What if the future of women’s health isn’t just about replacing hormones — but understanding the bigger picture of how our bodies change with age?

In this episode, we sit down with Rowan Sanderson of The Hormone Balance Clinic to explore the increasingly complex world of women’s hormones, perimenopause, HRT and peptides.

We discuss why so many women can feel that something isn’t right even when their blood tests come back “normal,” what hormone testing can — and can’t — tell us, and why peptides have become such a fascinating and controversial part of the conversation around health, recovery and longevity.

Rowan shares his perspective on where the science is heading, what we should be questioning, and how women can make sense of the rapidly expanding world of hormone and peptide therapies without getting lost in the hype.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why perimenopause can be so difficult to identify and navigate
• What hormone tests actually tell us — and where their limitations lie
• HRT and the changing conversation around hormone health
• What peptides are and why they're attracting so much attention
• Where peptides may fit into the broader conversation around women’s health and longevity
• The difference between emerging science and marketing hype
• What women should be asking when considering hormone or peptide therapies

A fascinating conversation about hormones, peptides, ageing and the future of women’s health — and why the next chapter of healthcare may look very different from the one we know today.

In this special mother-and-daughter episode, Carol Smillie takes us behind the scenes of her incredible career in television, sharing stories from her years in the industry and her time on the much-loved Changing Rooms.

Alongside Carol, her daughter Christie Knight talks about her life in the Algarve, her passion for yoga and the retreats she hosts, offering an insight into how she has created a life centred around wellbeing, balance and connection.

A warm, honest and fascinating conversation spanning television, family, following your own path and finding a slower pace of life in the Algarve.

In this episode of Portugal Diaries, we sit down with Danny Vilela to explore his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and what life in Portugal has taught him. Danny is one of the visionaries behind The Yard in Vale do Lobo, one of the Algarve's newest lifestyle venues, the go to for The World Cup and he shares the story behind bringing the concept to life.

From building opportunities to navigating challenges, Danny offers honest insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and creating something that brings people together.

Whether you're dreaming of moving to Portugal, growing a business, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real life experiences.

🎙️ Topics we cover:
• The inspiration behind The Yard in Vale do Lobo
• Danny's journey to Portugal
• Building a business in the Algarve
• The realities of living in Portugal
• Lessons in mindset, resilience, and entrepreneurship
• Advice for anyone considering a move to Portugal

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people who love Portugal as much as we do.

Follow Portugal Diaries for more conversations with inspiring guests sharing their stories, experiences, and insider perspectives on life in Portugal.