Living Hellth

Jo Doyle

The name, Living Hellth, comes from the unfortunate reality that the experience of health for many can be anything from confusing to chronic, and quite frankly a living hell.  In our first season, we’re starting with Women’s Hellth.  Women live in poor health for 25% more of their lives than men do. We’ll be covering the issues, experiences and chronic conditions that disproportionately effect women or affect women differently than men - including endometriosis, Migraines, Menopause, PMS and Cervical Cancer.  The aim of this podcast is two fold, to create a library of reliable information for our listeners who might be suffering with these conditions, using qualified experts, researchers and clinicians.  And secondly, to give a platform to amazing women who have lived through their living Hell, to share their story, and provide a sense of connection, comfort and hope for listeners. 

Episodes

  1. DEC 11

    Autoimmune expert: Dr Mark Vanderpump is an endocrinologist specialising in thyroid disease and and reproductive endocrinology including PCOS

    In this episode, I interview a leading Endocrinologist based in London, Dr Mark Vanderpump, on autoimmune diseases, with a special focus on thyroid conditions.  In this episode, I ask him:  Why are women more imapcted by autoimmune diseases than men?What are autoimmune diseases and why do they occur? What are the autoimmune diseases triggers and treatment Conflicting researching surrounding increases and decreases in rates of autoimmune disease His view on lifestyle medicine and how gut health might impact Why is there a delay for so many women when it comes to diagnosis About Dr Vanderpump Dr Mark Vanderpump is a consultant physician and endocrinologist OneWelbeck in London, specialising in thyroid disease. Dr Vanderpump is a highly experienced endocrinologist. He was a Consultant Physician and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust for 17 years, until he moved to full-time private practice, in 2016, after more than 30 years working in the NHS. He is the past President of the British Thyroid Association (2014-2017), and a 2017 and 2022 Top Doctors award winner. He is the former Chair of the London Consultants’ Association. He is a published author with a book and chapters on thyroid disease, and he regularly contributes to medical publications and teaches and lectures nationally and internationally.

    49 min
  2. Is there a link between ADHD & female reproductive hormones? Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais chats through emerging research on hormonal transitions and fluctuations

    NOV 5

    Is there a link between ADHD & female reproductive hormones? Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais chats through emerging research on hormonal transitions and fluctuations

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University London. Her research investigates the developmental course of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span.  In this episode we discuss what the research states when it comes to ADHD and hormonal transitions and fluctuations, including:  Puberty and menstruationPMDDHormonal contraceptionPregnancySleepPerimenopause and menopause We also cover the basics: What is ADHD? How is it diagnosed? How does it affect women and girls differently? Why is there such a delay in diagnosis for girls and women?Medication in the menstrual cycle and pregancy Dr Agnew-Blais current study focuses on ADHD among girls and women, and the role of times of hormonal change, including puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition, in functioning among women with ADHD..  The books Dr Jessica Agnew referenced in this episode include: Lotta Skoglund's books and resources (via her website) https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/  https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/literature/adhd-girls-to-women/  Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais also recommends “Understand ADHD in Girls and Women” edited by Joanne Steer.  Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais works with www.adhdlifelab.com and people can find out about getting involved with research here: https://www.adhdlifelab.com/get-involved-1 Follow Dr Agnew-Blais, her work and affiliated organisations: @adhdlifecourselab @bluesky @adhdlifecourselab.bsky.social  Linkedin: ADHD Lifecourse Lab

    54 min
  3. Endometriosis surgeon & pelvic pain expert: Dr Karolina Afors shares the stats, facts and practical advice with it comes to this chronic condition

    OCT 9

    Endometriosis surgeon & pelvic pain expert: Dr Karolina Afors shares the stats, facts and practical advice with it comes to this chronic condition

    In this third episode on endometriosis, we speak with Dr Karolina Afors, a Consultant Gynaecologist at University College London Hospitals, with over 17 years of experience in the NHS (the public healthcare system for England and Wales). She specialises in pelvic pain and endometriosis, including conducting surgery on patients suffering from Endo.  Dr Afors provides us with the stats, facts and practical advice when it comes to endometriosis. She has a unique perspective, as she values and includes guidance on holistic living and nutrition as part of her work with her patients, and as part of this epsiode, alongside other medical and surgical inventions.  In this episode, we cover: What is endometriosis (and adenomyosis) Why it is so painful for sufferers How the medical community defines / classifies endometriosis Innovations within the endo space she is especially excited about Why this is a delay is diagnosis  Advice she has for sufferers and what questions they can ask their GP  More on Dr Karolina Afors  She is actively involved in clinical research, medical education, and surgical training. She regularlyteaches at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and holds a seniorcommittee position within the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). She alsocontributes to the Pelvic Pain Special Interest Group of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE).Beyond her clinical practice, Dr Afors plays a leading role in women’s health innovation,working in drug development to design and deliver therapies that address significant unmetneeds. She also serves as a health educator and advisor, consulting across digital health platformsto integrate technology with personalised, holistic care, promoting accessibility and equity inhealthcare delivery. You can find more info: https://www.karolinaafors.com/

    28 min
  4. Raphy's Living Hellth story: Endo & chronic illness sufferer and health advocate

    OCT 9

    Raphy's Living Hellth story: Endo & chronic illness sufferer and health advocate

    In this episode, I speak with Raphy about her living hellth journey with  Endometriosis and chronic illness.  Raphy has been diagnosed with PCOS, Endometriosis, Adenomiosis and chronic fatigue.  She’s undergone multiple surgeries, chemical menopause and two rounds of egg freezing - all before the age of 27.   She a 27-year-old part-time content creator and women’s health advocate from London. After years of living with chronic pain and feeling dismissed by doctors, she began sharing her story online, what started as a personal outlet has since grown into a supportive space where others can connect, feel seen, and swap experiences. Her content is honest, relatable, and sometimes sprinkled with humour, because she believes that even in the chaos of chronic illness, endometriosis and more, there’s room for humour and connection.  In this episode, we chat through: What puberty and her first cycle were like -  when did she see the first signs? What was her experience with hormonal contraception? Life leading up to her PCOS diagnosis, how she was able to get that diagnosisHow she advocated for health and pushed for answersHer symptoms and what daily life can look like with chronic illness  Life before and after her Endo diagnosisHow she juggles work, friendships and datingKey tips and advice for Endo sufferers Follow Raphy on her platforms, Instagram:@endounveiled and TikTok @Endounveiled where she shares helpful information, tips and her experience in an effort to give women’s health deserves more honesty, less stigma and reframe the conversation around chronic illness and reproductive health -  so that no one feels isolated in their body or their experience.

    50 min
  5. Ella's living hell: From Stage 4 Endometriosis, doctors ignoring her pain, fertility struggles, to symptom tracking, self-advocating for her health, finding the right support and conceiving her beautiful daughter, Sunny

    OCT 3

    Ella's living hell: From Stage 4 Endometriosis, doctors ignoring her pain, fertility struggles, to symptom tracking, self-advocating for her health, finding the right support and conceiving her beautiful daughter, Sunny

    In this first episode, the first of three special episodes focused on Endometriosis.  My friend, Ella, share her story with stage 4 endometriosis and subsequently, her fertility journey. Ella is now in her early 30s and we spend this episode chatting and reflecting on what life was like leading up to her diagnosis, during her surgeries and her journey with fertility. We talk about what puberty was like for Ella, what her symptoms were, her journey through countless GP appointments, meeting the GP who changed everything for Ella and going from egg freezing, to conceiving her beautiful Baby daughter. More about Ella:  Ella has spent over 13 years working in the security industry, all while navigating her own journey with women’s health — from endometriosis to fertility challenges. She’s transformed her lived experiences into a passion, expanding professionally through ongoing medical training and certifications, teaching, creating women’s health courses, and hosting talks. Deeply committed to helping as many women as possible, Ella continues to grow and expand within the women’s health space, creating safe, welcoming spaces where nothing is off topic. Fun, warm, and refreshingly honest, she sparks real conversations, breaks taboos, and guides women so they feel informed, supported, and never alone on their journeys.

    51 min

About

The name, Living Hellth, comes from the unfortunate reality that the experience of health for many can be anything from confusing to chronic, and quite frankly a living hell.  In our first season, we’re starting with Women’s Hellth.  Women live in poor health for 25% more of their lives than men do. We’ll be covering the issues, experiences and chronic conditions that disproportionately effect women or affect women differently than men - including endometriosis, Migraines, Menopause, PMS and Cervical Cancer.  The aim of this podcast is two fold, to create a library of reliable information for our listeners who might be suffering with these conditions, using qualified experts, researchers and clinicians.  And secondly, to give a platform to amazing women who have lived through their living Hell, to share their story, and provide a sense of connection, comfort and hope for listeners.