TheFifty1Percent with Shreya Patel-Parekh

Shreya Patel-Parekh

Welcome to thefifty1percent – where women over 30 come for honest health conversations. We move away from copying what others do and focus on your body, your circumstances and your environment, because no two women are the same. Expect expert insight and real women’s stories that help you make meaningful changes on your terms. No noise, no one-size-fits-all advice. Follow for episodes and sign up to our emails for updates on our events and much more. https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  1. 24 MAR

    Medical Menopause, Endometriosis & Learning to Advocate for Your Health | Sahir Ahmed-Evans

    Women are too often told their symptoms are stress, hormones, or nothing serious. In this powerful re-run episode, menopause wellness coach Sahir Ahmed-Evans shares her journey of living with a heart condition, severe endometriosis, and ultimately facing the life-changing decision of medical menopause. She speaks candidly about emergency hospital visits, the fear and uncertainty of treatment, and the experience of being dismissed by doctors while trying to find answers. Sahir also reflects on how these experiences shaped her mission to empower other women to speak up, advocate for their health and build confidence in navigating the healthcare system. This conversation is honest, emotional and empowering — particularly for women who have ever felt unheard. What we cover: (02:48): Sahir Ahmed-Evans’ background (07:46): Dealing with the Fear and Reality of Heart Palpitations (13:34): Learning to Speak Up and Advocate for Myself (18:28): When Women’s Health Gets Overlooked in Hospitals (22:26): The Long Wait and Hope for Treatment (28:41): The Fear and Anxiety After Saying Yes to Medical Menopause (33:54): Building My Journey in Health and Wellness (40:11): The Challenge of Getting Serious Health Issues Taken Seriously (46:21): Facing Negativity with Confidence and Purpose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahir-ahmed-evans-03a38193/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saeempowercoaching/ Follow Shreya: Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    54 min
  2. 17 MAR

    Endometriosis, Misdiagnosis & 14 Years to Diagnosis | Zainab Kaleemullah

    Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet many suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis. In this powerful re-run episode, Zainab Kaleemullah shares her personal journey of living with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis after 14 years of unexplained symptoms. She speaks openly about the physical pain, emotional impact, and cultural barriers that can make it even harder for women to seek help. We also discuss why endometriosis is still widely misunderstood, how it is often misdiagnosed as IBS or mental illness, and why advocacy and education are essential for improving care. This conversation is honest, informative and empowering — particularly for women who have been told their pain is “normal”. What we cover: (02:43): Zainab Kaleemullah’s background (06:40): Why Early Diagnosis Matters (08:49): What is Endometriosis? (13:17): Why We Still Don’t Know What Causes Endometriosis (21:02): Cultural Barriers to Treatment (26:57): How Endometriosis Affects Organs Inside the Body (33:16): Periods and Taboos in South Asian Communities (38:21): The Importance of Speaking Openly About Menstrual Health (45:20): When Endometriosis Is Misdiagnosed as Mental Illness or IBS (49:38): Why Advocacy and Self-Education Are Vital for Endometriosis Follow Zainab: Website https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/support-group/36556 IG:  https://www.instagram.com/endouk_bham_blackcountry/ Endometriosis UK: https://www.instagram.com/endometriosis.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/260221620794665 Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Endometriosis-Experts-Guide-Manage-Symptoms/dp/1785041479 Follow Shreya: Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    57 min
  3. 10 MAR

    Ovarian Cancer, Delayed Diagnosis & Finding Strength | Sbba Siddique

    What happens when cancer symptoms are repeatedly dismissed? In this deeply moving re-release episode for March Ovarian Cancer Month, broadcaster and advocate Sbba Siddique shares her journey after being diagnosed with stage 3C low-grade serous ovarian cancer following months of delays. Sbba speaks openly about the emotional and physical toll of cancer treatment, the discrimination she experienced within healthcare, and the cultural barriers many South Asian women face when seeking help. She also reflects on the power of family, the importance of counselling during recovery, and why educating women about their bodies could save lives. Now in remission, Sbba is determined to raise awareness and ensure women feel empowered to advocate for their own health. This is an honest conversation about resilience, inequality, and why women’s voices in healthcare matter more than ever. What we cover: (02:17): Sbba Siddique’s background (04:44): Getting a Cancer Diagnosis After Months of Delays(14:22): Facing Discrimination During Cancer Treatment(20:00): A Mother's Strength Hidden Behind a Smile (22:02): Facing Backlash for Speaking Openly About Cancer(26:06): Involving Family in Care Was a Lifeline(33:52): Inclusive Data Is Key to Better Treatments(40:31): Struggling in Silence and Hiding the Pain(42:47): Counselling Helped Make Sense of the Mental Chaos(45:31): The Power of Showing Up on Someone’s Terms(49:16): The Importance of Educating Yourself About Women’s Health Follow Sbba: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbba9/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbba-siddique-53133335/ Follow Shreya: Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    54 min
  4. 3 MAR

    Why Healthy Habits Don’t Stick: Behaviour Change, Chronic Illness & Compassionate Health

    Changing our health habits sounds simple. In reality, it’s anything but. In this thoughtful and practical conversation, Dr Rosie Webster and Neha Scrace explain why lasting health change isn’t about discipline — it’s about understanding behaviour, reducing overwhelm, and working with your real life. We explore the impact of chronic illness, why all-or-nothing thinking keeps us stuck, how our past shapes our habits, and why joyful movement and social support matter more than rigid plans. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for “failing” at health goals, this episode offers a more compassionate, evidence-based way forward. You’ll leave feeling understood, empowered, and equipped with practical insights you can actually apply. What we cover: (02:49): Rosie’s Background (07:11): Neha’s Background (10:33): Coming to Terms with a Chronic Condition (17:59): Why We’re So Hard on Ourselves (23:52): How Our Past Shapes Our Health Habits (29:26): There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Health (34:35): Habits Are More Than Just Repetition (45:10): Choosing Joyful, Meaningful Activities (51:16): The Power of Social Support and Shared Goals Follow Rosie Website: https://www.reframehealth.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrosiew/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframehealth.uk/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reframehealth.uk/  Follow Neha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neha_scrace/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-v-/ Website: https://neha.scrace.org/ Follow Shreya:Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    1hr 1min
  5. 24 FEB

    Perimenopause, Dismissed Symptoms & Hidden Cancer | Sonia, The Pantry Coach

    What if it’s not “just hormones”? In this powerful episode, Sonia, holistic health coach and founder of The Pantry Coach, shares her deeply personal story of navigating perimenopause while unknowingly living with a rare neuroendocrine cancer. We explore why women’s symptoms are often dismissed, the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, and the importance of questioning and advocating for yourself. Sonia also sheds light on endocrine disruptors, chemical exposure, greenwashing in the skincare and food industries, and practical ways to reduce toxic load without overwhelm. This is an essential listen for any woman in perimenopause, menopause, or simply wanting to better understand her body. Trust your body. Ask questions. Stay curious. What we cover: (02:27): Sonias’s Background (12:02): Early Tests and Ruling Out Conditions (17:25): Question Everything at Perimenopause (25:47): Reconnect with Your Body (33:23): The Mental Journey Begins Later (38:30): Holistic Care Is Lacking (46:18): Endocrine Disruptors (53:38): Consumer Confusion and TimeConstraints Follow Sonia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepantrycoach/ Follow Shreya:Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    1hr 4min
  6. 17 FEB

    Pelvic Floor Health, Menopause & The Dos and Don’ts of Intimacy | Dr Sushma Srikrishna

    Pelvic floor health affects far more than we realise — from bladder control and childbirth recovery to sexual comfort and confidence. In this episode, Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynaecology specialist Miss Sushma Srikrishna shares over three decades of clinical insight into women’s health. We discuss menopause, pelvic floor strength, severe period pain and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause — as well as the often-avoided topic of intimacy. Sushma outlines practical dos and don’ts of intercourse, including:• Why pain should never be ignored• The importance of lubrication and moisturisers• Learning to relax, not just tighten the pelvic floor• When to seek professional support This is an honest, practical and empowering conversation for women at every stage of life. What we cover: (02:37): Sushma’s background( 06:13): Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters for Women (08:21): Menopause and Its Impact on Pelvic Floor Strength (13:51): The Importance of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (18:04): Considering a Cesarean Section: Pros and Cons (22:00): The Challenges of Decision-Making During Birth (26:59): Understanding Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (32:03): The Role of Moisturisers and Lubricants (34:48): How Vaginal Laser Therapy Works (38:57): Why We Don’t Talk About Sex Enough (41:12): Practical Advice for Safe Intimacy (46:14): Learning to Engage Your Pelvic Floor Properly (54:20): Understanding Severe Period Pain Follow Sushma: Website: https://www.healthcare-women.co.uk/ Follow Shreya: Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    1hr 3min
  7. 10 FEB

    Fibromyalgia, ADHD & Menopause — A Neuroscience Perspective with Monique Payneeandy on Women’s Health

    In this episode, Monique Payneeandy explores how fibromyalgia, ADHD, perimenopause and menopause are often interconnected — not separate conditions to be managed in isolation. With a background in neuroscience, psychology, and holistic practice, Monique explains how the nervous system, hormones, emotions and environment influence women’s health and resilience. She shares why understanding what’s happening in your body can be empowering, particularly during midlife, and how small shifts in awareness can make a meaningful difference. A calm, reassuring listen for women who want to feel informed, validated, and better equipped to manage their health. What we cover:* Monique's Journey: From Struggles to Neuroscience* Understanding Neuroscience: A Tool for Life Enhancement* The Interconnection of Fibromyalgia, ADHD, and Menopause* Fibromyalgia: Misunderstood and Complex* Holistic Approaches to Managing Symptoms* The Importance of Communication and Self-Awareness* Navigating Midlife Changes: Hormonal Shifts and Relationships* Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding Your Body* Practical Steps for Women to Understand Their Health* Acceptance and Normalisation of Midlife Changes Follow Monique: https://www.instagram.com/monique_london73/ Follow Shreya: Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to thefifty1percent – where women over 30 come for honest health conversations. We move away from copying what others do and focus on your body, your circumstances and your environment, because no two women are the same. Expect expert insight and real women’s stories that help you make meaningful changes on your terms. No noise, no one-size-fits-all advice. Follow for episodes and sign up to our emails for updates on our events and much more. https://www.thefifty1percent.com/