The Happy Menopause

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 protein and very few carbs.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted that fibre is finally getting its mome...

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 this show. 

The topics I’ve chosen range from anxiety, sleep, hair and pelvic health to the invisibility syndrome, bone health and how your mindset can influence your health and wellbeing, plus a fascinating bonus extract explo...

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 the ways hormonal changes influence foot health, mobility, comfort and recovery. We discuss some of the most common foot problems women experience in midlife, why they happen and - crucially - the...

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 health, she guides us through the ins and outs of this ancient therapy - from its origins and how it works, to what the research says about its effectiveness.

We also explor...

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 Good Health and Happiness Beyond 50 

Drawi...

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 lower risk of the various chronic health issues that we need to take seriously as we get a bit older. 

T...

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 the many challenges of endometriosis.

We discuss what endometriosis is, why it happens, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and how it can change...

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 effective approach to managing your weight, while eating good food and - dare I say it?  - actually enjoying the process!

If you haven’t listened to that epi...

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, written award-winning books, made short films and championed joyful, adventurous ageing.

In...

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 quick wins on ways to moderate your alcohol intake and still enjoy all your social engagements, during the frantic festivities of December.

She shares 7 excellent tips so...

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–brain axis, food sensitivities, FODMAPs, stress, dysbiosis and the key factors that might be dri...

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 stubborn — during perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Helen Lake, a specialist urology nurse, to help us understand why UTIs happen, why the...

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 thriving through menopause is focusing on real, whole foods rather than calorie counts. Plus, as the au...

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 — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, and avoiding harmful substances — and how they apply specifically to perimenopause and postmenopause. From the power of protein for energy, muscle and mood, to t...

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 focus, the practical tips and emotional insights she shares apply to anyone caring for an elderly...

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 really works for midlife women. From finding the right colours to boosting body confidence and avoiding common style mistakes, Chantelle will help you rediscover your personal style and star...

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, caffeine, depleted soil, and modern food storage all make it tricky to rely on diet alone — and that’s where supplements can be a helpful top-up.

S...

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 content every month over in The Happy Menopause Club, and a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 7.

Get yourself a cold drink, put...

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 to unwind: sewing. And yes, the health b...

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, The Walking Cure. Drawing on a wealth of scientific evidence, Annabel explores how different landscapes can actively change our brain chemistry, reduce stress, and support both mental and physical health.

It...

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 really going on in your body during a flu...

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 tricky to diagnose but more common than you might think. For some women in menopause, an underlying intolerance can escalate into a serious problem. To help unravel this mystery, I’m jo...

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 before she...

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 point of making it to 90 if you’re too frail to enjoy it?

To explore this, I’m joined by the brilliant Christien Bird, a fa...

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 her simple yet clever approach to reset...

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 doesn’t have to be that way. I’m sharing some of my best tips and tricks to help you keep on trac...

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 share...

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 cooking that lies ahead, don’t worry—help is at hand.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Chartered Psychologist Jess Baker, the author...

 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 fill up alarmingly. So, thi...

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. In that episode, BMS menopause specialist Kathy Abernethy debunks some of the myths and mysteries around HRT. 

But whether you take HRT or not...

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, who are anything but expert in the matter! 

I’ve been concerned to see the impact this has had on women in...

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 an aromatherapist in New York City and has taught at the former New York Institute for Aromatherapy and the Centre for Aromatic Studies. 

We talk about the multitude of ways...

Tune into this short message for some VERY exciting news. 

I’m going to introduce you to The Happy Menopause Club, which is where all the cool midlife women hang out! 

There’s loads of great content on there for you that I’ve prepared especially for you and I tell you all about it in this short clip. 

If you can’t wait to find out about it, visit thehappymenopause.com and sign up straight away. I can’t wait to see you there. 

This month in the club:
 
 - A member...

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 experience to the podcast and supports her patients with a combination of herbal medicine, coaching and advanced hypnotherapy. Her specialist area of interest is menopause, and there really isn’t muc...

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 disorder caused by a severe reaction to the natural fluctuations of oestrogen and progesterone which can lead to intense emotional reactions, depression, negativity, brain fog and fatigue, amongst other thi...

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 Open champion and developed a career as an international dancer, coach and teacher. 

Following her retirement from professional dancing, she deci...

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, and it can affect different women in different ways, because the symptoms can include irritability, low mood, sheer rage, headaches, bloating, back pain, sore brea...

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 because all that hormonal turmoil plays havoc with the oestrogen receptors in your brain. 

The resulting forgetfulness, poor concentration and focus, plus a gener...

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 perfect storm of midlife, things can get very tricky. In this episode we focus on the potential benefits of sleep loss. 

I chat to auth...

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 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 the closet, which...