Leanne Ward Nutrition

• 149. Clarity, Confidence & Control Through Perimenopause & Menopause, with Dr Niamh Leonard

  Hot flushes might get all the headlines — but perimenopause and menopause are about so much more. From sudden weight changes and stubborn belly fat to creeping cholesterol, mood shifts, brain fog, and restless nights, this stage of life can feel confusing and overwhelming. To cut through the noise, I’m joined by Dr Niamh Leonard (@mymenopausedoctor), a Perth-based GP and member of the Australian Menopause Society who specialises in women’s health and hormones. Together, we unpack what’s really happening in your body during perimenopause and menopause — and how you can take back control of your health. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: The real definitions of perimenopause and menopause (and how early symptoms can start) Why weight, cholesterol, gut issues and brain fog change so dramatically in midlife How to know if symptoms are hormonal or something else The latest evidence on hormone therapy — including breast cancer risk myths, compounded hormones, and body-identical options Which blood tests and health checks matter most after 40 The crucial role of bone health, strength training, and nutrition for long-term vitality How to advocate for yourself if your symptoms are dismissed by doctors Whether you’re in the thick of it now or preparing for the years ahead, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical strategies to feel more in control. Dr Niamh also shares where you can connect with her for consultations and resources, including @mymenopausedoctor on Instagram. This episode is packed with evidence-based wisdom and compassionate advice — so you can navigate midlife with strength, resilience, and support. Thanks to Garmin for supporting today’s episode. Leanne uses the new Vivoactive 6 smartwatch to track her sleep, stress, energy, workouts and menstrual cycle — all from her wrist. With personalised insights like Body Battery™ and smart wake alarms, it’s a powerful way to tune into your body, not just your to-do list.

  --------  

  51:24

  --------

  51:24
• 148. The Alcohol Episode: How It Affects Your Health, Hormones, Habits & Social Life

  Ever wondered what alcohol is really doing to your body, your hormones, and your headspace? In this episode, Leanne is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Sally Hunt, a leading expert in women’s mental health and alcohol use. Together, they unpack why alcohol feels helpful in the moment—but quietly undermines sleep, mood, motivation, and long-term well-being. Whether you’re doing Dry July, rethinking your weeknight wine, or just curious about alcohol-free options, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical strategies to make choices you actually feel good about. We cover: How alcohol affects sleep, anxiety, hormones, and perimenopause symptoms Why women often drink to cope (not just to socialise) The truth about “moderate drinking” and why there’s no truly safe level How to handle social pressure without awkwardness Why just one or two drinks can impact recovery, energy and weight What to expect in your first 2–4 weeks alcohol-free The psychology of habit change—and how to make alcohol-free living feel empowering, not restrictive Plus, Leanne shares how she’s personally cutting back, and why Edenvale’s non-alcoholic wines have become her go-to for dinner parties, wind-down rituals, and weekend celebrations. 🍇 Episode Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Edenvale — Australia’s award-winning alcohol-removed wine range. Whether you’re doing Dry July or simply cutting back on alcohol, Edenvale lets you enjoy the taste, aroma and complexity of real wine — without the alcohol or next-day regret. Made from premium Australian grapes and crafted using a GoLo heat-pump powered unit, the first of its kind in the world, Edenvale’s range includes Sparkling Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more. With less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, fewer calories than regular wine, and a wide variety of styles, Edenvale helps you celebrate every moment — your way. Shop the full range or learn more at edenvale.com.au Instagram: @edenvalewines 🎧 Why You Should Listen Now 🔍 For first‑time listeners: Cut through alcohol marketing myths with evidence-based insight 🌱 For loyal fans: Deepen your toolkit with expert strategies on sleep, stress, perimenopause & habit change 🚀 For wellness seekers: Optimize hormone balance, mood resilience, mental clarity & long-term health Ready to press pause on alcohol and pivot to more energy, focus and hormone harmony? This episode is for you.

  --------  

  50:58

  --------

  50:58
• 147. Living with Crohn’s or Colitis: Real Talk, Nutrition Tips & What Most People Get Wrong

  Gut issues aren’t always IBS — and for those living with Crohn’s or Colitis, there’s so much more beneath the surface. In this episode, Leanne sits down with dietitian and Crohn’s warrior Eloise Turner for a practical, compassionate deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Together, they unpack: The key differences between Crohn’s, Colitis, and IBS The emotional toll of misdiagnosis and food fear What flares and remissions really feel like How nutrition, lifestyle and medication work together Emerging research around emulsifiers and fibre tolerance What every Aussie should know about the “Can’t Wait” card Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this episode will give you clarity, understanding and real-life tools to navigate gut health. Thanks to Garmin for supporting today’s episode. Leanne uses the new Vivoactive 6 smartwatch to track her sleep, stress, energy, workouts and menstrual cycle — all from her wrist. With personalised insights like Body Battery™ and smart wake alarms, it’s a powerful way to tune into your body, not just your to-do list. 🎧 Follow, subscribe or share this episode with someone who needs it. 👉 Find Eloise on Instagram @ibddietitianeloise for more gut-friendly tips and support.

  --------  

  40:08

  --------

  40:08
• 146. Balancing Hormones Naturally: Dr. Jolene Brighten on Women’s Health, Nutrition & Menopause

  In this empowering episode of The Leanne Ward Nutrition Podcast, Leanne sits down with Dr. Jolene Brighten—a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, clinical sexologist, and best-selling author of Beyond the Pill and Is This Normal—to delve into the intricate world of women’s hormonal health. Key Topics Discussed: The profound impact of diet and lifestyle choices on hormonal balance Top foods that support women’s hormonal health Effective strategies to reduce cortisol and manage stress Understanding heavy periods: underlying causes and solutions The truth about heavy metals in tampons and their health implications Navigating joint pain during menopause and the role of inflammation Why You Should Listen: Dr. Brighten combines her extensive knowledge in chemistry, nutrition science, and clinical nutrition to provide evidence-based insights that are both practical and transformative. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of menopause, seeking to understand your body’s signals, or aiming to optimize your hormonal health, this episode offers invaluable guidance. Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten: Website: drbrighten.com Instagram: @drjolenebrighten Books: Beyond the Pill | Is This Normal Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable content.

  --------  

  1:03:40

  --------

  1:03:40
• 145. Smart Nutrition & Training for Women: Fasted Workouts, Post-Exercise Recovery & More with Dr. Stacey Sims

  In today’s episode of Leanne Ward Nutrition, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Stacey Sims, a pioneer in female physiology and performance. A lot has happened since she first joined the podcast almost five years ago, and in this follow-up, we’re diving deep into the latest science on how women can train, fuel, and recover smarter—whether you’re in your prime, perimenopausal, or navigating post-baby life. We’ll cover: Fasted Training for Women: Why it may not be the best strategy for fat loss and how a small amount of protein can improve your workout. Pre-Exercise Nutrition: Why protein is key for everyone, not just those in perimenopause or menopause. Creatine: Why this powerhouse supplement should be a go-to for women of all ages and life stages. Post-Workout Recovery: The importance of getting nutrients within the ideal window for optimal results. Magnesium, Collagen & Adaptogens: Supplements that can help with everything from better sleep to joint health. Saunas and Cold Plunges: When to use heat for performance and metabolic benefits—and why they work differently for women. Dr. Stacey shares evidence-based insights that will empower you to train and recover like a pro, using science to optimize your body’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re a busy mum, a gym-goer, or working through hormonal changes, this episode is packed with actionable tips for feeling your best. Garmin Vivoactive 6 This episode is sponsored by Garmin and their new Vivoactive 6 smartwatch. Whether you’re tracking your steps, workouts, sleep, or stress levels, the Vivoactive 6 helps you stay in tune with your health goals. With advanced features like personalized sleep coaching, body battery, and menstrual cycle tracking, it’s your ultimate fitness companion—stylish, functional, and designed to keep you on top of your well-being. Discover more at garmin.com.au.

  --------  

  1:01:56

  --------

  1:01:56

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Leanne Ward Nutrition

Leanne Ward Nutrition: Podcasts in Family