47 – Rethinking mental health and antidepressant prescribing

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

February 17, 2026 ∙ 36 mins
Episode 346

About

Content advisory: this episode contains themes of metal health and suicidality

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr MarkHorowitz, who is a psychiatrist, researcher and world-leading expert in psychiatric medication withdrawal and deprescribing. Mark is also the lead author of the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines and co-founder of Outro Health, the only virtual clinic in the United States offering a clinically validated antidepressant tapering service.

Together, they explore how antidepressants,gabapentinoids and other psychoactive medications became so widely prescribed and why stopping them is often far more difficult than starting them. Thediscussion looks closely at what the evidence actually shows about effectiveness, long-term risks, withdrawal effects and suicidality, particularly for women and younger people.

The conversation also examines how hormonal changes, life stressors and social factors are frequently overlooked, leading to the medicalisation of distress that may be a normal response to difficultcircumstances.

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Find out more about Dr. MarkHorowitz's work 👉  https://markhorowitz.org/

Find out more about Outro Health's virtual tapering clinic (US) 👉  https://www.outro.com/

 


Information

Podcast

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

Episode

346

Date

February 17, 2026

Length

36 mins
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    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 […]

  • 280 – What is lifestyle medicine and how can it help your menopause?

    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. […]

  • 279: Heart health, hormones and menopause: what you need to know, with Dr Jeremy London

    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 […]

  • 278 – World Menopause Month special: common questions answered, with Dr Rebecca Lewis

    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 […]

  • 277 – How I manage menopause with diabetes

    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 […]

  • 276 – Women's mental health: what must change, with Linda Gask

    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, […]

  • 275 – Testosterone and the hormone triangle, with Dr Mohit Khera

    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 […]

  • 274 – The great menopause myth

    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 […]

  • 273 – Introducing Dr Louise Newson Menopause Masterclass

    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 […]

  • 272 – My hysterectomy story: here’s what I wish I'd known

    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 […]

  • 271 – Endometrial cancer, the menopause and HRT

    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 […]

  • 270 – Managing menopause at work: how to help yourself and your colleagues

    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 […]

  • 269 – Testosterone supplementation: what can we learn from men’s healthcare?

    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 […]

  • 268 – Skin, hair and nail changes in menopause: a dermatologist’s guide

    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 […]

  • 267 – Easy when you know how: menopause care in Australia

    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 […]

  • 266 – Team GB’s Desirèe Henry: the Olympics, hormones and body positivity

    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 […]

  • 265 – Nutrition, mindset and maintaining a healthy weight in menopause

    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 […]

  • 264 – What happens to fibroids during the menopause?

    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 […]

  • 263 – Dr Corinne Menn: I’m a doctor who’s had breast cancer – here’s what I want you to know

    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 […]

  • 262 – Acne: from teen years to menopause and beyond

    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 […]

  • 261 – Chronic pain and menopause: what’s the link?

    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 […]

  • 260 – Get comfortable with the uncomfortable: mental health and the menopause

    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, […]

  • 259 – All about Dr Louise’s theatre tour Hormones and Menopause: The Great Debate

    This week on the podcast Dr Louise meets comedian Anne Gildea, who will be joining Louise on her 34-date theatre tour this autumn, Hormones and Menopause: The Great Debate. Anne, a founding member of Irish musical-comedy trio The Nualas talks to Louise about her diagnosis of breast cancer, aged 45, and her ensuing menopausal symptoms, […]

  • 258 – I’m 27 and perimenopausal: how testosterone helped my symptoms

    This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Elin Sullivan, a young woman who suffered a myriad of symptoms for years before getting the right treatment. Elin first experienced recurring urinary tract infections at 19 years old, and twice required hospitalisation. She also suffered from sweats, sleep disruption and fatigue, shaking and lichen […]

  • 257 – Oestrogen, your heart and the menopause

    This week on the podcast Dr Louise is joined by Dr Felice Gersh, who is double board-certified in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine, and specialises in female health, with a focus on managing female hormonal dysfunctions. She is the author of the book PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist’s Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness, […]

  • 256 – Spreading the word about menopause care in the US, and beyond

    This week Dr Louise is joined by Aoife O’Sullivan, a family medicine doctor who trained in Dublin before completing a second family medicine residency at the University of Maryland.   After taking some time out to complete extra training in perimenopausal and menopausal care, including Newson Health’s Confidence in the Menopause course, Dr Aoife is […]

  • 255 – Mental health issues and hormones: introducing Newson Health’s psychiatrist Dr Louisa James

    This week on the podcast Dr Louise is joined by a new colleague, Dr Louisa James, a psychiatrist who has recently joined the team at Newson Health. Dr Louisa’s personal experience of the menopause prompted her to learn more about the impact of hormones, and incorporate her knowledge in her role as an NHS consultant […]

  • 254 – Dr Louise’s new paperback book: what’s new and who’s it for?

    This week is a celebration of Dr Louise Newson’s new paperback book, a revised and updated version of the bestselling The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause & Menopause. Dr Louise is joined by Kat Keogh, who worked on the book with her and is the head of editorial at Newson Health and across the balance […]

  • 253 – Coping with the perimenopause when you’re a carer

    This week on the podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Tova Gillespie, a working single parent to two daughters, one of whom has severe disabilities and complex medical needs. Here she talks about the challenges of being perimenopausal while being a carer and how it’s easy to not recognise or understand your symptoms.   Louise […]

  • 252 – Bryony Gordon: mental health, hormones and witchy magic

    This week on the podcast, journalist Bryony Gordon, bestselling author of several books including her latest, Mad Woman, explains how the perimenopause caused her to reconsider her mental health. Was her experience of OCD affected by her hormones and what would society look like if women’s health was taken more seriously? Bryony shares her belief […]

  • 251 – Kate Muir: everything you need to know about hormones but were afraid to ask

    This week, Dr Louise is once again joined by journalist and activist Kate Muir, who made the Davina McCall documentary Sex, Myths and the Menopause. In Kate’s new book, Everything You Need to Know About the Pill (but were too afraid to ask), she turns her attention to the hormones commonly used in the contraceptive […]

  • 250 – Testosterone: the missing piece of the jigsaw?

    This week we mark 250 episodes of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast! And joining Dr Louise this week is Anita Nicholson, a nurse practitioner and menopause expert at Age Management Center in the US, where she aims to help patients lead the best quality of life for as long as they can. Here, Dr Louise […]

  • 249 – Dr Mary Claire Haver: on a mission to demystify menopause

    In this week’s podcast Dr Louise is joined by Dr Mary Claire Haver, an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor and a menopause specialist in the US. Dr Louise and Dr Mary Claire discuss the challenges of ensuring all women have access to evidence-based information and treatment, and their hopes for change. Dr Mary Claire shares her […]

  • 248 – The menopause brain: why it might be feeling strange and what you can do about it

    The Dr Louise Newson Podcast is celebrating two huge milestones this week: not only is the podcast five years old, we’ve hit six million downloads since Dr Louise started her podcast back in March 2019! Making a welcome return to the podcast this week is world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi, PhD. Her new book, The […]

  • 247 – Addiction and menopause

    Joining Dr Louise on this week’s podcast is Alex Newman, a substance misuse therapist with a special interest in the menopause. Alex’s passion is supporting women who are self-medicating menopausal symptoms with alcohol and drugs – a recent survey by Newson Health of nearly 1,200 women found some were spending nearly £3,000 a year on […]

  • 246 – Postnatal depression, PMDD and menopause: Wendy’s hormone journey

    Content advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide and self-harm Joining Dr Louise on this week’s podcast is Wendy Barker. Wendy experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first child in the late 80s and was later diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome. ‘For probably three weeks […]

  • 245 – How medicine has failed women, with author Elinor Cleghorn

    This week Dr Louise is joined by feminist cultural historian Dr Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women, which unpacks the roots of the misunderstanding, mystification and misdiagnosis of women’s bodies, illness and pain. From the ‘wandering womb’ of ancient Greece to today’s shifting understanding of hormones, menstruation and menopause, Unwell Women is the story of […]

  • 244 – Hot flush drug fezolinetant

    On this week’s podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Ashley Winter, a urologist and sexual medicine specialist, and Dr Sarah Glynne, a GP and menopause specialist who is a member of the research team at Newson Health and chairs a working party that promotes access to evidence-based menopause care for patients with breast cancer. They discuss […]

  • 243 – Contraception during perimenopause: HRT, the pill and the Mirena coil

    In this episode, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Clair Crockett, a GP and menopause specialist at Newson Health. Dr Clair has completed diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Sexual and Reproductive Health, and fits coils and implants. Here, she discusses some of the challenges for perimenopausal and menopausal women when it comes to contraception, […]

  • 242 – Sex, hormones and the menopause

    With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this week’s podcast looks at how menopause can affect sex and intimacy. Joining Dr Louise is US-based Dr Kelly Casperson, urologic surgeon, author, and sex educator with expertise in hormones and pelvic health, whose passion is empowering women to embrace their best love lives. They talk about how […]

  • 241 – Women, ADHD and hormones

    Advisory: this podcast includes themes of mental health and suicide. Do you find yourself easily distracted, with your attention rapidly shifting between different things? If so, you could be one of the legion of women who are under-diagnosed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, Australia-based psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr David Chapman joins Dr […]

  • 240 – Creating long-lasting food habits for better health

    On this week’s podcast Dr Louise is joined by Dr Rupy Aujla, founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, which aims to inspire and educate about the joy of food and the medicinal effects of eating well. Dr Rupy shares his thoughts on how to best enjoy a healthy and fulfilling diet and looks at some of […]

  • 239 – Challenging NICE's draft menopause guidance

    On this week’s podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Peter Greenhouse, a menopause specialist with 40 years’ experience in women’s sexual healthcare who is actively involved in postgraduate lecturing. He has recently spoken out about NICE’s draft menopause guideline update, and tells Dr Louise it contains inappropriate and inaccurate statements, particularly concerning HRT and […]

  • 238 – New Year, new mindset – why movement matters more than exercise

    This week Dr Louise is joined by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, our brand-new fitness and longevity coach on the balance app. Dr Hussain is a GP who runs an NHS-based fitness and lifestyle clinic that helps patients to eat better, move more and connect with their community. Dr Hussain is a long-distance triathlete but he hasn’t […]

  • 237 – The juggling act: how to navigate menopause and midlife

    Menopause often happens at a time when you are juggling a career, relationships and caring responsibilities. Here Dr Nadira Awal, a GP and menopause specialist, joins Dr Louise to discuss her work in raising awareness of the menopause and the importance of partners and families understanding what their loved on is going through. Dr Nadira’s […]

  • 236 – Menopause in overlooked communities

    This week Dr Louise is joined by Dr Ruth Beesley, a GP who works in central Peterborough and who specialises in working with the homeless, those with alcohol or drug addictions and vulnerable women who engage in sex work. Dr Ruth talks about the challenges vulnerable groups of women face ­and how their trauma can […]

  • 235 – Menopause and brain health: what’s the link?

    In this episode Dr Louise is joined by world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi, PhD. Dr Lisa is Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic and Women’s Brain Initiative at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and author of bestsellers The XX Brain and Brain Food. Dr Lisa was studying nuclear medicine and neuroscience when her grandmother […]

  • 234 – Breast cancer treatment and HRT

    Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide. Dr Louise is joined by her patient Trudie Jennings in this episode to talk about the complexities around HRT during and after treatment for breast cancer. Trudie describes how she started HRT to successfully manage crippling anxiety and other menopause symptoms and a few […]

  • 233 – Gaslighting of genitourinary symptoms of the menopause

    This week on the podcast Dr Louise speaks to Dr Ashley Winter, a urologist and sexual medicine specialist, based in Los Angeles. Dr Ashley has seen the transformative effects of vaginal hormones on women – not only those who are menopausal, but also women who experience cyclical symptoms of bladder pain, UTIs and painful sex. […]

  • 232 – Gabby Logan: the power of exercising in midlife

    This week Dr Louise is joined by broadcaster and former international gymnast, Gabby Logan. Gabby is the host of her own successful podcast The Mid Point where she speaks about midlife challenges, and here she shares her own experiences of the menopause. Gabby reflects on the impact of the menstrual cycle on female athletes and […]

  • 231 – Getting to the truth around HRT and breast cancer with Dr Avrum Bluming

    Leading US oncologist Dr Avrum Bluming joins Dr Louise Newson to talk about the crucial role of oestrogen in women’s health. Despite HRT’s proven benefits in protecting against heart disease, bone fracture and cognitive decline, many women still avoid it over breast cancer fears. It’s been more than 20 years since media headlines about a […]

  • 230 – Confronting my menopause fears

    Raquela Mosquera joins Dr Louise Newson in this episode to talk about the turmoil, anxiety and unexplained bleeding she went through during her menopause. Raquela is the mum of Joe Wicks, the fitness coach who kept the country moving during lockdown and who has also appeared on Dr Louise’s podcast. Joe put Raquela in touch […]

  • 229 – Testosterone: beyond libido

    Testosterone is an important sex hormone for both men and women (although women have much lower levels) produced by your ovaries and adrenal glands and declines during the menopause. When it comes to menopause, testosterone is a hormone that can be misunderstood, and many women struggle to access testosterone treatment on the NHS. Here Dr […]

  • 228 – Exercise ‘snacks’ and menopause with Lavina Mehta MBE

    Personal trainer, wellness coach and mum-of-three Lavina Mehta MBE joins Dr Louise in this week’s episode to share her advice on boosting your activity levels during the perimenopause and menopause. As a British Asian, Lavina is passionate about ensuring her message of the benefits of exercise reaches all communities, and highlights how exercise can treat, […]

  • 227 – Children and the menopause: the importance of talking

    In this episode, Dr Louise speaks to the youngest of her three daughters, Lucy, about all things menopause. Lucy, 12, recalls making her mother an HRT tote bag when she was six, plus hiding in her room when there were arguments at home, when Dr Louise was struggling with her symptoms. Lucy shares her experience […]

  • 226 – From PMS to menopause: why we need to talk about hormones

    Content advisory: this podcast episode contains themes of mental health and suicide* It’s a family affair on this week’s podcast as Dr Louise is joined by her eldest daughter Jessica for a special episode on the eve of World Menopause Day. Jessica talks frankly about the impact of PMS and coping with hormone changes with […]

  • 225 – Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and HRT

    This week, Dr Louise speaks to Italian Menopause Society president Dr Marco Gambacciani. Early in his career Dr Marco specialised in reproductive endocrinology. He became interested in the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis during the menopause, and his menopause clinic was the first in Italy to have a bone density scanner. On a personal […]

  • 224 Confidence in the Menopause: introducing our revamped course

    October marks World Menopause Month, and on this week’s podcast, Dr Louise is joined by Newson Health colleague Dr Penny Ward to talk about the relaunch of our Confidence in the Menopause. Confidence in the Menopause is a CPD-accredited online course from Newson Health which is designed to increase your knowledge of, and confidence in, […]

  • 223 – OCD, depression and the menopause

    Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide. On this week’s episode of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast, Anna Geldard shares her story of how her mental health was severely affected by menopause. Anna tells Dr Louise how therapy and medication had helped her successfully manage her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and […]

  • 222 – Empowering women unheard during menopause

    In this week’s podcast, food writer, author and award-winning entrepreneur Freda Shafi talks about her work raising awareness of menopause, and recording the experiences in the Pakistani community in West Yorkshire. Freda shares her own menopause story, and she and Dr Louise discuss key barriers women face accessing care, and ways to improve knowledge to […]

  • 221 – Emma Kennedy: the menopause, the speculum and me

    Bestselling author, screenwriter and TV presenter Emma Kennedy joins Dr Louise Newson in this episode to talk candidly about her menopause experience. Emma describes how she thought she had got through her menopause when terrifying heart palpitations and anxiety struck. After always being fearful of HRT due to a strong family history of breast cancer, […]

  • 220 – Hormones, HRT and advocating for yourself

    In this podcast, Jill Chmielewski, a nurse, educator and women’s advocate, talks about her mission to guide midlife women to greater wellbeing. Dr Louise and Jill discuss the powerful and poorly understood role of hormones in women’s health throughout their life, HRT and the importance of women advocating strongly for their own needs. Jill advises […]

  • 219 – Mental health and the perimenopause

    Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide.   Joining Dr Louise on the podcast this week are Lynsey and her husband Kieran. In this episode, Lynsey movingly describes a rapid deterioration in her mental health during the perimenopause which saw her sectioned under the Mental Health Act. ‘I just felt desperate […]

  • 218 – Tamsen Fadal: Speaking out about the menopause

    On this week’s podcast, Dr Louise is joined by award-winning US broadcast journalist, podcast host and menopause campaigner Tamsen Fadal. Tamsen describes how she didn’t recognise she was menopausal after suffering from hot flushes, brain fog and heart palpitations, as she believed she was still having periods. This prompted her to find out more and […]

  • 217 – Menopause and the brain: why we need to bridge the gender gap in research

    Regular listeners will know there is much more to the menopause than hot flushes – but how do hormone changes affect your memory, mood and cognition? This week Dr Louise is joined by Dr Dan Reisel, Specialist Registrar in gynaecology at University College London and Newson Health Clinical Research Lead, to take a closer look […]

  • 216 – All about progesterone: PMS, PMDD, postnatal depression and menopause

    Progesterone is a hormone produced after ovulation and dominates the second half of your menstrual cycle. It balances the effects of oestrogen, supports the body during pregnancy and is known as the relaxing hormone. But how can progesterone impact your mental health in the run up to periods, after childbirth and during the perimenopause and […]

  • 215 – More than ‘a little vaginal dryness’: how vaginal hormones can transform lives

    Are you experiencing symptoms like burning and itching around your vulva and vagina, or painful sex? Or perhaps you have the urge to wee more often or are plagued by recurrent urinary tract infections? Joining Dr Louise this week is trailblazing US urologist and sexual health doctor Dr Rachel Rubin, to address these common menopause […]

  • 214 – Dry eyes and menopause: what’s the link?

    Noticed that your eyes are feeling drier, grittier or even more watery lately? It could be dry eye syndrome. July marks Dry Eye Awareness Month, and what you may not know is dry eyes can be a hidden symptom of menopause. In fact, one in four of the nearly 6,000 women surveyed ahead of the […]

  • 213 – Lorraine Candy: how to make your midlife magnificent

    Podcaster, author and journalist Lorraine Candy returns to the podcast this week to talk about thriving in midlife and the importance of sharing menopause knowledge and spreading awareness. Lorraine is co-host of the popular podcast series Postcards from Midlife, which often looks at the Generation X experience of the perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, […]

  • 212 – How to thrive at work during the menopause

    This episode looks at how hormone changes impact women in the workplace and in their personal lives – and why do many women put their own needs last? Dr Louise is joined by Dr Claire Kaye, an executive career coach and former GP specialising in perimenopause and menopause in the workplace. Dr Claire explains how […]

  • 211 – Melasma: keeping hyperpigmentation at bay in the summer

    Consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar returns to the podcast this week for a special summer episode about melasma, a condition that leads to darkening or brown patches developing on the skin. Up to 85% of those affected by melasma are women – and there is a connection between this condition and female hormones. Dr Sajjad […]

  • 210 – What is the right dose of HRT for you? Hormones and premature ovarian insufficiency

    How do you work out what the right dose of HRT is for you and balance the benefits with any potential risks? In this episode, Dr Louise talks about HRT doses with Corinna Bordoli, who began experiencing menopausal symptoms when she was just 10 years old. Corinna shares her experience of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) […]

  • 209 – Learning disabilities and the menopause

    On this week’s episode of the Dr Louise Newson podcast, Dr Louise welcomes Sharon Saunders. Sharon is a menopausal woman with learning disabilities and is a wheelchair user. During the episode, Sharon talks about when she first learned about the menopause from her mum, and her menopause symptoms, including joint aches and pains and headaches. […]

  • 208 – Ultra-processed food unwrapped with Henry Dimbleby

    Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Leon, food campaigner and writer, joins the podcast this week to talk about the dangers of a diet high in ultra-processed foods – that is, foods with a long list of ingredients such as preservatives and emulsifiers not typically found in home cooking. While convenient, ultra-processed foods such as breakfast cereals […]

  • 207 – Managing menopause while living with physical disabilities

    Laura Bibby joins Dr Louise to share her experience of managing the perimenopause shortly after a life-changing spinal cord injury. A senior nurse and an ambulatory wheelchair user, Laura shares her struggles to have urinary symptoms, crippling anxiety and joint pain recognised as being due to her perimenopause, and not just attributed to her injury. […]

  • 206 – Utrogestan supply issues: what it means and alternatives available

    The supply of HRT medication Utrogestan is being restricted by the UK government because of shortages amid increase demand. Pharmacies will only dispense two months’ worth of Utrogestan 100mg capsules per prescription to help ensure continued access for women. In this special episode, Newson Health pharmacist prescriber and menopause specialist Faiza Kennedy joins Dr Louise […]

  • 205 – Author Joanne Harris: ending the invisibility of menopausal women

    Bestselling author of Chocolat Joanne Harris joins Dr Louise Newson to talk about her latest book, Broken Light. Broken Light’s protagonist is Bernie, a 49-year-old who has given her life to her family and friends, and feels invisible. But Bernie finds her supernatural powers as she reaches the menopause, which becomes a metaphor for the […]

  • 204 – Hormonal changes and mental health: maternal mental health awareness

    Advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide. Earlier this month Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week was marked across the UK. In this week’s episode Emma Hammond, an employment lawyer specialising in advising women who have experienced discrimination due to the menopause, generously shares her own story. After a traumatic birth with her […]

  • 203 – Nursing and the menopause: International Nurses Day special episode

    In a special episode on the eve of International Nurses Day, this week’s guest is Sue Thomas, an advanced nurse practitioner with an interest in menopause who works alongside Dr Louise at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. They discuss Sue’s 30-year nursing career, including her work in cardiovascular disease prevention, and talk about the […]

  • 202 – What does the future hold for menopause and HRT? With menopause activist Kate Muir

    Making a welcome return to the podcast is menopause activist, author and documentary maker Kate Muir. Kate is the author of Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (but were too afraid to ask) and the producer behind Davina McCall’s two award-winning menopause documentaries; her third documentary, investigating the contraceptive pill, is currently in […]

  • 201 – More than skin deep: menopause, skin and HRT doses with Dr Andrew Weber

    Dr Andrew Weber is Medical Director of the Bodyvie Medi-Clinic in London and has more than 40 years of experience as a GP and 25 years specialising in advanced medical aesthetics and cosmetic procedures.   In this episode, Dr Weber and Dr Louise Newson discuss the impact of the perimenopause and menopause on the skin […]

  • 200 – Osteoporosis: how to protect your bones during menopause and beyond

    Bone density for women can plummet around the time of the perimenopause and menopause. An estimated one in two women over 50 (and who do not take HRT) worldwide will develop osteoporosis. This puts women at high risk of bone fractures, which can have a major impact on health and wellbeing. Here Chicago-based Dr Kristi […]

  • 199 – Rosacea and menopause: what’s the link?

    Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar makes a welcome return to the podcast this week to talk about the chronic skin condition rosacea, and how it can be impacted by the perimenopause and menopause. In a special episode to mark Rosacea Awareness Month, Dr Louise and Dr Sajjad discuss the physical and psychological effects of rosacea, […]

  • 198 – Joe Wicks: how to exercise and stay active during the menopause

    Joe Wicks really needs no introduction: he’s a fitness coach, presenter and bestselling author who kept the nation moving during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Joe is also one of the expert contributors in Dr Louise Newson’s new book, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause. In this episode, Joe and Dr Louise discuss the importance […]

  • 197 – The problem with medicalising the menopause without HRT

    Advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide. In this episode, Jo shares a moving account of her menopause experience before finding the right treatment for her. Struggling with numerous symptoms including vertigo, dry mouth and eyes, joint pain and vaginal dryness, Jo went from not visiting her GP for six years to […]

  • 196 – Introducing The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and the Menopause with Kat Keogh

    In this episode, Dr Louise is joined by Kat Keogh to talk about Dr Louise’s new book, The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause. Packed with advice and information from leading experts, it is the definitive, accessible and evidence-based guide to help you navigate your perimenopause and menopause. It covers key facts about hormones, […]

  • 195 – Health risks and treatment of surgical menopause with Dr Walter Rocca

    Dr Walter Rocca is a neurologist from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, where he studies common neurological diseases as well as the aging processes between men and women. He has a particular focus on estrogen and the effects of menopause on health risks. In this episode, Dr Rocca explains how sex hormones have a […]

  • 194 – Transforming women’s urological health in Uganda

    Dr Namugga Martha Monicah is one of four female urologists in Uganda. She recently completed the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons (FCS) exam at the College of Surgeons East and Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) exams, finishing top of her class. She was supported with a sponsorship from Newson Health. This episode of the […]

  • 193 – Taking control of your menopause with Dorothy Byrne

    Dorothy Byrne returns to the podcast this week to discuss her previous role as former Head of News and Current Affairs for Channel 4 television and the commissioning of and reaction to the menopause documentaries. She also updates us on her new role as president of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge University – one of only […]

  • 192 – Freediving at 50 with world record holder Nina McGowan

    Nina McGowan is a visual artist and Bikram yoga practitioner from Ireland who discovered freediving while on holiday in Egypt when she was in her mid-forties. Shortly after she turned 50, Nina secured a world record dive of 43 metres that involved holding her breath for 2 minutes and ten seconds. In this episode, Nina […]

  • 191 – Workplace menopause advice from lawyer Emma Hammond

    Emma Hammond is a lawyer with gunnercooke LLP specialising in employment law. Often assuming the role of Investigating or Grievance Officer, Emma leads enquiries into complex bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints for individuals and organisations. Emma has an interest in mental health and its impact on the workplace and she incorporates as much pro bono […]

  • 190 – Supporting women after breast cancer with Dr Tony Branson

    Breast cancer specialist, Dr Tony Branson returns to the Dr Louise Newson podcast two years since his first appearance. Tony is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. In this episode the experts discuss the current situations women can find themselves in […]

  • 189 – Joeli Brearley from Pregnant Then Screwed

    Two important issues for women come together in this episode of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast featuring guest Joeli Brearley. Joeli founded the charity Pregnant Then Screwed after she was fired from her job the day after telling her employers she was pregnant. Joeli wanted to create a space for others to share their stories […]

  • 188 – The importance of breathing efficiently with Dr Louise Oliver

    Dr Louise Oliver, a GP and functional breathing practitioner and therapeutic life coach, joins Dr Louise Newson as a guest on the podcast this week. Louise Oliver has had a special interest in women’s health and menopause for many years and now incorporates her skills as a functional breathing practitioner to raise awareness of how […]

  • 187 – My experience of long COVID and changing hormones with Dr Marianne Tinkler

    Dr Marianne Tinkler is a respiratory consultant from Swindon. In March 2020, Marianne contracted Covid-19 and had to take a month off work with a severe cough and extreme fatigue. She returned to frontline work on the wards at the height of the pandemic but found it difficult due to ongoing symptoms of tiredness, breathlessness, […]

  • 186 – Bleeding on HRT with Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Osama Naji

    Mr Osama Naji is a consultant gynaecologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London and he leads the busy department of women’s cancer diagnostics at Guy’s Cancer Centre. Mr Naji specialises in early detection of pre-cancerous conditions and is an international expert in advanced gynaecological scanning, contributing significantly to scientific research in women’s gynaecological […]

  • 185 – Exploring experiences of menopausal women after breast cancer, with Dr Sarah Ball

    GP and menopause specialist, Dr Sarah Ball, makes a record fifth appearance on the podcast this week to discuss her work exploring experiences of menopause care in women who have had breast cancer. The experts discuss findings from a recent survey carried out by Sarah and the Newson Health team to highlight how things have […]

  • 184 – Reflections on 2022 with Dr Rebecca Lewis

    Clinical Director of Newson Health, Dr Rebecca Lewis, returns to the podcast this week for a special end of year episode with Dr Louise Newson. The business partners and friends reflect on some of the positives over the last 12 months and discuss the continued challenges in trying to help more women with their experience […]

  • 183 – Urinary tract infections in women with Professor Chris Harding

    Professor Chris Harding is a Consultant Urologist working at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne and at Newcastle University. He has a particular interest in bladder dysfunction, continence and urinary tract infections (UTIs). In recent years, his research has focused on non-antibiotic treatments for recurrent UTIs and developing targeted treatments for specific patient groups. In this episode, Professor Chris talks to Dr […]

  • 182 – Mental illness and the role of estradiol with psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni

    This episode contains reference to suicide Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a psychiatrist working in Melbourne, Australia, specialising in women’s mental health and researching the role of estradiol in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. She founded and directs the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, a large clinical research group in Melbourne.  In 2022, Professor […]

  • 181 – Supporting women’s hormone journey with Dr Samantha Newman

    Dr Samantha Newman is a British doctor working in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. After training in obstetrics and gynaecology, a moving encounter with a patient led her to re-train as a GP and develop an interest in supporting women’s health and wellbeing. Samantha’s clinic, FemaleGP, was established in 2016 to improve access to focused healthcare […]

  • 180 – Improving menopause care in Hong Kong with Dr Laurena Law

    Dr Laurena Law is a general practitioner working in Hong Kong who has a special interest in nutrition and lifestyle medicine to improve healthy aging and prevent chronic illness. When Laurena gained personal experience of perimenopause and saw the impact it was having on her own life, she decided to learn more about hormone health […]

  • 179 – Advancing menopause care after breast cancer with Dr Sarah Glynne

    GP and menopause specialist, Dr Sarah Glynne, joins Dr Louise Newson on the podcast this week to discuss menopause care after breast cancer.  The experts share more about the breast cancer steering group established as part of the Newson Health Menopause Society that is working towards producing a consensus statement to support clinicians and improve […]

  • 178 – My story of ‘treatment resistant depression’, ketamine and HRT

    In this episode, Sam shares her moving account of the journey she has been on for the last five years when, after a miscarriage and losing her father, things started to unravel and her mental health suffered. A difficult few years followed spent navigating depression, trialling several antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, and seeking help from […]

  • 177 – Families, relationships and the power of connection with Julia Samuel

    Human beings are hard wired to adapt to unexpected life events but how do we manage this process alongside our natural need to control? Psychotherapist, Julia Samuel MBE has been interested in this question throughout her 30 year career supporting families with grief and bereavement. Julia founded the charity Child Bereavement UK and has worked […]

  • 176 – Introducing new Chief Medical Director, Dr Magnus Harrison

    Newson Health has recently appointed a Chief Medical Director to ultimately help more women improve their health. In this episode, Dr Magnus Harrison shares a whistlestop tour through his professional life so far as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine via New Zealand, Australia, and Manchester and his experiences in leadership at Stoke on Trent in […]

  • 175 – Mood, mental health and hormones with Dr Clair Crockett

    The focus of this year’s World Menopause Day is cognition and mood. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Dr Clair Crockett, a GP and menopause specialist with an interest in mood, mental health and hormones. Clair’s interest in the topic stems from her own experience of escalating anxiety, low mood and intrusive thoughts […]

  • 174 – World Menopause Day Special with Dr Louise Newson

    On World Menopause Day, Dr Louise Newson has recorded this special edition of her podcast on her own. She describes her medical career to date and her reasons for doing what she is doing. She discusses her interest as an undergraduate and postgraduate and also talks about her lack of menopause training during this time. […]

  • 173 – The challenges of accessing menopause treatment as a young woman

    In this episode, Georgina talks openly about her struggles to get a diagnosis for her erratic periods since she was 15. In her early 20s, her concerns around fertility were brushed off and she acknowledges she didn’t have the strength and resolve to pursue the issue. Georgina then began to experience low mood, muscle fatigue, […]

  • 172 – Learning to make empowered choices after cancer with Dani Binnington

    Dani Binnington was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mum at 33. For the next few years her life did not feel under her own control amidst countless medical appointments, treatments and surgeries. After discovering she carried the genetic BRCA1 mutation, Dani chose to have a double mastectomy and at 39 she opted to […]

  • 171 – Finding hope with hormones after 20 years of struggling with my mental health

    Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide Vanessa had always suffered with PMS and struggled with her mood and emotions after the birth of each of her children. After her fourth child was born, Vanessa’s mental health took a severe turn and she became suicidal. When her husband intervened and insisted she received specialist […]

  • 170 – Recognising and reversing osteoporosis with Dr Taher Mahmud

    Dr Taher Mahmud is a rheumatologist from London who has the ambitious plan of eradicating the bone weakening disease osteoporosis by 2040. Osteoporosis is a common disease, particularly for women around the time of the menopause, but with the right nutrition, exercise and hormone supplementation it is possible to prevent loss of bone tissue and […]

  • 169 – The unfair choice for elite female athletes with Janet Birkmyre

    Janet Birkmyre began her career racing as a track cyclist in her mid-30s and won her first elite medal at the age of 40. She went on to win three elite National Championship titles and multiple masters World and European titles.  Now at 55, Janet is continuing to improve her times and fitness, and she […]

  • 168 – The facts and fiction about menopausal skin with Dr Sajjad Rajpar

    Dermatologist, Dr Sajjad Rajpar makes his third visit to the podcast this week to separate the facts from the fiction about skin changes in perimenopause and menopause and debunk some of the messaging around recent skin products marketed for menopause. Dr Rajpar explains the importance of estrogen for skin and how HRT can prevent and […]

  • 167 – The benefits of yoga (revisited) with Lucy Holtom

    This week offers a chance to revisit a previous podcast conversation – or perhaps hear it for the first time. Lucy Holtom is an experienced Ashtanga yoga practitioner who has a particular passion for helping with women throughout all cycles of life whether it’s to help manage the fluctuation of hormones during menstruation, postnatal recovery, […]

  • 166 – Researching suicide in perimenopause and menopause with Dr Pooja Saini

    Advisory: we would like to apologise for the sound quality in this episode, which was due to technical issues experienced during recording. Dr Pooja Saini is a Chartered Psychologist and Reader in suicide and self-harm prevention based at Liverpool John Moores University. Her work has a particular focus in suicide prevention in primary care and […]

  • 165 – When menopausal symptoms persist, with Dr Anna Chiles

    Dr Anna Chiles is a GP and works in an NHS practice in Gloucestershire and at Newson Health as a menopause specialist. In this episode, the experts discuss the range of symptoms that can occur in the perimenopause and menopause and the impact of these on daily life, and they highlight what can be done […]

  • 164 – When ADHD collides with perimenopause with Margaret Reed Roberts

    Margaret Reed Roberts is an experienced social worker and educator who noticed a change in how she felt in her late 40s. Along with more obvious symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flushes and migraines, there came a deterioration in her cognition – she struggled to initiate, plan and complete daily tasks and the mental […]

  • 163 – When night sweats are not the menopause with Dr Susanna Crowe

    Susie Crowe is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who is passionate about advocating for and empowering women to understand their bodies and supporting them to make choices about their medical care and their lifestyle. In the midst of the pandemic, Susie noticed fatigue creeping in and put it down to burnout from her busy job. […]

  • 162 – Divorce, perimenopause and menopause with Farhana Shahzady

    Farhana is an accredited family law specialist and mediator working with Family Law Partners in London. During her 20-year career, Farhana often noticed an unspoken element at play when helping women through divorce, but it wasn’t until she identified perimenopause within her peer group and those close to her that she appreciated the extent of […]

  • 161 – Jill’s experience of heart attacks and hormones

    Until a few years ago, Jill was in denial about her age, the menopause and what that meant for her future health. She had worked for 30 years as a fitness instructor and sports massage therapist; she was incredibly fit and had never given her heart health a moment’s thought. This abruptly changed in 2021 […]

  • 160 – Thinking hormones in psychiatric consultations with Dr Devika Patel

    Dr Devika Patel joins Dr Louise Newson in this episode of the podcast to share how a chance encounter when overhearing an educational webinar on the menopause was a light bulb moment for her practice as a psychiatrist. Devika takes us through her journey of how this knowledge from learning about menopause has transformed the […]

  • 159 – Raising awareness of HRT in the community in Ireland with Pharmacist, Victoria Jones

    Victoria Jones is a community pharmacist at Bonnybrook Pharmacy in Coolock, Dublin. She received very little education on the menopause when training and became more interested in hormone health after her sister experienced severe symptoms at 40 and began taking HRT. The dramatic return of her sister’s health and wellbeing prompted Victoria to move away […]

  • 158 – Pushing against social and political constraints on women’s health with Dr Heather Hirsch

    Dr Heather Hirsch makes a welcomed return to the podcast this week. Heather is an internal medicine physician, specialising in women’s health and menopause care at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston Massachusetts, USA. Her clinical work and research centres on inequalities or unanswered questions in the field of women’s health, specifically in menopause […]

  • 157 – Science based weight reduction that lasts with Dr Saira Hameed

    Dr Saira Hameed is a consultant endocrinologist working at the Imperial Weight Centre and at Imperial College London. Her work focusses on researching the drivers for appetite, obesity, and regulation of body weight to develop science-based interventions that help people manage their weight and lead healthier lives. In this episode the experts discuss the impact […]

  • 156 – Educating women, improving access to treatment and influencing those in power with Dr Sharon Malone

    Dr Sharon Malone is an eminent American physician who has worked as an obstetrician and gynaecologist for over 30 years in Washington DC. After 15 years of working mostly as an obstetrician, Sharon changed to specialise in menopause care around the time of her own perimenopause. She is passionate about educating women to understand their […]

  • 155 – Weight loss, diabetes and menopause with Dr Clare Bailey and Dr Michael Mosley

    Dr Clare Bailey is a GP and health columnist with extensive experience in helping people lose weight and improve their health. Dr Michael Mosley is a science presenter, journalist and executive television producer. Together, they have authored several bestselling books on weight loss, diet and diabetes and created the popular 5:2 and fast 800 diets. […]

  • 154 – How pharmacists can improve menopause care in your GP practice and community with Rupa Lyall

    Rupa Lyall is a clinical pharmacist who works in a GP practice in Buckinghamshire seeing patients with minor illnesses and prescribing medications. In this episode she tells Dr Louise Newson how she became interested in the perimenopause and menopause and how, through the training on fourteenfish.com and resources on the balance website, Rupa now supports […]

  • 153 – Learning how to prescribe HRT as a GP trainee with Dr Thulasi Naveenan

    In this episode, Dr Thulasi Naveenan talks to Dr Louise Newson about her experiences as a 3rd year GP trainee working in a central Manchester practice and learning on the job when it comes to HRT prescribing. The conversation covers working with patients from different cultures and with interpreters or family members, challenging misinformation, health […]

  • 152 – Irritable bowel, bloating and digestive health with The Gut Experts

    Consultant Gastroenterologist Professor Barbara Ryan and Clinical Dietitian Elaine McGowan are The Gut Experts, passionate about digestive health and helping women with debilitating bloating and irritable bowel symptoms. In this episode, the experts discuss why more women are troubled by gut related symptoms compared to men, how gut and bowel problems have a very real […]

  • 151 – Unpicking UTIs and the role of hormones with Dr Rajvinder Khasriya

    Dr Rajvinder Khasriya is a urogynaecologist who leads the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms clinic at the NHS Whittington Hospital in North London, and is also involved in research work at University College London. In this episode, the experts discuss urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the role a lack of hormones play in their occurrence and […]

  • 150 – The effects of trauma, gender bias and the peri/menopause with Dr Jan Smith

    Dr Jan Smith is a chartered psychologist, executive coach, author, campaigner and the director of Healthy You Ltd. She has over 15 years’ experience providing psychological support to those affected by injury and clinical negligence. In 2014, Jan developed a birth trauma service and campaigns to improve safety in maternity services for families and staff […]

  • 149 – What I have learnt since falling in love with menopause care with Dr Abbie Laing

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks to Dr Abbie Laing about why she now specialises in menopause care and what she has learnt through her research and writing on the subject. Together the experts discuss clinical hot topics where misinformation and misunderstandings are rife such as what the evidence shows about the risk of […]

  • 148 – Plant-based living with Happy Pear’s Dave and Steve Flynn

    In 2004, Dave and Steve Flynn started a fruit and veg shop, with the aim to create a happier, healthier world. The Happy Pear now has vegan food products in nearly 1,000 stores in Ireland, 2 cafes and a farm, and their five cookbooks have all been no.1 bestsellers. The Happy Pear online health and […]

  • 147 – Changing minds about food and diets with Dr Robert Lustig

    Dr Robert Lustig is Professor emeritus of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. He specialises in the field of neuroendocrinology and his research and clinical practice focuses on childhood obesity and diabetes. Dr Lustig has led a global discussion of metabolic health and nutrition, exposing some of the leading myths that underlie the […]

  • 146 – Helping others feel less alone with POI with Ava Vanderstarren

    Ava Vanderstarren is a performing artist, actor and public speaker. She is the co-author of Blossom Living With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency / Early Menopause Journal and is the co-founder of the charity Innocence Lost Foundation. She has over 10 years lived experience of POI & mental health maintenance. In this episode, Ava discusses her experiences […]

  • 145 – Raising awareness of endometriosis and surgical menopause with Vicki Shattock

    Vicki is 39 years and has struggled with heavy periods and related pain since she was 10 years old. She was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis at 22 but continued to suffer with severe pain, heavy bleeding and UTIs, despite treatments and multiple surgical interventions. As a last attempt to be pain free, Vicki chose to […]

  • 144 – ZOE’s co-founder, Jonathan Wolf, on the future of nutrition science

    Jonathan Wolf is the CEO and co-founder of ZOE, a health technology company that focusses on personalised nutrition. ZOE runs the world’s largest nutrition science study with universities such as Harvard and King’s College London, investigating the gut microbiome and how nutrition can improve overall health and wellbeing. During the COVID pandemic, their valuable technology […]

  • 143 – Fertility, pregnancy and perimenopause with Rhona and Tanya

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by two women, Rhona and Tanya, who share their experiences of fertility support, pregnancy, and having symptoms of low hormones after the birth of their children. Rhona asked the fertility specialists whether the hormone treatments she was taking to become pregnant would affect the onset of her […]

  • 142 – Losing my wife: was her perimenopause a contributing factor? With Peter Smith

    Content warning: suicide   Peter Smith joins Dr Louise Newson this week in a difficult and emotional episode. Peter lost his wife, Victoria, to suicide a year ago after she experienced a sudden change in her mental health in her late 40s. In their quest to understand how things could have got to such a […]

  • 141 – Helping organisations change their culture around menopause with Sarah Davies, Talking Menopause

    Sarah Davies is an experienced business coach and trainer who previously spent over 15 years in senior international corporate roles and as a head-hunter for senior executives. Sarah supported her sister, Dr Louise Newson, as business manager, six years ago when Newson Health menopause clinic was launched. Seeing how devastating the consequences of the menopause […]

  • 140 – Addressing the emotional challenges of perimenopause and menopause with Simona Stokes

    Simona Stokes is an experienced counselling psychologist who uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) to help people with stress, depression and anxiety. After 20 years working in the NHS and voluntary sector, she then founded her own clinic in Birmingham, and has developed an interest and specialist knowledge in […]

  • 139 – ‘How my life experience has influenced me as a doctor’ with Dr Naomi Jiagbogu

    Dr Louise Newson met Dr Naomi Jiagbogu over a decade ago at Birmingham Medical School when Louise was mentoring students who were studying medicine as a post-graduate degree. Naomi subsequently qualified, began her GP training and moved to Manchester with husband, Aria, who was training to be a paediatrician. Louise and Naomi discuss their memories […]

  • 138 – Explaining what the evidence shows to offer choice to women after breast cancer, with Avrum Bluming

    Medical oncologist, Dr Avrum Bluming makes a welcome return to the podcast this week to re-visit the hot topic of menopause hormone therapy after breast cancer. Avrum has spent decades studying the research on the benefits and risks of HRT in women with a history of breast cancer and is passionate about giving women clear, evidence-based […]

  • 137 – The challenges and importance of eating healthily with Dr Rupy Aujla

    Dr Rupy Aujla was in his mid-20s and beginning his career as a doctor when heart problems caused him to re-evaluate what he thought he knew about health, nutrition and medicine. Having previously rejected his parents’ influences of traditional Indian medicine, Dr Rupy began delving deeper into some of those concepts and the science of […]

  • 136 – ‘The lack of menopause research is a shocking medical injustice’, with Kate Muir

    Kate Muir returns to the podcast to discuss her ground-breaking new book on the menopause, which she describes as the most difficult and complex subject she has investigated to date. Dr Louise Newson speaks to Kate about the shoddy science and lies that women have been told over the years and what Kate has learnt […]

  • 135 – Tackling the Everest of menopause ignorance with Mariella Frostrup

    Journalist and presenter, Mariella Frostrup, joins Dr Louise Newson for an energetic discussion and a whistle-stop tour through current insights and reflections on the way society approaches the menopause. Mariella talks about why she is ‘still banging on’ about the menopause, why you needn’t be afraid of HRT, and why it’s time to stop the […]

  • 134 – Advice from James Smith for exercise and nutrition in the perimenopause and menopause

    Popular online personal trainer, James Smith, admits he only read Dr Louise Newson’s most recent book to check out the literary competition when their new books were released back-to-back. He bought a copy and read it on holiday and while he may have got some funny looks for his poolside choice of reading, James discovered […]

  • 133 – Recognising and getting help for your perimenopause with Dr Rebecca Lewis

    Dr Rebecca Lewis, Clinical Director at Newson Health, returns to the podcast for the first episode of 2022 to discuss the perimenopause with Dr Louise Newson. The experts explain what the term means, what’s happening to your hormones during this phase, and how it can be diagnosed. Rebecca offers practical advice on how to speak […]

  • 132 – The benefits and pitfalls of evidence based medicine with Jonathan Underhill

    Pharmacist, Jonathan Underhill is a consultant clinical advisor for the Medicines Optimisations team at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). His work is focussed on evidence-based medicine but, as he explains, this is more than simply telling people what to do. One of the particular focuses of Jonathan’s work is the process […]

  • 131 – Joining the dots through research and education with Lucy Chatwin

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Lucy Chatwin, who is responsible for the not-for-profit organisation, Newson Health Research and Education. Lucy has had a portfolio career that has taken her through environmental science and operations, through human resources and management into health, in particular service improvement and transformation roles in the NHS. […]

  • 130 – ‘It‘s a scandal that more isn‘t known about the menopause‘ with Dr Richard Hull

    Dr Richard Hull teaches philosophy at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Due to a coming together of work life and home life in lockdown and his wife’s experience, Richard began thinking and writing about the menopause from an ethical and philosophical perspective. As an issue under our noses all the time, he was astounded […]

  • 129 – Taking a mid-life career leap to help menopausal women with Gaele Lalahy

    Gaele Lalahy had a successful career in consumer electronics as Board Member and Head of Brand Communications & Olympic marketing at Panasonic. Having been with the same company for two decades, Gaele became fearful of not having tried a different career, so she decided to take the leap and leave her job without a plan […]

  • 128 – Making decisions about cancer treatment and the importance of quality of life with Steve Payne

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by a long-time friend, retired consultant urologist, Steve Payne. Together they discuss Steve and his wife Jan’s experience of her breast cancer and subsequent treatment that led to estrogen depletion. Steve describes the decision-making process they went through as a couple when Jan’s quality of life deteriorated […]

  • 127 – Introducing Alistair Darby, CEO of Newson Health

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson explains about an exciting new appointment for Newson Health and introduces Alistair Darby as the new CEO. Coming from a hospitality background, Alistair explains what led him to apply for the role of CEO of a menopause healthcare company, and he shares how his awareness of menopause increased after […]

  • 126 – What does the evidence say about breast cancer and HRT? With Professor Isaac Manyonda

    Professor Isaac Manyonda is back by popular demand to discuss perhaps the most important issue for women considering and taking HRT; what is the risk of breast cancer if I take HRT? Professor Manyonda expertly takes the listeners through the different issues, one by one, including comparing the level of risks of breast cancer from […]

  • 125 – ‘Yes, I’ve had breast cancer but now I need help with the menopause‘ with Dr Sarah Ball

    Menopause specialist, Dr Sarah Ball, makes a record 4th appearance on the Dr Louise Newson podcast this week, to talk about an important group of women that often feel marginalised when it comes to menopause care and treatment. One in seven women will experience breast cancer, and many more of us have a close relative […]

  • 124 – Menopause specialists advocating for women of colour with Dr Nneka Nwokolo and Dr Martina Toby

    Dr Nneka Nwokolo and Dr Martina Toby are both consultant physicians in sexual health and HIV medicine, and together they have joined forces to help educate and advocate for women of colour experiencing perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, the experts share what prompted them to set up the ‘Shades of Menopause’ Instagram group and […]

  • 123 – The Menopause Revolution with Carolyn Harris MP

    Carolyn Harris MP left school at 16, had two children at a young age and worked as a barmaid. Her young son, Martin, was tragically killed in a road accident in 1989 and this changed her life forever. She sank into a black hole for the next few years but turned things around when at […]

  • 122 – Myth-busting clots with Maggie Honey

    Maggie Honey was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, which can be described as having ‘sticky’ blood that is prone to clotting. When she was 46 and a busy mum of triplets, Maggie began having insomnia, recurrent UTIs and dry eyes, skin and mouth. It wasn’t until her periods had stopped for a year and she felt […]

  • 121 – Celebrating World Menopause Day: supporting one another

    In this special episode, released on World Menopause Day 2021, Dr Louise Newson talks to two women about their own experiences of menopause. Melanie is a midwife from Birmingham who talks about her ongoing challenges of coping with menopausal symptoms, getting the right support at work, and finding a treatment that works for her. Grace […]

  • 120 – You are what you eat, with the Healthy Eating Doctor

    Healthy Eating Doctor, Dr Harriet Holme, joins Dr Louise Newson on the podcast couch this week to discuss the importance of nutrition for reducing long term risk of disease and improving your future health. Before becoming a registered nutritionist, Harriet worked for ten years as a doctor before her interest grew in the link between […]

  • 119 – Testosterone: why can’t we have our own hormone back? With Dr Zoe Hodson

    Dr Zoe Hodson returns to the podcast this week to talk to Dr Louise Newson about the hormone testosterone. Zoe is a GP and senior doctor at Newson Health, and together they discuss the impact of low testosterone on your daily life, why it can be difficult to get hold of, and gender inequalities in […]

  • 118 – Testosterone: not just icing on the cake with Rachel Dawber

    Rachel was a very active 45-year-old, who loved the outdoors and her job as a specialist teacher when her fit and healthy body began suffering with one problem after another. Joint problems and crushing fatigue curtailed her hobbies of hiking, climbing and cycling. The following months saw her list of unexplained symptoms grow and grow […]

  • 117 – Transforming the lives of men and women with Paul Anderson

    In this unique episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to her husband, who is a consultant urologist, about the lack of menopause training among medical professionals, the importance of urologists understanding the consequences of the menopause on urinary function and the benefits of HRT and vaginal estrogen.   Paul Anderson explains some of his fascinating work […]

  • 116 – Testosterone: the forgotten hormone with Professor Isaac Manyonda

    Professor Isaac Manyonda, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at St George’s Hospital in London, makes a welcome return to the podcast to discuss the important hormone, testosterone, with Dr Louise Newson.  The experts discuss why awareness of testosterone in women is usually overshadowed by estrogen and they describe what type of symptoms can be greatly […]

  • 115 – Migraine and hormones, with specialist Dr Katy Munro

    Dr Katy Munro was a GP partner in a Hertfordshire practice for many years and developed migraine in her 40s, around the time of her own perimenopause. This led to an interest in migraine and her involvement with the National Migraine Centre, first as a patient and then as a doctor.  Katy now works as […]

  • 114 – Writing ‘Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause’ with journalist, Kat Keogh

    Dr Louise Newson’s new book, ‘Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause’ is now released by Penguin Life as part of the Penguin Life Experts series. Health journalist, Kat Keogh, worked with Dr Newson to write the book, and in this podcast episode they discuss the importance of creating factual and engaging information about the menopause, […]

  • 113 – Mothers, daughters and hormone havoc with Lorraine Candy

    Journalist, podcaster, and author Lorraine Candy, who is former Editor in Chief of Cosmopolitan, Elle, Sunday Times Style, and Former Parenting Columnist for the Sunday Times Magazine. She co-hosts the chart-topping weekly podcast, ‘Postcards from Midlife’, with fellow journalist Trish Halpin. During lockdown Lorraine, 53, wrote the highly successful book, ‘Mum, What’s Wrong With You? […]

  • 112 – ‘Menopause is a public health issue’ with Nick Panay

    World renowned Consultant Gynaecologist, Nick Panay, of Hormone Health, shares his past and current interests in hormone related issues such as menopause, pre-menstrual syndrome, progesterone intolerance and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. He describes ongoing areas within women’s hormone health where there continues to be huge unmet need and how, through training, he is seeking to overcome […]

  • 111 – Looking after your skin with Votary’s Arabella Preston

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Arabella Preston, co-founder of Votary skin company, about her background as a make-up artist and what prompted her to start creating cleansing and facial oils from her kitchen table. Together they discuss how to best care for your skin and how to know what products to buy […]

  • 110 – Finding support with POI in the digital space with Anita Elawure

    In this inspiring episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Anita Elawure, a women’s health advocate, who shares her startingly honest experience of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency since she was a teenager. After many years of trying to ignore her situation, she began to look into what it really meant, for her fertility and the impact of […]

  • 109 – Looking after your future health with Professor Gordan Lauc

    Gordan Lauc is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Chief Scientific Officer at GlycanAge. In this episode Dr Louise Newson feeds her inner geek and enjoys a fascinating conversation with Gordan as he describes his groundbreaking research into glycan molecules and their role in aging and disease processes. Even though scientist’s understanding […]

  • 108 – Functional Imagery Training with Helen Pearce

    Helen is a Functional Imagery Training (FIT) practitioner and weight loss coach who discovered FIT a couple of years ago and has been helping women to achieve lifestyle changes using this effective technique. FIT is a technique that supports behaviour change using mental imagery.   Coming from two decades of research showing that mental imagery […]

  • 107 – Osteoporosis: What is it and how to prevent it, with Prof James Simon

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor James Simon as they take a deeper look at our bones and discuss osteoporosis: what happens to your bone strength during the menopause, what are the risk factors for developing osteoporosis and what we can all do to try and prevent it.     Professor Simon’s […]

  • 106 – Seeing the bigger picture with Men’s Health specialist Dr Jeff Foster

    If you have a male partner, this episode is definitely one for them too. Dr Jeff Foster is a GP and Men’s Health specialist who shares an interest with Dr Newson in hormones and the effects of them – or lack of them – on our lives and future health.   Together they discuss what […]

  • 105 – Living with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and starting a family

    Emily Fisher had always known her mother experienced an early menopause and was wary the same could happen to her. When she went to the doctors with her concerns, she was merely given the advice to ‘have children young’, but she wasn’t ready to take this step in her early 20s and decided to look […]

  • 104 – Mindfulness and Menopause with yoga teacher Claudia Brown

    Back for a second time on the podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by yoga teacher, Claudia Brown who runs workshops at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre.  Claudia is an Om Yoga magazine columnist and runs classes, workshops and retreats in Cheshire and the West Midlands. She is currently launching, ‘The Ultimate Wellness Experience […]

  • 103 – Dr Radhika Vohra: When will women’s health become a priority?

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to GP and Trustee of The Menopause Charity, Dr Radhika Vohra. Radhika is a GP with a special interest in women’s health, particularly the menopause and perimenopause. She is also an educator for GP trainees and other healthcare professionals.   Together they discuss the current landscape of menopause […]

  • 102 – Melanie Martins: Treat me like a patient but there’s no ’one size fits all’

    This episode features a very open and honest account from GP and Newson Health doctor, Melanie Martins. Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34 and, after a further diagnosis and chemotherapy, found herself ‘flung’ into the menopause with very little warning or discussion with the health professionals caring for her at the […]

  • 101 – Dorothy Byrne: Speaking out about the menopause at work

    Dorothy Byrne is the Editor at Large at Channel 4 and was Head of News and Current Affairs for 17 years at the channel. In this podcast episode, she speaks with Dr Louise Newson about her own experience of speaking up about the menopause at work. Dorothy gave a MacTaggart lecture at the TV industry’s […]

  • 100 – Reflecting on Dr Newson’s and Dr Lewis’ achievements for women

    Newson Health celebrates its 100th podcast episode with the Clinical Director of Newson Health, Dr Rebecca Lewis. When Dr Louise Newson began these podcasts with the aim of reaching more women, she didn’t envisage doing more than 10 episodes, let alone 100!    In this emotional episode, Dr Lewis and Dr Newson reflect on their joint […]

  • 099 – Kate Muir: I cannot let this happen to other people

    Journalist and menopause activist, Kate Muir joins Dr Louise Newson in this podcast episode to discuss Kate’s experience of her own menopause journey and what propelled her to make the Channel 4 documentary, Sex, Myths and Menopause.   Kate shares how she struggled to find the right information about her symptoms and HRT, and after […]

  • 098 – Davina McCall: Making a menopause documentary left me in tears

    Davina McCall makes a welcomed return appearance to the Newson Health podcast to discuss what she has learnt from making Channel 4’s taboo-smashing documentary, ‘Sex, Myths and Menopause’. Dr Newson and Davina discuss a broad range of topics such as the role of estrogen in our bodies, types of HRT, the huge need for more research, and […]

  • 097 – Trying to right 20 years of misinformation and hysteria about HRT – Professor Rob Langer and Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Newson speaks with Professor Robert Langer in this episode. Robert Langer is Professor Emeritus in Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California in San Diego. He was also an investigator of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study. Together, they discuss how the WHI Study from 2002 turned the world upside down for […]

  • 096 – I have taken HRT for nearly 50 years and won’t ever stop it – Kay Anderson and Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Newson has a fascinating conversation with Kay Anderson, a woman in her 80s who began taking HRT after a hysterectomy in 1972, when she was only 36. Kay remembers the frightening and devastating depression that suddenly engulfed her, as a mum with 3 young children, and how her gynaecologist agreed to use her as […]

  • 095 – The Lorraine effect: menopause in the public eye. Lorraine Kelly and Dr Louise Newson

    Lorraine Kelly joins Dr Louise Newson in this podcast episode and they discuss their shared experience of talking about the menopause on that infamous couch!   Lorraine talks openly about her own menopause and how treatment radically changed her work life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Every time menopause is discussed on Lorraine’s show, they have […]

  • 094 – Breast cancer treatments induced my menopause: what help is there now? – Caroline and Dr Louise Newson

    Just before her 40th birthday, Caroline was given the unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer. The grueling treatments brought on the menopause and she endured a miserable seven years as a ‘functional wreck’. Nine years on, Caroline reflects on this experience. She describes her search for help for the awful menopausal symptoms that were making her […]

  • 093 – The midlife method to losing weight and feeling great – Sam Rice and Dr Louise Newson

    Food and health writer, Sam Rice joins Dr Louise Newson in this episode to discuss eating well in midlife. Sam tells of her unconventional route into nutrition and wellness, and how living in Bali inspired her to write the Midlife Kitchen with her good friend and best-selling author Mimi Spencer.   After the success of […]

  • 092 – Menopause care and education in the United States and Britain – Heather Hirsch and Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Newson has a lively discussion with Heather Hirsch, the Clinical Programme Director for the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Heather was shocked to see, during her fellowship, that what was being taught about menopause principles and care was actually wrong and realised that menopause was […]

  • 091 – Being Young & Menopausal – Hayley Etherington & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to Hayley Etherington, a young woman who has been menopausal since the age of 14. Hayley talks openly with Dr Newson about her experience and how, even though she was given HRT as a teenager, she has been struggling with many different symptoms for so many years. Hayley’s […]

  • 090 – Talking About Menopause with Women From Ethnic Minorities – Rushna Mia & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Rushna Mia about her menopause experience and how she is aiming to increase awareness of the menopause and support for women and their families within her local Asian community.  Rushna works in a primary school, is a busy mother of 4, grandmother of a 3-year-old and helps run […]

  • 089 – The Benefits of HRT – Professor Isaac Manyonda & Dr Louise Newson

    Professor Isaac Manyonda is a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at St George’s Hospital in London with a major interest in the menopause. In this very detailed discussion, Prof Isaac and Dr Newson talk about the huge benefits of oestrogen in HRT and how many ways oestrogen can improve future health and prevent disease. They […]

  • 088 – Endometriosis and the Menopause – Chris Mann & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Chris Mann, a consultant gynaecologist and one of the world’s leading experts in endometriosis. Chris has received extensive training in many countries in the surgical treatment of endometriosis from some of the world’s leading laparoscopic surgeons. He talks to Dr Newson about this condition, which affects […]

  • 087 – Menopause Education for GPs – Dr Tosin Taiwo & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is delighted to chat to Dr Tosin Taiwo who is a doctor currently in his third year of GP training. Dr Tosin has an orthopaedic background as he used to work as an orthopaedic registrar before changing to general practice. Since beginning his training as a GP, Dr Tosin […]

  • 086 – Lockdown & Weight Loss – Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Newson Health nutritionist, Emma Ellice-Flint discuss habits that might help with weight loss and general weight balance.   During the UK’s third lockdown, many women are finding it difficult to feel motivated to exercise and eat well. Many are having to home school their children; some are working harder than […]

  • 085 – Medical Menopause – Emma McAuley & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Emma McAuley, a young woman who was thrust into a medical menopause at age 24, after undergoing treatment for breast cancer.  Emma speaks openly to Dr Newson about her experience and how she was told very little about the menopause before her treatment. Emma expected a […]

  • 084 – Menopause and Health – Dr Annice Mukherjee & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Annice Mukherjee is a U.K. hormone specialist with almost 3 decades of experience in hospital medicine. From the early days, her specialism in hormones has always focussed on optimising quality of life in hormone diseases, imbalances and deficiencies. Her knowledge helped her hugely when she went through an early menopause due to a cancer diagnosis […]

  • 083 – The Importance of Lifestyle During the Menopause – Amanda Thebe & Dr Louise Newson

    Amanda Thebe is a personal trainer and nutrition coach, with nearly 3 decades in the health and wellness industry. She is the author of ‘Menopocalypse: How I Learned To Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!’ Dr Newson actually helped Amanda with the HRT chapter in the book. Amanda (who is British) joins Dr Newson […]

  • 082 – The Personal & Professional Costs of the Menopause – Chris Oglesby & Dr Louise Newson

    Chris Oglesby is the chief executive of Bruntwood, which remains a family-owned and run company founded on a belief that its success comes from the success of its colleagues, customers and the communities in which it operates. He works tirelessly helping cities such as Manchester to thrive in many ways including by improving health inequalities, funding research and […]

  • 081 – Pilates & the Menopause – Dinah Siman & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dinah Siman who is a Yoga and Pilates teacher and the founder of Menopause Pilates. Dinah chats to Dr Newson about the history of Pilates and how the method arrived in the UK with Alan Herdman, and how it is now established as a tried and […]

  • 080 – ”How My Work Was Affected by the Menopause” – Kate Halfpenny & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Kate Halfpenny, who was a celebrity stylist and designer for over 20 years. Kate now has a globally successful, British-made bridal brand, Halfpenny London, which she launched in early 2000. Kate had her first and only child, Sylvester, at 40 and talks to Dr Newson about how […]

  • 079 – Media & the Menopause – Nadia Sawalha & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Nadia Sawalha. Nadia is a well-known British actress and TV presenter and has been part of Loose Women from the outset. While talking to Dr Newson, Nadia is very open and candid about her menopause experience and how frightened she was. She talks about how she […]

  • 078 – Urogenital Symptoms of the Menopause – Lavinia Winch & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Lavinia Winch, Ambassador for YES organic vaginal moisturisers and lubricants and a patient representative for all aspects of women’s gynaecological health, but especially for menopausal urogenital symptoms.   Lavinia shares her story and talks openly about the 30 years of misdiagnosed vaginal and vulval symptoms which […]

  • 077 – Spoon-Fed: Food & Tim Spector – Tim Spector & Dr Louise Newson

    Tim Spector is a Professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College in London and also co-founder of Zoe. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Tim about his newly published book, Spoon-Fed. This ground-breaking and informative book really leads the reader to question their current diet and their relationship with food. Dr Newson and Tim discuss […]

  • 076 – Menopause and Employment Law – Victoria Duddles & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Louise Newson is delighted to welcome Victoria Duddles, solicitor and Principal Associate at Weightmans LLP.  Dr Newson and Victoria Duddles first met when they were both guest speakers at a Birmingham CIPD event all about menopause in the workplace. In this podcast, Victoria talks with Dr Newson about the employment law implications for employers […]

  • 075 – Premature Menopause & Fertility – Dr Rebecca Gibbs & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Rebecca Gibbs, an Obstetrics and Gynaecological Consultant at The Royal Free Hospital in London. Dr Gibbs is also an ambassador for The Daisy Network, a charity dedicated to providing information and support to women diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. In this podcast, Dr Gibbs and […]

  • 074 – HRT Prescriptions in England – Dr Sarah Hillman & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode of the Newson Health podcast series, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Sarah Hillman, a GP and clinical lecturer in Primary Care at the University of Warwick. Sarah talks about a piece of research she has recently published that looks at HRT prescriptions in England. The research shows that women in […]

  • 073 – Menopause in the Media – Kaye Adams & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Kaye Adams, a radio and television presenter and regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. Kaye has recently co-authored the book called Still Hot in which 42 women have written about their own menopause experiences.  Kaye and Dr Newson talk about the ways journalists and the media […]

  • 072 – The Menopause Charity – Vanessa Barnes & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats with Vanessa Barnes, fellow trustee and Chief Executive of their newly formed Menopause Charity.  Vanessa describes in detail her own menopause journey and her experiences of being perimenopausal and how she came to first meet Louise when trying to find treatment for herself over three years ago.  Louise […]

  • 071 – Women’s Health Magazine – Claire Sanderson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Claire Sanderson, the editor-in-chief for Women’s Health magazine. Claire talks openly about her mental health and the struggles she has faced in the past in the past. She also talks with Dr Newson about the perimenopause and how so many women are incorrectly offered or given antidepressants […]

  • 070 – Bone Health & World Osteoporosis Day – Julia Thomson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast released on World Osteoporosis Day, Dr Louise Newson welcomes Julia Thomson, who manages the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s Specialist Nurses Helpline. Together, they discuss what exactly osteoporosis is and identify some of the major risk factors of osteoporosis. Julia and Dr Newson also talk about the various treatments options available for people at […]

  • 069 – Managing Menopause as a New GP – Gregory Monk & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Gregory Monk, a newly qualified GP. Gregory chats to Dr Newson about his experience dealing with the menopause so far in his career and during his training. They go on to discuss Gregory’s perspective of the menopause how this has changed during his time as a […]

  • 068 – Going Through a Teenage Menopause – Ellie Waters & Dr Louise Newson

    When Ellie Waters was 14 years old, she was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer that required intensive and lengthy treatment. The interventions saved her life, but they also stopped her ovaries working for good. With little menopause information or support from her medical team, Ellie found herself on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. […]

  • 067 – Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause – Professor James Simon & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking with Professor James Simon about Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause which affects the majority of women after the menopause and can include symptoms such as vaginal discomfort, irritation, dryness and pain during sexual intercourse. However, only the minority of women currently receive treatment and this needs to change. Treatment […]

  • 066 – Gut Health and Addiction – Lindsey Beveridge & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Louise Newson chats to Lindsey Beveridge, nutritional therapist and founder of Recovery Nutrition, in this episode of the Newson Health podcast series. Lindsey talks openly about her recovery from alcohol addiction in her late 40s and how that drove her to study nutritional therapy and then change careers. Alcohol and sugar are both substances […]

  • 065 – HIV, Menopause & Sophia Forum – Sophie Strachan, Dr Nneka Nwokolo, Dr Jacqui Stevenson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is speaking with Sophie Strachan, director of Sophia Forum, Dr Nneka Nwokolo, honorary HIV clinician and menopause specialist, and Dr Jacqui Stevenson, researcher and advocate for Sophia Forum. Together, they talk about the charity Sophia Forum and their ‘We Are Still Here’ campaign which is calling for:  Opportunities to pass on […]

  • 064 – Early Menopause and Fertility – Jon Hughes & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is speaking with Jon Hughes, a gynaecologist who specialises in fertility and endometriosis. Jon and Louise discuss the various reasons why women may have reduced fertility, including women who have an early menopause or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Jon talks about his work and details the possible ways that […]

  • 063 – Psychosexual Medicine and Menopause – Dr Stephanie Goodwin & Dr Louise Newson

    In episode 63 of the Newson Health podcast series, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Stephanie Goodwin, a london-based GP, menopause specialist and specialist in Psychosexual medicine. Together, Dr Newson and Dr Goodwin discuss the possible consequences of cancer treatment on women’s sex lives. Often sex isn’t discussed at the outset of treatment and […]

  • 062 – Menopause and Contraception – Dr Philippa Kaye & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to Dr Philippa Kaye – GP, journalist and author. Dr Kaye has just released a new book titled ‘The M Word: Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause’ and she talks to Dr Newson all about it and explains why she decided to write a book about […]

  • 061 – The Hormone Pharmacist – Lindsey Lester & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Lindsey Lester who is a pharmacist with special interest in the menopause and founder of The Hormone Pharmacist.  Lindsey set up The Hormone Pharmacist, after much encouragement from Dr Newson, to provide affordable expert menopause advice, which enables women to make an informed choice about the […]

  • 060 – Menopause Education & Fourteen Fish – Dr Mark Coombe & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Mark Coombe is the educational director of Fourteen Fish, a UK based company specialising in medical appraisals. They provide education for over 40,000 GPs and healthcare professionals in the UK. In this podcast, Mark and Dr Newson talk about a new menopause education programme they are developing together which has just been launched and is […]

  • 059 – PMS and the Menopause – Dr Hannah Short and Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Hannah Short, who is a GP and menopause specialist. She also has a particular interest in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is very common yet not well managed.  Many women need individualised advice and treatment which is often a combination of […]

  • 058 – Changing the Perception Around HRT – Davina Mccall & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to one of Britain’s best loved TV presenters, Davina Mccall. Davina talks openly and honestly about her own menopause experience and how she had no idea that she might start to experience symptoms when she was just 44. Davina and Louise talk extensively about the perception of HRT […]

  • 057 – The Irish Menopause – Sallyanne Brady, Claire Peel & Dr Louise Newson

    The Irish Menopause was set up by Sallyanne Brady and Claire Peel – two ladies who suffered horrendously with their own menopause symptoms and met in an online support group. Ireland was lacking in knowledge, support and evidence based information, for women in particular, so they founded The Irish Menopause in April 2019 and the […]

  • 056 – ’balance’ Menopause App – Jane Oglesby & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking with Jane Oglesby, whom she first met at Manchester University when they were both medical students together. Dr Newson and Jane then reconnected a few years ago when she visited the Newson Health clinic as she had been really struggling with menopausal symptoms and was unable to receive […]

  • 055 – Exercise & the Menopause – Janette Cardy & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by online personal trainer, life coach and corporate wellbeing trainer Janette Cardy. Janette is a GB athlete and founder of Janette Cardy Fitness and she chats to Dr Newson about the physical and mental effects of exercise. Dr Newson and Janette also discuss how to find the […]

  • 054 – The Basics About HRT – Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to friend and colleague, Dr Rebecca Lewis and together they talk all about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They discuss the different types and ways of taking HRT, as well as the advantages of various preparations and different types of progestogens. Dr Newson and Dr Lewis also detail the […]

  • 053 – The costs of the menopause – Professor Philip Sarrel & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Professor Philip Sarrel, Professor of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Sciences and also Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University.  Dr Newson and Prof Sarrel discuss the importance of hormone replacement, not only to improve symptoms but also for disease prevention as Prof Sarrel talks about the increased risk of heart disease in […]

  • 052 – The Benefits of Body Identical Progesterone – Professor James Simon & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is speaking to Professor Jim Simon, a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Endocrinology at George Washington University in Washington DC.  Dr Newson and Professor Simon talk about the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study and more specifically about the different types of progestogens and progesterone. He clearly describes and […]

  • 051 – Breast Cancer & Menopause – Dr Tony Branson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Dr Tony Branson, a consultant oncologist who specialises in giving cancer treatments to women. Dr Branson and Dr Newson discuss the menopause in women who have had breast cancer in the past and the various ways of managing symptoms. Some women also experience menopausal symptoms as a result of […]

  • 050 – Empowering Women to Receive the Right Menopause Advice – Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson

    In the 50th episode of the Newson Health podcast series, Dr Louise Newson chats to Liz Earle MBE about how they first met and the work they have done together. Liz is very open and candid about her own menopause experience and admits how little she knew about the perimenopause and menopause before meeting Dr Newson. She […]

  • 049 – Anti-ageing, Hormones & Healthy Living – John Stirling & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to John Stirling, the technical director of Bionutri. John speaks openly about his experience with immunotherapy treatments for his melanoma that was diagnosed when he was in his 20s. This experience started his real interest into disease prevention and healthy living. He is currently writing a book about anti-ageing and […]

  • 048 – Newson Health in the North – Dr Zoe Hodson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Zoe Hodson who is the lead doctor at the North West branch of Newson Health. Zoe has worked as a GP and GP trainer for over 15 years and has encountered many hurdles when trying to deliver menopause care; from lack of training as an […]

  • 047 – Fermented Foods & Gut Health – Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Emma Ellice-Flint, a very knowledgeable nutritionist, all about fermented foods. Emma takes it right back to basics and explains the importance of good gut health and how eating and drinking fermented products can be beneficial for our gut microbes as well as our overall health. Emma and […]

  • 046 – Menopause Education for Nurses – Mandy Garland, Sharon Hartmann & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Mandy Garland and Specialist Nurse, Sharon Hartmann – together they discuss nurse education for menopause and HRT in primary care.  Both Mandy and Sharon chose to develop their own skills and knowledge in menopause by completing the accredited training through the British Menopause […]

  • 045 – Menopause Yoga – Petra Coveney & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Petra Coveney, Founder of Menopause Yoga – the UK’s first specialist style of yoga to support women going through the menopause.  Petra, who is a member of the British Menopause Society (BMS) for health practitioners and a senior yoga teacher and trainer, developed Menopause Yoga to meet the physical and emotional needs of women going through menopause. Last year, due […]

  • 044 – Gransnet & the Menopause – Cari Rosen & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson chats to Cari Rosen; author, writer and editor of Gransnet.com. Gransnet was set up following the success of Mumsnet. Gransnet has 320k users, bringing in 3 million page views a month. Many perimenopausal and menopausal women feel socially isolated and alone when they experience symptoms that often they don’t even realise are related to their reducing hormone levels. It […]

  • 043 – Changing the Language Around Menopause and Midlife – Lorraine Candy & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined (virtually!) by Lorraine Candy – co-founder of the podcast series ‘Postcards from Midlife’. Lorraine and Dr Newson chat about the stigma surrounding the word “menopause” and how we need to work together in order to break that down and really empower women so they can receive the […]

  • 042 – The Big M – Kate Irvine & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Kate Irvine and together they discuss Kate’s online perimenopause and menopause survey, The Big M.  Kate began her survey as a way to find out how women really feel about the perimenopause and menopause, including which aspects of the Big M women find the most difficult, whether they felt […]

  • 041 – You Are Feeling Sleeeepy – Kathryn Pinkham & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Kathryn Pinkham, Founder of The Insomnia Clinic, the UK’s largest insomnia service.  Kathryn, along with her team at The Insomnia Clinic, help people who suffer with poor sleep and insomnia using NHS recommended techniques. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia is a structured programme which helps people to identify […]

  • 040 – ’Supporting Your Immunity’ – Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Newson is joined by Emma Ellice-Flint, a clinical nutritionist and former chef. Emma works alongside Dr Newson at her clinic, Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre and treats patients with all conditions, but digestive wellness and hormone balance are topics close to her heart.  In light of the outbreak of Coronavirus, […]

  • 039 – Oestrogen Matters – Dr Avrum Bluming & Dr Louise Newson

    Avrum Bluming was a clinical professor of medical oncology at the University of Southern California and spent four years as a senior investigator for the National Cancer Institute. For more than two decades he has been studying the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy administered to women with a history of breast cancer. He is also the […]

  • 038 – Research on Testosterone & Menopause – Lauren Redfern & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Newson is joined by Lauren Redfern, a researcher who has been exploring the experiences of women using testosterone as part of their HRT treatment. Lauren has been spending time at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre over the past year observing many different aspects of women’s care; from the moment […]

  • 037 – Ageing Well, Menopause and Yoga – Claudia Brown & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by yoga teacher, Claudia Brown who runs workshops at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre.  Claudia is an Om Yoga magazine columnist and runs classes, workshops and retreats in the West Midlands. She also works with professional footballers, teaching yoga at Doncaster Rovers Football Club! Together, Dr Newson […]

  • 036 – Sex and the Menopause – Samantha Evans & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Newson talks openly and candidly to Samantha Evans about sexual problems and the menopause. Sam Evans is a sexual health and pleasure expert, with a nursing background. She is also co-owner of the company www.jodivine.com Together, Sam and Dr Newson discuss the various ways in which libido and sexual difficulties can […]

  • 035 – Hair Loss and Hormones – Dr Sajjad Rajpar & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Newson is speaking with consultant dermatologist, Dr Sajjad Rajpar all about hair. Hair changes can be very common during the perimenopause and menopause. Dr Rajpar eloquently explains how our hormones are important with respect to hair growth and also hair texture. They discuss in detail reasons why women experience hair loss […]

  • 034 – Menopause Taboo in Women from Different Ethnic Groups – Dr Nighat Arif & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Nighat Arif is a GP with a specialist interest in women’s health, based in Buckinghamshire. In this week’s podcast, Dr Nighat Arif talks openly with Dr Newson about her work educating and empowering women from different ethnic groups about the menopause. Many women from ethnic minorities think the menopause is a condition that only affects Caucasian women or it is […]

  • 033 – Bone Health, Osteoporosis & the Menopause – Professor David Reid & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Newson is joined by Professor David Reid, Consultant Rheumatologist and Osteoporosis Specialist at the University of Aberdeen. Professor Reid is also the Senior Medical Adviser and Fundraising Ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Bone Research Academy. Bone density reduces as our hormone levels lower, as a result of the perimenopause and menopause. Around one […]

  • 032 – Taking HRT Forever – Ann Newson & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson has an open discussion with her mother, Ann Newson, about her personal views regarding taking HRT. Over 30 years ago, Ann was experiencing symptoms of severe fatigue which were negatively affecting her ability at work, prompting her GP to give her a prescription for HRT. Ann was then […]

  • 031 – Pelvic Floor Health – Jane Simpson & Dr Louise Newson

    This week, Dr Newson is joined by Jane Simpson, a continence nurse specialist who works from The London Clinic in Harley Street.  In this episode, Jane and Dr Newson discuss all aspects of pelvic floor health relating to the menopause, including stress incontinence, an overactive bladder (key in the door syndrome!), vaginal dryness/atrophy, pelvic organ prolapse, […]

  • 030 – Early Menopause and POI – Dr Sarah Ball and Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Sarah Ball, a GP with a special interest in the menopause. Together, they talk all about early menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) which affects women under 45 years. In the UK, around one in 100 women under 40 experience an early menopause yet […]

  • 029 – Life after Breast Cancer – Kirsty Lang and Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is speaking to journalist Kirsty Lang about her experience with Breast Cancer and how life has been since her recovery. Together, they discuss the treatment that Kirsty received and the side-effects that she experienced from some of the medication, particularly those that blocked the effects of estrogen in her body. […]

  • 028 – Menopause and Friendship – Kate Parr & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking with one of her closest friends, Kate Parr, about her reasons for setting up Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Kate encouraged Dr Newson to start educating women about the perimenopause and menopause by hosting a lunch in her house a few years ago, to which […]

  • 027 – Menopause and the Skin – Dr Sajjad Rajpar and Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking to leading consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar. Together, they discuss all about the skin and how it can change during the perimenopause and menopause. The low hormone levels that occur during the perimenopause and menopause often have a negative effect on the collagen in the skin, […]

  • 026 – Surgical Menopause – Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson chats to her good friend, Dr Rebecca Lewis, who is also a clinical director at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Together they discuss surgical menopause. Surgical menopause can often be very different to a natural menopause because it happens very suddenly. Women who have their ovaries removed during […]

  • 025 – Missing my Perimenopause – Katie Taylor & Dr Louise Newson

    In this week’s episode, Dr Newson chats to Katie Taylor. From the age of 43 Katie suffered for four years with debilitating perimenopausal symptoms, which had been misdiagnosed as depression by her doctor.   It was only when her father, a breast cancer professor, suggested that he thought her symptoms were more likely to be hormonal, […]

  • 024 – Menopause & West Midlands Police – Yvonne Bruton & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson chats to Yvonne Bruton, a chief inspector at West Midlands Police who currently heads up the Violence Reduction Unit. Yvonne is also the chair of her Women in Policing association. Dr Newson and Yvonne have worked closely in the past and shared a journey over the last few years; […]

  • 023 – Menopause & the Pelvic Floor – Nicola Mulkeen & Dr Louise Newson

    In this podcast, Dr Newson is speaking with Nicola Mulkeen, a very experienced and knowledgeable pelvic floor physiotherapist. Together they discuss what exactly the pelvic floor muscles are and what they do in our bodies. Nicola talks about the importance of regular pelvic floor exercises and how to perform them. Dr Newson also asks Nicola […]

  • 022 – Menopause for Partners – Leigh Goulding & Dr Louise Newson

    Partners of menopausal women are often neglected. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Leigh, a partner of one of her patients who vividly describes how worried he was when he saw the changes in his wife and had no idea what was going on. They discuss potential ways of improving education to men and partners. […]

  • 021 – MPowered Women – Saska Graville & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Newson chats to Saska Graville, co founder of Mpoweredwomen.net; a community of doctors, wellbeing experts and brilliant women, to power you through menopause. Despite a career in women’s magazines, including being the deputy editor of Red, Saska had no idea that anxiety and loss of confidence were classic perimenopause symptoms. Hot flushes were the […]

  • 020 – Menopause and Antidepressants – Kim Goulding & Dr Louise Newson

    Kim Goulding is one of Dr Newson’s patients here at Newson Health. In today’s episode, Kim talks about her own experience with the menopause how she was offered antidepressants. She has always been the driving force behind her family and became socially withdrawn and very low in her mood. She had no idea initially what was […]

  • 019 – What is Perimenopause? – Sheona Khan & Dr Louise Newson

    Sheona Khan is a medical writer who has been working closely with Dr Newson for several months. In this weeks episode, Dr Newson and Sheona have an open discussion with about how much she has learnt regarding the perimenopause and how little she knew about it until recently. They discuss ways of improving knowledge for women […]

  • 018 – Low Testosterone in Men – Professor Geoffrey Hackett & Dr Louise Newson

    Professor Geoffrey Hackett works as a consultant in Urology and Sexual Medicine. He is a prolific writer and educator about men’s health and has a particular interest in low testosterone in men. In this episode, Dr Newson and Professor Hackett talk about how having a low testosterone level can affect men, how common it is and how men […]

  • 017 – The Benefits of Yoga – Lucy Holtom & Dr Louise Newson

    Lucy Holtom is a yoga teacher who works closely with Dr Newson here at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Lucy runs ‘Living Your Yoga’ and her classes encourage attendees to take time to connect with their inner world through ancient Yogic practices. These practices include co-ordinating the breath with movement; attention to alignment; seeking focus and balance; and […]

  • 016 – The Importance of a Plant-Based Diet – Edward Joy & Dr Louise Newson

    Edward Joy has over 20 years’ experience as a complimentary healthcare practitioner, as an ethnobotanist Edward spends much of his time studying the components of plants in an aim to understand their nutritional benefits but he also adopts naturopathy into his practice.   Edward contributes regularly to articles for Only Natural and Holistic Therapist magazines. His  informal lectures and herb walks are attended by […]

  • 015 – Menopause and Nursing – Diane Porterfield & Dr Louise Newson

    Diane Porterfield-Bourne is a Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years nursing experience. She runs www.bourne2care.co.uk and provides menopause education talks in the workplace and through organised events. She is committed to raising menopause awareness and feels very passionately about women’s health and how menopause can affect women physically and emotionally. In this episode, Diane talks to Dr […]

  • 014 – Getting the right menopause information – Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks with Diane Danzebrink, both very passionate campaigners on the subject of improving menopause education for women. The two experts discuss the current HRT shortages and media reports following the recent HRT scare and give women the real facts, talking about their grave concerns that women are going to […]

  • 013 – HRT and Breast Cancer – Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by Liz Earle MBE and together they discuss the recent research that was published in the Lancet, concerning the link between HRT and breast cancer. They talk about what this research means to women and discuss other evidence regarding the benefits of taking HRT. www.lizearlewellbeing.com Liz Earle’s Three Take […]

  • 012 – Gut Matters – Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode Dr Newson and qualified nutritionist and chef Emma Ellice-Flint, talk about gut matters, microbiome research and what foods can make a difference to the gut and whole body health. Topics discussed include: Control how you feel through what you eat, bidirectional communication to/from gut and the brain. The time it takes to […]

  • 010 – MegsMenopause – Meg Mathews & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by former music industry PR guru Meg Mathews. Together, they discuss Meg’s reasons for creating her website, MegsMenopause, and why she has worked so hard to improve menopause education for women. Meg talks very openly about her dreadful menopause experience and how she had no idea what was happening to […]

  • 009 – Gynaecologial Cancers & Eve Appeal – Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson

    Athena Lamnisos is the Chief Executive of the Eve Appeal which the only UK national charity raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. In this episode Dr Louise Newson and Athena talk about the importance of diagnosing these cancers early which leads to better outcomes […]

  • 008 – Migraines & Menopause – GP & Menopause Expert Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson

    Migraines and worsening headaches can be a very common symptom of the perimenopause and menopause. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Sarah Ball who explains why this can occur and ways of managing migraines for women who have changing hormone levels. Many women wrongly believe they cannot take HRT if they have […]

  • 007 – Campaigning for improved menopause care – Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson

    Diane Danzebrink is a psychotherapist, menopause expert, wellbeing consultant and also a great friend of Dr Newson. She is tirelessly campaigning for improved care and support for menopausal women having personally had a dreadful experience of the menopause after an operation to remove her ovaries to the extent she became suicidal. Diane always promised her […]

  • 006 – Importance of discussing menopause early – Meg Mathews, Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Newson talks with Meg Mathews & Athena Lamnisos, CEO of charity Eve Appeal, about best times to discuss menopause with women & children. Menopause being on the curriculum has had a mixed response, but as it can cause many different symptoms, which can go unrecognised for years, it’s essential we start the conversation early […]

  • 005 – Comparing hormones in menopausal women to teenagers – Nurse Tracy Rutter & Dr Louise Newson

    Dr Louise Newson discusses changing hormones with Nurse Tracy Rutter, who has had an interesting & varied career as an army nurse & a school nurse. Tracy talks about changing hormones in adolescent girls & comparisons with changing hormone levels in perimenopausal and menopausal women, her own experience of surgical menopause, how balancing her hormones really […]

  • 004 – Education about the menopause – Practice Manager Sarah Baker & Dr Louise Newson

    Menopause education is not mandatory for healthcare professionals. Dr Newson discusses the importance of menopause education with Menopause & Wellbeing Centre Practice Manager, Sarah Baker who previously worked in a private hospital and ran educational events for doctors on various subjects. Sarah describes how women’s health events were always popular and, in her experience, doctors […]

  • 003 – Menopause & Depression – GP & Menopause Expert Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson

    Symptoms of depression commonly occur during the perimenopause/menopause. Here, Dr Newson is joined by Dr Rebecca Lewis and together they discuss why symptoms can occur & ways of managing them with the right treatment. For many menopausal women, these symptoms are incorrectly diagnosed as depression; research shows around 70% of perimenopausal/menopausal women are inappropriately offered/given […]

  • 002 – Improving Education About the Menopause – PCWHF Director, Karl Hamer & Dr Louise Newson

    In this episode, recorded in conjunction with the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum, Dr Newson talks with PCWHF Director, Karl Hamer about Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre and her passion and determination to improve education about the menopause.  Primary Care Women’s Health Forum

  • 001 – Symptoms and Effective Treatment for Women Experiencing the Menopause – Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson

    In this first episode of a new podcast series recorded by Dr Louise Newson, founder and menopause specialist GP at Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre, Dr Newson discusses the symptoms and experiences of different patients with fellow GP and menopause expert, Dr Sarah Ball. Find out more about Dr Sarah Ball

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Building a Menopause Brand: Naomi Watts on HRT, Hot Flashes & Hollywood

    This week on unPaused, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with Naomi Watts, Academy Award nominated actress, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author of Dare I Say It. Naomi’s career spans decades in Hollywood, from her breakthrough role in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive to recent work with directors like Ryan Murphy and Lena Dunham. […]

  • Ep. 206 – Perimenopause is So Annoying with Dr Carrie Jones

    In this episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with the renowned “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Carrie Jones, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that cuts through the noise surrounding women’s health at midlife. As a Naturopathic Physician with advanced degrees in public health and endocrinology, Dr. Jones brings over two decades of clinical experience to […]

  • How to Embrace Your Second Spring — and Why Rest Is Part of It with Kate Codrington

    This week on Take a Breath, I’m joined by brilliant Kate Codrington — author, therapist, facilitator, speaker, and guide for women navigating the menopause transition. Kate is the author of Second Spring, named one of the seven best books on menopause by the New York Times, and The Perimenopause Journal (2024), described as “an essential […]

  • 47 – Rethinking mental health and antidepressant prescribing

    Content advisory: this episode contains themes of metal health and suicidality In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr MarkHorowitz, who is a psychiatrist, researcher and world-leading expert in psychiatric medication withdrawal and deprescribing. Mark is also the lead author of the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines and co-founder of Outro Health, the only virtual […]

  • How I Finally Found Food Freedom- My 20 Year Disordered Eating Story

    Twenty years ago, I dug Valentine’s Day chocolates out of the trash. And that moment kicked off 15 years of restriction, rules, all-or-nothing dieting, and solid disordered eating patterns that I didn’t even recognize at the time. In this episode of Mastering Menopause, I’m sharing the story of the Valentine’s Day that changed everything — […]

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    The 5 Hard Truths I Learned From My Divorce

    Tamsen Fadal sits down for a deeply personal solo episode about what her divorce in her early 40s actually taught her about loneliness, identity, grief, and starting over. After years of building a life she thought was permanent, she found herself facing an empty apartment, a rewritten future, and one big question: Who am I […]

  • Eps 389: Practical Health Advice for Women Over 40

    When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to neglect your health. But your body is constantly sending signals that deserve attention. In this episode, I share five key insights to help you protect your central nervous system and navigate the stress that comes with midlife. We’ll explore the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, listening […]

  • What it Takes to Find & Keep True Love: The Best Advice No One Ever Told You

    In this episode, you’re going to receive the best dating advice no one ever told you.  Whether you’re single, dating, in a relationship, or listening because you’re looking for advice for someone you love – this episode will change how you think about dating and love. If you’re feeling discouraged, burned out, or you’re starting […]

  • Even the Kardashians have insecurities! Reinvent your identity, with Chris Appleton

    Why do we change our hair when we want to start over? Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton knows that when someone sits in his chair, he has their future confidence in his hands. In this chat with Fearne, Chris explains that everyone from the Kardashians to cancer patients have opened up to him about their […]

  • Is blue light from screens wrecking your sleep?

    From blue light blocking glasses to hydrogen water for your mitochondria, Liz shares the science-backed strategies that protect your circadian rhythm and support healthy ageing. In this episode: Is hydrogen water worth it – and are there budget options?  Which supplements should we prioritise in midlife?  Do blue light blocking glasses protect your sleep? How […]

  • More Than The Traitors! Harriet Tyce Opens Up About Sobriety, Reinvention & Witch Trial

    What happens when you stop drinking in midlife – and everything starts to change? In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by acclaimed crime author, former criminal barrister and The Traitors star Harriet Tyce. Harriet opens up about the turning points that led her to quit alcohol, why it became the “bedrock” for feeling […]

  • More Than The Traitors! Harriet Tyce Opens Up About Sobriety, Reinvention, And Witch Trial

    What happens when you stop drinking in midlife – and everything starts to change? In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by acclaimed crime author, former criminal barrister and The Traitors star Harriet Tyce. Harriet opens up about the turning points that led her to quit alcohol, why it became the “bedrock” for feeling […]

  • Digital Health: The New Wild, Wild West

    Karen unpacks the fast-growing world of digital health, from Apple Watch and smartphone apps to telehealth and new hospital tech that can improve care and streamline recovery at home. She also addresses the downsides, raising concerns around the security of these technologies. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we […]

  • How to hit 30 grams of fibre a day in midlife (without the bloat) – with Emma Bardwell

    What could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower inflammation, and make you less susceptible to depression? The answer, says nutritionist Emma Bardwell, is fibre. Emma’s back on the show by popular demand to explain why hitting 30 grams a day could transform everything from weight loss and mood to digestion and glowing […]

  • Maintenance Calories vs Maintaining Your Weight: Why 1,400 Calories Is Keeping You Stuck

    I don't think most women understand the concept of eating at maintenance calories vs maintaining their weight on deficit calories. If you’re eating 1,400 to 1,600 calories and not losing weight, this episode is for you. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from women in menopause is this: “I must be eating at maintenance […]

  • Eps 388 : Can Frequency Work Really Change Your Life w/ Karen Cheong

    Is midlife leaving you lost? Here’s how to find your way back In today’s conversation with Karen Chong, we’re diving into the transformative power of frequency work,  a simple but profound practice that can help you release the emotional blocks keeping you stuck. Karen explains how your energy plays a major role in shaping your […]

  • Eps 388 : Can Frequency Work Really Change Your Life?

    Is midlife leaving you lost? Here’s how to find your way back In today’s conversation with Karen Chong, we’re diving into the transformative power of frequency work,  a simple but profound practice that can help you release the emotional blocks keeping you stuck. Karen explains how your energy plays a major role in shaping your […]

  • Your Guide to Better Romance, Sex, & Love From the #1 Sex Professor

    In this episode, you are going to learn how to have amazing sex, deeper intimacy, and create real, lasting love.  If you’re not having sex, or if sex feels like one more thing on the to-do list, this is what you need to hear right now. Today, Mel sits down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, PhD, […]

  • Your Guide to Better Sex, Romance, & Love From the #1 Sex Professor

    In this episode, you are going to learn how to have amazing sex, deeper intimacy, and create real, lasting love.  If you’re not having sex, or if sex feels like one more thing on the to-do list, this is what you need to hear right now. Today, Mel sits down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, PhD, […]

  • “Just try one new thing!” Fearne’s going boxing and to her cervical screening

    Fed up of constantly striving for ultimate happiness? Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some far more realistic chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel rubbish. This is a safe space for all of us to get stuff off our chests. No judgement here! Want to join the […]

  • S4 Ep195: VULVAR RELIEF! New Research Takes the Pain out of Vulvodynia and Lichen Sclerosus with Dr. Andrew Goldstein

     Of all of the vulvar conditions out there, two of the most frustrating to treat are VULVODYNIA and LICHEN SCLEROSUS.  Even when properly diagnosed, treatment can be challenging. But help is on the way! In this episode, Dr. Andrew Goldstein discusses new cutting-edge research and treatments for both vulvodynia and lichen sclerosus. Dr. Goldstein describes 5 ongoing […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – The Patriarchy

    On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking all about the patriarchy. This social system that historically centres white men as the default holders of power, money, status and authority, is woven into the very fabric of society. It shows up in a million subtle – and not so subtle – ways: women […]

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    The Gut Doctor: How to Boost Energy and Lose Belly Fat

    In this episode, Dr. Amy Shah sits down with Tamsen Fadal to discuss the science behind the weight gain, mood swings, brain fog and digestive changes that millions of women experience as their hormones shift throughout life. Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician on a mission to help women understand what’s really happening […]

  • The Essential Guide for Financial Caregivers with CFP Beth Pinsker

    * Request A copy of the Free Financial Caregivers Resource Guide: LINK   We don’t talk enough about the financial toll of caregiving.   Many caregivers are not just dealing with a loved one’s emotional and physical needs, but financial needs as well.   In today’s new episode, we are sharing expert advice from Certified […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Female Libido in Menopause: Desire Loss, Biology & Solutions with Cindy Eckert

    This week on unPaused, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with Cindy Eckert, founder and CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals and creator of Addyi, the first FDA approved treatment for low libido in women. Cindy is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who began her career at Merck before founding her first company in 2007, focusing on undermarketed FDA […]

  • Ep. 205 – Menopause and Heart Health Supports with Cathy Eason

    If you think of cardiovascular blood flow as just a background bodily process, this episode will completely change your perspective. Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back the brilliant Cathy Eason, MS, BCHN, for a masterclass on one of the body’s most critical signaling molecules. With her deep expertise in human nutrition, physiology, and translating complex biology […]

  • How to Know if Your Nervous System’s Actually Regulated — or Just Coping

    There’s a lot of noise right now about calming your nervous system and staying regulated — and for many of us, that creates more pressure than peace. In this solo episode, I gently unpack what nervous system regulation actually means, why staying calm isn’t the goal, and how midlife and perimenopause can shift the way […]

  • 46 – Why understanding your hormones changes everything

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin and author of It’s Probably Your Hormones.  Together, they explore why hormones are far more than just “reproductive messengers”, and how they influence almost every system in the body, including the brain, immune system, metabolism, bones and cardiovascular health.  The conversation […]

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

Dr Louise Newson is an award-winning physician, respected women’s hormone specialist, educator, and author committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause, menopause, and lifelong hormone health. Each week, Louise dives into the newest research, treatments and hot topic issues, providing accessible, evidence-based information to empower your future health. Joined by fellow experts and special […]

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