Ask Dr. Hazel Wallace: From Contraception to Cycle Tracking | Rethinking Menstrual Health

If the menstrual cycle affects everything from strength to sleep, why are we ignoring it in sport? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women’s health nutritionist, sits down with researcher Kelly McNulty to discuss the challenges of researching female physiology, the importance of individualised training, and the role of cycle tracking for athletes.  The episode covers: How do the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives affect women’s health, athletic performance, and recovery?   What challenges exist in researching female physiology and why is more high-quality research needed?   Why is individualised training important for women, especially athletes?   What is the role of cycle tracking in optimising athletic performance and recovery for women?   How can women be empowered to better understand and work with their bodies throughout all stages of life? The episode emphasises the need for more high-quality research, encourages a balanced approach to training, and aims to empower women to better understand and work with their bodies throughout all stages of life. The more you understand your body, the more power you have to train, perform, and live on your own terms. So ask yourself: how much could change if you truly knew what your body needs? — If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, simply send a voice note to [email protected] – we'd love to hear from you! Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if ignoring your gut health is fueling a hormonal war inside your body? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women’s health nutritionist, sits down with Dr. Megan Rossi, a gut health expert, about the complex links between gut health and women’s health. They discuss how gut bacteria influence hormones and conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, the impact of the menstrual cycle on digestion, and the importance of evidence-based probiotic use. The episode covers: How do gut bacteria influence hormones and conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis in women?   What is the impact of the menstrual cycle on digestion and gut health?   Why is evidence-based probiotic use important for women’s health?   What are some common myths about IBS, and what is the role of the vaginal microbiome?   What dietary strategies and personalised approaches does Dr. Rossi recommend? The episode emphasises the importance of adopting personalised, research-backed approaches when it comes to managing women’s health. It highlights how nutrition and lifestyle strategies should be tailored to individual needs rather than one-size-fits-all solution. Listeners are encouraged to use this approach to make informed decisions that promote long-term wellness. So, have you ever wondered how much your gut health affects your hormones and health? What if understanding your gut could unlock the key to feeling truly balanced and healthy? — If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, simply send a voice note to [email protected] – we'd love to hear from you! Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr. Hazel Wallace, a renowned women's health nutritionist and former NHS doctor, speaks directly to the camera, delving into menstrual synchrony, the effects of fasted exercise on menstrual cycles, and managing PCOS. Alongside sharing expert advice, Dr. Wallace answers listener questions, grounding the discussion in real-life concerns and offering practical, accessible guidance. In this episode, Dr. Wallace answers: Is it true that our periods sync with people we spend time with, like our friends or family? Is fasted exercise bad for your menstrual cycle? Can you really heal PCOS holistically, and is the pill really that bad? Dr. Wallace provides evidence-based insights and practical advice, emphasising the importance of individualised care, balanced nutrition, appropriate physical activity, and stress management for improving PCOS symptoms. She also promotes her new book, ‘Not Just a Period,’ which offers a comprehensive guide to menstrual health. — If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, simply send a voice note to [email protected] – we'd love to hear from you! Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about your period was wrong? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women’s health nutritionist, sits down with Dr. Brooke Vandermolen, known as "The OB GYN Mom," to discuss women's health, focusing on menstrual cycles, period myths, and contraceptive options. Dr. Brooke shares her journey into obstetrics and gynecology and her motivation for creating online content to provide evidence-based advice. The episode covers: What inspires healthcare professionals to specialise in women’s health and how can we educate women beyond the clinic? Common misconceptions about menstrual cycles and period health that need to be challenged. The effects of hormonal contraception on menstrual health, fertility, and overall well-being. Why is it so important to feel heard by your doctor? The importance of open, informed communication between women and their healthcare providers. Popular myths around women's health practices—and the science (or lack thereof) behind them. The episode emphasises the need for proactive health management and debunks myths surrounding women's health practices, aiming to empower women with accurate information. So, if your period could talk, what would it ask you to pay more attention to? — If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, simply send a voice note to [email protected] – we'd love to hear from you! Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is PMDD the Hidden Struggle Behind Your Mood Swings? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women’s health nutritionist, sits down with Dr Milli Raizada, a GP, hormone expert and author of Happy Hormones, Happy You. Together, they unpack the realities of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -  its severe symptoms, how it differs from PMS and why diagnosis can be such a challenge. The episode covers: What are the key differences between premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? How has Dr. Raizada's journey with PMDD influenced her approach to treatment and advocacy for women's hormonal health? What challenges do women face in obtaining a diagnosis for PMDD? What strategies and treatment options are suggested in the episode for managing PMDD, including lifestyle changes and supplements? How should women seek appropriate care for their hormonal health? The episode aims to raise awareness and empower women to seek appropriate care for their hormonal health. So, could PMDD be the missing link behind symptoms you’ve been struggling to explain? — If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, simply send a voice note to [email protected] – we'd love to hear from you! Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health. Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr. Hazel Wallace, a renowned women's health nutritionist and former NHS doctor, speaks directly to the camera, delving into period myths, cravings and recovery tips. Alongside sharing expert advice, Dr. Wallace answers listener questions, grounding the discussion in real-life concerns and offering practical, accessible guidance. In this episode, Dr. Wallace answers: What are your thoughts on seed cycling—can it actually help regulate periods and support fertility, or is it just a myth? Do you have any advice for managing body composition changes while recovering from low energy availability and under-fuelling? What can I do to better manage strong premenstrual cravings, especially when they feel overwhelming? Dr. Wallace provides evidence-based insights and practical advice, emphasising the importance of understanding one's body and hormones. She also promotes her new book, ‘Not Just a Period,’ which offers a comprehensive guide to menstrual health.In the show notes can we add how to submit a question in? Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the greatest misunderstanding about endometriosis and women's health? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women's health nutritionist, discusses endometriosis with Carla Cressy, the founder and CEO of The Endometriosis Foundation. The episode explores Carla's personal journey with endometriosis, highlighting the struggles of misdiagnosis and the urgent need for greater awareness and advocacy in women's health. The episode covers: What does Carla share about her personal journey with endometriosis? How does the episode explore the impact of misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosing endometriosis? Which other conditions are commonly confused with endometriosis, according to the discussion? What suggestions are made in the episode to improve awareness and support for people with endometriosis? In what ways does Carla’s experience show the value of self-advocacy and community support for managing chronic illness? This episode sheds light on the broader impacts of endometriosis, revealing how it affects not only daily life but also long-term health. So, what’s one key takeaway that could influence how you manage your own health or support someone living with a chronic condition like endometriosis? Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic Explore More from The Food Medic Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 Get in Touch For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr. Hazel Wallace, a renowned women's health nutritionist and former NHS doctor, speaks directly to the camera, delving into menstrual health, focusing on the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception. Alongside sharing expert advice, Dr. Wallace answers listener questions, grounding the discussion in real-life concerns and offering practical, accessible guidance. In this episode, Dr. Wallace answers: How do you navigate coming off the pill and what can you expect? How can you prevent poor sleep in the week before your period? What are the most common myths and misconceptions in women’s health – and what would you like to see change first? Dr Wallace encourages women to rethink their relationship with their cycles, viewing them as a vital part of their health journey. To dive deeper into this perspective, check out her new book, ‘Not Just a Period.’ It offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and embracing menstrual health, with the goal of inspiring a more informed and empowered approach to overall well-being. Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. ----- Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/⁠ The Food Medic Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic⁠ ----- Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: ⁠https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod⁠ The Food Medic App Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub⁠ Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: ⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012⁠ ----- For inquiries or collaborations: General: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Partnerships: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Explore More from The Food Medic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the connection between sex hormones and skin health? In this episode of The Food Medic Podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace, a women's health nutritionist, is joined by Dr Thivi Maruthappu, consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, to explore the intricate relationship between sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and skin health. The episode covers: How do hormonal changes during different life stages (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause) affect the skin? What role do hormones play in maintaining skin balance, and how can their fluctuations contribute to conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema? What specific skin issues are linked to conditions like PCOS, and how can they be managed? What practical advice is given for managing hormone-related skin concerns, including skincare routines and lifestyle changes? What is the scientific evidence behind collagen supplements for skin health? What common myths about women’s health and hormones (especially around HRT) are addressed and debunked? So, after hearing how hormones impact everything from breakouts to sensitivity, you might be rethinking how you approach your skin. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that could change the way you care for your skin? Stay up to date with the latest health advice, recipes, insights, and updates from Dr. Hazel Wallace and The Food Medic community. ----- Dr. Hazel Wallace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelwallace/ The Food Medic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodmedic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefoodmedic ----- Not Just A Period – New Book A groundbreaking guide to understanding your cycle, hormones, and health.Coming 22nd May 2025. Pre-order now: https://linktr.ee/notjustaperiod The Food Medic App Learn more: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk/about-the-food-medic-hub Weekly Newsletter Subscribe here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62b5a28d76b1bf772c403012 ----- For inquiries or collaborations: General: [email protected] Partnerships: [email protected] Explore More from The Food Medic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Dr Hazel is joined by Dr John Kennedy, an O&G doctor who qualified from University College Dublin in 2000.  He has been working exclusively in fertility medicine since 2013 and is the clinical lead at Thérapie Fertility Clinic, with his expert team who have helped intended parents in Ireland to build their familiesThis episode covers: Reasons someone might freeze their eggs What is the best age to do it and is there an age cut off? Benefits of freezing embryos over eggs? Success rates with egg freezing Cost of egg freezing What practically happens (stimulation med’s and collection day) Should you check you AMH if you’re considering egg freezing? Interested in more content like this? Check out www.thefoodmedic.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices