The Happy Menopause

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 by Professor Joyce Harper to talk about her inspiring new book Your Joyful Years: Empowering Go...

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. Between them, they bring years of clinical experience and research, helping women navigate th...

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 transformation. Since then, Jo has become the first woman to paddleboard coast-to-coast across England...

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 hormonal changes can make your gut so much more reactive at this stage of life. We’ll look at the gut–b...

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 back on ultra-processed foods without the guilt or overwhelm – and explains why the key to thrivin...

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, evidence-based guide for anyone caring for someone with dementia. But while dementia is a focu...

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 perfectly from food alone is harder than it sounds. Factors like stress, medications, alcohol, ...

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 Season Six of The Happy Menopause, we’re exploring a wonderfully creative and therapeutic way t...

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 symptoms that can leave you flustered, exhausted and very miserable. I’ll be unpacking what’s reall...

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 down at 52. When her youngest child left home, she sold her property, studied winemaking, and befor...

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, I’m joined by Petronella Ravenshear, nutritionist and author of The Human Being Diet. She shares...

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 help us stay calm and balanced during this busy time of year. Libby shares simple, discreet yoga ...

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 of pressure, because there’s always a lot to do, and our social schedule can fil...