Ovarian cysts sound scary, but they’re common and often harmless. This week our hosts, Drs Louise, Ciara and Aoife, explain what cysts actually are, when to relax, and when to get things checked out. We cover types, symptoms, diagnosis, and debunk some major myths along the way.

Resources:

• NHS Ovarian Cyst

• RCOG Ovarian Cysts Before Menopause

• HSE Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• HSE Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes.

Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

This week on Lady Bites, we’re joined by pharmacist Liz O’Hagan to explore how lifestyle medicine and integrative care are transforming real-world pharmacy practice in Ireland. From HRT access to hydration hacks and breathwork. we talk practical tips that go beyond the prescription pad.

Inspired by the 2025 BMS Conference theme, this episode champions collaboration, empowerment, and patient-centred care.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• • Meaghers Pharmacy 360
  • myDPS.ie – apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme
  • healthpromotion.ie – HSE leaflets on lifestyle health
    

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Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Welcome to your fibre era, ladies.

This week on Lady Bites, we’re shining a light on the unsung hero of women’s health - fibre. It’s not just about keeping things moving (although we’re not skipping that conversation), it’s about balancing hormones, boosting mood, and giving your gut that goddess glow.

We’re busting fibre myths, sharing easy food swaps, and revealing how feeding your gut bacteria can level up your health in ways you didn’t expect.

Small changes, big results.Join Louise, Ciara and Aoife and get your Fibre Fix!

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Lady Bites is joining the global call for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld by opening up the conversation around irregular periods— a common but often misunderstood part of menstrual health. In this short, bite-sized episode, our three hosts unpack what irregular periods really mean, why they happen, and when it's time to pay attention. It's time to break the silence and bring clarity to your cycle.

This week on Lady Bites we're joined by Dr. Ceara Belviso for a powerful Mental Health Week special.

Dr. Belviso is a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience in both clinical and non-clinical roles. Now, as the founder of Calm with Ceara, she works as a mindfulness and positive living coach.

In this open and honest conversation, we explore mindfulness, the “thought train” we all ride daily, and how to gently hop off and return to the present moment.

She shares both personal and professional insights on building confidence—no matter your background.

Related Links

• Calm With Ceara - www.cearabelviso.com

Join doctors Aoife, Ciara, and Louise as they shine a light on the "sunshine vitamin" — why Vitamin D is essential for your bones, muscles, mood, and immune system. From how much you need at different life stages to common myths and supplement tips, this bite-sized episode packs a healthy punch.☀️

🔗 Resources & Links:

HSE: Vitamin D

NHS: Vitamin D

British Dietatic Association: Vitamin D

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Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

In this week's episode our three hosts dive into the physical, emotional and mental shifts that come with postpartum recovery - without the pressure to "bounce back". We discuss what to expect in those first few days and beyond.

Resources:

• HSE Advice on Recovery After Birth
• Cuidiú Parent Support Groups
• Postnatal Depression Ireland

• Infographic⁠ developed by Grainne Donnelly on return to exercise postpartum

Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧

Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can cause pain, swelling, and even serious complications. In this episode, we break down why they happen, who’s most at risk, and the best ways to manage and treat them. From compression stockings to laser therapy, we cover what works and what doesn’t.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• NHS: Varicose Veins Overview

• HSE: Managing Varicose Veins

• Royal College of Surgeons: Varicose Vein Treatments

Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧

Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love

Happy International Women's Day!

This International Women's Day 2025, we're putting women's contraceptive health in the spotlight.

We discuss the history of contraception in Ireland and the success of the recent Free Contraception Scheme. Unfortunately women still face barriers in accessing healthcare.

The theme for IWD 2025 is #AccelerateAction, a reminder we need to continue pushing for better healthcare and awareness of women's health.

In this episode of Lady Bites Podcast, our three hosts sit down with women’s health physiotherapist Clare Farrell for an insightful conversation about women’s health. Clare shares her expertise on the role of physiotherapy in addressing a wide range of concerns, from pelvic floor dysfunction to postpartum recovery and menopause-related changes. She discusses what to expect when visiting a women’s health physio and the common issues women bring up during their appointments.

Resources:

• Clare’s clinic Family Physio

• The POGP group - lots of pelvic floor resources

• https://www.yourpelvicfloor.org/

• Sqeezy App

• Infographic developed by Grainne Donnelly on return to exercise postpartum