Newson Health Menopause Society Podcast

This week, fellow podcast host Anita Powell joins Lauren Redfern to discuss her work as a community engagement advocate and menopause campaigner. Lauren and Anita discuss the importance of facilitating opportunities in which harder to reach communities may gain access to vital support and information related to their perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. They broach the topics of diversity, equality, and inclusion in health-related outreach, and spend time thinking about the importance of community-based spaces as a vital resource. In particular, Anita discusses her experience of both attending and facilitating support groups. She highlights how support groups can prove beneficial in helping to ensure each individual's unique experience is recognised and held in a supportive space. Anita Powell has a wealth of experience working within communities and regularly helps to facilitate menopause related events. Her podcast black menopause and beyond, explores Anita's lived experience of the menopause and midlife through conversations with her peers. You can listen to the podcast and find out more about Anita and her work here.

On this episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society podcast, host Lauren Redfern is joined by Consultant Dermatologist with a special interest in vulval disease, Dr Caroline Owen. Along with clarifying when the terms ‘vulva' and ‘vagina' should be used, Caroline outlines what a healthy vulva should look like, providing advice and guidance on self-examination and how to spot markers of concern. Caroline takes time to outline the effects of a number of different conditions that can affect our vulval health. In particular, she discusses the impact of Lichen sclerosus – a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can prove particularly disruptive during the perimenopause and menopause. Explaining the ways in which the condition can affect the lives of its sufferers, Caroline highlights the need for continued research into the condition. This episode asks us to get comfortable with our anatomy and provides important insight into how we can all be advocates of our own anatomy. Caroline is a member of the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease and is also responsible for chairing the British Association of Dermatologists Education Group Vulval workstream. She has co-authored material for the postgraduate curriculum on vulval disease, the post-CCT fellowship in vulval disease and the recently updated national vulval service standards.

Increasingly we are recognising that the symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause can be easily overlooked, both by those experiencing them and by general practitioners. Being able to appropriately ‘prepare' for the onset of symptoms is important and evidence suggests that adopting lifestyle modifications early, can prove to be a key component of symptom management. Joining host Lauren Redfern on the podcast to discuss her ongoing PhD research exploring the benefits of early non-pharmacological intervention is Nichola Walker. Nichola is a Registered Nurse who has extensive experience of working with at risk and vulnerable groups. Together, Nichola and Lauren discuss the importance of recognising that we are never too young to begin preparing for the perimenopause and menopause. Drawing upon her own research and other academic literature, Nichola highlights how simple sustainable changes to a person's lifestyle can make a dramatic difference to their experience of the onset of perimenopausal symptoms. She urges healthcare professionals to consider the importance of and take the time to discuss these modification alongside HRT.   Before undertaking her PhD, Nichola completed an MSc degree in Health Studies & Clinical Research and an MSC degree in Pain Management. Nichola is a member of the NHS England & NHS Menopause Improvement Stakeholders committee and a member of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCG GPN Evidence into Practice Group. She is also a world traveller and has recently summited Mount Kilimanjaro!

Many people experience brain fog as a primary symptom of the perimenopause and menopause. Issues with memory can be very distressing and for many and raise serious concerns regarding whether an evaluation from a memory service may be needed. With increasing anecdotal accounts detailing worries about dementia, it's important that we consider the cross over and differences between perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, and syndromes such as dementia. Joining host Lauren Redfern on the podcast is Consultant Admiral Nurse for young onset dementia at Dementia UK, Jules Knight. Lauren and Jules discuss how cognitive symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause can often be missed by practitioners, resulting in unnecessary referrals to memory services. Jules outlines how, though the cross over can be difficult to tease apart, factors such as age and the presentation of other symptoms should be considered by clinicians when thinking about making a referral to a memory service. Fundamentally, Jules stresses the importance of keeping the perimenopause and menopause at the forefront of our minds clinically, when assessing patients for possible young onset dementia. In her experience, the perimenopause and menopause is often a more likely culprit when it comes to struggling with memory issues. You can follow Jules on Twitter @julesknightDUK. You can also find out more about young onset dementia here. If you or someone you love is worried about young onset dementia you can contact the Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Helpline on: 0800 888 6678 or alternatively, email the team at: helpline@dementiauk.org 

On this episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society Podcast, host Lauren Redfern is joined by Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, Dr Katy Munro. Having developed migraine in her 40s around the time of the perimenopause, Katy became involved with the National Migraine Centre, first as a patient and then subsequently, as a doctor. Katy now works as a GP and Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre. She helps patients find symptom relief by developing holistic treatment programmes in order to address the multiple factors that may be implicating migraine attacks. Dispelling stigma around migraine as simply a ‘bad headache', Katy explains the complex ways in which migraine can be linked to a genetic predisposition and worsened by factors such as fluctuating hormone levels. Katy also highlights that migraine should not be thought of as a ‘symptom' but rather, a condition itself. Helping to outline current effective treatment options, Katy breaks down a complicated and at times elusive condition accessibly. Katy has recently written a book called ‘Managing Your Migraine' which is available to buy, you can get your copy here. You can keep up to date with Katy's work by following her on Twitter @katymunro1 and on Instagram @migrainedoc. You should also listen to the Heads-Up Podcast which can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Katy's National Migraine Centre can be found on social media via Twitter @NatMigraineCtr, IG @national_migraine_centre 

Though we may increasingly appreciate that the perimenopause and menopause will afflict over half of the global population, attention is rarely paid to the manner in which different cultural practices will inform a person's navigation of treatment. Joining podcast host Lauren Redfern to discuss the ways in which the perimenopause and menopause may be experienced uniquely amongst South Asian communities, is psychiatric doctor and host of the podcast “Our Extraordinary Stories” Dr Devika Patel. Discussing everything from the institutionalised racism exhibited in the diagnosis of Begum Syndrome, to the importance of being activists in our own communities, Lauren and Devika dive into the importance of adopting cultural sensitivity and awareness in our daily practice. Dr Devika Patel is a General Adult Psychiatry Higher Trainee, currently working in the West Midlands. Being from a South Asian background herself, Devika strives to reduce stigma around discussing menopause and improving access to HRT. She does so by improving knowledge and awareness and adopting an advocacy position in her daily practice. Devika's podcast “Our Extraordinary Stories” provides a platform for people to share stories of mental illness recovery and human flourishing, with an aim of reducing stigma. Menopause and hormonal health has already featured as an important topic in the series. You can listen to the podcast here and can learn more about Devika's work by following her on Instagram and Twitter @drdevikapatel.

Around the world approaches to treating the perimenopause and menopause differ. Despite these differences however, the stories of women desperately seeking support for their symptoms resonates globally. Joining host Lauren Redfern to discuss the treatment of the perimenopause and menopause in Western Australia is women's health GP Dr Sunita Chelva. Dr Chelva highlights how geographic distance can prove a major barrier in Western Australia when it comes to accessing care for the perimenopause and menopause. Drawing upon her own work at holistic women's health practice Woom in Perth, Dr Chelva recalls how it is not uncommon for her to see patients that have driven over 5 hours just to attend an appointment with her. Lauren and Sunita also spend time discussing the current evidence surrounding HRT efficacy and safety, the emerging research exploring the benefits of testosterone use and the importance of adopting a holistic approach when consulting with patients. Dr Sunita Chelva is a women's health specialist currently consulting at Woom – a multidisciplinary gynaecology and fertility practice in West Perth. You can find out more about the holistic approach adopted at Woom by visiting their website www.thewoom.com.au and can follow them on Instagram @woom.womenshealth.

On this episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society podcast, host Lauren Redfern is joined by Consultant Medical Oncologist Rebecca Bowen. Together, Lauren and Rebecca discuss the decision-making process involved when patients diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers are considering using HRT. Rebecca helps to explain the factors that both patients and clinicians need to consider when approaching treatment and helps to dispel common misconceptions surrounding cancer risk. Rebecca helps to clarify that whilst some patients may not realistically be able to use HRT due to their particular diagnosis, each patient is different and should be treated as an individual. She highlights the importance of integrated approaches to clinical care, outlining how communication between Oncologists, General Practitioners and Menopause Specialists, can help to empower patients to make informed decisions about the best course of treatment that is right for them. Rebecca Bowen is a Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in breast and gynaecological cancers. She works at one of the very few oncology clinics in the country that integrates menopausal treatment into their care.

Increasingly, we are becoming more aware of the important relationship that exists between what we eat, and how we feel. Often described as our ‘second brain' the gut is known to house an extensive network of neurons that, just like our actual brains, have a profound impact on our mental state. With research now suggesting that gut bacteria could manufacture about 95 percent of the body's supply of serotonin, it has never been more important to take a look at what we cook. Joining host Lauren Redfern to discuss the connection between the foods we eat, and our subsequent mood, is Newson Health Nutritionist Emma Ellice-Flint. Through their discussion, Lauren and Emma help to shed light on how mood and food are connected, exploring how an understanding of this is particularly important during the perimenopause and menopause when emotional stability can prove challenging. Emma outlines how the addition of certain foods (particularly fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and tempeh) can prove particularly helpful in stabilising our gut microbiome, and in turn, our mood! Emma Ellice-Flint is a Nutritionist and former chef. She currently works at Newson Health, consulting with clients on nutritional advice, weight management and gastrointestinal health related issues. You can learn more about the Emma's work by visiting her website: https://emmasnutrition.com. You can follow Emma on Instagram @emmas_nutrition and find her on Facebook: @emmasnutrition.

Symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause can impact a person's physical health and wellbeing in a variety of different ways. Whilst HRT can offer relief for many symptoms, alleviating physical discomfort can prove more complex. The role of the physiotherapist in the ongoing care and treatment of those experiencing pain during the perimenopause and menopause can prove essential. Joining host Lauren Redfern on the podcast to discuss the role of the physiotherapist in the treatment of perimenopause and menopause is Deborah Thomas. Deborah is a qualified physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic health. In this episode, Deborah discusses the role of the physiotherapist in empowering patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle and the importance of encouraging patients to exercise whatever their limitations may be. She breaks down the importance of good education and explores the variety of physiological symptoms that can surface during the perimenopause and menopause, paying particular attention to pelvic, bone and heart health. As well as being a certified pilates instructor and mindfulness practitioner, Deborah has extensive experience working across a variety of different physiotherapy departments including musculoskeletal, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedic, neurology and respiratory specialities.

20 years on from the infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, misinformation regarding the safety and efficacy of HRT continues to circulate. Though current evidence-based research suggests using HRT can in fact lead to positive long term health outcomes, fear and mistrust remains prevalent in certain clinical contexts. To set the record straight and discuss what we really know about use of HRT in the treatment of the perimenopause and menopause, host Lauren Redfern is joined by esteemed clinical researcher and scientist Professor Robert Langer. Professor Langer is Professor Emeritus in Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California in San Diego and was the Principal Investigator for the entire primary study period from 1993 through 2005 of the WHI. Drawing upon his expert knowledge obtained during both the WHI study period and beyond, Professor Langer helps to explain how and why speculation and mistrust regarding HRT has grown and explains what evidence-based findings tell us today about the use of HRT.

Colloquially referred to as ‘cousins', the UK and USA are known to institutionally share certain similarities. When it comes to drawing comparisons however, our healthcare systems are often identified as anything but familial. Yet how do these differences really manifest in practice? Moreover, how do they effect the people seeking treatment for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms? Featured in this week's episode and joining host Lauren Redfern to discuss the ever-evolving global landscape of perimenopausal and menopausal care is Dr Heather Hirsch. Based in Boston Massachusetts, Heather is a menopausal clinical expert committed to helping her patients become symptom-free, educated and empowered in order to thrive in their mid and later life. Between them, Heather and Lauren explore both the similarities and differences in approach to treating the perimenopause and menopause in the USA and beyond. If you would like to learn more about the work Dr Heather Hirsch is undertaking, you can follow her on Instagram @heatherhirsch.md and find her on twitter @heatherhirschMD. Heather also hosts an excellent podcast titled Health by Heather Hirsch. You can listen by visiting her website: https://www.heatherhirschmd.com/podcast-2/

The role of the allied health care professional in a person's journey through perimenopausal and menopausal treatment can prove essential. On this episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society podcast, host Lauren Redfern talks to in house Newson Health Pharmacist and Menopause Specialist Hayley Berry. Together, Lauren and Hayley pick apart the important position of the pharmacist and how it relates to a person's menopausal journey. The episode explores the ways in which pharmacists and other allied health care professionals can upskill themselves in order to feel confident consulting on the perimenopause and menopause. It provides advice on how to access appropriate resources, tools, and education, including when to feel assured signposting to another service. Recognising the very important part played by the allied healthcare professional beyond the clinic, Hayley helps to demystify the process of learning, and provides valuable insight into how best to empower patients. Hayley is an experienced prescribing pharmacist with a background in community pharmacy and now works in both general practice and education and training. She has a keen interest in women's health including contraception, sexual health and the menopause and is currently working remotely in conjunction with the team at Newson Health. You can find Hayley on Twitter @hayleyberry8

In this episode of the NHMS podcast, host Lauren Redfern is joined by Menopause Specialist Dr Sarah Ball to discuss the ways in which the perimenopause and menopause may be missed in patients with other long-standing health conditions. Drawing upon her own experience as a GP, Sarah outlines how a commitment to asking simple and straightforward questions can prove important in helping to distinguish between the re-emergence of an existing condition, and the onset of perimenopause and menopause. Using a number of interesting examples, this episode urges clinicians to keep menopause on their minds, even in instances where it seems an unlikely culprit. Dr Sarah Ball is a GP and Menopause Specialist currently consulting as part of the Newson Health team. Dr Ball has extensive experience in working with perimenopausal and menopausal patients. She finds the process of empowering women to understand their menopause journey and access appropriate care and treatment highly rewarding. You can follow Dr Sarah Ball on Instagram @drsarahmollyball and find her on Twitter @sarahball14

With so many differing accounts of how best to ‘fuel' our bodies, making decisions about how we should be eating, can prove confusing. In this episode of the NHMS podcast, nutritionist Harriet Holme helps to demystify healthy eating and sheds light on the simple nutritional adjustments that can make a big difference. Harriet explains that whilst the “foundations of a healthy diet are really similar” at different life stages we will all have different nutritional needs. Breaking this down as it relates to the perimenopause and menopause, Harriet provides straightforward advice to help make navigating our nutrition a piece of cake. Harriet is interested in exploring the ways in which our health is connected to what we eat, she is particularly passionate about sharing evidence-based knowledge to help people understand more about their own diets and health. Before becoming a registered nutritionist, Harriet worked for over a decade as a doctor and completed a PhD in cancer genetics. She offers nutritional consultancy as well as lecturing on culinary science and nutrition. You can listen to Harriet on her own podcast, ‘Eating for Health' and find out more about her work by visiting her website: healthyeatingdr.com Find Harriet on social media at: Facebook = @healthyeatingdrcom Twitter = @healthyeatingdr Instagram = @healtheatingdr

In honour of International Women's Day (IWD), podcast host Lauren Redfern is joined by author, documentary maker and journalist Kate Muir to discuss the 2022 IWD theme: ‘Break The Bias'. Discussing accessibility, class, race, and more, Lauren and Kate pick apart the nuanced and complex ways in which experiences of the perimenopause and menopause are underscored by certain biases. Drawing upon the personal stories of women from all walks of life, her own journey through the menopause, and conversations with leading medical experts in the field, Kate helps to identify the multiple barriers many are currently facing when it comes to accessing treatment. Kate is currently working on a follow up documentary for Channel 4 and an updated edition of her book Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (But Were Too Afraid to Ask). You can find out more about Kate's work and find links to her social media accounts by visiting her website: www.katemuir.co.uk. The team at the Newson Health Menopause Society are committed to breaking the bias of the perimenopause, menopause and women's hormone health through raising awareness and improving education. The society provides a collaborative space for professionals to digest specialist content from experts in their field, as well as listen to stories and experiences that challenge common misconceptions about the peri/menopause. This hormone deficiency urgently needs to be taken seriously by healthcare professionals to improve the diagnosis and management of symptoms, and to reduce suffering and improve the future health of all women around the world. From all of us here at the Newson Health Menopause Society, we wish you a happy International Women's Day and hope you will join us in helping to #breakthebias.

In comparing notes between patients, married practitioners, Dr Sarah and Paul Glynne, became intrigued as they noticed cross over between reports of certain symptoms in their patients. NHS GP and Menopause specialist, Sarah, was coming into contact with perimenopausal patients concerned that they may be suffering with Long Covid. In tandem, husband Paul – a general practitioner based at University College Hospital, was progressively seeing more patients suffering with Long Covid. Whilst Sarah and Paul may be found guilty of ‘taking their work home with them', their findings in doing so, were arguably worth the offence. In comparing notes on patients, the couple came to the realisation that Long Covid symptoms and perimenopausal symptoms, were often indistinguishable. In this third episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society podcast, our host Lauren is joined by Sarah and Paul who discuss their observations and share insight into the work that they are both independently undertaking. This includes fascinating insights into Dr Paul Glynne's current work that is exploring possible interventions and treatments for Long Covid sufferers. Paul highlights his observation that HRT is currently, one of the most effective interventions in alleviating symptoms in the right patients that he has observed. 

Claire Macaulay's interest in helping individuals with their sex lives arose from working as a breast cancer oncologist and seeing women coping with the effects of a medically induced (or worsened) menopause as a result of their breast cancer treatments. She then trained as a sexological body worker and somatic sex therapist to support women to have sexual expression that's meaningful for them, as well as using hormonal treatments to improve the physical symptoms of pain or dryness that occur. Within healthcare, professionals often assume the vast majority of their menopausal patients are having problems with their sex lives (and it may be around 70%), yet it's not something women will usually speak about. Claire explains that her sessions reveal many people think they're broken, that there's something fundamentally wrong with them or that they're going mad. Claire discusses the need for exploring ‘what does it mean to live a sexual life?' ‘What would you want?' And how creating sex positive spaces to discuss these issues can help combat the shame and guilt that often presides. You can find out more about Claire and her work at www.pleasurepossibility.com For more information about the Newson Health Menopause Society, visit www.nhmenopausesociety.org

In the first episode of the Newson Health Menopause Society podcast we are introduced to the host, PhD researcher Lauren Redfern, who shares a little of her own background and how she became interested in the perimenopause and menopause. Lauren welcomes her first guest of the podcast, the founder of the Society, Dr Louise Newson, to explain why she has launched the Society and what she hopes it achieves for women's health across the world. Through their conversation, Dr Louise Newson reflects on her recent years specialising in menopause care and how she has helped countless women through providing free evidence-based information on her websites and social media and the balance menopause support app. Louise shares her passion for continually piecing together the menopause jigsaw of knowledge, through research and education and believes the issue must be addressed by multiple healthcare disciplines and through shared decision making with the person going through it. Louise's hope is that by professionals coming together across the world, through sharing knowledge and connecting the research dots, that Newson Health Menopause Society will change women's health for good. For more information about the Newson Health Menopause Society, visit www.nhmenopausesociety.org