Podcasts
Nitu Bajekal is a gynaecologist with over 40 years of experience in women’s health and is the author of Finding me in Menopause and co-author of Living PCOS free. She has created a website packed with free resources to empower women to take charge of their own health.
Link: https://nitubajekal.com/
Instagram: @drnitubajekal
Nitu and Joyce explore the key pillars of healthy ageing: nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, and social connection. Nitu emphasises the importance of strength training for bone and muscle health, plant-based nutrition focused on colour and protein, and the profound impact of sleep, stress management, and self-compassion.
She highlights how confidence built through physical activity, especially from a young age, supports both mental and physical resilience later in life.
Above all, she stresses that there are no quick fixes, but small, sustainable changes can have powerful effects. Her core message is clear: if you don’t make time for wellness, you will have to make time for illness.
And today we’re talking about:
How can you spot the signs of PCOS
Why PCOS costs billions in healthcare costs annually
Why are women from ethnic minorities at greater risk
We also discuss how 3 in 4 of those with PCOS remain undiagnosed, because of how complex a condition it is
We talk about Insulin Resistance
Oestrogen Dominance, and whether that’s a thing or not
The Oestrobolome
And how to avoid bloating when inching toward a more whole-food, plant-based diet
As you can tell, this episode is going to be packed with information, but you can also check out Nitu’s book, Living PCOS Free, which she co-authored with her daughter and nutritionist, Rohini Bajekal.
In this episode of The Finally Found Podcast, Sophie Richards speaks with Dr Nitu Bajekal – Consultant Gynaecologist, Women’s Health GP, Lifestyle Medicine Doctor and author with over 35 years’ experience in women’s health – about why so many women feel unheard when it comes to their health, and how things can change.
Dr Nitu unpacks conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and painful periods, while also exploring the role of lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, and self-advocacy in supporting women’s health. She offers practical insight into how women can navigate the system, access the care they need, and feel empowered with evidence-based tools that truly make a difference.
Today, I’m in conversation with renowned OBGYN and women’s health expert Dr. Nitu Bajekal as we tackle perimenopause, menopause, and how nutrition and lifestyle can empower women through this crucial phase of life. With over 40 years of experience in female health, Dr. Bajekal shares practical, evidence-based strategies that everyone should know!
Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, currently navigating it, or supporting a loved one through this important life stage, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to start conversations with your doctor about peri-menopause and menopause, to make informed decisions about HRT, and to decide which diet and lifestyle practices are right for you.
We also cover the roles of alcohol, exercise, and community, and take time to debunk the myths around soybeans and hormonal health.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nitu Bajekal, MD, to discuss women’s health—a health topic with insights that everyone can benefit from, regardless of gender.
Dr. Bajekal is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in London with nearly 40 years of experience in women’s health. Specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, Menopause, PCOS, Endometriosis, and complex gynaecological issues, she is also a skilled laparoscopic and robotic surgeon. A Fellow of the Royal College and recipient of the Indian President’s Gold Medal, Dr. Bajekal is one of the UK’s first board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physicians.
She has contributed to the UK’s first plant-based nutrition course at Winchester University and co-authored the chapter on women’s health for Plant Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2022). Dr. Bajekal has lectured globally and spoken at events such as Holistic Holiday at Sea. Passionate about educating women, she runs a voluntary service to promote healthier lifestyle choices among schoolgirls and women.
In this episode, Dr. Aimee welcomes Dr. Nitu Bajekal, a renowned Ob-Gyn and women’s health expert, to discuss her two insightful books, Living PCOS Free: How to Regain Your Hormonal Health with PCOS and Finding Me in Menopause. Dr. Bajekal shares her personal journey through menopause, debunks common myths, and emphasizes the power of medical knowledge for self-empowerment.
She also introduces six lifestyle pillars to optimize health: quality sleep, stress reduction, regular exercise, avoiding risky substances like alcohol and tobacco, building a supportive social network, and following a nutritious diet.
Dr. Bajekal addresses navigating perimenopause and early menopause, focusing on fertility concerns and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Nitu Bajekal, an incredibly experienced obstetrician and gynecologist with nearly 40 years in clinical practice. Known by many as “Dr. Magical Bajekal,” she brings invaluable insights into the world of menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, and complex vulval issues. We dive deep into the topics of perimenopause and menopause, discussing why recognizing these phases is so essential for women’s health.
In this episode of I AM HUMAN, we learn more about perimenopause and menopause from experienced OB/GYN Dr. Nitu Bajekal. She describes typical symptoms and timelines and what we can do with our diet and lifestyle habits and behaviors to reduce symptoms and support our health and longevity. We also discuss indications for HRT/MHT and who to seek help from. This is an excellent and information-packed episode for people that will be or are going through this transition.
On this episode we chat about:
- Perimenopause vs Menopause
- How perimenopause shows up in the body
- Dr Bajekal’s own experience with early menopause
- What we get wrong about menopause hormone therapy
- Brain health: is it perimenopause or your lifestyle?
- Why you probably don’t want to do a hormone test
- How the gut microbiome affects your hormone balance
- Why soy is so important for hormone health
- The question of weight gain in menopause
In this episode with Dr Nitu Bajekal, we explore the journey us women go through from the beginning of the cycle, all the way to menopause . Dr Bajekal shares her journey as well as tips to get to know how our bodies so that as we head to menopause we can thrive. Her new book, Finding me in Menopause will be out April 25th 2024!
Dr Nitu Bajekal, MD, is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in London, UK, with nearly 40 years of clinical experience in women’s health. Her special interests include Lifestyle Medicine, Menopause, PCOS, Endometriosis, period problems, complex vulval problems, and medical education. She is a keyhole surgeon with experience in laparoscopic procedures, including robotics. She is a Fellow of the Royal College and a recipient of the Indian President’s Gold medal. Dr Bajekal is one of the first board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physicians in the UK. She has written the women’s health module for the first UK plant-based nutrition course at Winchester University. She has co-authored the women’s health chapter for an academic book for health professionals (Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice, Sep 2022). She is a speaker at Holistic Holiday at Sea (HHAS), speaking on menopause, PCOS, and women’s health issues. Dr Bajekal is passionate about educating women, providing reliable medical and lifestyle information to the general public, doctors, workplaces, and schools. She runs a voluntary service set up to educate, energise, and empower schoolgirls and women to make lifestyle choices to improve their own and their families’ health. Dr Bajekal is the co-author of Living PCOS Free (Hammersmith Health Books, 31 Mar. 2022), a practical guide to managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with proven lifestyle approaches alongside western medicine. She has written this book with her daughter, Rohini Bajekal.
All about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - 21 March 2023
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most misunderstood – and overlooked – endocrine disorders affecting women and those assigned female at birth. For example, did you know that as high as 3 out of 4 women with PCOS will NEVER be diagnosed?
This episode is a deep dive into what PCOS is, the signs and symptoms to discuss with your physician as well as a look at evidence-based lifestyle medicine – sleep, movement and nutrition – that complement traditional care. More info on the episode here.
Breaking the Stigma: Women's Health and the Menopause - 6 March 2023
Dr Nitu Bajekal is back with a special episode for National Women’s Health Day!
Key takeaways:
- Menopause is a natural part of ageing for women, and it’s essential to recognise and manage its symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health conditions, making it vital to take care of overall health and well being.
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play a significant role in managing menopause symptoms and reducing health risks.
- Dr. Nitu emphasises the importance of self-care and self-compassion during menopause, as it can be a challenging time both physically and emotionally.
- The hosts and Dr. Nitu discuss common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding menopause and encourage open and honest conversations about women’s health.
Check out our Happy Menopause Course with Dr Nitu Bajekal: https://offers.thehappypear.ie/happy-menopause
The Brain Health Revolution Podcast -15 June 2022
In this episode, award-winning neurologists and researchers, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai interview Dr Nitu Bajekal MD.
They discuss hormonal health and its relationship to brain health, especifically how menopause and the changes in a women’s hormonal system during this stage affects brain health, and what are some of the preventive measures that need to be taken to prevent cognitive decline.
The Happy Pear Podcast -19 April 2022
In this episode, Dr Nitu was interviewed by Dave and Steve from the Happy Pear.
Period pains, PCOS, Endometriosis & Menopause symptoms – is there an answer?
The Proof with Simon Hill - PCOS - 14 March 2022
In this episode, Dr Nitu was interviewed by Simon Hill from The Proof Podcast.
In Episode #196, Dr Nitu Bajekal offers her wealth of knowledge on PCOS.
Hormonal health is an area that is often underdiagnosed, undertreated, and stigmatised. Dr Nitu Bajekal has dedicated her career to helping people manage their hormonal and reproductive health, and in Episode #196 she joins me to offer her wealth of knowledge on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Dr Bajekal, MD approaches her practice by fusing lifestyle treatment with modern medicine.
For the full show notes and credits for this episode, please visit https://theproof.com/how-to-regain-hormonal-health-with-pcos-with-dr-nitu-bajekal/
TeachStrong Talks Podcast - September 2021
Around ¾ of teachers are women, however advice and guidance around health and well-being amongst school staff often fails to address specific issues that women may be going through.
The aim of today’s podcast is to unpick the information around some of the most common topics affecting women today and then explore lifestyle approaches that Nitu has seen first hand work to help relieve or treat them.
Sam and Julia from TeachStrong chat to Nitu about the causes and symptoms of :
Painful periods
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Menopause
And the advice that she offers to manage these conditions.
This is a longer episode than normal but a real masterclass in women’s health. If one of the topics is of particular interest to you, then jump straight to it by clicking below:
Painful periods – 27:54
PCOS – 49:32
Menopause – 1:12:32
The Proof with Simon Hill - Endometriosis - August 2021
In Episode #155 Simon Hill sits down with Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Nitu Bajekal, MD to talk about endometriosis and the female reproductive system.
In this episode, we cover:
- Dr Bajekal’s personal story and education
- What Endometriosis is
- How prevalent Endometriosis is
- The oral contraceptive pill. Do the benefits outweigh the risks – what does the science show?
- Diet and endometriosis
- Soya and endometriosis
- Fertility and endometriosis
- Overall lifestyle and endometriosis and much more
For the full show notes and credits for this episode, please visit: https://theproof.com/endometriosis-and-reproductive-health-with-dr-nitu-bajekal/
The Ticho's Table Podcast - 21 October 2020
In this episode, I was interviewed by Jon from The Ticho’s Table Podcast.
We spoke about lifestyle medicine, how to achieve optimum health on a plant-based diet and listeners’ questions regarding ovarian cysts, type 2 diabetes and a plant-based diet.
For the full show notes and credits for this episode, please visit https://tichostable.com/podcast/dr-nitu-bajekal
WIDLIMS: Anti-diet Lifestyle Approaches to PCOS - 27 September 2020
In this episode, I spoke with the great Linda from lindadoes.com about…
- what PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is and how it manifests
- lifestyle approaches to managing PCOS symptoms
- AGEs, anti-inflammatory foods, benefits of a whole food plant-based dietary pattern
- the importance of sustainable, non-restrictive diets
- the role of soya in PCOS and women’s health in general
- why lifestyle medicine is so important to have in our toolkits
Find the show notes with references etc here: http://lindadoes.com/widlims13/
A Slice of Health: How a Plant-based Diet can Support Endometriosis - 1 August 2020
On this episode, we discuss information on endometriosis and how a plant based diet can support a healthy lifestyle and have significant impact on health outcomes.
Nutritank: nourish your mind - 31 May 2020
In this episode I was a guest of Ally from Nutritank, alongside Dr Tosin Sotubo and Dr Shireen Kassam.
We discussed how COVID-19 has highlighted many of the deep rooted inequalities in our society and health system, the effect of discrimination on mental wellbeing, representation in the NHS from chief executives to frontline staff and much more!
She Loves: The Truth About Women’s Health - 31 March 2020
In this episode I talk to Judy Nadel about COVID-19, how incredible the NHS is, empowering women with information around their health and so much more.
Please note: this episode was recorded remotely due to the UK lockdown.
Main Street Vegan Podcast - 22 January 2020
Vegan Lifestyle Podcast with Veronica Moran. We discussed how to bring women’s health into the new decade with plant-based nutrition and woman-to-woman wisdom.
My House of Fun Interview - 15 November 2019
Karin Ridgers presents two hours of music and great guests – with a vegan slant!