IMAGE The Check-in

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 health

The truth about cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation

How menopause changes cardiovascular risk

Why emotional well-being is central to heart health

The three pillars of Lifespan, Healthspan and Soulspan

IMAGE 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.