The Laura Dowling Experience

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Orla Conlon, an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology, who brings over 25 years of experience to our conversation. We discuss the often-overlooked psychological impact of conditions like PMS and PMDD, and Dr. Conlon shares why empathy and understanding are so important in women’s healthcare.We dive into the struggles young women face with heavy and painful periods, exploring when symptoms may signal conditions like endometriosis. Dr. Conlon explains various treatment options—from pain relief to contraceptives like the Kyleena coil—stressing the importance of early diagnosis to protect fertility and ensure the right care.Our chat also covers the role of societal pressures, trauma, and modern gynaecological treatments in shaping women’s health. We touch on psychosexual health, cervical care, postnatal recovery, and the benefits of less invasive procedures like the Mirena coil and endometrial ablation. Plus, we discuss the role of HRT in supporting well-being. Join us as we aim to open up these vital conversations, making sure women feel empowered to seek the care and support they need.This episode is sponsored by AYU Cosmetics, the Irish makeup brand redefining elegance with their luxury essentials. Known for their beautifully curated basics—like a capsule wardrobe for your makeup bag—AYU products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted to perfection. This Black Friday, AYU is offering 30% off site-wide with free shipping from 25th November to 2nd December. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on their must-haves, like the flawless, all-day concealer I’m obsessed with! Visit ayucosmetics.com and follow @ayumakeupireland on Instagram for updates and offers.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, I’m joined by Suzie O’Neill, founder of AYU Cosmetics, who shares her journey from makeup artist and educator, to CEO. Suzie opens up about the ups and downs of building her brand, from recovering after a failed partnership to juggling work, family, and self-care.We chat about the self-care habits that boost confidence, especially for busy women—whether it’s putting on a bit of makeup, running marathons, or horse-riding with her kids. Suzie and I also discuss the role of diet and exercise in keeping a balanced, healthy life and the positive ripple effect it has on mental and physical well-being.Suzie gives us a peek behind the scenes of AYU’s growth, from online consultations to global expansion, all while staying customer-focused. She’s honest about the challenges of funding her business and competing in a tough market. Whether you’re into beauty or business, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, self-belief, and staying true to your vision.This episode is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN GLOW. Designed to promote radiant and healthy hair and skin, fabÜ SKIN GLOW is a unique blend of Reishi mushroom, amino acids, essential vitamins like Vitamin C, A and E, niacinamide, and zinc. Available on fabuwellness.com, and in pharmacies and health stores nationwide.Also, Viva La Vulva is back! Join me and my esteemed panel of guests in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on 1st March 2025, for an evening dedicated to women’s health. With honest conversations on topics like pelvic floor health, sexual wellness, peri and menopause, and HRT, the event will be fun, informative, and empowering. Each €75 ticket includes a goodie bag worth over €100, ensuring you leave feeling pampered. Buy your tickets at nch.ie so you don't miss out!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we’re joined by Albert Kehoe, a physiotherapist, who shares how movement can improve your health and well-being. With years of experience, Albert talks about helping people recover from injuries, manage pain, and stay mobile, while showing the long-term benefits of exercise.We chat about how modern life has changed our activity levels and what we can do to stay fit. Albert gives practical tips for starting a fitness journey,  highlighting the benefits of resistance training for building strength, muscle, and bone health, plus easy ways to add more movement to your day, like quick “exercise snacks” anyone can do.We also explore ideas from John J. Ratey's book Spark on how exercise can transform the brain and kids’ health, including a look at physical education in schools and how exercise habits start in childhood. Tune in for practical advice on making movement a part of everyday life—for all ages!This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care. Now available in Ireland exclusively at McCauley’s Pharmacies, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are a game changer for keeping smiles bright.Later this month, BURST are launching Teeth Whitening Breath Strips that dissolve on your teeth, whitening up to 2.5 shades and freshening your breath with an icy mint kick! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or visit their website here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Paddy Barrett, a top cardiologist, about how small changes to your daily routine—like exercise, diet, sleep, and managing stress—can help lower your risk of heart disease. He shares handy tips on slowing down plaque build-up, inspired by centenarians who live longer, healthier lives.We also clear up some common myths about cholesterol, statins, and heart health, and ask if midlife women should be thinking about taking HRT to protect their hearts. Plus, we talk about the importance of living true to yourself and taking charge of your well-being. Tune in to find out how a few small changes can make a big difference to your heart health!This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care. Now available in Ireland exclusively at McCauley’s Pharmacies, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are a game changer for keeping smiles bright.Later this month, BURST are launching Teeth Whitening Breath Strips that dissolve on your teeth, whitening up to 2.5 shades and freshening your breath with an icy mint kick! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or visit their website here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.