In a recent conversation, Dr Ashby shares practical insights on gut health, IBS, fibre, and how simple at-home tests like can help investigate symptoms such as changes in bowel habits or fatigue. It’s an open, reassuring discussion that highlights when to seek advice and how we, as your GPs, can support you.

Headaches are common, but proper diagnosis isn’t. Dr Richard Wood explains what’s often missed in GP consultations and what you can do next.

Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes—it affects everything from brain function to bone density. In this episode, Dr Clare Ashby breaks down how hormone levels shift in perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms can fluctuate unpredictably, and how modern HRT is safer and more effective than ever. She also explores why some women struggle to tolerate HRT, the role of histamine intolerance, and the impact of lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. If you’ve been wondering whether HRT is right for you, or how to navigate the transition into menopause, this episode is a must-listen.

Hormones control more than just your period—they shape your energy, mood, metabolism, and overall well-being. In this episode, Dr Clare Ashby explains the role of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in a woman’s cycle, from puberty to menopause. She discusses why some women struggle with heavy periods in their teenage years, how hormonal contraceptives can impact overall health, and why symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain are often tied to underlying imbalances. If you’ve ever felt that your body isn’t working quite right, this episode will help you understand why—and what you can do about it.

The subject of this podcast is a fascinating insight into Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affecting some women.

Metabolic health is how well your body processes food and sugar and generates and uses energy. It's a complex system that's based on many factors, some of which you can influence and others that are set. Being aware of your metabolic health can help you change your health and in the ideal world prevent the development of diabetes.

In this insightful episode, we dive into why monitoring blood sugar is crucial with Dr Sonali Dasgupta. As the rates of diabetes and metabolic issues rise, understanding and managing blood sugar levels become vital in preventing life-threatening complications. Dr Dasgupta explains how impaired blood sugar, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome are interconnected, affecting our overall health and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Dasgupta also discusses the impact of central obesity and liver dysfunction, particularly in post-menopausal women, and the importance of maintaining metabolic health. By monitoring and managing blood sugar levels, individuals can significantly improve their well-being and reduce the risk of future chronic conditions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the broader implications of blood sugar and how to take proactive steps towards better health.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on diabetes with Dr Sonali.

Dr Dasgupta explains the concept of prediabetes, a condition identified through a simple blood test called HbA1c. She discusses how prediabetes is the stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Dr. Dasgupta emphasises the importance of regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, to manage and potentially reverse prediabetes. She highlights the growing prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in younger populations, attributing this trend to modern sedentary lifestyles and diets high in processed foods.

Join us as we delve into the steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing diabetes and maintain better health.

Dr Sonali Dasgupta joins us to discuss diabetes, focusing on the rising incidence of Type 2. She explains how both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect the body, the role of genetics and lifestyle, and the severe complications from chronic high blood sugar. Dr. Dasgupta also highlights how lifestyle changes can manage or even reverse Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing prevention and early intervention.