Zoe Harcombe, Researcher & Author – S1. Ep 11.

    It’s that time of year when you might be looking to lose a few pounds which isn’t an easy task for women in midlife. As if the menopause wasn’t tough enough, with all the different symptoms you experience, the gradual increase in weight that comes with the menopause can often feel like the last straw! […]

  • Food & Fashion to Fight Hot Flushes with Nancy Zeffman & Eileen Willett of Cucumber Clothing – S1. Ep 10.

    Hot flushes can be a real nightmare for some women during the menopause. They're disruptive, embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially at work, in a social situation or at night. So what can we do about it? There are lots of ways that diet and lifestyle can pro-actively address hot flushes, and there are also some fabulous […]

  • Your Best Life: The Importance of Self Care for a Healthy, Happy Menopause with Dr Louise Wiseman, GP and author – S1. Ep 9.

    Do you spend most of your time thinking about and looking after other people? It’s something women seem hardwired to do, but how good are you at looking after yourself and putting your health and happiness first? Our nurturing gene seems to have a blind spot when it comes to our own wellbeing, yet the […]

  • World Menopause Day Special: Mid Life, the Play by Author Sheila Chapman – S1. Ep 8.

    It’s World Menopause Day, so we are celebrating women in midlife and shouting about the menopause in all its glory. Over the past year, the taboo around discussing the menopause has been gradually chipped away, which is encouraging, but there’s very little portrayal of the menopause in the arts, so I’m excited to tell you […]

  • World Menopause Day Special: Know Your Menopause: How to Spot the Symptoms with the Pausitivity team – S1, Ep 7.

    It’s World Menopause Day today and we’re celebrating women in midlife with this special episode. There’s no better day to be busting the taboo about discussing the menopause and raising awareness of the different symptoms women experience and the range of solutions available to them, which is why I’m speaking to the brilliant team from […]

  • Managing Stress Incontinence (Or How to Stop Leaking!) by Myra Robson, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & Founder of the Squeezy App – S1. Ep 6.

    Have you ever had a little wee when you sneeze, cough or exercise? Honestly? Because it wouldn’t be surprising. It’s called stress incontinence and it happens to 1 in 3 women, yet it’s the one thing we never speak about. 40% of women are too embarrassed to consult their doctor about it and just accept […]

  • Managing the Menopause at Work with Menopause Trainer, Julie Dennis – S1. Ep 5.

    The menopause can be stressful enough for women without the challenges of dealing with it in front of your colleagues. 75% of women of menopausal age are in work and will be affected by a range of symptoms, from hot flushes which are uncomfortable and can embarrassing; flooding which can be a nightmare if access […]

  • A Herbal Approach to Menopause Symptoms with Herbalist, Ed Joy – S1. Ep 4.

    For centuries, people have used herbs in a medicinal capacity, from ancient civilisations through to today, where many modern pharmaceutical drugs are originally derived from plant extracts. Drop into any health food store and you’ll find a whole range of herbal supplements; chat to your friends and they may swear by a miracle herb that […]

  • Dealing with Anxiety, Overwhelm & Brain Fog, with Becks Armstrong, Founder of the Clarity App – S1. Ep 3.

    Forget hot flushes! Anxiety and loss of confidence are some of the most underestimated and upsetting symptoms of the menopause. Many women are taken by surprise in their mid to late forties to suddenly discover that they’re doubting themselves and their abilities; feeling overwhelmed by tasks or projects they previously handled with ease; or simply […]

  • Building Strong Bones for the Menopause and Beyond with Christien Bird, Women’s Health Physiotherapist – S1. Ep 2.

    “Your next position is your best position”. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to the ideal posture and exercise, according to Christien Bird, Women’s Health Physiotherapist. Regular exercise is crucial for women in midlife, not just to support bone density, but also to reduce the risk of heart attacks, which increases as […]

  • Breaking the Menopause Taboo with Jo McEwan from Positive Pause – S1. Ep. 1.

    In the UK, 13 million women are going through a menopause, which can last anything up to 15 years. In the US, 6,000 women hit the menopause every single day! So it’s not exactly a niche subject, yet, it’s not something we easily talk about either. This means that many midlife women can feel isolated […]

  • Introducing The Happy Menopause

    Join Registered Nutritional Therapist Jackie Lynch as she takes you on a journey through midlife to learn how diet and lifestyle can help you take control of your menopause symptoms. Each month Jackie covers a range of topics, from managing hot flushes or dealing with anxiety to intimate health and strong bones. She'll introduce you […]

  • The 4-week reset for midlife women: nutritionist Rose Ferguson on gut health, perimenopause, energy, mood & sleep

    Could a four-week reset help you feel better than ever or even change your life? This week, Lorraine & Trish welcome nutritionist & functional medicine practitioner Rose Ferguson, former 90s model & author of The Reset: The 4-Week Plan to Feel Better Than Ever onto the show to talk about how to turn around sleep, […]

  • The Elephant in the Room: Mammograms, Thermography & Taking Ownership of Your Breast Health

    Wise Divine Women Podcast | Solo Episode with Dana Irvine Are you avoiding mammograms? Have you questioned your breast health choices but felt uncomfortable talking about them? You’re not alone. In this thought-provoking episode of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, Dana Irvine opens up a conversation many women hesitate to have: the personal decisions surrounding […]

  • Perimenopause: Why Less Exercise, More Recovery & Better Nutrition May Be the Answer

    Are you eating less, exercising harder, and still gaining weight? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, host Dana Irvine, FDNP, welcomes fitness and health coach Lindsey Mathews for an empowering conversation about perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, nutrition, and finding a healthier relationship with exercise. After gaining 50 pounds in […]

  • The Menopause Symptom You Can't Feel: 5 Ways to Protect Your Bones | Dr. Vonda Wright

    Get Dr. Vonda’s latest insights on strength, bone health, longevity, and aging with power delivered straight to your inbox. Join her free health & longevity newsletter here: https://www.drvondawright.com/resources/aging-longevity The fracture that happens in your 60s or 70s often starts a decade earlier.Bone loss is the menopause symptom that can change the rest of your life […]

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    Dense Breasts, Family History and Your Mammogram: How to Know your Real Risk

    In part two, Dr. Mary Claire Haver and breast oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky shift to breast cancer risk, prevention, and early detection: dense breasts, family history myths (only 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary), risk assessment from age 25, who needs genetic testing, and why previvors in surgical menopause can use hormone therapy without raising […]

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    What if the way you say “hello” is holding you back in life? This week, we’re revisiting our episode with Vanessa Van Edwards: body language expert, behavioral researcher, and founder of Science of People. She shares powerful insights from her bestselling book Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication. In this must-watch episode, the […]

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    Should you do cardio after strength training?  How much protein do you really need to build muscle after 50? If you’ve ever wondered whether cardio is interfering with your strength gains—or whether you need to eat more protein to see results—this episode will help you look beyond the headlines. Let’s dive into the research on […]

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    ☎️ Book Your COACHING INQUIRY Call: https://calendly.com/d/386-k9q-4cg/coaching-inquiry-call-zoom ☎️ Book Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION and CALORIE CALCULATION Call: https://calendly.com/d/2p8-mxx-dgf/free-consultation-call-zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The scale jumped four pounds overnight. Or you've gained twenty pounds in six months and can't point to a single thing you changed. In this episode of the Metabolism and Menopause Podcast, Stephanie breaks down the difference between […]

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  • 112 – What do I do if my doctor dismisses my menopause symptoms?

    Doctor dismissing your menopause symptoms? Dr Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi explains how to get heard and get the right care. Dr Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi, MD, MPH, is a US physician with more than 25 years in women’s health and public health, much of it with underserved communities. She regularly sees women for whom she is the third, fourth […]

  • Happy Place Hotline: Excruciating embarrassment and resisting rest

    That moment you want the ground to swallow you whole – we’ve all been there! On this week’s Happy Place Hotline, Fearne helps listener Charlotte get an embarrassing moment off her chest, and shares some of her own red-faced experiences. We also hear from Olivia, who feels like she’s carrying the weight of friends, family […]

  • The Best Relationship Advice I’d Give My 27-Year-Old Daughter

    How do you know if the person you love is “the one”? How do you know when it’s time to walk away? How do you resolve your differences without blowing up your relationship? If you’ve been questioning your relationship, struggling to find love, feeling like you’re losing yourself in your partner’s life, or trying to […]

  • 264 Are We Feeding Our Bodies the Full Alphabet They Need to Thrive

    What if health isn't just about how many calories we eat, but the nutrients we're giving our cells? I explore the nutritional alphabet analogy and why nutrient variety matters for energy, muscle, bones, brain health, and vitality, especially through menopause and beyond. Discover why focusing on nourishment rather than restriction can help you build healthier habits, […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Beliefs

    On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about beliefs, and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our lives, often without us even realising it. We discuss how many of our beliefs are formed in childhood, and how limiting beliefs can hold us back, affect our confidence, and stop us from […]

  • Thyroid Health, Menopause & the Symptoms That Get Missed

    Menopause Mastery | Thyroid Health, Menopause & the Symptoms That Get Missed | Episode 302 with Dr. Saadia Mian  Welcome to Menopause Mastery! 🌿 Could your persistent fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms be connected to more than menopause alone?  In this episode, Dr. Betty Murray is joined by Dr. Saadia Mian, a functional medicine-trained […]

  • 108: Protecting your bones with Dr. Ritika Narula

    Bone loss can begin earlier than many women realize, and perimenopause is a critical time to start paying attention to your bone health. As estrogen levels decline, bone loss can accelerate, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Yet, bone health is often overlooked until a problem arises. In this final episode […]

  • Part Two: The Alien Invasion Already Happened. JFK, The CIA & Who’s Really Controlling History | Peter Levenda

    What if the UFO phenomenon isn’t simply being investigated by governments, but is being used to investigate us? And what if the forces behind it are connected to consciousness, intelligence agencies, occultism, and nonhuman intelligence? In this episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, Peter Levenda, author of the Sinister Forces trilogy and co-author with Blink-182’s Tom […]

  • "I Run, I Lift, and I've Gained 10 Pounds": The Midlife Metabolism Shift with Michelle Gordon, DO (Episode 298)

    You run (or bike or swim or hike…), you lift, you’ve got the training logs to prove nothing has changed. You eat the same as you always have. And you’ve still gained 10 pounds…or more. Obesity medicine physician Dr. Michelle Gordon is here this week to explain why. She covers the metabolic slowdown of perimenopause, […]

  • Premier Women’s Health: Advances in Oncoplastic and Robotic Surgeries with Dr. Lucy De La Cruz

    What if breast cancer treatment could prioritize both survival and quality of life? In this last episode of October, Dr. Lucy De La Cruz joins us to discuss the latest advances in breast cancer surgery, robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction, and sensory nerve restoration. Dr. De La Cruz shares why women deserve to understand […]

  • Dr. Amna Dermish: Planned Parenthood & Menopause Care

    Planned Parenthood isn’t just for your 20s. Dr. Amna Dermish, a board-certified OB-GYN at Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, tells Stacy that menopause care has always been part of what they offer, and why more women are coming back to the provider they trusted when they were younger. She walks through what a perimenopause visit […]

  • Episode 241 – From “I Don’t Recognise Myself” to a Future Full of Possibility

    What happens when cancer treatment ends, but menopause symptoms mean you still don’t feel like yourself? This week, I’m joined by the wonderful Sue Weldon, founder of Unite for Her, who shares her incredibly honest and inspiring story of life after breast cancer. Sue remembers looking in the mirror after treatment and barely recognising herself. […]

  • BV or Thrush? How to Tell the Difference & Get the Right Help, with Dr Charlotte-Eve Short. S8. Ep 3.

    Do you get more discharge than you used to? A fishy smell that won’t go away (if you know, you know!)? Recurrent itching, burning and discomfort? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) or thrush may be the culprit, but some of these are also classic symptoms of menopause, as the vaginal tissue becomes drier and more sensitive. It’s […]

  • 67 \ Does Your Faith Have A Body?

    Hi! Today’s episode addresses the ‘ringing silence’ that is the Church’s teaching on the body and looks at four ways in which we can start to turn that around and engage more helpfully with the topic. Is the Church ready to step up, be a bit countercultural, and start to set a better example? I’d […]

  • Most replayed moment: Why appreciating flavour could stop you overeating | Spencer Hyman & Professor Tim Spector

    Why is it so hard to stop eating certain foods? Most of us assume it comes down to willpower. But according to today’s guests, the answer may actually lie in the difference between taste and flavour. Because while those two words sound interchangeable, they describe very different experiences. Taste is often engineered – carefully designed […]

  • 358 🔢 What Your Numbers Reveal About Midlife: Maturity Number, Personal Year & Divine Timing with Joy Woodward, Author of Your Destiny Is in Your Numbers

    What if that restless, something’s-gotta-change feeling in midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s your timing? On this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with internationally acclaimed Pythagorean numerologist Joy Woodward, author of the brand-new Your Destiny Is in Your Numbers (HarperOne). Joy shares how one numerology reading took her from the corporate ladder and the […]

  • 244 | Why Your Belly Changes in Perimenopause—and How to Lose the Fat

    Have you looked in the mirror lately and wondered, “Why does my stomach look so different when I haven’t gained that much weight?” Your jeans are tighter, your waistline is thicker, and the healthy habits that used to work just aren’t giving you the same results. Friend, I hear this from women over 40 all […]

  • Ep 551: Why You Still Struggle With Food After Years of Dieting

    After years of dieting, you may know all the rules about what to eat and when to eat. But knowing the rules doesn’t necessarily mean you feel at peace with food. I know what it’s like to spend years focused on weight loss and eventually realize there was something more I needed to understand. In […]

  • Menopause Skin Care: How to Prevent Collagen Loss and Improve Skin Hydration | Dr. Corrine Erickson | #184

    📩 Get Dr. Vonda’s insights Want to understand what’s happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. 👉 Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3&   For many women, […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Told You Can Never Take Estrogen? HRT After Breast Cancer

    In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with breast oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, author of Beyond the Pink, to take on the dogma that women with breast cancer — or a family history of it — can never take estrogen. They cover why estrogen does not cause breast cancer, who is […]

  • The Alien Invasion Already Happened. JFK, The CIA & Who’s Really Controlling History | Peter Levenda

    What if the UFO phenomenon isn’t simply being investigated by governments, but is being used to investigate us? And what if the forces behind it are connected to consciousness, intelligence agencies, occultism, and nonhuman intelligence? In this episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, Peter Levenda, author of the Sinister Forces trilogy and co-author with Blink-182’s Tom […]

  • Ep. 242 – Detox Demystified: everything you need to know to support your body's disposal system with David Mara

    In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes David Roberts, co-founder of Mara Labs, to unpack one of the most confusing topics in wellness: detoxification. David’s journey into this work is deeply personal. After his late wife Mara was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2012, he partnered with Johns Hopkins-trained researcher Dr. John […]

  • Is Your Nervous System Holding You Back? HRV, Stress, and Recovery in Midlife

    Nervous system recovery in midlife may be the missing piece when your usual workouts, recovery routines, and sheer determination no longer deliver the results you expect.  Are you pushing through fatigue or chasing better recovery scores?  For women in midlife and beyond, HRV, stress, and the stories you tell yourself can influence the way you […]

  • Nicky Campbell: Speaking Out, Finding Family, and Saying Goodbye

    How do we find the courage to speak the truth about our past, and what happens when we finally do? Gabby is rejoined by broadcaster and Long Lost Family presenter Nicky Campbell. Nicky has been a fixture of British broadcasting for decades, hosting on BBC Radio 5 Live and fronting ITV's Long Lost Family, now […]

  • 113 – Does menopause speed up ageing? What estrogen does to inflammation

    Does menopause speed up ageing? The science shows inflammation accelerates in perimenopause, and estrogen can slow it. Nikolina Lauc is CEO of GlycanAge, which measures a marker of low-grade inflammation in our antibodies, building on research her father has dedicated his scientific career to. Nikolina’s research shows estrogen can prevent, and even reverse, the rise […]

  • How to Lose Weight with Estrogen Dominance | MMP Ep. 346

    ☎️ Book Your COACHING INQUIRY Call: https://calendly.com/d/386-k9q-4cg/coaching-inquiry-call-zoom ☎️ Book Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION and CALORIE CALCULATION Call: https://calendly.com/d/2p8-mxx-dgf/free-consultation-call-zoom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Heavy periods, sore breasts, afternoon bloating, and weight settling on your hips, thighs and belly, even though you're eating less and working out more? In this episode, Stephanie Crassweller, founder of VitalityOET, explains what estrogen dominance really is […]

  • Cutting Through the BS: A Nuanced Look at Fat Loss, Training & Health with Andrew Coates

    Cutting Through the BS: A Nuanced Look at Fat Loss, Training & Health with Andrew Coates “I’m doing everything right. I eat healthy. I exercise. So why am I STILL not making progress?” If you’ve ever felt that way—especially in midlife—you’ll want to hear Andrew Coates’ answer. Andrew is a personal trainer, writer, speaker, and […]

  • 239: Sex Lubes, Round Two: We're Back in the Lube Aisle and It's Still a Slippery

    (00:00:00) 239: Sex Lubes, Round Two: We’re Back in the Lube Aisle and It’s Still a Slippery (00:00:05) Welcome to Itchy and Bitchy Podcast (00:00:18) Meet the Hosts (00:00:48) Doc Itchy Medical Pet Supplements (00:01:24) Introducing Bitchy Brenda (00:04:42) The Rise of Personal Lubricants (00:14:35) Lubricant Types: Water-Based and Silicone (00:20:48) The Rise of Hybrid […]

  • Strong Bones in Menopause with Rebekah Rotstein

    October is a full month around here, and I didn't want World Osteoporosis Day to slip by without bringing Rebekah Rotstein back to the table. Rebekah is the founder of Buff Bones, and she has been living with osteoporosis since her diagnosis at 28, so she knows this topic from both sides. Bone health finally […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    Trust Your Gut: How to Spot Manipulation Early with Bethany Joy Lenz

    Bethany Joy Lenz, star of One Tree Hill and author of the new novel The Betrayal of Cora Wexford, spent years on TV every week while secretly living inside a cult. She opens up about why becoming a mother gave her the reason to leave, why the leaving was survival and the real healing came […]

  • Dr Sophie Bostock: “I think about rest as protection” Sleep, stress and feeling safe

    When did you last look at the sky? Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock takes Fearne from her windowless studio onto the streets of London to remind her what daylight looks like, before they delve into how we get good quality rest. Fearne unpacks her own longstanding battle with switching off her racing thoughts and getting […]

  • It’s Not Too Late: The 5 Shifts That Will Change the Rest of Your Year with Ed Mylett

    What if the best part of the year hasn’t happened yet? If you’ve been feeling stuck, behind, and sick of your own bad habits, this conversation is for you. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mel sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of favorite people Ed Mylett. They talk about what it […]

  • My daily supplement routine in my 60s

    Liz shares the details of her personal supplement stack, with the non-negotiables she takes every day to support healthy ageing, from vitamin D and omega 3 to magnesium and creatine. She explains how her routine is tailored to her individual needs and why quality matters. She also reveals the longevity supplements she’s started exploring. Plus: […]

  • PMDD at work: how to track it, talk about it and support it | Sally Leech | EP 109

    Do severe mood changes before your period keep getting written off as just PMS? In this episode, recorded live as a Henpicked Lunch & Learn session, Deborah Garlick is joined by Sally Leech, Director of Henpicked, to talk about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): what it is, how it differs from PMS, how it is diagnosed […]

  • The Consumer Voice with John Day

    Patients are not just the subjects of research. They are essential partners in shaping it. In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter sits down with John Day, a consumer advocate who has spent years ensuring that the voices of people living with osteoarthritis are heard where it matters most: in research, education, and […]

  • Begin Again Moments: It’s Never Too Late To Fall In Love

    In this episode of Begin Again Moments, Davina brings together two heartfelt conversations with the late Married at First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling and Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith, exploring why it’s never too late to find love, rebuild trust and open your heart to new beginnings. Mel Schilling shares her expert […]

The Happy Menopause

Join award-winning nutritionist and author Jackie Lynch as she takes you on a journey through midlife to learn how diet and lifestyle can help you take control of your menopause symptoms. Each month Jackie covers a different topic, from managing hot flushes or dealing with anxiety to intimate health and strong bones. She’ll introduce you […]

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