Lady Bites Podcast

The new season of Lady Bites opens with a conversation a lot of us feel awkward talking about. In this episode, Aoife, Ciara and Louise discuss bowel cancer, including the key risk factors, common signs and symptoms to look out for, and the importance of screening in detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. They also explore the concerning rise in bowel cancer diagnoses...

With the new year upon us, we’re talking women’s health, not unrealistic resolutions. In this episode, we dive into the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and how they support women’s wellbeing and hormonal health. Think nourishment, movement, sleep, stress, connection, and habits that truly work in real life. https://www.islm.ie/six-pillars We would like to wish all our listeners a very Happy New...

If Santa had a medical degree, what would we be asking for this Christmas? In this festive episode, we share what we’d love to find in our stockings, from a women’s health and wellbeing perspective. With plenty of laughs, light-hearted banter and evidence-based insights, we chat through our personal wishlists and the health reasons behind them. It’s fun, festive, and a reminder that looking after...

Red cheeks? Random flushing? Skin acting like it has a mind of its own? In this episode of Lady Bites, your hosts get into rosacea — what it is, why it happens, how to calm it down, and why women in particular keep bumping into it. Aoife, Ciara, and Louise break it all down in a friendly, accessible chat and wrap up with some myth-busters to set the record straight. Resources: HSE Rosacea NHS Rosa...

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 e...

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...

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 y...

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 Artis...

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 Sympt...

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-centr...

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...

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...

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...

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 Follow La...

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 po...

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...

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 push...

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...

In this episode of Lady Bites, we’re diving deep into all things women’s health with the brilliant Laura Dowling! From vaginal and vulval health to lubrication, menopause, and everything in between, Laura brings her expert insights and no-nonsense advice to help you understand and embrace your body at every stage of life. Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just want to feel more empowered about...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of Lady Bites ! We're kicking off this season with our very first guest interview, featuring Dr. Sarah Fitzgibbon, a GP from Cork and the primary care clinical advisor with CervicalCheck, Ireland’s national cervical screening program. In this episode, Dr. Fitzgibbon shares her expert insights on the importance of cervical screening, the risks associated...

In the final episode of Season 1, we’re flipping the script! You asked, and we’re delivering—this one’s all about us . Join your Lady Bites hosts as we share our personal stories, how we met, and why we’re so passionate about women’s health. We’re reflecting on the journey so far and what’s to come. Thank you for being part of our community—Season 2 is already shaping up to be even better.

In this episode of Lady Bites , we’re diving into questions from some of our male listeners about women’s health and relationships. From talking to your daughter about her first period to supporting a partner through pregnancy, we’re here to break it all down with honesty and empathy. We’ll explore what menopause really means, how to navigate changing intimacy needs, and practical ways to show up...

Join hosts Louise, Aoife, and Ciara as they dive deep into the world of bone health. In this episode, they explore the importance of maintaining healthy bones, understanding bone density, and the differences between osteopenia and osteoporosis. They debunk common myths and offer practical advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices to keep your bones strong at any age. Tune in to learn about r...

Join hosts Louise, Aoife and Ciara as they dive into an essential yet often overlooked topic in women's health: vaginal dryness. Whether you've experienced it yourself or simply want to learn more, this episode covers everything you need to know - from the common causes and symptoms to what to expect when you visit your GP. We explore the full range of treatment options, including lubricants, mois...

Welcome to Ladybites, a short and sweet podcast hosted by three female doctors passionate about Women’s Health. In this episode, in honour of World Menopause Day 2024, we’ve released a special bonus episode packed with valuable resources to support you through the menopause journey. Whether you’re seeking expert websites, empowering books, or comprehensive online platforms, we’ve got you covered....