Despite increased awareness, misinformation around menopause is still everywhere with outdated fears about hormone therapy, confusion over types of hormones and mixed messages about risks leaving many women unsure where to turn.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Amy Alkon, an American author and science writer, for a clear-eyed look at what the evidence really shows. Amy’s book, Going Menopostal, unpacks the research behind menopause and exposes how gaps in medical education still affect women’s care.
Their conversation covers the differences between hormone types, the importance of scientific literacy in medicine and the value of personalised, evidence-based treatment. It’s an honest, informative discussion that helps separate fact from assumption in menopause care.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Buy Amy’s book, Going Menopostal 👉
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Menopostal-Science-Menopause-Perimenopause/dp/1637742452
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Many women reach their 40s and start feeling different. They find themselves more anxious, tired, forgetful or prone to migraines, without realising these are often early signs of perimenopause. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Mariza Snyder, a functional medicine doctor and hormone specialist, about how to recognise the subtle and often overlooked symptoms of hormonal change.
They discuss how fluctuating levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can influence mood, cognition and sleep, and why these shifts can trigger or worsen migraines. The conversation also covers the importance of hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle strategies in restoring balance and protecting long-term health.
This episode helps women connect the dots between how they feel and what their hormones are doing, offering clarity, reassurance and practical next steps.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Learn more about Dr Mariza and buy her book 👉
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide
Too many women reach perimenopause and menopause only to feel unheard, unseen and underserved by the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by wellbeing pioneer Liz Earle MBE to confront that invisibility and explore how knowledge, improved access to hormonal treatments and open conversation can change the future of women’s health.
Together, they discuss the barriers women still face when seeking care, the lack of research into female biology and the consequences of ignoring hormonal health as we age. Liz shares her personal experience of finding renewed strength and purpose later in life, while Dr Newson highlights what needs to shift in medicine to truly support women through menopause and beyond.
In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Learn more about Liz Earle MBE and buy her book 👉
https://lizearlewellbeing.com/
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide
More than a million worldwide undergo a hysterectomy each year, for reasons ranging from heavy bleeding to pain or other gynecological problems - but what happens to your body post-surgery is rarely discussed in depth. When your uterus and/or ovaries are removed, your body’s hormone production of progesterone, estradiol and testosterone reduces which can trigger a cascade of effects on your brain function, mood, bone health, cardiovascular function, sexual wellbeing and overall quality of life.
In this episode of The Dr Louise Newson Podcast, Dr Louise speaks with Dr Kameelah Phillips, a leading New York obstetrician and gynecologist, founder of Calla Women's Health and author of The Empowered Hysterectomy. Together they unpack the science behind post-hysterectomy hormone changes, explain why estradiol, progesterone and testosterone remain important and discuss why so many women still miss out on the support and hormone treatment they both need and want.
Their conversation also covers how healthcare professionals can better prepare patients for surgery and recovery, as well as the crucial questions women can ask before surgery, and why hormone treatment should be considered after a hysterectomy as a standard part of care.
In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Join me on my upcoming theatre event in London 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-qanda/
Buy Dr Kameelah Phillips’ new book, The Empowered Hysterectomy 👉
https://www.callawomenshealth.com/the-empowered-hysterectomy
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
For more than half a century, "the Pill” has been a routine part of women’s lives, prescribed not only for contraception but for acne, period pain and hormonal regulation. It’s so deeply woven into modern medicine and culture that most of us rarely question how it works or what it does beyond its prescribed use.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with psychologist, researcher and author Dr Sarah Hill about the untold story behind synthetic hormones and their impact on the brain. Together, they explore how shutting down natural hormone production and replacing it with synthetic versions can alter mood, motivation, cognition and mental health - changes that are often dismissed or overlooked in both medical practice and public conversation.
Dr Sarah Hill also explains why progesterone remains one of the most misunderstood hormones in medicine. Far from being a simple reproductive regulator, it plays a vital role in neuroprotection, inflammation control and emotional stability with implications for conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to postnatal mental health and autoimmune disease.
This episode challenges decades of cultural assumptions about women’s health and invites clinicians, researchers and patients alike to rethink what we know (and don’t know) about how synthetic hormones shape the female brain.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Join me on my upcoming theatre events in London and Birmingham 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-qanda/
Buy Dr Sarah Hill’s new book, The Period Brain 👉
https://www.sarahehill.com/books/
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Why are women still not believed when they describe their symptoms? And what happens when stories of pain, struggle or resilience are dismissed by healthcare professionals, families or even society?
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by award-winning author and podcaster Elizabeth Day for a conversation that cuts to the heart of these questions. Best known for her podcast How to Fail and her new novel One of Us, Elizabeth brings both personal experience and cultural insight to a wide-ranging discussion about fertility, perimenopause and the ongoing stigma around conditions like PMDD and menopause.
Together they explore how women often minimise their own symptoms, how fertility treatment can mask or trigger later hormonal issues and why mental health struggles linked to hormones are so easily overlooked. Elizabeth also shares how fiction, vulnerability and social media can create unexpected spaces for recognition and empathy, helping women feel less isolated.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Join me on my upcoming theatre events in London, Birmingham and Glasgow 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-qanda/
Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast, How to Fail 👉
https://open.spotify.com/show/4m7U7kNne0iu35HK571Ui8
Follow Elizabeth on Instagram 👉https://www.instagram.com/elizabday/
Buy Elizabeth’s new book 👉https://lnk.to/OneOfUsElizabethDay
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Across the world, populations are living longer but often with a decade or more of poor health at the end of life. For women in particular, the gap between lifespan and healthspan is significant and the consequences reach far beyond the individual.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Tash Mirando, a UK-trained GP now based in Singapore, to discuss what healthy ageing really looks like. They examine the science of ageing, whether it should be considered a disease and the critical role hormones play in preventing conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Dr Mirando explains why lifestyle medicine must form the foundation and how modern hormone therapies can build on that base. This is a conversation about prevention, evidence-based care and practical strategies to improve quality of life for decades to come.
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Join me on my upcoming theatre events in London, Birmingham and Glasgow 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-qanda/
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and menopause awareness campaigner Mariella Frostrup and chef Belles Berry, who is the daughter of renowned cook Mary Berry. They recently co-authored Menolicious, a cookbook designed to provide women with simple, nutritious recipes that make healthy eating more manageable.
Together they discuss how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause influence metabolism, appetite and body composition, and why nutrition remains fundamental even alongside HRT. The conversation explains the mechanisms behind weight gain with low estrogen, including adipose estrone production, inflammation and altered glucose and insulin responses. They highlight the importance of protein, fibre and healthy fats, the role of the gut microbiome and the impact of reducing ultra-processed foods.
The discussion also considers how hormones, nutrition and lifestyle interventions combine to support long-term health and reduce risks such as osteoporosis.
This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand how hormones and nutrition work together and how food can be used as a powerful tool for health during and after menopause.
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by US-based orthopedic surgeon and bone and hormone specialist Dr Doug Lucas for an important conversation about bone health and why it matters more than most people realise.
Together they unpack the reality of osteoporosis, a condition that is often underestimated yet has life-changing consequences for those affected. They explore how hormones play a crucial role in keeping bones strong, why vitamin D and nutrition are vital and the limitations of relying solely on bone density scans or conventional drug treatments.
Dr Louise and Dr Doug highlight why osteoporosis should be seen as an imbalance of bone metabolism rather than just a number on a test result, and they discuss how lifestyle, hormones and medical treatments can all contribute to protecting bones and preventing fractures.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the true risk of osteoporosis and how to take practical steps to safeguard bone health at every stage of life.
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 /https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have become some of the most widely discussed weight loss treatments in the world. They were once mainly talked about in medical research, but now they’re a regular feature in celebrity culture, weight loss headlines and even major advertising campaigns, including one recently fronted by Serena Williams.
But beyond the endorsements and headlines, what do we really know about these drugs? How effective are GLP-1 weight loss medications, what risks and side effects should be considered, and how should they fit alongside approaches like nutrition, exercise and hormone balance?
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Jack Mosley, GP registrar, author and son of the late Dr Michael Mosley. They explore the science, benefits and limitations of GLP-1s, why weight management remains such a challenge, and how lifestyle and medical treatments can complement one another.
Jack also reflects on his father’s legacy and offers his own perspective on where medicine is heading. It’s a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion that brings clarity to one of the most high-profile debates in health today.
Don’t forget, the Dr Louise Newson Podcast has been nominated in the British Podcast Awards. You can vote here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Available to watch on YouTube
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/
TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
'It really weighs heavy. It’s like puttingon lots of different cloaks.’
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a topic many are talking about right now, and thankfully, we’ve movedbeyond the outdated stereotype that it only affects young boys. And with somuch noise on social media alongside lingering stereotypes, is all thisattention truly helping people recognise their symptoms and get a diagnosis?And how does it feel to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood – does it bringrelief, clarity, present new challenges, or a combination of allthree?
This week, Dr Louise Newson sits down withJack Suddaby to explore his ADHD diagnosis journey, from a lightbulb momentduring the COVID-19 lockdown to launching his podcast, Distracted. Jack opensup about the moment his symptoms pushed him to seek answers and how simpleshifts in his daily routine have transformed his life in surprising ways.
Louise discusses the connection betweenADHD and hormonal changes, from PMDD to menopause, and how these shifts canimpact symptoms, especially as ADHD often presents differently in women.
Louise and Jack explore how menopause andADHD, topics that are still under-recognised, are being talked about moreopenly, and how getting a diagnosis can truly change people’s lives by bringingunderstanding and clarity.
We’re delighted to have been nominated inthe Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s stilltime to vote - click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for newguests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcastis for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute forprofessional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice ofyour physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you mayhave regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their ownand do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the NewsonHealth Group.
LET'S CONNECT Website: Dr Louise Newson
Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast)• Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
RELATED RESOURCES
‘Without perimenopause, I might not have realised Ihave ADHD’
“The fire in the belly is coming from people’s want and need to help patients and to make a change”
This week, Dr Fionnuala Vernon, Medical Director of Blackwater Private Clinics and GP trainer in Ireland, joins Dr Louise Newson for a compelling conversation about breaking down barriers in healthcare and addressing the ways in which the system often fails women.
They discuss how global gaps in training for healthcare professionals can result in women’s health needs – particularly during menopause – being overlooked and highlight the critical role of education in equipping clinicians with the skills and confidence to ask the right questions and connect patients with the support they need.
Fionnuala also outlines recent developments in women’s healthcare in Ireland, such as the introduction of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
· Website: Dr Louise Newson
· Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
· LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
· Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
· YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
RELATED RESOURCES (TBC)
How to talk to your doctor about HRT – and get results
Find out more about Newson Education’s education programmes here
“I don’t understand why we’re not shouting this from the rooftops, a simple medicine, a natural hormone, that can reduce the risk of both diabetes and breast cancer. That’s incredibly important, isn’t it?”
This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Franck Mauvais-Jarvis, Professor of Medicine at Tulane University and an endocrinologist specialising in metabolism.
In this episode, they dive deep into the science behind oestradiol’s crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, reducing inflammation throughout the body, and supporting memory and cognition.
Professor Mauvais-Jarvis explains how improving mitochondrial function, often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell,” boosts metabolism and helps prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. He also highlights the vital, often overlooked role of testosterone in women’s health.
Together they address common misconceptions stemming from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study and set the record straight on the benefits of body-identical hormones.
Be sure to check out Professor Franck Mauvais-Jarvis’s book, Principles of Precision Hormone Therapy: Healthy Aging and Prevention of Chronic Disease, which presents cutting-edge scientific data and insights from leading experts, including Dr Louise Newson, on the vital role of hormone optimisation in healthy aging.
Available to watch on YouTube
We hope you’re enjoying season 2! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: Dr Louise Newson
Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast(@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
Dr Louise Newson sits down this week with Shelly Horton, an Australian journalist, broadcaster and passionate advocate for menopause awareness.
Shelly recently released her debut book, I’m Your Peri Godmother: A happily-ever-after guide to kicking perimenopause in the ovaries, reflecting just how many women are desperate for relatable, honest guidance through perimenopause.
In this warm conversation, Shelly opens up about her own personal experience after initially being misdiagnosed, struggling with anxiety, brain fog, heavy bleeding and exhaustion – all whilst trying to maintain a cheerful public persona on live TV.
She also shares how receiving the right support inspired her to write a book to help other women feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Shelly and Dr Louise discuss the importance of education, open conversation, and compassionate healthcare and why no woman should suffer in silence or alone.
An inspiring episode for anyone navigating hormonal changes or supporting someone who is.
We hope you are enjoying season two of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT!
Dr Louise Newson:
Shelly Horton:
In what Dr Louise Newson calls ‘the most impactful podcast I've ever recorded’, this powerful episode shares the extraordinary story of Hayley and her son, Jay.
Hayley spent nearly 30 years in and out of psychiatric hospitals. She was diagnosed with postnatal psychosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), depression and treatment-resistant mental illness. She was prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants and even received electroconvulsive therapy. At one point, she was told she might have dementia.
After years of watching his mum, Hayley, struggle with severe mental illness, hospital stays, and treatments that never truly helped, her son Jay came across an episode of the Dr Louise Newson discussing the impact of hormones on mental health. For the first time, things started to make sense.
It led him to question whether hormones could have been the missing piece all along. With persistence and care, he pushed for Hayley to be given HRT, and the results were life changing. Together, Jay and Hayley share their emotional story of misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and the powerful difference hormone treatment made after decades of suffering.
This episode is not just a story: it's a call to action. It highlights the often-ignored link between hormones and mental health, the systemic failures in women's healthcare, and the critical need for change.
Please listen, reflect and share. Because not everyone has a son like Jay.
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer:
Please note: This episode contains discussions around suicide, self-harm, and severe mental health struggles, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available.
In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: Dr Louise Newson
Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) •Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by the inspirational Angela Rippon, whose remarkable career in television and journalism spans nearly six decades. From breaking barriers as one of the first female newsreaders on British TV to her more recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Angela reflects on the evolution of her work and the deep personal passion that drives her today: getting the nation moving.
In this uplifting episode, Louise and Angela explore how dance and movement can be powerful tools for supporting long-term health and wellbeing. Angela shares the inspiration behind her Let’s Dance! initiative and explains why she believes dance is a ‘superpower’ – capable of improving physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection at every stage of life.
From using dance in schools to helping people with Parkinson’s, Angela makes a compelling case for why dance should be seen as an investment in our ‘wellbeing pension plan’. Whether you're eight or 80, this conversation will inspire you to see dance not just as exercise, but as joy, connection, and a key to ageing well. As Angela says: ‘My ambition is to die young – as late as possible.’
Watch on YouTube
Find out more about Let’s Dance! here
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote – click here
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: Dr Louise Newson
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
CONNECT WITH ANGELA
He became a familiar face to millions on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies and Live From The Clinic – boundary-pushing shows that challenged taboos and brought sensitive health issues into mainstream conversation.
Behind the camera, however, consultant urological surgeon Paul Anderson has established himself as one of the UK’s most experienced urethroplasty surgeons, having performed over 2,500 procedures in the past 19 years – more thanany other surgeon in the country. Beyond his clinical practice, Paul also trains surgeons in Zambia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Pakistan, addressing a critical unmet need for reconstructive urology in resource-limited settings.
In this deeply personal and candid episode, Paul joins his wife, Dr Louise Newson, to offer a rare insight into both his professional journey and their shared life together. They explore the often-overlooked impact hormones have on the health of both men and women, emphasising why recognising hormonal changes is vital to supporting physicaland mental wellbeing.
Louise discusses how hormonal changes have affected her personally and influenced their family life. Together, they examine how greater awareness could help demystify hormones, not only for the public but also for healthcare professionals.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed byguests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Content advisory: this episode includes themes of self-harm
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Christine D’Ercole, a master world champion track cyclist and Peloton instructor, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. Together, they dive into crucial conversations about pelvic floor health, urinary incontinence and eating disorders, shining a light on topics often left in the shadows.
Christine opens up about the impact of body image and societal judgment on women and reflects on her own struggles with an eating disorder, self-harm, and the lifelong challenge of overcoming ingrained beliefs about her body, and how these experiences intersect with hormonal changes throughout life.
The conversation also tackles the complex role hormones, especially testosterone, play in women’s health and athletic performance. Together, they candidly explore the difficult decisions around testosterone and athletics, weighing thebenefits of improved quality of life and muscle strength against concerns about performance enhancement in sport.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
CONNECT WITH Christine D’Ercole
Related resources:
Click here to read more about Newson Research’s paper about testosterone and sport
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with author Jean Hannah Edelstein about her deeply personal new book, Breasts: A Relatively Short Relationship, and the complex journey she’s had with her own body. Jean shares the experience of choosing to undergo a double mastectomy at 41, after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and highlights the emotional and practical importance of finding the right doctors and surgeons during such a life-altering process.
Jean reflects on growing up in the hyper-sexualised 1990s, a world where pop stars like Britney Spears were both idolised and seen as cautionary tales, and Victoria’s Secret sold not just lingerie, but a narrow vision of womanhood, aimed at teenage girls. By her early twenties, Jean had size 30G/F breasts, which brought unwanted attention, but also moments of connection, especially with other women.
Jean also talks candidly about choosing to have a mastectomy, then later, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. She opens up about her diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, and about the frustrations of navigating a medical system that often withholds information, especially when it comes to HRT and cancer risk, leaving too many patients to advocate for themselves in the dark.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: Dr Louise Newson
Instagram: The Dr LouiseNewson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
CONNECT WITH Jean Hannah Edelstein
Website: Jean Hannah Edelstein
Instagram: Jean Hannah Edelstein (jhedelstein) • Instagram photos and videos
Book: Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship – the funny, moving and universally relatable new memoir
LinkedIn: Jean Hannah Edelstein | LinkedIn
Related resources:
Breast cancer treatment and HRT
Dr Corinne Menn: I’m a doctor who’s had breast cancer: here’s what I want you to know
In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers.
Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study.
They also explore the crucial differences between the older forms of synthetic HRT derived from pregnant horse’s urine and today’s body identical hormones, which have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by your body.
Ann reflects on her own journey with menopause, shaped by a generation that ‘didn't talk about health issues... periods were “the curse” and menopause was just “the change”.’ She shares powerful memories of struggling through exhaustion and that at times, coping was simply putting ‘one foot in front of the other’.
Together they explore why stopping HRT after the age of 60 should be an individualised choice. Ann also shares her own experiences, frustrations, and how hormones could have possibly impacted her relationship with her daughter, without even realising it.
With warmth, humour, and wisdom, this episode champions the importance of informed choice, patient-centred care, and the right to feel well at any age.
Read more about HRT in later life on Dr Louise’s website here, and an article on the difference between natural and synthetic hormones here.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: Dr Louise Newson
Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast(@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
Resources
https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/hrt-in-later-life-or-after-menopause