IMAGE The Check-in

In this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe is joined by Claire O’Brien, a functional medicine nutritional therapist, for an insightful and grounded conversation about women’s gut health, nutrition and the deep interconnectivity of our body’s systems.Together, they explore how gut health, hormones, metabolism, stress and energy levels are all linked, and why looking at the body in isolation via single symptoms rarely gives us the full picture.Claire shares what she sees most often in her clinic, including fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal symptoms and the pressure many women feel to ‘get it right’ with food. She explains why striving for perfection can actually work against our health, and why balance, consistency and self-awareness matter more.The conversation covers nutrition across the life stages, including menstrual cycles, fertility, perimenopause and menopause, highlighting how our needs change over time and why what worked once in terms of nutrition may not always work later.This is a reassuring, informative listen for any woman who wants to understand her body better, support her health with confidence, and move away from overwhelm around nutritional choices.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung and Waterstone Clinic

In this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe is joined by Dr Aisling Loy, Consultant in Sexual Health and Genitourinary Medicine at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.This is an interesting, informative and vital conversation about sexual and genitourinary health, an area of health that affects all of us, yet is still too often surrounded by shame, silence and misunderstanding.Together, they talk about what sexual health really means across a lifetime, why STI rates are rising, and how modern sexual health care has evolved. Dr Loy also explains why removing stigma is so important for both physical and emotional wellbeing, and how open, judgement-free care leads to earlier diagnosis, better outcomes and greater peace of mind.This episode is about knowledge, reassurance and empowerment. It is an invitation to see sexual and genitourinary health as a normal, essential part of looking after yourself.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung Ireland and Waterstone Clinic

In this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, Ellie is joined by Dr Harriet Treacy from Beyond BMI for a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about weight, health and longevity.*** A gentle note for listeners that conversations about weight can be emotionally tender. Healthy weight looks different for everybody, and this episode is grounded in health, wellbeing and longevity rather than appearance. If you are living with or recovering from disordered eating, please take care while listening and feel free to step away if needed. ***This is not a discussion about aesthetics or chasing a number on the scales. Instead, it explores what healthy weight management actually means from a medical perspective. The conversation also covers the role of medication, where appropriate, always framed within evidence-based, compassionate care, and how we need to break the cycle of shame surrounding weight.This episode is for anyone who wants a clearer, kinder and more medically grounded understanding of metabolic health, and reassurance that wellbeing is about far more than what we see on the outside.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung Ireland and Waterstone Clinic

Do you know the menopause symptom that distresses women the most? In this episode, guest host Leonie Corcoran is joined by GP and women’s health expert Dr Caoimhe Hartley  to decode the hormonal shifts that define every stage of a woman’s life.From the confusion of "brain fog" and the "loss of self" in perimenopause to the truth about HRT and pelvic health, this conversation shares the info and the insight to help women advocate for themselves when they are struggling to find the right words. Caoimhe’s extensive knowledge and compassionate approach was honed through almost a decade specialising in women’s health in Alberta, Canada. She returned to Ireland (with her husband, three small children and dog) to set up the Menopause Clinic in Dalkey, Co Dublin, and she now brings her high-level clinical expertise to Blackrock Health and the complex menopause clinic at the Rotunda Hospital.In this episode, we discuss:Cognitive shifts: Why your brain feels different and how to manage it.HRT & bone health: Navigating treatment options with confidence.Incontinence: Why bladder issues are common but not normal.Self-advocacy: How to get the medical support you actually deserve.Alongside this, Caoimhe provides the clinical evidence and practical advice you need to stop tolerating symptoms and start thriving . . . and we have an extra little guest who demonstrates the multi-tasking reality of so many women.Listen now to unlock a better understanding of your body and stay tuned to the end for an inspiring and upbeat finish that will put a pep in your step!IMAGE The Check-in is part of IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and is proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung and Waterstone Clinic.

Is your body speaking a language you don’t understand?To open Season Two of IMAGE The Check-in, guest host Leonie Corcoran talks to nutritional therapists and founders of Gigi Supplements Jennie Haire and Lisa Hughes about cycle syncing, sleep foundations, post-partum nourishment and breaking the hustle culture stress cycle. Key highlights:The Stress Trap: Why your brain treats an inbox like a predator.Cycle Syncing: Making hormones your greatest strength.Red Flags: Decoding pain and post-partum nutrition.Don’t just survive the year, unlock some small changes that will lead to big benefits for 2026 with this conversation.IMAGE The Check-in is empowered by @boots.ireland and sponsored by @samsungireland and @waterstoneclinicireland

In this episode, Ellie Balfe is joined by neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr Sabina Brennan, to explore what really happens to the female brain throughout our lives, from hormonal changes in menopause to the impact of stress, loneliness, and lifestyle on long-term cognitive health.They discuss why women are more at risk of dementia, how oestrogen loss affects memory and focus, and the small, powerful daily habits that can protect your brain as you age. Sabina also shares why daydreaming is not a waste of time but one of the best things you can do for your mental clarity and creativity.It’s a conversation that will leave you more informed, inspired, and ready to care for your most powerful organ - your brain.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung Ireland, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health and its4women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on IMAGE The Check-in, preventive cardiologist Dr Paddy Barrett joins Ellie Balfe to explore what every woman needs to know about heart health.Dr Barrett explains his work in risk evaluation and why understanding your personal numbers is the most powerful step in prevention. Together, they unpack why heart disease remains the leading killer of women, how symptoms differ from men, and what women can do to protect their hearts at every age to live well, longer.They cover the impact of hormones, inflammation, and cholesterol, as well as practical insights on blood pressure, exercise, and nutrition. Dr Barrett also introduces his three pillars for a meaningful life: Lifespan, Health-span, and Soul-span - and how each connects to the way we live and find purpose.A conversation that blends science and soul, this episode will leave you feeling informed, hopeful, and motivated to look after the most important muscle in your body - your heart.Key takeaways:What risk really means and how to evaluate your own heart healthThe truth about cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammationHow menopause changes cardiovascular riskWhy emotional well-being is central to heart healthThe three pillars of Lifespan, Healthspan and SoulspanIMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health and its4women. ***Disclaimer***IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this important episode, Ellie Balfe sits down with Dr Shona Tormey to talk about the full spectrum of breast cancer. Together, they explore everything from detection and screening through to diagnosis, treatment options, survivorship, lifestyle and prevention. Whether you are in your twenties, forties, or post-menopausal, this conversation will give you knowledge, reassurance, and practical guidance.We discuss when and how to check your breasts, what happens if you find a lump, the emotions around a diagnosis, innovations in treatment, and the simple steps women can take now to advocate for their own breast health.This is a compassionate and expert-led conversation that speaks directly to women of all ages. The goal is to empower listeners with information, practical advice and confidence when it comes to understanding their breast health.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by @boots.ireland and sponsored by @samsungireland , @waterstoneclinicireland , @irishlifehealth and @its4womenireland.***Disclaimer***IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe sits down with GP Dr Sonja Bobart of D4 Medical in Dublin to take listeners on a journey through women’s health from head to toe.Together they explore the body as a connected system - from mood and hormones to heart health, gut balance, pelvic care, sleep, and stress. The conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical expertise, offering simple signposts for what to look out for and how to care for yourself at every stage.Dr Bobart shares her insights on the tests that matter, how to read your results, simple supplements and how to work in partnership with your GP to feel seen as a whole person.Listen for:The most common health patterns GPs see in women todayWhat to know about thyroid and hormone healthThe importance of pelvic and post-menopausal careSleep, supplements, and stress - the ‘Triple S’ of better healthHow to create a preventive, proactive relationship with your GPThis episode is empowering, clear, and full of calm, practical guidance for any woman who wants to better understand her own body.IMAGE The Check-in is empowered by Boots Ireland, and sponsored by its4women, Waterstone Clinic, Samsung and Irish Life Health. ***Disclaimer***IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens when our hormones are in (or out of) balance, and how much control do we actually have? In this empowering episode, host Ellie Balfe sits down with renowned Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Mary Ryan, to talk about Hormone Harmony: how our hormones influence every part of our health and wellbeing, and how we can learn to work with them, not against them.Dr Ryan, author of It’s Probably Your Hormones and one of Ireland’s leading voices in women’s health, shares powerful insights on the phases of female hormone health, from puberty to perimenopause and beyond. She explains why so many women today feel exhausted and burnt out, and how prioritising rest is not indulgent but essential for hormonal balance and long-term energy.Together, Ellie and Dr Ryan explore:• Why hormones are the ultimate influencers and how to keep them in balance• The truth behind buzzwords like adrenal fatigue and oestrogen dominance• How stress and overwork deplete our energy and hormones• Practical ways to advocate for yourself in medical consultations• The connection between female equality, emotional load and physical health• How to view menopause as a powerful, positive transition - our great second act.It is a conversation about understanding, empowerment and change - in our homes, workplaces and relationships. Every woman will find something here that resonates.IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by @boots.ireland and sponsored by @samsungireland @waterstoneclinicireland @irishlifehealth and @its4womenireland**disclaimer** The IMAGE Check-In Podcast is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the Podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the very first episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe is joined by Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland, to explore the vital role pharmacy plays in women’s health.From being the first point of contact for everyday health concerns to offering trusted support throughout life’s bigger moments, Caoimhe explains why a simple conversation with your pharmacist might be one of the most supportive steps you ever take.Together, they unpack the complete checklist of health screenings women should be aware of, what really matters when it comes to supplements, and the facts around GLP-1 medications. This episode is all about demystifying, guiding, and empowering women to take control of their own health story with clarity and care.IMAGE The Check-in is empowered by Boots, and sponsored by Samsung, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health, and Its4Women.*Disclaimer*IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.