Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

Amy Dowden was 32, newly married and at the height of her career when she found a lump in her breast. In this moving conversation with Just As Well hosts Vicky Pattison and Claire Sanderson, Amy opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and the long, complicated road back to herself. She talks about the moment she found the lump, the fertility decisions she and her husband Ben had to make during treatment, and being put into menopause at 32. Amy also reflects on returning to Strictly Come Dancing before she was ready, why getting back on the dance floor couldn’t undo what she had been through, and how therapy helped her begin to process it. Amy shares what she’s learned about breast awareness, recovery and being kinder to yourself, as well as how she’s rebuilding her strength and looking after her bone health. Her message for anyone facing a difficult health journey: take it at your own pace, and don’t compare your experience with someone else’s. Subscribe to Just As Well for honest conversations about women’s health, with expert insight and personal stories. Topics include: breast cancer in your 30s, breast awareness, chemotherapy, early menopause, fertility preservation, recovery, mental health, bone health and returning to dance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you spent years holding it all together, only to find that the old coping strategies suddenly aren’t working? In this episode, Vicky Pattison and Claire Sanderson get into the often overlooked relationship between ADHD, female hormones and midlife with GP Dr Helen Wall. Vicky shares why she’s seeking an ADHD diagnosis, and how PMDD and hormonal changes have made her question what’s going on. Dr Wall explains masking, burnout and why some women are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. They also talk about what to do if this feels familiar: how to prepare for a GP appointment, what a diagnosis can offer, and small ways to make everyday life easier. Expect science, honest conversation and a refreshingly open discussion about being misunderstood — plus some very relatable ADHD diversions along the way. Dr Helen Wall is the author of Menopause and ADHD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dani Dyer opens up to Vicky Pattison and Claire Sanderson about the parts of motherhood she found hardest to talk about. She had imagined a very different birth, and after an emergency C-section, struggled with the feelings that followed. Dani says she cried every day after having her twins. She also shares how hard it was to feel at home in her body after pregnancy, and how comments about women’s weight can stay with you long after they’re made. It’s a warm, honest conversation about the pressure to feel like yourself again, the support that helped Dani through, and the confidence she hopes to pass on to her daughters. Plus, she talks about facing her fears by returning to Strictly Come Dancing. Just As Well is the wellness podcast for women who want real science, practical advice and great chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vicky Pattison takes her seat beside Claire Sanderson as the new co-host of Just As Well — and she’s got plenty to say. In a candid, funny and deeply personal conversation, Vicky talks PMDD, exploring an ADHD diagnosis, egg freezing and trying for a baby, as well as why she chooses to share so much of her health journey publicly. She and Claire get into the less polished side of being open online, the impact of other people’s judgement, and how Vicky’s relationship with her body and exercise has changed — from chasing a smaller size to training to feel strong, healthy and happy. It’s honest, lively and full of the kind of conversation you’ll want to keep listening to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re so excited to share that Vicky Pattison is joining Claire Sanderson as the new co-host of Just As Well. Together, they’ll bring you real science, practical advice and great chat about women’s health and wellbeing. We can’t wait to get started — join us for the first episode with Claire and Vicky on 20th October! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices