Happy Hormones Podcast

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are rapidly rising in popularity—not just among those managing type 2 diabetes, but also among people seeking significant weight loss. Once intended purely for blood sugar control, these weekly injections have now become a go-to solution for weight management, with some reports suggesting that 1 in 10 women in the UK are currently using them.But are they the game-changer they're claimed to be? While these medications offer real hope to those struggling with obesity or diabetes, there's still a lot to unpack. Are they truly safe? What are the potential downsides? And what should you be aware of if you're already using them—or considering it?In this episode, I explore:✔️ How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work✔️ What to expect if you're on one of these jabs✔️ Common side effects and potential health risks✔️ The importance of nutrition, movement and mindset to minimise risks and get the best results✔️ How to naturally stimulate your GLP-1 hormones through diet and lifestyleWhether you're on the jabs or not, if you're looking for support do contact us for more info; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

We're all aware of the physical benefits of being in and around water, especially cold water (I write about it in my book Life After Menopause). But in today's interview, we explore its profound impact on emotional wellbeing too.After experiencing immense pain and deep grief, Emma Simpson found herself feeling lost, disconnected, and adrift. Drawn instinctively to the water, she discovered more than just a cold embrace—she found strength, hope, and a powerful sense of connection. Through wild swimming, she not only reclaimed her own sense of purpose but also became part of a remarkable sisterhood of women, each with their own inspiring story to share.She went on to write her first book, Breaking Waves —a heartfelt celebration of community, renewal, and the transformative power of reclaiming your own life story through writing.You can order Emma's book here; https://amzn.eu/d/dl8xt6tIf you need help with your hormones or health, do contact us here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Why do so many of us battle with body criticism, and what's really driving those triggers? Is it society's impossible standards? Childhood experiences? Or could it be something deeper—like our emotional relationship with food and self-worth?These questions hit close to home for countless women, but the answers aren't always clear. To shed light on these often-overlooked struggles, I invited Amber Romaniuk, an emotional eating, digestive, and hormone expert with over 11 years of experience helping women achieve what she calls "food and body freedom."In this episode, we unpack the complex dynamics of emotional eating and body image, revealing practical steps to heal your relationship with food and yourself.If you enjoyed this episode, please head to Apple Podcasts, give this a follow, and leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/happy-hormones-podcast/id1497554597Or reach Nicki via the links below:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/happyhormonesforlife/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happyhormonesforlife/Find out more about our 1-1 testing and support services here - https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contactTake the Hormone Quiz - https://smadigital.app/happyhormonesforlife/Get the FREE Hormone Balancing Guide - https://happyhormonesforlife.com/free-guide/Register for the Happy Hormones Masterclass - https://happyhormonesforlife.com/masterclass/Connect with Amber Romaniuk and learn more about her works:Website - https://amberapproved.ca/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk/

Stella Duffy is an existential psychotherapist, award-winning writer, actor, director, a campaigner for equality and diversity, and recently completed a PHD in the embodied experience of post menopause. She herself has been postmenopausal for 30 odd years following chemotherapy as a younger woman.In this chat, we get into the deep-rooted cultural stories around menopause and ageing, including Stella's mission to change the negativity younger women often hear about it. She challenges the idea that postmenopause is all about decline, instead seeing it as a transition into a new, thriving chapter.Stella shares some of the amazing stories of women she researched as part of her doctorate on post menopause, showing just how varied the experience can be—some women struggle, some breeze through, and most land somewhere in between. But society tends to focus on fear and loss, making ageing seem like something to dread. Instead, she encourages us to lean into change rather than fight it. Menopause can be tough, sure, but it's also a chance for growth, renewal, and empowerment.Our chat is a powerful reminder that menopause isn't the end—it's just the next phase of an ever-evolving life. Hope you enjoy it.Find out more about Stella's work here; https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/about-stella-duffy/Or if you need support with your menopause symptoms or other health issues, contact us here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

When we think about ageing well, we usually focus on eating right, staying active, and keeping up good habits. But what we don't always consider is how much our emotional health affects our physical health and therefore how well we age.The truth is, in today's fast-paced world, we have become increasingly disconnected from each other, from nature and from ourselves. This disconnect touches every aspect of our lives, affecting how we relate to one another, how we interact with our environment, and even how we care for ourselves.So if we want to make the most of our next chapter and live a happy healthy life, we need to make sure these vital connections are plugged in and thriving.Connection is the 'C' in my EMBRACE formula in my book LIFE AFTER MENOPAUSE​. The book comes with a free downloadable workbook to help you implement your own action plan for your best life after menopause!Learn more here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/life-after-menopause

So many women, at every stage of life, struggle with an unhealthy relationship with food. Whether it's emotional eating, binge eating, bulimia, or restrictive eating patterns, these issues are often deeply complex and influenced by a mix of factors.That's why I was thrilled to chat with the incredible Marcelle Rose, a specialist in disordered eating and emotional wellbeing. Marcelle empowers women to break free from the cycle of food struggles, and finally feel at peace with their body and mind.In this episode, she sheds light on the common signs and symptoms of an unhealthy relationship with food, the often-overlooked ways dieting and weight loss can make things worse, and most importantly, how we can rebuild a happy and healthy relationship with food.Marcelle's newly published book, The Binge Freedom Method: Your Four Pillar Plan to Beat Emotional Eating for Good, is packed with practical advice and inspiring strategies. It's available now on Amazon and other platforms. http://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/the-book

Whether you're a long-time vegan or just dipping your toes into Veganuary, this interview is for you!Rachel Boon is a Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, and 25-year vegan – as well as one of the healthiest and most energetic people I know! With 20 years in clinical practice, Rachel brings both educated insights and real-life wisdom to the table.We dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of navigating menopause on a vegan diet, bust a few myths, and explore practical tips to thrive during this transition - including her go-to healthy vegan dishes when you're short on time!Connect with Rachel here; https://www.rachelboon.co.uk/

We're living longer than ever before, but for many women, the years post menopause are filled with unanswered questions and unexpected challenges.How do we manage new and lingering symptoms? How do we protect our bones, muscles, and brain health? How do we hold on to our energy, joy, and sense of self in a world that often overlooks us?The truth is, this stage of life is a huge opportunity. With the right tools and mindset, it can be a time to redefine who we are, what we want, and how we choose to age. That's what Life After Menopause is all about – helping you feel empowered and equipped to live well in the years ahead.You can learn more here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/life-after-menopause

After beginning his career as a paramedic, Josh Dech quickly became disillusioned with what he saw as “sick care,” observing that many patients were getting worse instead of better. This led him to shift paths into personal training, where he helped clients like Lynne, a 59-year-old who, after intensive work on her health, went from taking 26 medications daily to breaking records in powerlifting.Inspired by this success, Josh dove into holistic health and nutrition, recognizing that gut health, nutrition, and stress were the common threads among various health challenges.Now specializing in gut health, Josh has dedicated his career to helping individuals with conditions like IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), namely Crohn's and Colitis.He's seen profound transformations in his clients—adults reclaiming their independence, children finally able to run and play—experiences that fuel his passion to prove that gut diseases don't have to be debilitating.Find him at https://gutsolution.ca. And if you need help this side of the pond, do contact us at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

After beginning his career as a paramedic, Josh Dech quickly became disillusioned with what he saw as “sick care,” observing that many patients were getting worse instead of better. This led him to shift paths into personal training, where he helped clients like Lynne, a 59-year-old who, after intensive work on her health, went from taking 26 medications daily to breaking records in powerlifting.Inspired by this success, Josh dove into holistic health and nutrition, recognizing that gut health, nutrition, and stress were the common threads among various health challenges.Now specializing in gut health, Josh has dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome conditions like IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), namely Crohn's and Colitis.He's seen profound transformations in his clients—adults reclaiming their independence, children finally able to run and play—experiences that fuel his passion to prove that gut diseases don't have to be lifelong conditions, despite conventional beliefs. Find him at https://gutsolution.ca. And if you need help this side of the pond, do contact us at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

We all know by now what foods to be focussing on for our health and hormones (you should do if you've been in my community for long enough!).Obviously we're all unique so there will be differences for each of us in terms of what works best for our bodies. But when I was researching for my new book 'Life After Menopause', the science is pretty clear on certain foods that are particularly helpful for healthy ageing and longevity.While there's no single “magic food,” a balanced approach that includes nutrient-dense options like these can make a real difference. Read the blog at; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/longevity-superfoodsThis is an excerpt from my upcoming new book "Life After Menopause; Embrace Your Next Chapter With A Healthy Body And Mind".  If you'd like to join the Waitlist to be the first to know when it's available, please click here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/book-waitlistDo contact us if you need support with your health, hormones or diet; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Did you know that one of the strongest indicators of how long you'll live is how strong you are? Yep, strength training can help with that. I've got Claire and James Davis, aka the brains behind 32 Degrees North and @midlifementors, joining me in this week's podcast episode, and we're diving into the real benefits of weight training. We're talking physical, mental, and even emotional perks that most people don't know about. Plus, we're busting a few myths along the way.Want to get stronger and feel more confident in midlife? This one's for you!Join the waitlist for news of the launch of my new book "Life After Menopause" here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/book-waitlist

One of the hardest things to deal with as you get older is changes in your skin health.Oestrogen is our 'youth hormone' so as we go through menopause, declining levels can mean more wrinkles, less elasticity and more pigmentation or ‘age spots.'These hormone changes plus the accumulation of years of sun exposure, pollution, toxins, stress and other factors can all show up in how our skin looks and feels.Issues may be ‘managed' by topical creams or aesthetic treatments, but your skin is a mirror to your inner health. Your diet, lifestyle and environment can have a big impact on skin health. Discover my top tips to look after your skin from the inside out!If you need help with your health or hormones, do ocntact us for more info on how we can help; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

This week, I'm chatting to Sarah Murrell. You may have seen her story in newspapers and magazines. If not, do listen to this week's video or podcast.Sarah shares her amazing story of how her sister's cancer diagnosis inspired her to create a unique natural facial oil to help her recover (it went on to receive critical acclaim, earning a legion of fans and five-star reviews, celebrity endorsements and winning numerous awards!).We chat about the changes our skin goes through in midlife, and why it's so important to choose more natural skincare to nourish it.After my chat with Sarah, I've had the chance to try the super popular BySarah's Hero Facial Oil. It's plant based, all natural (and I love that they're a B Corp too).If you want to try it, you can use code NICKI20 for 20% off at https://bysarahlondon.com

Ever felt a knot in your stomach when stressed about work, home, or relationships? Or maybe you notice your mood plummets after skipping or overindulging in a meal.That's your gut-brain axis at work! This complex network linking your gut and brain impacts not only your digestion and mood; it's also a crucial player in hormone regulation, potentially easingmenopausal symptoms like hot flushes and sleep disturbances.By nurturing this vital relationship, you could be addressing multiple aspects of your health at once.Read the blog here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/the-gut-brain-connectionDo contact us if you need help with your hormones or gut health; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Juggling career demands, family responsibilities, and personal well-being can feel like an impossible balancing act, especially for women dealing with perimenopause.I've been there myself, and it can be exhausting. Sooner or later, something's got to give. That's why I was thrilled to chat with Tamu Thomas, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of the epic book, "Women Who Work Too Much.”Tamu shared her journey from being overwhelmed by trying to do it all to now helping women break free from the trap of overworking. We dove into why so many of us feel pressured to keep pushing, even when we're running on empty. We also explored practical ways to reclaim your time and energy, from simple joy boosters to setting healthy boundaries.Join us for an honest, hopeful discussion about finding balance and rediscovering what really matters. You might just find the permission you need to put yourself first, guilt-free.Contact us if you'd like information about how we can support you with your hormone or health issues; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contactLearn more about Tamu Thomas here; https://www.livethreesixty.com/

Summer is finally here, and for many of us, that means it's time for a well-deserved break.Whether you're jetting off to a sunny destination or enjoying a staycation, we all look forward to these moments to relax, recharge, and escape the daily grind.But how often does your much-anticipated time off live up to expectations? If you're anything like me, holiday stress can sneak in and disrupt your plans for rejuvenation.In this quick episode, we're tackling the rarely discussed but all-too-common issue of holiday stress. We'll explore why our breaks don't always deliver the relaxation we crave and, more importantly, what we can do about it.Join me as we learn how to truly disconnect and create more restful, rejuvenating breaks. It's time to make your holidays work for you!Do contact us if you need help with your hormones or health issues; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Think it's too late in midlife to find happiness, reinvent yourself, and create something truly fulfilling? Allow this week's guest to change your mind!Join me for my chat with Suzy Walker, former editor-in-chief of Psychologies Magazine and now writer and freelance journalist for The Daily Telegraph, Metro, and The Guardian. On the eve of her 50th birthday, she changed her surname, beginning a wild adventure of personal transformation and self-discovery.In this episode, she shares inspiring stories about her journey over the last 6 years, ultimately crafting a roadmap to happiness for anyone feeling lost in midlife. Her honest reflections and actionable lessons will empower you to rewrite your own story and create the fulfilling life you deserve, no matter your age.Head over to YouTube to watch our interview; https://youtu.be/03P3WvRuksgAnd if you need help with your hormones or health issues, do contact us at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

If you're interested in your health, you'll know that meditation is good for us. It's long been known to increase feelings of calm, happiness and peace, as well as improve our focus and creativity.What I didn't know was that the mind-body connection is so much stronger than we think. If you practice meditation to foster more positive thoughts and feelings, it can actually change your genetic expression to make you more healthy!My latest episode is all about what I discovered attending a meditation retreat with Dr Joe Dispenza, and how I rediscovered my own joy and happiness.Read the blog here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/dr-joe-meditationIf you need any help with your hormones or health, do contact us at https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

One of the most obvious things you might be noticing as you get older (and a key symptom of menopause) is the way your brain works (or doesn't!). And it can be scary. Especially if you have dementia in the family.While some decline is natural, exciting research reveals proactive steps we can take to nurture and protect our cognitive function for years to come.Want to learn science-backed tricks to optimise your brainpower and age well? This episode is for you! My guest, Susan Saunders, is one of the inspirational women featured in my upcoming book on healthy ageing. Susan's passion for brain health started after caring for loved ones with dementia. Now a qualified health coach, she helps women over 50 build habits that lower their risk of dementia and sharpen their minds.In this episode, we explore the six pillars for improving brain health and reducing your risk of dementia as you age. Susan shares practical wisdom and simple lifestyle changes to keep your mind sharp and your memory in top shape.You'll learn how to take control of your brain health as you age, paving the way for a bright future with a strong mind.–TOPICS COVERED–00:37 - The single most crucial step we can take to care for our brains in later years01:48 - How the brain changes after age 50 and the effects of menopause on cognitive function04:10 - Our brain's ability to adapt, reconfigure, and overcome post-menopause challenges05:16 - What got Susan on the journey into understanding neurological health07:59 - Working on lifestyle factors for dementia prevention08:57 - The six pillars to a stronger and healthier brain09:59 - How diet plays a huge role in nourishing the mind14:18 - The often overlooked importance of protein in maintaining cognitive function16:34 - How exercise boosts brain fitness20:36 - The crucial impact of sleep on the brain21:21 - Practical tips for prioritising and improving sleep quality23:26 - The link between lack of sleep and diminished mental capacities26:20 - Exploring the effects of stress on the brain and why it's a major risk factor28:52 - Cognitive engagement strategies to reduce risk of neurodegeneration30:56 - Unpacking the "social and built environment" pillar33:58 - Why there is a strong emphasis on building healthy habits to lower dementia riskIf you enjoyed this episode, please head to Apple Podcasts, give this a follow, and leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/happy-hormones-podcast/id1497554597Read the blog and watch the full interview here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/brain-health If you need any help or support with your health or hormones, do contact us for more info on our testing and 1-1 services; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contactConnect with Susan Saunders at:Website - https://susansaundershealth.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/susansaundershealth/

I'm flipping the script today to talk about men's health, with Ross Tomkins, mens health advocate and founder of Alphagenix. He's also the author of 'Ageing and the Andropause'. Ross was introduced to me by my dad, who had been instrumental in diagnosing him with low thyroid and testosterone in his 30's and getting him back to full health. And he has since gone on to support other men with hormone replacement therapy through his company Alphagenix.Ross explains what happens to men as they age, what is andropause, what to look out for, and how to get the right support. It's an important conversation - we have come such a long way with menopause, but there's really not much awareness of andropause and its effects on the men in our lives.Learn more about Alphagenix here; https://alphagenix.co.uk/Find out more about our 1-1 testing and support services here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

You might think that heart health isn't your biggest priority as you go through menopause.Heart disease is often perceived as a “man's disease”, but it's actually the leading cause of death among women over the age of 50.What's even more concerning is that almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease show no previous symptoms.The good news is that there's lots you can do naturally to look after your heart health.If you prefer to read, head over to the blog; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/hear...If you'd like information on how we can help you with either health testing or 1-1 support, do get in touch; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Kim Rahir is an inspiration to any woman in midlife. A busy mum of 3, she was diagnosed with MS at the age of 50 and told she would be on medication for the rest of her life. She felt powerless, so she decided to start strength training alongside her medical treatment to just feel more confident.As she got stronger, she not only felt happier, but her body started healing. Today she has no sign of MS in her body. Not only that, In 2023 (at the age of 60), she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category.Her journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle.I hope you're as inspired as I was by Kim's story. You're never too old to start strength training (or anything else that makes you feel good!).Find out more about Kim here; www.kimrahir.comAnd if you need any support with your hormones or general health, do get in touch; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Unless you live in a bubble, you won't have escaped the buzz about breathwork in recent years. If you've done yoga or Pilates, you'll know about the benefits, and of course 'Ice Man' Wim Hoff has made his breathwork practice famous.Despite its recent popularity, breathwork is far from a new phenomenon. Across diverse cultures, it has been practiced for millennia. These days, breathing has evolved into a thriving industry, with a plethora of courses, coaches, and retreats promising transformative experiences.But you might still be a bit skeptical. Surely breathing is something we all do automatically, the body knows how to breathe right?Well it used to, but apparently our modern world has made it much more difficult for us to breathe properly. And scientists now are attributing poor breathing to many health related issues, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and poor immune function.Discover the amazing health benefits of proper breathing, and 4 simple techniques you can start right away.If you need any help with your hormones or other health issues, do contact us for more info on how we can support you; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

I've always known olive oil is good for us, it's a staple of the Mediterranean diet and well known for it's health benefits. But I didn't know quite how much these benefits depended on the quality of the oil and where it came from.Until I met Sarah Vachon, olive oil sommelier and founder of Citizens of Soil. She explained to me the vital difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, and how to buy and store your olive oil to maximise those health benefits.I love the ethos of Sarah's company, not only making the best and freshest olive oil available to us, but championing female growers all around Europe who use regenerative farming methods and produce the highest quality oils.If you want to try their amazing olive oil, you can get 10% off your first purchase with code happyhormonesforlife at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/oliveoil

While constipation may not be a topic that's openly discussed, it's surprisingly common. In fact, it's thought around 1 in 7 adults in the UK suffer from it.Unfortunately, it's more common in women, and can get worse as we get older. That means if you're a midlife woman like me, it can be an uncomfortable and often frustrating thing to deal with.But 'common' doesn't mean it's 'normal'. While occasional bouts (for me especially when I travel!) are nothing to worry about, chronic constipation is a different beast. It not only affects your day to day life, but can increase the risk of more serious gastrointestinal complications.Luckily there are lots of natural ways we can tackle it.You can read the blog here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/constipationContact us if you need further help; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

When you're going through midlife changes, it can be really hard to feel good in your clothes. Finding things to wear that accommodate your changing body shape or help you deal with uncomfortable symptoms can be a challenge.I don't know about you, but my wardrobe struggle is very real!But my friend Helen Reynolds is here to help! She is a personal style consultant who totally gets these challenges.I caught up with her to get her top tips and tricks to rediscover your style confidence, and start feeling great in your clothes.If you'd like to watch the video (some of her tips were demo'd in action!), you can do that here; https://youtu.be/yHs1qVrGn-wAnd you can find out more about Helen's free Wardrobe Reboot Challenge here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/style

After developing what she describes as 'a dysfunctional relationship' with alcohol, Sarah Rusbatch made the decision to remove it from her life in early 2019 and has never looked back.She's now an acredited 'Grey Area Drinking' coach, helping other women to enjoy the benefits of sobriety and improve their health.Listen to discover what ‘grey area drinking' is, and how to know if you're in that category. Plus why women can be more vulnerable than men to the health effects of too much alcohol, and how to give it up in a society that can make that difficult.Find out more about Sarah here; www.sarahrusbatch.comIf you need support with your health or hormones, do contact us at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

We know testosterone is a steroid hormone that gives men their deep voices, facial hair, muscle strength and sex drive.But did you know it plays a crucial role for women too? We only make about 5% of the levels men make, but it's a hormone that we need not only for our sex drive and muscles, but for bone and brain health as well as energy and mood.And just like oestrogen and progesterone, testosterone levels decline during and post menopause, and this can result in a variety of health issues and symptoms if not addressed.Do contact us for info on our testing and 1-1 services; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Walking as a form of exercise is often snubbed by the fitness industry who try to persuade us to go big or go home!But if you're not able to do much cardio or weight training, walking on its own is hugely beneficial. Especially if you're navigating the world of menopausal hormones and feeling tired or stressed.Few things have the power to restore quite like a brisk walk and a big deep gulp of fresh air. And the health benefits are many, from lowering your overall risk of chronic disease to helping you feel all is well with the world.If you're needing help with your hormones or health, do contact us for more info on our testing and 1-1 support; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Are you eating enough protein?If you're navigating the midlife or menopause journey, chances are you're not getting enough protein. And that's a bigger deal than you might think.As levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, you're not just dealing with symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings. Your body also faces challenges in absorbing and holding onto protein.The good news is that by upping your protein intake, you can tackle many of these issues head-on, reaping a range of health benefits in the process.Contact us if you need any support with your hormones, health or nutrition needs; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Are you struggling to lose weight, despite doing all the right things? Firstly, don't beat yourself up. Midlife weight gain is very real, and it's not easy to shift. Our bodies are going through tough times.As well as menopausal hormone changes, there are many factors that could be causing weight loss resistance, and why you may need to look beyond diet and lifestyle to identify what could be hindering your progress.As you know we run hormone and gut health tests to identify areas of imbalance there, but in terms of weight loss, we are seeing the most success lately with DNA testing.Find out more here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/dna-diet/Please contact us if you'd like more info on our testing and 1-1 support; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

If you're interested in healthy ageing, one of the key areas that you'll have come across is the role of inflammation in how we age and the risk of disease.The science is calling it 'inflammaging' and it's dangerous because it's hidden. You can't see inflammation at work. But it's there! And unfortunately menopause is something that makes it worse (as oestrogen has an anti-inflammatory role).The great news is that there is a ton we can do to reduce and even prevent it.If you need help with your hormones, health issues or want strategies to age well, contact us for more info on how we can help; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

When it comes to our improving our health (and losing weight), we naturally focus on the physical things we need to do (diet, exercise etc). But it's our mindset that will ultimately determine how successful we are.I've known Caroline for many years, and you will seen her mindset videos if you've been through our 30 days to Happy Hormones programme. I've always known how important mindset is to achieving any goals, and especially creating sustainable health changes. But in this episode, we go a bit deeper and explore how and why women in particular can self sabotage when it comes to improving their health, particularly around weight loss.Caroline gives us some of her top tips to flip some of those deep seated beliefs we have that can get in our way.I got so much out of our conversation, I hope you find it helpful too.Do contact us if you need help with your hormones or other health issues; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

We've heard all about the health benefits of cold therapy, but if that's not your thing, did you know that there's a whole host of benefits associated with heat and red light therapy?Heat therapy has been appreciated for centuries all over the world for its wellbeing benefits. Red light therapy on the other hand is relatively new. It uses the power of infrared energy without heat (or very low levels) to rejuvenate your cells at the mitochondrial level. Fortunately there are many ways to get the benefits of both heat and light therapy.If you don't have access to saunas or hot springs, there are various products available on the market, including infrared home saunas, lamps, red light face masks and vaginal devices, sauna suits and blankets, amongst others. Make sure to choose reputable products from trusted sources.I've recently invested in the Equinox red light face and neck mask from Luyors. Check it out here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/equinoxAs always, if you'd like help with your hormones or health issues, contact us here for more information: https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact/

PCOS is a condition that affects millions of women all over the world. It can cause all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms and messing with our hormones.The usual approach in medicine is to just treat the symptoms, but there's a different way we can go about it. By taking a holistic approach and looking at how everything in our bodies is connected, we can actually find the underlying causes of PCOS and tackle them head-on. That way, we can get some long-term relief instead of just temporary fixes.Contact us via www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact or message me on FB for more info on how we can help.

Are you finding weight loss so much harder as you get older?Now you're in your 40's or 50's, that old diet just doesn't work any more. You literally have to STARVE to lose any weight, and you probably know that you've just lost fluid and muscle! The minute you look at a piece of cake, that weight's right back on.So what's going on? Why is it so damned difficult to shed the pounds after 40? There could be many reasons behind this. Here are 27 for you to think about!Let me know in the comments if you struggle with this, and which of the 27 reasons you think might be causing it for you.If you'd like help with weight loss or your hormonal health, contact us here for more information: https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact/And here's the link to my recommended supplement brands; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/shop-now

Although your diet is super important to support your hormones, in my experience helping many hundreds of women going through perimenopause, I now think the number one indicator of how bad your symptoms are is STRESS.Learn how stress impacts your menopause and how to manage it so that you can improve your symptoms and sail through the other side! Check out the links I mentioned here; Sensate; a brilliant little device designed to calm your stress response in just 10 minutes a day. Use code HAPPYHORMONES for a 10% discount. www.happyhormonesforlife.com/sensate Open App; a fantastic all in one online studio where you can practice Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga, Pilates and BreathWork. Sign up for a free 30 day TRIAL and see how good it is! www.happyhormonesforlife.com/open Top 5 supplements; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/shop-now As always, if you'd like further help with stress management, hormones or health issues, contact us here for more information: https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Did you know that direct contact with the earth (walking barefoot, gardening, etc) can result in health benefits like better sleep, less pain, reduced stress and more?Find out more about how it works and an easier way to incorporate the benefits into your life.If you want to try an earthing sheet out, Sleep Earthed have offered us a 10% discount on any of their product range. Just use code Happy10 at checkout; https://www.sleepearthed.co.uk.

Autoimmune conditions occur when your immune system starts to attack and damage your own tissue and organs. Such mutiny is usually down to a culmination of factors including genetics, stress, gut health, hormonal imbalances and your environment.There are over 80 different types of known auto-immune conditions and they can affect any part of your body, most commonly, your joints, skin, gut and hormones.Drugs can help manage symptoms, but there are natural ways to improve things, and functional testing that can help identify the root cause.Do contact us if you'd like more info on our testing and 1-1 support; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Oxytocin is not often a hormone that is much talked about. It's known generally as the 'LOVE' hormone, but has all sorts of benefits for us. It's a hormone that is released in your brain (in your hypothalamus), then distributed by the pituitary gland to the rest of your brain. It can stimulate emotions of love, trust, connection, empathy, bonding and comfort. It also works with serotonin and dopamine, making these 3 a powerful trio of super happy hormones!So how do we get more of this wonder hormone??You can read the blog at https://happyhormonesforlife.com/get-oxytocin-love-hormoneOr contact us for more info on our testing and 1-1 support; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

It's an amazing thing your liver – did you know it's the largest organ in the body, weighing over four pounds? And that is has over 500 jobs to do?And it's working harder than ever. Over the last few decades, it has had to deal with thousands of new chemicals – in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the products we use and the water we drink. Not to mention that nightly glass or two of wine!And when your liver struggles to cope, toxins and waste can get backed up (like a Hoover bag full of dust) and they can get recirculated back into our bloodstream.The thing is that you don't need to go on a 'detox', you just need to give your liver what it needs to do its job. Here are 11 ways to keep your liver happy and healthy!If you need any help with your hormones or other health issues, do contact us for more info on our testing and 1-1 services; www.happyhormonseforlife.com/contact

Exercise is vital for hormones and general health as it improves stress levels, sleep quality, mood, brain health and insulin function.But in your 40's and beyond, it's not a question of just ‘eat less, move more'! This approach can be counter productive as it can stress your body out instead of nourishing it.This is the perfect time to consider a more balanced and perhaps a more sustainable approach to exercise.Here are my top 7 favourite types of exercise for women over 40. It's not advice, and certainly not for everyone (exercise is so individual), but just some areas to consider.If you'd like to try Feel Menopause, here's the link; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/feel-menopauseIf you need help with your hormone or health issues, do contact us for info on our testing and 1-1 support; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

Today I'm chatting with one of our amazing clients, Natalie Rumbelow. ⁠⁠Natalie is such an inspiration. I can't tell you how proud I am of what she achieved, not just for herself but her young family. We both got quite emotional realising how far she had come in a few short months. From having debilitating migraines for more than 20 days of the month, plus terrible anxiety, fatigue and monthly PMS, I think it's fair to say she's a completely different woman now!⁠⁠And her family are reaping the benefits of her new found health and vitality. This is why helping women is so rewarding, the knock on ripple effects on everyone else are just huge!⁠⁠I hope you are as inspired by her story as I am and continue to be.⁠You can listen to the full interview via the Happy Hormones podcast (link in bio).⁠⁠And of course if you need help with any hormone or health issues, please contact us for info; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact⁠⁠

This week I'm chatting with Alex Higham and Alex Manos - 2 experts on COFFEE. It's one of my favourite things so I was excited to hear what they had to say about the health benefits and of course if there were any drawbacks too, especially for our hormones! If you're interested in trying out Exhale (a super healthy coffee!), you can get 50% off your first subscription with code NICKI50 at www.happyhormonesforlife.com/exhale

What's the link between menopause and sleep? One of the most common complaints from women in our clinic is that they don't sleep well. Well, they're not alone.According to a US study, 56% of women over 40 are getting less than the seven hours of sleep per night that experts deem restful and healthy!Not only does good sleep make us feel better generally, it's also vital for long term health.But you knew that right? That's why it's so frustrating if you can't sleep! And that increased anxiety just makes everything worse.The good news is that we can do something about it!Contact us if you need any further help with your sleep or menopause issues; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contactAnd you can get Feel Sleep and my top 5 supplements here; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/shop-now

Are you looking for love in your midlife? This week I caught up with the fabulous Katie Phillips, female empowerment coach and love and dating mentor.Her story is one of hope. Having given up on ever finding her soul mate, she realised that she'd have to work on herself first before she found real love. And it worked, she met her now husband James, and is extremely happy.Her passion is now inspiring and empowering other mid-lifers that if they truly desire it, they can meet the love of their life without burn-out or guilt! Join her 5 Day Meet Your SoulMate Challenge starting 31st October 2022 here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/meet-your-soulmateAnd click here for more info on Feel Menopause (and a 15% discount on your first subscription): www.happyhormonesforlife.com/feel-menopause

This week I'm talking to one of our clients, Gillian Mackie. When she first came to us, she was really struggling. She suffered from what seemed like every menopausal symptom on the list - hot flushes, joint pain, brain fog and more. But what she really struggled with was what she termed ‘crushing fatigue'.After doing a range of testing with us and getting some targeted support, things changed dramatically for Gillian. She started a brand new job and signed up for a Dragon Boat race which she would never have been able to do before!If you would like more information on our testing or 1-1 support, do contact us via this link;www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contactAnd click here for more info on Feel Menopause (and a 15% discount on your first subscription): www.happyhormonesforlife.com/feel-menopause

Collagen is having a moment in the spotlight right now. You're probably bombarded with adverts and articles about the benefits of taking it, especially for your skin, hair and nails. But is it something you need to be adding to your supplement cupboard?Here are 2 supplements I love;Hunter & Gather Collagen Peptides (bovine/marine): https://hunterandgatherfoods.com/?ref=iz1mTs0kZTiKhFEEL Vegan Collagen; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/feel-supplementsAnd here's the link to Feel Menopause if you're looking for a non hormone approach to menopause; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/feel-menopause

I get a lot of questions from women about Intermittent Fasting and whether it's something we should be doing.There are lots of health benefits to fasting, but it's definitely not for everyone, and you know that I am not a fan of any kind of deprivation or calorie counting!Which is why I prefer a form of fasting that's easier to do, particularly when we have got hormones to think about. And that's something called Time Restricted Eating (or overnight fasting).Check out the blog at; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/time-restricted-eatingDo contact us if you need help with your hormones! xx

Do you often feel overwhelmed, and in a daily battle to keep up? That you rarely get on top of your to-do list, and at times feel out of control and unable to cope? If so, you may be experiencing the first signs of Rushing Woman's Syndrome, according to Dr Libby Weaver's best selling book!Dr Libby is a leading expert in women's health and I talk to her about what it means to be a woman in our modern world, and what our busy lives are doing to our hormones.And she shares some simple ways you can support your adrenals and come back to a more balanced lifestyle.Listen to more great interviews and bite size health talk at the Happy Hormones Podcast; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/podcastOr contact us for more information on how we can support you; www.happyhormonesforlife.com/contact