Mary Ryan | The Things We Ignore About Women’s Health

Mary Ryan | The Things We Ignore About Women’s Health

From The Laura Dowling Experience by Laura Dowling

April 23, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 166

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of recognizing women's health issues, particularly related to menstrual cycles and their implications for overall health.

🎧 Episode Description How many women have been told that pain is just part of being a woman? For many women, painful or heavy periods become something they learn to live with. In this conversation, periods are reframed as something far more important - a vital sign that reflects what’s happening across the whole body, not just a monthly inconvenience. Through real clinical stories, we hear how women can spend years feeling exhausted, run down, or unwell without ever realising the root cause. These symptoms are normalised, when in reality they need to be recognised and supported much earlier. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Mary shares how early intervention can prevent long-term conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. The discussion also expands into menopause, hormone therapy, and the importance of lifestyle - from nutrition and sleep to stress and daily habits - in supporting the body. Alongside the science, the episode reflects on modern life - the pressure to do too much, the importance of boundaries, and the need to delegate and share the load. At its core, this episode is about listening to your body, questioning what doesn’t feel right, and giving yourself…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Dowling

Guest: Mary Ryan

Topics covered

  • women's health
  • menstrual cycle
  • PCOS
  • endometriosis
  • menopause
  • hormone therapy
  • lifestyle

Keywords

  • women's health
  • menstrual cycle
  • PCOS
  • endometriosis
  • menopause
  • hormone therapy
  • nutrition
  • lifestyle
  • boundaries
  • self-care

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