You’ve been taught to think of your period as just that - a period. A monthly inconvenience to be managed with tampons and painkillers.

But what if your menstrual cycle is actually a vital sign? A powerful, daily indicator of your brain, gut, and metabolic health that you’ve been taught to ignore?

This week’s guest, Dr. Hazel Wallace - medical doctor, nutritionist, and author of Not Just a Period is here to dismantle the myths that keep women in the dark about their own bodies. Drawing from her own frustrating journey to a PCOS diagnosis, she reveals why so much of what we’re told about our hormones is wrong, and how understanding your cycle is the key to unlocking better health, energy, and performance.

Together we explore:

- Why your cycle is so much more than just fertility

- The hidden ways hormones impact your mood, sleep, cravings, and even your gut

- Why dismissive advice like “lose weight” or “cut carbs” is failing millions of women

- The truth about training and your cycle: when to push, when to rest, and how to listen to your body

- Amenorrhea: the real reasons you might lose your period (it’s not just stress)

- How to advocate for yourself in a medical system that too often dismisses women’s pain

- Practical, evidence-based tools to support your hormones with nutrition and lifestyle

This isn’t just a conversation about periods. It’s a roadmap to hormonal literacy and self-advocacy. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or powerless over your own body, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to finally take back control.

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

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This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.

Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at https://londonnootropics.com/

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Let’s be friends!

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If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

How Much Protein Do You Really Need for Longevity? | Evidence-Based Guide with Dr. Rupy Aujla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySFUeR1pw8

Is Your Productivity a Symptom of High Functioning Depression? | Dr. Judith Joseph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHfYZi3L5Vg

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Guest Socials

Dr. Hazel Wallace Website: https://www.drhazelwallace.co.uk

The Food Medic: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk

Instagram: @drhazelwallace

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Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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Highlights:

Why Your Period Is More Than Just Fertility (00:00)

Dr. Hazel Wallace's PCOS Diagnosis Story (02:31)

Breaking Menstrual Health Taboos (06:47)

Cultural Barriers to Women's Health Conversations (12:41)

Exercise and Training During Your Cycle (24:20)

Understanding Stress-Related Amenorrhea (32:10)

Blood Tests and Hormonal Timing (38:49)

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Love what you’re hearing? My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.