The Happy Menopause

Jackie Lynch - Nutritionist & Author

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 to some fascinating guests who can offer expert advice on managing midlife hormonal changes and challenges, so that you truly can have a happy menopause. Find out more about the podcast and Jackie's work by visiting well-well-well.co.uk or follow on Facebook,  Instagram or X  at @WellWellWellUK.

  1. 23h ago

    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 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 compareHow falling oestrogen changes your risk of each, and why thrush becomes less likely but BV can still happenWhy self-treating can backfire, and how to get onto the correct treatment pathwayWhat happens at a sexual health clinic, and how to self-refer on the NHSThe important role of the vaginal microbiome in these conditionsWhy pH tests and private microbiome tests can’t be relied on after the menopauseVaginal oestrogen and moisturisers: what they do and who can use themDiet, probiotics and lifestyle: how you can help yourself, and what the evidence saysYou’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.

  2. Oct 18

    Midlife Aches and Pains: How Magnesium Might Help, with Andrew Thomas, CEO & Founder of Better You. S8. Ep 2.

    Pain doesn’t get nearly enough attention, so it’s great to see chronic pain in midlife as this year’s World Menopause Day theme. So many of us are dealing with aching joints, tight muscles, headaches and night-time cramps, and we often assume it’s just part of getting older. Pain is complicated and there’s no single fix, so get all the help you can from your doctor or physio. But what you eat might also make a difference. Magnesium isn’t a magic cure, but I think it could be a useful part of the jigsaw, because it’s nature’s calmer. I’m always asked about it at my workshops, so I’ve dipped back into the archive to share my chat with Andrew Thomas, founder of Better You, one of my favourite supplement companies. He’s an absolute expert on magnesium, and we talk about the role it plays in muscle relaxation, stress-related headaches, night-time cramps, calming the nervous system and sleep, which is so often the first casualty when we’re hurting. We also discuss why so many of us may be running low, and how to choose between the different forms. 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.

  3. Oct 18

    Fibremaxxing & the Menopause: the Benefits, the Pitfalls & Getting the Right Balance, with Jenny Tschiesche, Nutritionist & Cookbook Author. S8. Ep 1.

    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 moment. It’s been overlooked for years and it’s incredibly important for our health. But we need to get the balance right to make the most of it and to avoid the risk of bloating and discomfort. To help us, I’ve invited one of my favourite colleagues, Jenny Tschiesche. She’s a nutritionist and best-selling cookbook author, and her latest book, The Ultimate High-Fibre Handbook, could be just what we need. We talk about everything to do with fibre: The different types: soluble fibre, insoluble fibre and resistant starch, their roles and their benefitsWhat to consider if you’re thinking of fibremaxxingHow fibre can support your health in perimenopause, menopause and beyondPractical advice on adding more fibre to your diet using everyday foodsHow to beat the bloat if eating more fibre doesn’t agree with youThis is a real masterclass in the many benefits of fibre, so tune in and find out how to get yourself on track. 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.

  4. Jul 2

    7 Unmissable Insights from 7 Seasons of The Happy Menopause Podcast. S7. Ep 15.

    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 exploring the history of women's health and attitudes to menopause across the centuries.  This is a celebration of everything The Happy Menopause has stood for. And if any of these clips leave you wanting more, the full episodes are waiting for you in the back catalogue (and I’ve added links to the show notes), along with a whole lot more besides, covering pretty much every angle of perimenopause and menopause you can think of. Thank you for every single one of those downloads - this one's for you! 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.

  5. Jun 4

    Foot Health in Menopause: Common Problems & Practical Solutions with Jubilee Thobejane, Podiatrist. S7. Ep14.

    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 practical steps you can take to prevent and manage them. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, noticing changes you can't quite explain, or simply want to understand how menopause may be affecting your feet, you'll find plenty of expert advice, practical solutions and surprising insights to take away from this fascinating conversation. If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can 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.

  6. May 7

    Acupuncture & the Menopause with Lily Lai, PhD, Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner. S7. Ep 13.

    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 explore how acupuncture may help with a range of menopause-related symptoms, from stress and sleep to overall wellbeing. Along the way, we touch on its broader role in pain management, and discuss emerging insights into how it could support people with ADHD. It’s definitely worth a listen if you’re curious about new ways to support your health during menopause. If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can 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.

  7. Apr 2

    Your Joyful Years: Thriving Beyond Menopause, with Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science. S7. Ep 12.

    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  Drawing on intimate interviews with 50 women, Joyce explores what life can look like beyond menopause and how we can make these years some of the most fulfilling yet. We talk about everything from self-care and health to friendship, purpose and finding the confidence to put yourself back at the centre of your life. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation that challenges the outdated narrative around ageing and reminds us what’s really possible. Are you ready to embrace your joyful years? 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.

  8. Mar 5

    Never Too Old to Lift with Chris Tiley, Physiotherapist and Strength Expert. S7. Ep 11.

    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.  The great news is that it’s never too late to start, and today’s episode very much champions this notion – I’m chatting to physiotherapist, author and strength expert Chris Tiley, who’s the founder of Never Too Old To Lift, a fabulous website and podcast full of excellent resources.  With a background in British ParaSnowSport, Chris has built on his expertise to create Never Too Old To Lift to introduce strength training to people who never thought they’d be able to do it and to inspire them to take their first steps on their journey to strength.  It’s an empowering and insightful chat and I guarantee it’ll make you want to get started! And if you want to make sure you’re fuelling yourself correctly at the same time, the 14-day energy booster programme in my book The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy will get you on the right track for your strength programme. It’s available in all the usual places.  If you’ve found this episode helpful, please do share it with a friend who might benefit. And if you enjoy The Happy Menopause podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts — or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. These small steps make a big difference and help more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves 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.

4.8
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

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 to some fascinating guests who can offer expert advice on managing midlife hormonal changes and challenges, so that you truly can have a happy menopause. Find out more about the podcast and Jackie's work by visiting well-well-well.co.uk or follow on Facebook,  Instagram or X  at @WellWellWellUK.

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