Hormones, HRT, Libido & mood with The Menopause Medic

How much are everyday products affecting your hormones? In this episode of Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson speak to functional medicine health coach Kirsty Smith about endocrine disruptors hidden in fragrance, cleaning products, plastics, skincare, clothing, and even blue light. They discuss how these toxins may affect metabolism, periods, fertility, energy, sleep, and overall health — plus simple low-tox swaps you can start making today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Just as Well, Claire Sanderson and Gemma Atkinson sit down with Dr Fionnuala Barton, The Menopause Medic, for a fascinating conversation about perimenopause, menopause and hormone health. From HRT and sleep to libido, vaginal dryness, confidence, weight changes and strength training, Dr Barton shares practical, evidence-based advice on how women can better understand and support their bodies through this stage of life. A must-listen for women of every age — and for the people who love and support them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson sits down with broadcaster, author and podcaster Angela Scanlon for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, burnout and finding balance. Angela shares how she accidentally fell into television, the relentless drive that pushed her career forward, and the moment becoming a mother forced her to confront parts of herself she had been running from for years. In this episode, Angela opens up about her experience with eating disorder recovery, using work as a coping mechanism, and the seven years she spent in therapy learning how to rebuild her relationship with herself. Gemma and Angela also talk about: • The messy reality of motherhood • Work addiction and burnout • Raising confident daughters • Body image and growing up in the media spotlight • Wellness habits, gratitude and daily rituals • Why women need permission to fail and try again It’s a funny, warm and refreshingly honest conversation about ambition, healing and the pressure women carry — and why sometimes the best advice you can give your younger self is simply: you’ll be alright. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rita Ora joins Claire Sanderson on Just As Well following her Women’s Health cover shoot to talk all things wellness, strength and longevity. In this honest and energising conversation, Rita shares how turning 30 changed her approach to health, why she now treats her body “like an athlete,” and the routines that keep her feeling strong on stage and off. From strength training and heated sculpt classes to red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, fasting and collagen coffee — Rita opens up about what she’s tried, what works for her, and what she’s ditched along the way. She also speaks candidly about how her mum’s breast cancer diagnosis shaped her health mindset, managing health anxiety, and why balance — not perfection — is the real goal. Plus: Rita’s exact morning routine Her sleep setup (including the gadget she swears by) Why she prioritises lifting weights Cold plunges vs heat therapy Supplements she rates (and the ones she questions) Fasting and gut health Brain health and peptides Her comfort food confession And the one piece of advice every woman needs to hear ✨ “Don’t feel guilty if you eat something you love.” Subscribe to Just As Well for more conversations with inspiring women on health, strength and feeling your best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does “health span” really mean — beyond the buzzword? In this episode, we dive into autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and the everyday habits that can support long-term health in the real world. . We explore how inflammation shows up in ways many of us don’t recognise — from joint pain and fatigue to stress responses, sleep disruption and visceral fat. There’s a deep dive into the difference between acute and chronic stress, how stress can impact blood sugar (even without food), and why so many women may need to rethink how they approach fasting. . We also discuss: The lifestyle shifts that can support autoimmune conditions Fasting for women — and when it may not be appropriate Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolic health and resilience Overtraining vs recovery Supplements — and why testing matters before adding anything new HRT, hormones and ageing Foods that may support long-term health (including some underrated staples) Plus, we look at emerging longevity tools, how biological age testing works, and why progress — not perfection — is a more sustainable approach to wellbeing. . Buy the books mentioned in this episode: The Anti-Ageing Zone by Dr Barry Sears - https://fave.co/4u1mLpH The Anti-Inflammation Zone by Dr Barry Sears - https://fave.co/4u6VOkm Fast Like a Girl by Mindy Pelz - https://fave.co/4b3bhck . This episode is for information and education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health or medication. . Hosts:  https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/  https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/  Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/   Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you stop waiting to feel “ready”?  . Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK & Ireland, joins Just As Well to talk about leadership, imposter syndrome and the confidence gap women face at work. . Hosted by Claire Sanderson and Gemma Atkinson, this episode explores Alison’s journey through politics, digital media and tech, why she believes thriving in ambiguity is essential, and how taking a career break helped her step into her biggest role yet. . Thoughtful, empowering and deeply relatable, this conversation will resonate with anyone navigating ambition, motherhood and modern leadership.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you stop waiting to feel “ready”?  . Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK & Ireland, joins Just As Well to talk about leadership, imposter syndrome and the confidence gap women face at work.  . Hosted by Claire Sanderson and Gemma Atkinson, this episode explores Alison’s journey through politics, digital media and tech, why she believes thriving in ambiguity is essential, and how taking a career break helped her step into her biggest role yet.  . Thoughtful, empowering and deeply relatable, this conversation will resonate with anyone navigating ambition, motherhood and modern leadership.  . Hosts:  https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/  https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/  Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/   Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jodie Ounsley may be known to millions as Gladiators’ Fury — powerful, fearless and unstoppable — but in this deeply honest conversation, she shares the strength that doesn’t come from the gym. . Joining Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson on Just As Well, the Women’s Health UK podcast, Jodie opens up about losing her dad suddenly just weeks before performing on the Strictly Christmas Special. She reflects on navigating grief in the public eye and the emotional mountain challenge she’s taking on in his honour — carrying 56kg, one kilo for every year of his life. . Jodie also discusses: · Becoming the first deaf woman to represent a senior England rugby side · Growing up with a cochlear implant · Body confidence in women’s rugby · Switching between her Gladiators persona and her real self · Redefining what strength really means . A powerful, uplifting and deeply human episode about resilience, identity and vulnerability. . Hosts:  https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/  https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/  Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/   Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Ferdinand joins Just As Well, the Women’s Health Podcast for an honest conversation about body image, mental health and the growing pressure to be slim. . Kate opens up about living with body dysmorphia, the impact of social media and online trolling, and why she’s pushing back against the idea that smaller is always better. She shares how strength training and routine support her mental wellbeing, why muscle matters for long-term health, and how she tries to model a healthier relationship with food and exercise for her children. . The conversation also explores parenting in the digital age — from setting boundaries around TikTok and Snapchat to phone-free bedtimes — as well as life in Dubai and modern wellness culture . A reassuring episode about wellbeing without perfection — and why sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is strip it all back. . Hosts:  https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/  https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/  Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/   Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one simple supplement could support better sleep, stress resilience, cravings and energy — and most women aren’t getting enough of it? . Nutritionist and naturopath Rhian Stephenson joins Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson on Just As Well to explain how to use supplements properly, starting with food first and adding targeted support only where it’s genuinely needed. . They discuss magnesium, vitamin D, creatine and electrolytes, how stress and life stage affect nutrient needs, and why supplements should complement — not replace — good nutrition, sleep and exercise. . A practical, science-led conversation for women who want to feel better without falling for wellness hype. . Hosts:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/⁠  Wellness video producer: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices