The podcast helping women receive unbiased, evidence-based and holistic advice and treatment for their perimenopause and menopause
'Haemorrhoids is one of those embarrassing problems that a lot of people suffer from. There's a lot of taboos surrounding it, because people don't want to own up that they've got haemorrhoids. A lot of people listening or watching this probably have haemorrhoids, they're probably sitting on them right now. That video is not a sexy topic, but it got over 2 million views... that is a huge amount of people that I could see across 100 clinics, and still not get to that number.' In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Karan Rajan, a doctor, health educator, and host of the Dr Karan Explores podcast. With millions of followers across his social media platforms, Dr Karan showcases the power of social media to ‘de-taboo the taboo', tackling topics including menopause, women's health, and bowel issues. He stresses the harm caused by shame and silence, reminding us that ‘taboo should not be associated with any disease or condition'. A passionate advocate for accessible, jargon-free medical education, Dr Karan believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in understanding and managing their own health. Together, he and Dr Louise challenge persistent myths, like the notion that testosterone is a male-only hormone – exploring how such misconceptions reinforce outdated ideas that negatively impact patient care. They also address how misinformation, stigma and a one size fits approach to medicine creates barriers to care, particularly in women's health such as menopause and endometriosis. This episode explores the evolving role of medical educators, and is a call for more open, informed conversations – because great medicine should never settle for ‘good enough'. Watch on YouTube We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube CONNECT WITH DR KARAN Website: Dr Karan Rajan Instagram: Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Dr Karan Rajan | LinkedIn Spotify: Dr Karan Explores | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Karan - YouTube
In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Ferne McCann, TV personality, reality star, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the wellness app Shoorah. Ferne first rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex and has since appeared on shows like I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice. Ferne talks candidly about the hormonal changes she experienced during and after pregnancy, and how breathwork learned through hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and manage stress during childbirth. She also opens up about how pushing herself beyond her comfort zone - whether learning to skate for Dancing on Ice or taking part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, has strengthened her resilience and confidence. She reflects on the value of embracing challenges and aims to inspire curiosity and courage in her daughters while continuing to embrace these qualities herself. Their conversation then turns to perimenopause, with Louise explaining how fluctuating hormones after pregnancy can affect mood and wellbeing. The episode closes with Ferne sharing her three take-home tips, plans for an exciting new podcast, Every Cloud, and other upcoming projects. We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube here Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube CONNECT WITH FERNE MCCANN TikTok: Ferne McCann Instagram: Ferne McCann LinkedIn: Ferne McCann
Award-winning content creator, comedian, and author Fats Timbo joins Dr Louise Newson for a powerful conversation on self-worth, confidence, and hormones. Fats, who has achondroplasia, shares how she turned adversity into empowerment—from childhood challenges and societal bias to becoming a viral creator and published author of Main Character Energy. In this warm, funny, and honest discussion, Fats opens up about: Growing up with limited representation Navigating bullying, ignorance, and social media Building confidence and self-love on her own terms The episode also delves into hormonal health, as Fats describes how PMS (premenstrual syndrome) affects her mood, confidence, and relationships. Dr Louise Newson explains the science behind PMS and PMDD, highlighting how hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can impact our mental wellbeing. Together, they call for greater understanding and compassion, from affirmations and goal setting, to simply allowing yourself small acts of kindness. Fats' infectious positivity is a powerful reminder that confidence and mental wellbeing are not only essential but possible for everyone at every stage of life. This epsidoe is also available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/l_j9nTHEUro Follow Fats, on TikTok & Instagram Order Main Character Energy here We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty, known for her role on BBC Breakfast. Naga discusses her new book, It's Probably Nothing, where she explores how women's health concerns are often dismissed, left undiagnosed, or told their pain was normal'. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she examines the harmful impact of medical misogyny and stresses the urgent need for change in how women's health issues are treated. Naga reflects on the pressure she felt in sharing her personal experiences publicly, balancing her role as a journalist with the vulnerability of becoming the story. Yet by speaking out, she realised how many others had experienced similar struggles. Her diagnosis of adenomyosis took over three decades, a delay that mirrors the experiences of many women conditioned to minimise their symptoms. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of being dismissed in the healthcare system and the barriers that prevent women from advocating for themselves. Both Naga and Louise emphasise the importance of genuine listening and collaboration in medical care, calling for greater support systems, second opinions, and the vital role of self-advocacy. They also highlight the need for better care for marginalised communities, particularly in regions where the word “menopause” doesn't even exist and women struggle to receive the support they need. This episode is a powerful call for more compassionate, inclusive, and informed healthcare for women everywhere. This episode serves as a powerful call for better treatment, increased awareness, and stronger support systems for women in healthcare. Available to watch on YouTube To find out more about Naga, follow her on X here & Instagram here. Check out Naga's book, It's Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women's Health Crisis (and How to Thrive Despite it) here We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her good friend Dr Rupy Aujla, a medical doctor, nutritionist, and founder of The Doctor's Kitchen for a deep dive into his new book, Healthy High Protein. Together, they explore how our relationship with food evolves over time, and why protein and fibre play a far more essential role in our health than many of us realise. Dr Rupy shares how inflammation acts like your body's ‘internal campfire', providing warmth and protection when in balance, but becoming harmful if it burns too intensely. Whilst working as a newly qualified junior doctor, Dr Rupy faced a life-changing health scare when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that prompted him to reassess his lifestyle and approach to nutrition. Although diet is not a standalone treatment, the conversation between the experts emphasises the meaningful role diet can play in supporting overall health and restoring balance. Additionally, Dr Rupy shares practical tips on becoming a “good guesstimator” of your protein needs at each meal, along with three simple questions to ask yourself daily to support overall wellbeing. Available to watch on YouTube To learn more about Dr Rupy, visit his Instagram: here and check out The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast, here and to listen to his previous conversation with Dr Louise in 2022, click here. His Doctor's Kitchen app has lots of science backed recipes, all designed with the latest research in nutrition, and you can even choose specific health goals to focus on, such as to supporting gut health, brain health and lower inflammation. Dr Rupy has kindly offered all of my listeners £5 off if you follow this link: https://tdk.link/louise* We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube CONNECT WITH DR RUPY Website: The Doctor's Kitchen Instagram: Dr Rupy Aujla (@doctors_kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Dr Rupy Aujla | LinkedIn Spotify: The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: The Doctor's Kitchen - Youtube *This is an affiliate link, which means I'll earn a small commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you. This is an app I genuinely love and use!
"I remember saying to you, do people actually go to work like this? Do they just carry on with normal life? Surely you take two days off and just lie in bed. I just couldn't comprehend that this was normal, and that women are expected to just live like this." This week, Dr. Louise Newson is joined by her daughter, Sophie Anderson, a student at King's College London, for an honest and insightful conversation about contraception, hormones, and the significant gaps in sex education. Sophie shares both her own experiences and those of her peers, highlighting how many young women use birth control not just to prevent pregnancy but also to manage symptoms of PMS, heavy periods, and acne. Dr Newson discusses the lack of education around the differences between natural and synthetic hormones, explaining how this knowledge gap leaves many young people feeling frustrated and unsupported. Together, they examine how PMS is so widely normalised that many young women come to expect low moods, fatigue, and pain as simply part of life. This candid mother-daughter conversation calls for a more personalised and informed approach to hormonal health. If sex education only teaches how to avoid pregnancy but fails to explain how hormones actually work, are we truly preparing young people to make informed choices? Available to watch on YouTube We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating on your podcast platform. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries. LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause course here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar for healthcare professionals here Check out the new edition of Dr Louise Newson's Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause
In this episode, Dr Louise is joined by renowned American OB-GYN, integrative medicine specialist and globally renowned women's health expert, Dr Felice Gersh. Together Louise and Felice delve into the science of hormones, how menopause care differs between the US and UK, and the harmful past of women's medicine – from the vaginal mesh scandal to the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study which continues to impact access to HRT for women globally. Louise also speaks to Felice about the impact of weight loss drugs like Ozempic on women experiencing hormonal changes, and the impact of oestradiol on weight management. With decades of experience, Felice is Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group Irvine, which provides integrative services to support female longevity and complex disease management. Having witnessed the changes to women's health over the years, she speaks candidly about her own concerns about the use of vaginal mesh, before its true harms came to light many years later. Felice and Louise also shed light on the infamous WHI study, which dramatically cut the number of women using HRT across the world. To learn more about Felice, visit her Instagram here. Available on watch on YouTube We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating on your podcast platform. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries. LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause course here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar for healthcare professionals here Check out the new edition of Dr Louise Newson's Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause
On this week's episode, Charlotte Craig, a hugely successful content creator with nearly one million followers on TikTok joins Dr Louise Newson in the studio to share her journey to recovery from a traumatic injury – the highs, the lows, and the profound shift in perspective that followed. The pair also touch on the importance of understanding your hormone health at any stage. In 2022, Charlotte, then a secondary school teacher, saw her life take an unexpected turn. What was meant to be a fun day of paddleboarding ended in a devastating leg injury. Forced to leave teaching behind, she found a new path in content creation, using social media to document her experiences and inspire others to embrace their authentic selves. Now 27, Charlotte has also become more mindful of what she puts into her body, including her choices around contraception. She admits that when she first got the contraceptive implant, she didn't fully understand how it worked – an experience many young women can relate to. The conversation delves into contraception, with a focus on the need for better education around the hormones, and the differences between synthetic and natural hormones. This honest and empowering discussion highlights the importance of asking questions, making informed choices, and owning your decisions with confidence. As Charlotte puts it: ‘My outlook has always been, who cares? Whether it's not wearing makeup, staying in pyjamas all day, or not shaving your legs, just do what feels right for you.' To learn more about Charlotte, visit her Instagram here and TikTok here Watch the episode on YouTube Episode transcript We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass Here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Class Here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar Here DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Donna Francis, an award-winning Beauty Editor with over 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked with magazines such as InStyle, Company, and Cosmo/Fabulous. Now Beauty Editor At Large at Hello! Magazine, Donna shares her personal experience with perimenopause, opening up about the profound impact it had on her life. She discusses the pressures around alcohol in midlife, how exercise became her mental health saviour, and how addressing her wellbeing helped her regain a sense of self during this challenging time. Now over six months sober, Donna is passionate about supporting women facing similar struggles and is on a mission to rebrand menopause as meno-power! To learn more about Donna, visit her Instagram: here and check out her podcast, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, here. We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk if you have any suggestions for new guests! LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson Podcast - YouTube LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass Here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Class Here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar Here DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
Content advisory: This episode contains themes that some listeners may find distressing. Kicking off a brand-new series, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Gina Miller, founder of MoneyShe, co-founder of SCM Direct, who famously took the government to court over Brexit, for a powerful conversation about standing up for yourself, supporting others, and the financial struggles faced by menopausal women. Gina shares what fuels her determination, the values instilled in her from childhood, and her experiences challenging injustice – whether in politics, finance, or education. She speaks candidly about the backlash she has faced, the importance of resilience, and why she refuses to stay silent in the face of inequality. Together, Louise and Gina explore why women are often judged more harshly than men, how curiosity and questioning the status quo are essential for progress, and why empowering women is crucial for a fairer society. This inspiring discussion highlights the need for systemic change and the importance of speaking out—even when it's difficult. To learn more about the research and insights on closing the gender investment and pension gap discussed in this episode, visit: MoneyShe.com Available to watch on YouTube
A very exciting preview of what's to come in the new series of The Dr Louise Newson Podcast.
Advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide and topics which listeners may find upsetting. In this week's podcast Dr Louise Newson is joined by Lisa, who shares her deeply personal and challenging journey through perimenopause, mental health struggles, and the impact of her experiences on her family. Lisa discusses the devastating effects of her mental health decline, which led to a crisis point and ultimately a prison sentence for attempted murder. She also reflects on her time in prison, the realisations she had about her health, and the transformative impact of HRT on her recovery. The conversation also delves into the impact of hormonal changes on women's mental health and the often-overlooked connection between hormonal imbalances and criminal behaviour. Dr Louise and Lisa also discuss the importance of education around hormonal health, especially during perimenopause and menopause, to prevent tragic outcomes such as suicide and criminal behaviour. Click here to find out more about Newson Health. Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Cassandra Szoeke, academic professor, general physician, consultant neurologist and multi-award-winning clinical researcher and author. As principal investigator of the Women's Healthy Ageing Project, the longest study of women's health in Australia, she authored the book Secrets of Women's Healthy Ageing and has several hundred published articles in academic journals. This week's episode explores the topic of healthy ageing, including the connection between inflammation and chronic diseases, the importance of physical activity, mental health, and the role of nutrition and gut health in inflammation. Dr Newson and Professor Szoeke also emphasise the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and the importance of prevention. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
Content advisory: this episode discusses themes of suicide and sexual assault. In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Christiane Gurner, who shares her story of endometriosis and PMDD, highlighting the challenges many women face in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. Christiane also shares her experiences of IVF and menopause at the age of 42. The conversation also covers the importance of listening to patients, individualising care and access to the right treatment, as well as the impact of hormone-related conditions on mental health. Christiane has written about her IVF experiences in the Sydney Morning Herald here (subscription required) and here, and menopause at 42 here. She can be contacted via email at christianewrites@outlook.com. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
In this week's episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Professor Mike Kirby, president of the British Society for Sexual Medicine and author of more than 450 clinical papers and 32 books. He was previously director of the Hertfordshire Primary Care Research Network, visiting professor to the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, and was attending physician to the Prostate Centre, London, where he dealt with complex medical problems until 2020. Dr Newson and Professor Kirby discuss the importance of hormone health for both men and women, including testosterone. They also explore the benefits of phosphodiesterase inhibitors – which include Viagra – in treating not only erectile dysfunction, but their potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, urinary symptoms, dementia, and even cancer. Professor Kirby is one of the speakers at the upcoming Newson Conference: The Hormone Blueprint, which will be held in London on 21 March. An event for healthcare professionals, the conference will delve into the far-reaching impact of hormones on the body. For more information and to book your place, click here. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
Content advisory: this episode includes themes of mental health and suicide In this week's podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Rachel Jones to delve into the critical role hormones, particularly progesterone, play in women's mental health. They discuss the importance of understanding hormonal changes throughout a woman's life, the differences between natural and synthetic hormones, and the need for individualised treatment plans. The conversation emphasises the significance of balancing hormones and considering lifestyle factors that impact mental health. Dr Louise and Dr Rachel share insights on how natural progesterone can help with mental health symptoms, including mood and anxiety, and encourage women not to give up on finding the right hormonal balance for them. Click here to find out more about Newson Health. Find out more about Dr Rachel on Instagram @the_hormone_clinic Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Content advisory: this episode includes themes of mental health and suicide In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Rachel Birch, a doctor who shares her personal journey of menopause, mental health and alcohol addiction. Rachel discusses the lack of training on menopause in medical education, her experiences with anxiety and depression, how she found herself using alcohol as a coping mechanism and how she is navigating her recovery. Rachel emphasises the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and self-love in recovery. The conversation also highlights the need for better awareness and understanding of menopause and its impact on mental health. Rachel also shares the following advice if you find yourself struggling with addiction: Listen to your body and trust your instinct Be your own advocate – you know your body best Prevention is better than cure: be alert to drinking habits Don't suffer alone, reach out for help. Click here to find out more about Newson Health Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Joining Dr Louise Newson on this week's podcast is Suzie Aries, who shares her story of menopause following treatment for a rare and aggressive ovarian cancer in her 20s. Suzie talks about her cancer diagnosis and treatment, including raising £250,000 to fund treatment not available on the NHS. She also shares the realities of menopause at a young age, how HRT has helped her menopause symptoms, and why she takes HRT for her future health. Finally, Suzie offers advice for women on how to advocate for themselves during healthcare consultations, and why being knowledgeable, confident and curious is key. You can follow Suzie on Instagram @suzieclair11 and find out more about her story via her Facebook page Suzie Aries: kicking cancer's butt.
Joining Dr Louise Newson on this week's podcast are Jane Hajduk and Shari Dolan, the real-life friends behind Thee Third Act, a YouTube comedy series about women's third act: menopause. Thee Third Act follows Jane and Shari's characters, Josephine and Lauren, in their search for answers during menopause. From life coaches to hormone replacement therapy, they strive to conquer or at least ease hot flushes, sleepless nights, and astronomical mood swings. Jane and Shari discuss their own menopause experiences, their off-screen friendship, and why sisterhood, laughter and honesty are key when navigating menopause. Catch with Thee Third Act on YouTube here – the second season premieres on 27 January Click here to find out more about Newson Health
In this week's episode of the podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Paula, a 76-year-old woman who reached out to share her experience of being on HRT for over 30 years. Paula explains how she was prescribed HRT after a hysterectomy when she was 44, following a complicated gynaecological history, which included an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis. She had been taking HRT for a decade when the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study was released. Paula explains how she researched the study, then weighed up her personal risk and benefits in discussion with her doctor and made the decision to carry on taking HRT. Paula was happy to stay on HRT and credits it with helping her to feel better in her 70s than she did in her 30s. Click here to find out more about Newson Health
Joining Dr Louise on this week's podcast is Matt Roberts, one of Britain's foremost fitness experts and personal training pioneer. Matt opened Europe's first exclusively personal training gym in 1996, is a bestselling author and is responsible for honing some of the most famous physiques in fashion, sport, film, music and politics. In this episode, Matt and Dr Louise discuss the importance of strength training, cardio and mobility exercise for health span, as well as some of the key barriers to exercise during perimenopause and menopause – and how to overcome them. Finally, Matt offers advice on getting into good habits during menopause, whether you are already active or haven't exercised for a while. Find out more about Matt at www.mattroberts.co.uk and follow him on Instagram @mattroberts_lifestyle Click here for more about Newson Health.
On this week's podcast Dr Louise Newson is joined by her friend Liz Earle MBE, writer, TV presenter, award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author of A Better Second Half: Dial Back Your Age to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life. Liz is synonymous with wellbeing, and as we head into 2025, she talks about why most New Year's resolutions fail because they are unachievable. Instead, Dr Louise and Liz together offer practical tips on making some small but meaningful changes to improve health and wellbeing in midlife and beyond, including nutrition, exercise, mental health and hormones. They also talk about the importance of prioritising yourself – and why self-care is anything but selfish. For more about Liz, visit www.lizearlewellbeing.com You can follow Liz on Instagram @lizearleme Click here for more about Newson Health.
Joining Dr Louise Newson on the podcast this week is A&E consultant Professor Rob Galloway, who talks about his career to date and pressures facing the health service. He also shares the nutrition and exercise changes he's made in his own life that have improved his physical and mental health, as well as his top tips on living healthier for longer. You can follow Professor Galloway on X @DrRobgalloway Click here for more about Newson Health.
On this week's episode, Dr Sumi Rampling, a GP and Menopause Specialist who works alongside Dr Louise at Newson Health, shares her personal story of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Diagnosed in early adulthood, Dr Sumi talks openly about the challenges of her ADHD diagnosis, as well as the impact that hormone changes, including perimenopause, can have on women with ADHD. She talks about the determination her condition has given her, and also offers advice for women navigating hormone changes and ADHD. Download balance's ADHD and menopause booklet here. Click here for more about Newson Health.
In a departure from our usual format, as we reach the end of 2024, Dr Louise looks back on her highlights of this year, including her recent theatre tour, her education work and the work of the Newson Health research team. She looks at some of the key developments for menopause in 2024, and busts some myths around hormones and hormone replacement therapy. Plus, she'll be looking forward to 2025, and sharing details of some exciting work for the year ahead. For more information on Newson Health, click here.
Joining Dr Louise this week is Louise Mulley, who shares her experience of anxiety and menopause. Louise shares the importance of speaking openly about menopause and mental health, and how a conversation with a close friend helped her recognise her symptoms and find the right support and treatment. She also shares her top three tips on helping friends or loved ones who may be struggling with their mental health during perimenopause and menopause: Help your friend unburden: ask them ‘would you like to talk to me about it?'. Make it clear they can talk to you with no judgement and in confidence. Share your own menopause story to encourage your friend to open up about what they may be going through. Keep an open mind: if you're a woman of menopausal age and experiencing mood changes, consider that it might be your hormones. For more information on Newson Health, click here.
On this week's podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Rebecca Walker, a GP who specialises in headache medicine and migraines. In this episode, Dr Rebecca and Dr Louise (who suffers from migraines herself) get back to basics, looking at what migraines are, why they can occur and management approaches, from lifestyle measures to medication. They also talk about how hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause can impact the frequency and severity of migraines, and bust some myths around taking HRT if you have a history of migraines. Follow Dr Rebecca on Instagram @dr_rebeccawalker. For more information on migraines, visit the National Migraine Centre here, and you can find resources about migraine and menopause on the balance website here. You can also listen to an earlier episode of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast with Dr Katy Munro, author of Managing Your Migraine, by clicking here or searching for episode 115 on your favourite streaming app. For more information on Newson Health, click here.
Joining Dr Louise Newson on the podcast this week is Jen Moore, a campaigner dedicated to raising awareness of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Jen started experiencing endometriosis symptoms at the age of 11, but it took her 22 years to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. By this stage organ failure was a risk and she required multiple surgeries, including a hysterectomy. She has since become committed to helping other women – from speaking out to creating research projects. Here, she shares three things she believes women with endometriosis can do to make a difference to their future health: Find a specialist – someone you can ask as many questions as you want, because if they are genuinely a specialist, they will not be afraid of answering questions. Don't feel like you have to do it alone. You have your medical team, but you also need a team outside of the hospital. It doesn't matter who it is, even if it's somebody online, just reach out. There are so many of us who are just happy to help even if it's just to talk. Keep going. When you get your diagnosis, you can think awesome, everything's going to change. But then you realise, that's just the start of it – you've got this wait list to get treatment and it can be a long slog. It's exhausting, but it's important that we do. You can follow Jen on Instagram at @jen.dometriosis and find out more at www.jenmoore.co.uk For more information on Newson Health, click here.
This week, Dr Louise is joined by Nicola McFarlane, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2023. Nicola shares the story of her MND diagnosis, as well as the barriers she faced in accessing treatment for perimenopause symptoms – including low mood, anxiety and recurrent UTIs – to improve her quality of life. Nicola talks about how health professionals often put her perimenopause symptoms (which pre-dated her MND diagnosis) down to her MND, and why she is sharing her own experiences to help other women living with MND and facing hormonal changes. For more information on Newson Health, click here.
On this week's episode Dr Louise is joined by Dr Marty Makary, Johns Hopkins professor, member of the National Academy of Medicine and bestselling author. Together they discuss the impact of the Women's Health Initiative study on women's hormone health, menopause education for healthcare professionals and the importance of patient-centred care that focuses on root causes, rather than just symptoms. Dr Marty talks about his new book Blind Spots, and the importance of asking big questions in medicine. You can follow Dr Marty on Instagram @martymakary, and TikTok @marty.makary For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
Joining Dr Louise this week are Dr Tash Mirando and Dr June Tan Sheren, who are GPs based at Osler Health International in Singapore. Dr Tash and Dr June explain the pillars of lifestyle medicine, including sleep, nutrition and exercise, and talk about longevity and the importance of taking a holistic approach to menopause care. They also discuss menopause care in Singapore, bust myths on how menopause can affect women of different ethnicities and highlight the importance of knowledge and empowerment in making informed decisions about your health. You can find out more about Osler Health International on Instagram @oslerhealth.sg and Facebook at oslerhealthsingapore. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and this risk increases after the menopause, and a woman's risk of heart attack is around five times higher after the menopause than before*. Joining Louise on this week's podcast is Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon based in the US, to discuss heart health, hormones and menopause. They discuss the role of oestrogen in reducing inflammation in the body, why women typically present with different heart attack symptoms compared to men – and the signs to look out for – and the crucial role of nutrition and exercise in maintaining good heart health. Finally, Dr London shares his top three tips on what women (and men!) can do to help their future cardiac health: Don't smoke: it is the single worst thing you can do for your health in general. From a cardiac standpoint, from a blood vessel standpoint, for the risk of lung cancer. Nutrition: avoid processed foods and eat real, whole foods. Exercise and recovery: look to incorporate resistance training and some aerobic training, and don't forget about recovery and prioritising sleep. *El Khoudary, S.R. et al. (2020), Boardman, H. et al. (2015). Follow Dr London on Instagram @drjeremylondon For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
In a special episode to mark World Menopause Month, and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Rebecca Lewis, co-founder of Newson Health. Together they cover some of the most frequently asked questions about perimenopause, menopause and HRT, including: When should I expect symptoms to improve after starting HRT? How long can I take HRT for? Plus advice on taking a holistic approach to menopause, tracking your symptoms, and talking to your healthcare professional. Dr Rebecca also suggests three things women and healthcare professionals should consider about hormones: Know there is a difference between older synthetic hormones and body identical, natural hormones Be aware of the health benefits of HRT The importance of shared decision making and patient-centred care. You can download the balance app here, and the Easy HRT prescribing guide mentioned in the episode here. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
Joining Dr Louise on this week's episode is Victoria Faulkner, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes in childhood. Victoria talks about day to day life managing menopause and diabetes, as well as her experiences of a surgical menopause due to treatment for endometriosis. Finally she shares the three things she thinks women with type one diabetes should know about hormonal health, and what has helped her personally: Familiarise yourself with the NICE guidelines on diabetes and see what you can access to monitor your diabetes Use a body map to track your symptoms ahead of any appointments you have to help discussions on any symptoms you might be experiencing Ask your healthcare professional for a continuous glucose monitor to help monitor your blood sugars and spot any patterns, and if possible, push for a sensor augmented pump system to monitor any highs or lows. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, takes place 27 September to 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide Joining Dr Louise on the podcast this week is Linda Gask, retired psychiatrist and author of new book Out of Her Mind: How We Are Failing Women's Mental Health and What Must Change. In her book, Linda draws on the lived experiences of women, alongside expert commentators, recent history, current events, and her own personal and professional experience to look at women's mental healthcare today. Dr Louise and Linda discuss the challenges women face in accessing mental health treatment, the importance of understanding the impact of hormones on women's mental health, and the need for women to be listened to. Find out more about Linda's book here. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here. Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
On this week's podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Mohit Khera, a US-based leading urology specialist treating urinary tract disorders, male infertility, and male and female sexual dysfunction. They discuss the role of testosterone, the most biologically active hormone in the female body, why he believes testosterone is the best barometer of health of all hormones, and testosterone replacement. For more information about Dr Mohit, click here, and you can follow him on Instagram @ drmohitkhera. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, takes place 27 September to 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
Joining Dr Louise on this week's podcast are US-based Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps, authors of new book The Great Menopause Myth: The Truth on Mastering Midlife Hormonal Mayhem, Beating Uncomfortable Symptoms, and Aging to Thrive. Kristin and Maria share their own menopause stories, why they wanted to write a book to help others and why menopause can be the best time of your life. The pair also share the four things, besides hormones, that can help women during this time: Education Exercise Nourishing your body with the right foods Managing stress For more information on The Great Menopause Myth, which will be released in the UK on 26 September, click here. For more information on Newson Health, click here. Dr Louise Newson's first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, takes place 27 September to 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.
This week's episode is all about Dr Louise Newson Menopause Masterclass, a brand new video-led, one-stop guide to perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, Dr Louise chats to Kate Muir, journalist, author, documentary maker and menopause activist, who worked with Dr Louise on developing Menopause Masterclass. Together they discuss the inspiration behind Menopause Masterclass, topics covered, featured experts and why it's a must watch for everyone, whether you are menopausal, keen to be prepared for the future or simply want to know more to support loved ones. To find out more and to sign up to the Menopause Masterclass, click here. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
Joining Dr Louise on this week's podcast is Melanie Verwoerd, political analyst, former member of parliament for the South African ANC party under Nelson Mandela, and former South African ambassador to Ireland. In this episode, Melanie shares her experience of radical hysterectomy, and her shock at just how little information is available to women before their operation. She tells Dr Louise how she is on a mission to close the information gap by chronicling her experiences in a book, Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy, followed by a podcast series of the same name. Dr Louise also shares her own experience of a having a hysterectomy, and together with Melanie offers advice to women who are preparing for surgery on what to expect. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
In this week's episode Dr Louise is joined by one of her patients, Lesley Henry, a nurse who lives in Northern Ireland. Lesley shares her experience of menopause, which started before she received a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Her treatment for cancer led to a surgical menopause, which she found debilitating. Lesley explains she feared her brain fog and fatigue would prevent her from returning to work and from caring for her mother. A firm believer in the importance of quality of life, Lesley decided to resume taking HRT. She hopes to help other women who are going through similar experiences and shares the things that have given her the strength to make decision about her treatment and her life: I have a faith. Not everybody will have the same faith as I have, and that's fine, but I think having a faith helps. Be proactive and find support groups. Through Action Cancer I learnt about scar therapy, which has helped, plus I completed a positive living programme to learn how to re-energise and rebuild my life. Be prepared to say goodbye to the old you. She's not coming back and in a way, she needs to go. Trust in yourself and listen to your heart. You are worthwhile and your life matters. Click here to find out more about Newson Health
Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the UK workforce, yet a 2022 survey by the Fawcett Society found one in ten women leave work due to their menopause symptoms. This week, Dr Louise is joined by Oonagh Ferson, who researched the experiences of perimenopausal and menopausal women in the workplace as part of her MSc in HR management at Queens University Belfast. Oonagh shares her research findings and some of the stories of women she interviewed, and with Dr Louise discusses the impact of perimenopause, menopause and other conditions such as PMS and PMDD in the workplace. Oonagh offers advice on how women can thrive at work, including the three things she believes would make the biggest difference to women in the workplace: A bottom up approach, where employers sit down with women and ask them: what would help you? What can we do? Even though it may be difficult at times, advocate for yourself: be open with your employer to secure the support or adjustments you need Having open discussions, using clear language and avoiding terms like ‘the change', can help dispel the stigma around menopause There is a chapter dedicated to menopause and the workplace in Dr Louise's bestselling book, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause. Order your copy by clicking here. Click here for more about Newson Health.
This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is once again joined by her friend, retired consultant urologist Steve Payne. Together they look at the similarities and differences in women and men's experiences of menopause and andropause, and the effect of low testosterone levels, including loss of libido and lust for life, lethargy, mood changes, depression and muscular weakness. They address the issues surrounding testosterone replacement and Steve questions if medical professionals can learn from the treatment of men with prostrate cancer with testosterone supplementations when treating women with breast cancer with hormones. Steve has written a factsheet about making informed decisions during cancer care. You can also read more about his and his wife Jan's experience, plus practical advice, here, and listen to the podcast Making decisions about cancer treatment and the importance of quality of life with Steve Payne. Click here for more about Newson Health.
This week, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Claudia DeGiovanni, a consultant dermatologist with a keen interest in the menopause. Dr Claudia has published a four-part review on the effect of menopause on skin and hair and has carried out research into the effect of menopausal skin issues on quality of life. Here she talks about the prevalence of skin issues in menopause and their causes, the significance of oestrogen and what to look out for in products and what to avoid. Finally, she shares three tips for menopausal skin: If you have got significant skin problems, if it's affecting your quality of life, seek help, see your GP, see a dermatologist, get a diagnosis and find some accurate treatments because we will take you seriously. Look at your skincare routine and be aware of how your skin is changing. It's likely to become more sensitive so avoid harsh exfoliants or anything that strips the skin of moisture, and include a good quality SPF into your regime. When choosing products it's more important to look at the ingredients list, and choose quality ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, than buying those labelled for menopause. You can follow Dr Claudia on Instagram @dr.degiovanni_dermatology and read her paper on menopause and skin disorders here. There is a chapter dedicated to skin and hair in menopause in Dr Louise's bestselling book, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause. Order your copy by clicking here. Click here for more about Newson Health.
This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Ceri Cashell, a GP in Australia who specialises in female hormonal health. After completing Newson Health's Confidence in Menopause course, Dr Ceri became passionate about educating both patients and fellow healthcare professionals about the importance of hormones, and busting myths around HRT. Here she talks about the advantages of longer consultations with patients and shares the things she thinks it's important for healthcare professionals to know so they can improve their care of perimenopausal and menopausal women: Understand that menopause can affect women of a wide range of ages, and to consider perimenopause when you are presented with multiple-system symptom clusters. Simplify your HRT regime. Use body identical hormones, oestradiol patches, gels or sprays, micronised progesterone and consider testosterone. Understand that women don't all absorb medication through the skin the same so you may need to tweak the doses. Know that not all oestrogens and progestogens are the same. The oestrogen in body identical HRT on its own has been shown to reduce the lifetime risk of breast cancer, while the body identical progesterone is not associated with any increased risk of breast cancer in the best data. Testosterone is licensed for loss of libido, but in clinical practice does seem to really help other symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and can really be a gamechanger. If you do prescribe more HRT, you'll see the most transformational medicine that you've probably ever encountered. You can follow Dr Ceri on Instagram @drcericashell Find out more about the Confidence in Menopause course here and the balance app symptom checker mentioned on the podcast here Click here to find out more about Newson Health
This week Dr Louise is joined by sprinter Desirèe Henry who is representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics this year. Desirèe is no stranger to the Olympics – she was one of seven young athletes who lit the Olympic caldron at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Games, plus she took home a bronze medal in the 4 X 100m relay at the 2016 Rio Games. And she'll be heading to Paris on a high after being part of Team GB's gold medal-winning women's 4x100m relay team at the European Athletics Championships in Rome in June. Desirèe talks about the challenges of competing throughout the menstrual cycle and coping with heavy periods, plus the importance of talking openly about these issues, maintaining a healthy weight and body positivity. Finally, Desirèe shares three tips to help you lead a happier and healthier life: Set one goal every day. It doesn't have to be anything big, it could be drinking water or having a piece of fruit every day, but it's something that will add up over the week and benefit your lifestyle in a positive way. Try to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. It could be watching a YouTube yoga video or anything that just allows your body to move, that increases blood flow around the body and helps you get in some extra stretching. Check in on other people more often. Just find out how they are and show them that somebody cares – you'll be appreciated. You can follow Desirèe on Instagram @desiree_lh Click here to find out more about Newson Health
This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Manisha Morgan, whose own experience of menopause led her to train as a nutritionist. Manisha offers support to women who are fed up with yo-yo dieting to build a positive relationship with food, lose weight, and lead a healthy lifestyle. She helps women learn mindset techniques to help improve self-confidence and implement habits that can lead to long-term success. Manisha talks about the importance of acknowledging cultural attitudes and approaches to food, and how genetic doesn't necessarily dictate your future health. Finally, Manisha shares three achievable goals: Manage your expectations, start small and then gradually build up. So for example, if you don't go for a walk, start going for a 20-minute walk and then maybe gradually increase that over a period of time. Start to include protein in every single meal that you're having, breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you're having three different meals, there are lots of different things that you can have. If you have a 'bad' day, don't let that throw you off. Just pick yourself up the next day and continue with whatever new habits you're establishing. You can follow Manisha on Instagram @manisha_your_nutritionist Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Osama Naji, a Consultant Gynaecologist who is an expert in advanced gynaecological scanning at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. In this episode Osama shares his vast knowledge on fibroids – common, benign growths that usually develop during a woman's reproductive years when oestrogen levels are at their highest. He explains the impact menopause can have on fibroids, treatment options and the possibility of HRT. Finally, Osama advises on things to consider if you've recently been diagnosed with fibroids: Find out all the facts about your fibroid - number, location and size – as knowledge is power. You can usually get this from an ultrasound scan. Use that knowledge to get professional guidance about managing your fibroids. HRT is safe. The benefits of it usually outweigh the risks. The only thing to consider is if the fibroid is causing problems before starting HRT but even in this scenario, HRT may worth trying. If you experience rapid growth in the fibroids or accelerated symptoms seek help to determine the right treatment. Find out more about Osama here and read his feature on balance on fibroids and the menopause here. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Corinne Menn, a New York-based, board-certified OB-GYN and North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner, with more than 20 years of experience caring for women. When she was 28, Corinne was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her BRCA2+ diagnosis, she underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy then navigated pregnancy and menopause plus longer term survivorship issues. Corinne received support from the Young Survival Coalition, an organisation that advocates for women under 40 with breast cancer, and worked with her oncologists to manage her pregnancy, menopause and treatment options. She feels passionately that women who have or have had breast cancer receive individualised care and treatment for their cancer and menopause symptoms, and shares three tips to help with quality of life: Do not minimise your menopausal symptoms, your hot flushes, your night sweats, sleep etc. So whether you use hormonal therapy or non-hormonal medications, make sure you get help and can sleep so you function better and breaking the vicious cycle of spiralling menopausal symptoms. Please do not neglect vaginal sexual health. Again, if you can preserve a little bit of that, it can stop a negative cycle of suffering, of urinary tract infections and relationship and intimacy issues. Scheduling time to have a separate appointment with your oncologist and your GYN. Come prepared. Listen to Louise's podcast. Listen to Menopause in Cancer podcast and Instagram page. Be empowered because you and your quality of life are worth it. You can follow Corinne on Instagram at @drmennobgyn Click here to find out more about Newson Health.
This week on the podcast with Dr Louise, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar returns to talk about acne and its effect on women during the perimenopause and menopause, including on their self-confidence and mental health. Dr Saj explains the causes of acne and the different treatments available, including an encouraging new treatment that could make a big difference to acne sufferers in the long term. Finally, Dr Saj shares his three tips for anyone who might have acne: Keep skincare simple and targeted. Pick one of three active ingredients – retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid – and give it three to six months to work. Only supplement it with a very simple supporting skincare regime. Assess the impact of the acne – if it is leaving persistent blemishes, pigmentation or scars, then escalate the treatment. If the first line treatment hasn't worked, give it three months and see a medical professional to try to get it under control because prevention of scars is so much easier than trying to reverse and cure them. Be mindful about all the different risk factors and triggers, and do not underestimate the impact of diet and stress. Where we can treat acne holistically, we should. You can follow Dr Saj on Instagram @dr.rajpar_dermatologist There is a chapter dedicated to skin and hair in menopause in Dr Louise's bestselling book, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause, which includes expert contributions by Dr Saj. Order your copy by clicking here. Click here to find out more about Newson Health
About 28 million people in the UK are thought to be living with chronic pain – that's 43% of the population, according to the 2011 Census. But what is chronic pain, and how can it overlap with the perimenopause and menopause? In this week's episode Dr Louise is joined by Dr Deepak Ravindran, a consultant in pain medicine and author of The Pain-Free Mindset: 7 Steps to Taking Control and Overcoming Chronic Pain. Dr Deepak unpicks the science behind chronic, or persist, pain and the two discuss the relationship between hormones, inflammation and pain. Dr Louise and Dr Deepak have co-authored a new article which offers 10 top tips for primary care practitioners on improving care for women with fatigue and/or pain. You can access the article here. Follow Dr Deepak on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. Click here to find out more about Newson Health
Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of suicide and mental health. This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Andrea Newton, a postmenopausal woman whose own experience of mental health during the menopause lead her to train as a tutor with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Training. Over the last six years, Andrea has trained thousands of people in suicide intervention skills and she is now training to become a menopause coach. Andrea explains how her work in the corporate world has allowed her to share the importance of educating line managers, HR managers, and everyone about the menopause. She is also the author of the book, Could it be Your Hormones Love? (And Other Questions Not to Ask a Menopausal Woman). Andrea shares her tips on widening the conversation about menopause: Women need to educate themselves more about how the menopause affects all aspects of their health and be better at advocating for themselves. Let's take the conversation to the wider audience and stop the awful, narrow, stereotypical view of menopause. Instead, educate people so we can avoid tribunals, retain talent and have more menopause-friendly businesses. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable and have conversations about things like menopause, mental health, suicide risk. We need to stop waiting for people to reach out, and we need to get better at reaching in and being proactive. You can follow Andrea on LinkedIn, Instagram @in.her.right.mind and Facebook @InHerRightMind Click here to find out more about Newson Health Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Related articles Westlund Tam L, Parry BL. (2003), ‘Does oestrogen enhance the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine?', J Affect Disord. 77(1):87-92. Doi: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00357-9 Ibrahim WW, Safar MM, Khattab MM, Agha AM. (2016), ‘17β-Estradiol augments antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram in ovariectomized rats: Neuroprotective and serotonin reuptake transporter modulatory effects,' Psychoneuroendocrinology. 74: 240-250. 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.09.013
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