October is Menopause Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're focusing on contraception during perimenopause.

While much of the conversation around menopause centres on managing symptoms, it's important to remember that contraception may still be needed during this stage. May women also worry that hormonal contraception isn't safe after 40, but is that really true?

Our three hosts explore this and other common myths, discussing the wide range of contraceptive options available to women in their 40s and 50s.

Resources:

• HSE Contraception and Menopause
• Sexual Wellbeing.ie
• Women's Health Concern factsheet on contraception for the older woman

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

Why does weight seem to shift during perimenopause and menopause - even when nothing else changes? In this episode we're joined by dietitian Gillian McConnell from Inside Out Nutrition to cut through the confusion and talk evidence, not quick fixes.

We explore what's really happening with hormones, metabolism, muscle and stress - and how practical nutrition, sleep and strength training can help you feel stronger and more balanced. Gillian shares simple, sustainable tips on protein, fibre, colour and mindset, plus her take on supplements and weight-loss injectables.

Resources:

• Inside Out Nutrition
• British Dietetic Association: Menopause
• Women's Health Concern Weight Gain and Menopause

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

Why does weight seem to shift during perimenopause and menopause, even when nothing else changes?

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Gillian McConnell from Inside Out Nutrition to cut through the confusion and talk evidence, not quick fixes.

We explore what’s really happening with hormones, metabolism, muscle, and stress, and how practical nutrition, sleep, and strength training can help you feel stronger and more balanced. Gillian shares simple, sustainable tips on protein, fibre, colour, and mindset, plus her take on supplements and weight-loss injectables.

Resources mentioned:

• Inside Out Nutrition

Follow Lady Bites for more bite-sized women's health episodes! 🎧
Special thanks to Jeremy Roske for the soundtrack, A Little Love.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, but awareness is still low. This September the Irish Heart Foundation ran the Her Heart Matters campaign, raising awareness of this often overlooked issue.

In this episode, Louise, Ciara, and Aoife explore the symptoms of heart attack in women, how to start real conversations about heart health, and share tips to empower and protect your heart.

Resources:

• Irish Heart Foundation Her Heart Matters

In this first episode of Season 3, we sit down with acclaimed Irish artist Anna McKeever.

From training in medicine to finding her true calling in art, Anna shares how creativity became both a career and a lifeline. Ahead of her solo exhibition Full Beam at Gormleys Gallery, she talks about mental health, confidence, and grounding her work in connection and ancestry.

Resources:

• Anna McKeever Artist
• Full Beam at Gormley's Gallery
• Professor Daisy Fancourt: Mental Health and Arts

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
    

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

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