Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

Dr Naomi Potter

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause & midlife health.

Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits.

Whether you’re wondering if HRT is right for you, or need a help managing menopause symptoms, this is a safe space for women to face their midlife insecurities.

Get specialised menopause support: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih

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20 episodes
Updated June 22

Episodes20

Newest first

June 22 · 5 min
The Solution to UTIs in Menopause: Topical Oestrogen – Dr Naomi Potter
Could your recurrent UTIs actually be a menopause problem? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week's solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the surprising and often overlooked link between diminishing oestrogen and recurrent urinary tract infections – and why antibiotics alone are never going to be the long-term answer. If you've had two or three UTIs in the past year and keep getting sent away with antibiotics, this episode is for you. Naomi explains why recurrent UTIs are so common in perimenopause and menopause, why they're so often missed, and what you can do right now to prevent them – including the simple, safe and highly effective role of topical oestrogen. Topics include: • Why UTIs become more common in perimenopause and menopause • How diminishing oestrogen affects the urinary tract • Why antibiotics treat UTIs but don't prevent them coming back • The role of topical oestrogen in preventing recurrent UTIs • Practical tips to reduce your risk of UTIs • Why recurrent UTIs are a serious long-term health risk if left untreated • Why this menopause symptom is so often missed by doctors Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi's Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi's TikTok: @dr_naomipotter #menopause #UTI #topicaloestrogen 0:00 – Why Recurring UTIs Are a Hidden Menopause Problem 0:51 – The Real Cause: Low Oestrogen and Urinary Tract Health 2:15 Practical Tips to Reduce UTI Risk 2:56 The #1 Solution: Local Vaginal Oestrogen 3:43 The Danger of Untreated UTIs in Older Women 4:32 Get Personalised Help with Menopause Care
June 18 · 6 min
Rewind Time: The Frightening Symptom That Is Brain Fog
Today, we're looking back at our conversation with Nadia Nagamootoo. Nadia is a chartered psychologist, CEO of Avenir Consulting Services, and host of the Why Care? podcast. In this chat, she opened up about brain fog and how it's been impacting her life. This is an incredibly raw, vulnerable moment where Nadia comes to terms with the fact that she's "in denial" about perimenopause – something many people experience in midlife! If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Stacey here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NMGVdECTZsXouihsqQw21?si=REMauUZvQ5CCazpikY6zgg #menopause #perimenopause #brainfog
June 15 · 55 min
How I Became A Record-Breaking Ultra Runner Through Menopause – Susie Chan
Can menopause really change the way you run – and can running change the way you experience menopause? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih Susie Chan didn't start running until she was 35. She was a smoking, self-described idle single mum with zero sporting background. Fast forward to now, and she's completed four Marathon des Sables – a gruelling six-day ultra across the Sahara Desert – run 100-mile races, and built a career as one of the UK's most beloved endurance runners and Peloton coaches. But when perimenopause arrived, even she found her world shifted beneath her feet. In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Susie for an honest, funny and genuinely inspiring conversation about running later in life, what menopause actually does to your body when you're an athlete, and why it's never ever too late to start moving. Topics include: • How Susie went from complete non-runner to desert ultramarathon competitor • The perimenopause symptoms that hit hardest: joint pain, fatigue, anxiety and brain fog • Why menopause symptoms can be so easy to miss or misattribute • How HRT – including testosterone – has helped Susie continue competing • Why women in midlife may actually be built for endurance sport • How menopause affects fuelling, energy and performance during long-distance running • The mental strength required to run ultras – and how perimenopause tests it• Advice for women who want to start running in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond • Why you should never compare yourself to who you were before perimenopause • Listener questions: is 66 too old to start running? And how do you keep going when perimenopause kills your motivation? Follow Susie Chan below: Susie's Instagram: @susie_chan_ Susie's TikTok: @susie.chan Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi's Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi's TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 0:00 Meet Susie Chan: From Museum Curator to Ultra Endurance Runner 1:32 How Running Started: From One Half Marathon to a New Life 8:00 Joining the Ultra Running Community 17:54 Becoming a Full-Time Running Coach at Peloton20:09 Why Women Excel at Long-Distance Running 26:08 Menopause and the Physical Toll of Running 33:01 Hormones, HRT and Performance: Oestrogen, Testosterone and Thyroid 39:48 Starting Running Later in Life: It's Never Too Late 44:58 Life After Menopause: What to Expect 51:00 Listener Q&A: Age, Knee Pain and Motivation #menopause #perimenopause #running
June 11 · 6 min
Rewind Time: Did Perimenopause Lead To My Divorce? – With Stacey Duguid
Today, we're looking back at our conversation with former fashion editor and columnist, Stacey Duguid. Stacey worked with the likes of Elle, Prada, Armani and more. She divorced her husband back in 2022. Since then, she has spoken openly about her turbulent experience navigating perimenopause – alongside living with ADHD – which inevitably led to the crumble of her marriage. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Stacey here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=tPFUV9P_Sxe0qJgAmEqhUQ #menopause #perimenopause
June 8 · 8 min
Why Am I Allergic To EVERYTHING In Menopause? (and how to stop it)
Why are my allergies suddenly worse in perimenopause? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih Have you suddenly developed hay fever, itchy skin, rashes, food sensitivities or reactions to things you've tolerated your whole life? In this week's solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explores the surprising connection between menopause, histamine and allergies. She explains why hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make some women more sensitive to foods, alcohol, environmental triggers and even HRT itself. If you've ever wondered why your symptoms seem to come out of nowhere, this episode will help you understand what's happening and what you can do about it. 💬 Topics include: • Why allergies can worsen during perimenopause • Histamine intolerance and menopause • The role of mast cells and hormonal changes • Common food triggers including wine, tomatoes and fermented foods • Why keeping a symptom diary can help • The "histamine bucket" theory explained • Hay fever, itchy skin, rashes and digestive symptoms • How HRT can affect histamine sensitivity • When to seek medical advice • Practical ways to reduce allergy symptoms Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 00:00 – Allergies in perimenopause and menopause explained 00:31 – Histamine sensitivity, mast cells and menopause symptoms 01:24 – Common histamine triggers: food, alcohol, stress and temperature 02:23 – The histamine bucket theory explained 03:07 – Antihistamines and HRT for menopause allergies 05:06 – How to start HRT if you have histamine sensitivity 06:43 – Do menopause allergy symptoms get better over time? 07:30 – How to identify and manage histamine intolerance in menopause 08:14 – When to see a doctor about menopause allergies #menopause #perimenopause #allergies
June 4 · 5 min
Rewind Time: The Breakdown That Made Hello! Magazine's Editor Walk Away – And Reinvent Herself
Today we're revisiting our episode with author, coach, and former editor of Hello! Magazine, Rosie Nixon. Rosie opened up about the burnout that hit her in midlife – which was only exacerbated by hormonal turbulence in perimenopause – and how this did, in fact, lead to the biggest and best transformation of her life. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Rosie here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zWwGun1xjFISmV2hI6FHY?si=6YNgHbLARgePL1NrjkuU1g #menopause #perimenopause #burnout
June 1 · 41 min
Diagnosed At 34: Dani Harmer Holds Nothing Back About Early Menopause (Tracy Beaker)
Can you go through menopause in your 30s? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih This week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by actress and national treasure Dani Harmer (best known as Tracy Beaker) for a very honest conversation about early menopause, HRT, exhaustion, brain fog and trying to parent young children while completely running on empty. Dani opens up about the symptoms that made her realise something was wrong, how her partner first spotted the signs of perimenopause, and why finally starting HRT made her “feel like herself again”. Naomi also explains why women who go through menopause young may need extra support for their bones, heart and long-term health. 💬 Topics include: • Early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) • Perimenopause symptoms in your 30s • HRT for younger women • Why DEXA bone scans matter in early menopause • Brain fog, exhaustion and menopause fatigue • Hair loss during menopause • The role of nutrition and protein in menopause symptoms • Menopause rage, anxiety and low mood • Parenting young children during perimenopause • How partners can better support menopause llow Dani Harmer below: Dani’s Instagram: @missdanijharmer Dani’s TikTok: @daniharmer Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 00:00 – Dani Harmer on early menopause at 34 03:18 – The early menopause symptoms nobody warned her about 06:17 – Diagnosed with perimenopause in her 30s 09:23 – What is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)? 12:05 – Why younger women may need higher HRT doses 15:50 – Why Dani still feels exhausted despite HRT 18:16 – Hair loss in menopause: hormones or nutrition? 21:14 – The menopause fatigue cycle explained 24:00 – Simple menopause nutrition changes that could help 27:06 – Can menopause cause hair thinning and hair loss? 29:14 – How Dani's partner supported her through menopause 32:30 – The right way to talk about menopause with your partner 34:21 – Dani's advice if your GP won't listen 37:03 – Feeling isolated with early menopause? What helps 38:32 – Parenting young children during perimenopause 41:04 – Why more women need to talk about early menopause #menopause #earlymenopause #hrt
May 28 · 7 min
Rewind Time: Breaking Menopause Taboos In The South Asian Community
Today we're revisiting our episode with personal trainer, author, and wellness coach Lavina Mehta. Lavina very candidly opened up about her experience as a South Asian woman bringing 'taboo' topics like perimenopause, periods, and women's health to the table – and why this is so crucially important to do. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lavina here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UNeIYs6QhMFTjTqnSU1pk?si=mcTPkZqvQ2y90kFMSbaOjg #menopause #perimenopause #southasianculture
May 25 · 37 min
How Your Negative Thoughts Are Impacting Your Health – With Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin
Healthy shouldn't be this hard. 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by nutritionist, author and podcast host Sarah Ann Macklin for a fascinating conversation about diet culture, self-worth, stress and why your mindset may be affecting your metabolism more than you realise. Sarah explains why so many women feel like they’re “failing” at health during midlife – despite trying so hard to eat well, exercise and keep up with endless wellness advice. Together, they unpack the science behind self-compassion, stress, digestion, emotional eating and why being kinder to yourself may actually improve your health outcomes. 💬 Topics include: • Why stress affects digestion and metabolism • The link between self-worth and food choices • Why women feel exhausted by wellness culture • Diet culture and “optimisation” explained • The science behind self-compassion • Why shame does NOT motivate healthy habits • Emotional eating and binge eating • Why “healthy eating” feels harder in midlife • The surprising psychology behind cravings • How mindset affects hormones and health • Why mums are more active than they think • How to build healthier habits without punishment 📘 Get Sarah's new book Healthy Shouldn't Be This Hard: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healthy-Shouldnt-Be-This-Hard/dp/0857509977/ref=asc_df_0857509977?mcid=ebba7bd752a23e949a6647f3f30010ab&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=795502497071&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6551743774984784278&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9262905&hvtargid=pla-2472515035398&psc=1&hvocijid=6551743774984784278-0857509977-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1 Follow Sarah Ann Macklin below: Sarah’s Instagram: @sarahannmacklin Sarah’s podcast: Live Well Be Well Sarah’s book: Healthy Shouldn’t Be This Hard Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter #menopause #nutrition #selfcompassion
May 18 · 22 min
14 Alternatives To HRT That Can Help Menopause Symptoms (herbal, supplements, therapies)
What can you do if HRT isn’t right for you? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the non-hormonal options that may help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms — from CBT, hypnotherapy and acupuncture to herbal remedies, antidepressants, beta blockers, Veozah and lifestyle changes. HRT can be brilliant, but it is not suitable for everyone. Whether you can’t take HRT, don’t want to take it, or have tried it and struggled with side effects, this episode breaks down what else is available — without the fear, fads or confusion. 💬 Topics include: • CBT for menopause • Hypnotherapy, reflexology and acupuncture • Herbal remedies (e.g black cohosh and ashwagandha) • Plant oestrogens • When antidepressants may be helpful • Beta blockers • Veozah / fezolinetant • Bladder medications • Lifestyle changes still matter • How to avoid wasting money on menopause fads Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 00:00 – 14 alternatives to HRT for menopause symptoms 01:20 – CBT for menopause anxiety, hot flushes & mood swings 03:28 – Hypnotherapy for menopause anxiety & sleep 04:43 – Reflexology for menopause symptoms 05:34 – Acupuncture for hot flushes & night sweats 07:41 – Herbal remedies for menopause explained 08:29 – Black cohosh for hot flushes & night sweats 09:21 – Ashwagandha for menopause brain fog & anxiety 09:54 – Plant oestrogens, soya & red clover for menopause 11:56 – Antidepressants (SSRIs) for menopause mood & anxiety 14:12 – Oxybutynin for hot flushes & night sweats 14:56 – Propranolol & beta blockers for menopause anxiety 16:03 – Veozah (fezolinetant): new non-hormonal menopause treatment 17:33 – Gabapentin for severe menopause symptoms 18:23 – Mirabegron & solifenacin for bladder symptoms 20:40 – Lifestyle changes that improve menopause symptoms 22:07 – How to choose the right menopause treatment for you #menopause #hrt #drnaomipotter
May 11 · 36 min
Endometriosis, Fibroids & HRT: What You Need To Know
Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb Can you take HRT if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids? In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Menopause Care doctor Dr Eloise Elphinstone to talk through the conditions that can make menopause treatment feel more complicated – including endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. Together, they explain why these conditions can affect HRT choices, why progesterone matters, when a Mirena coil may be helpful, and why having endometriosis or fibroids does not automatically mean HRT is off the table. Expect clear, practical advice for women who have spent years feeling dismissed, confused, or worried that their history of pain, heavy bleeding or surgery means they have fewer menopause treatment options. 💬 Topics include: • What endometriosis actually is • Why endometriosis can take years to diagnose • Can HRT flare endometriosis symptoms? • Why progesterone is important with endometriosis • HRT after hysterectomy • Surgical menopause and medical menopause • What adenomyosis is and how it differs from endometriosis • Fibroids, heavy bleeding and menopause • Can you take HRT if you have fibroids? • The role of the Mirena coil • How to tell if pain is menopause or endometriosis • Why specialist menopause care matters Follow Dr Eloise Elphinstone below: Eloise's Instagram: @the_womenshealth_gp Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Introduction: menopause, endometriosis & why diagnosis takes years 00:50 – What endometriosis actually is and why it causes pain 03:05 – Why menopause and HRT can complicate endometriosis 05:03 – How HRT is prescribed differently in endometriosis 08:00 – Hysterectomy, endometriosis & why progesterone still matters 09:59 – What the Mirena coil does and why it helps endometriosis 11:30 – Key takeaways: can women with endometriosis still use HRT? 13:28 – What is adenomyosis and how is it different from endometriosis? 16:26 – The “estrogen threshold” theory explained 17:01 – Medical menopause, GnRH treatments & surgical options 19:36 – Why endometriosis care and menopause care are often difficult 20:29 – Why endometriosis is called a chronic inflammatory condition 21:52 – Fibroids explained: symptoms, growth & menopause implications 24:48 – Can women with fibroids safely use HRT? 26:08 – The emotional impact of years of dismissed symptoms 28:26 – Mirena coils, fibroids & reducing heavy bleeding 29:50 – Why hysterectomies are less common than they used to be 31:07 – Listener question: bladder pain, hip pain & menopause vs endometriosis 35:08 – Listener question: can progesterone affect endometriosis? 36:01 – Final thoughts & outro #hrt #endometriosis #perimenopause
May 4 · 18 min
Answering Your Questions About HRT In Menopause (side effects, HRT not working, biggest myths, and more)
❤️ Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb Confused about HRT in menopause? Today Dr Naomi Potter is answering as many questions as possible about HRT – all sent in by our lovely listeners. From what to do if progesterone affects your mood or sleep, to why vaginal oestrogen is still so underused, you can expect these frequently asked questions to be addressed with clear, practical, reassuring advice. 💬 Topics include: • How to know if you need HRT • Can you take HRT in your 30s? • HRT and endometriosis • What to do if one HRT product doesn’t suit you • Bleeding on HRT • Taking HRT while still having periods • Progesterone, mood and sleep • Mirena coil and progesterone • Stopping HRT suddenly • Testosterone and PCOS • Vaginal oestrogen and recurrent UTIs • HRT alternatives and supplements • Anxiety after starting HRT Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ #hrt #perimenopause #menopause
April 30 · 7 min
Rewind Time: “I Took A Naked Photo At 50… And It Changed My Life”
Today we're revisiting our episode with self love expert Lou Featherstone AKA Lu in Luland. If you have lost yourself in midlife, you need to listen to this. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lou Featherstone here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=bww7hrU5RE-No0eg4eezow #menopause #midlife #midlifecrisis #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
April 27 · 25 min
How To Get Your Doctor To Listen If You Feel Neglected During Menopause
Not being taken seriously about menopause or HRT? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed. From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around HRT, this episode gives you the tools to advocate for yourself with confidence. If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling unheard, this is essential listening. Follow Dr Liz Andrew: Liz's Instagram: @drlizandrew Follow Dr Naomi Potter: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ #gp #perimenopause #diagnosis
April 23 · 7 min
Rewind Time: “I Thought I Had A Brain Tumour” – Lorraine Candy On Terrifying Perimenopause Symptoms
Today we're revisiting one of our first episodes of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Lorraine Candy. Lorraine was experiencing debilitating brain fog. Her memory was slipping, and things were getting so bad she scared herself into thinking she had early dementia, or a brain tumour. While this might sound dramatic, it's an unfortunate truth that brain fog in perimenopause can easily take over your entire life. But luckily, once Lorraine realised what was really going on, she was able to get the help and menopause support she needed. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lorraine Candy here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=f_gk0DttRQWTzINX4zmqjA #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
April 20 · 13 min
HRT Gels vs Sprays: What Works Best? Menopause Doctor Naomi Potter
Which is best in menopause – HRT gels or sprays? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down everything you need to know about HRT gels and sprays — two of the most commonly prescribed forms of transdermal oestrogen. Whether you're interested in trying Lenzetto Spray or Estradiol gel, this episode will be massively helpful for you. If you’ve ever felt confused about HRT dosing, absorption, or which option to choose, this episode will give you clear, practical answers. 💬 Topics include: • HRT gels vs sprays: key differences explained • How to apply oestrogen gel correctly (and common mistakes) • Why absorption varies between women • What to do if your HRT isn’t working • How to safely adjust your dose • The benefits of transdermal HRT (lower clot risk) • How long you can stay on HRT • Practical tips to fit HRT into your daily routine Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 00:00 – Intro: HRT Gels vs Sprays Explained 00:35 – HRT Gel: How It Works & How To Use It 02:43 – Where & When To Apply Gel (Key Tips) 05:52 – Why Choose Gel? (Pros & Practicalities) 06:39 – HRT Spray (Lenzetto): What It Is & How It Works 07:32 – Spray vs Gel: Dosing & Key Differences 08:49 – Spray Pros & Cons (Absorption & Ease) 10:01 – When To Replace Your Spray (Important!) 10:46 – How Long Can You Stay On HRT? 11:32 – Switching Between Gel & Spray 12:35 – Why Transdermal HRT Is Safer #hrt #menopause #perimenopause
April 16 · 7 min
Rewind Time: Kelly Holmes Opens Up About Body Changes & HRT Fears
Today we're revisiting our very first episode of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Dame Kelly Holmes. Kelly opened up about feeling weaker than ever once perimenopause hit – she went from a Gold medalist athlete to not even able to do a single push up. And with that came fears of ageing, HRT anxiety, and more. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Dame Kelly Holmes here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GAUMWlWD8nwlY9B7ckUwL?si=y2Vk06dtQMyX3Vjh5BKrcA #damekellyholmes #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
April 13 · 50 min
Zoe Lyons Opens Up About Relationship Breakdowns, HRT Scares & Her Midlife Crisis
Menopause or midlife crisis? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by comedian Zoe Lyons for a funny, raw and surprisingly moving conversation about what menopause can really do to your mind, confidence, work and relationships. Zoe opens up about the hot flushes that hit out of nowhere, the depression and rage that followed, and why she bought a sports car. Together, Naomi and Zoe talk about HRT, testosterone, brain fog, motivation, exercise, therapy and the strange grief of feeling like you’ve lost the version of yourself you used to know. If you’ve been feeling flat, overwhelmed, unlike yourself or tempted to run away from your life, this episode will make you feel very seen. 💬 Topics include: • Menopause symptoms • Why menopause can feel like a midlife crisis • Menopause at work • Relationship strain during midlife • HRT for menopause symptoms • Menopause rage • Brain fog • Testosterone in women • Exercise and running for menopause • Body image and ageing Follow Zoe Lyons below: Zoe’s Instagram: @zoelyonscomedy Listen to Zoe's running & comedy podcast The Running Joke: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hd4lR0ynIlEcSvMRNGrPv?si=fe38e79a62744a5f Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 0:00 – Zoe Lyons on perimenopause and comedy 1:29 – Zoe’s first symptoms and starting HRT 2:31 – Covid, midlife crisis and everything falling apart 5:56 – How therapy helped save Zoe’s relationship 9:48 – Why menopause changed her confidence and work 13:42 – Depression, low mood and menopause 15:07 – How running helped her mental health 19:06 – Zoe’s HRT journey: tablets, gel and progesterone 24:20 – Brain fog, low motivation and low testosterone 32:00 – Why menopause information still feels confusing 33:49 – Can you stay on HRT forever? 38:05 – Menopause hair loss, skin changes and aging 43:10 – Is it a midlife crisis or perimenopause? 45:20 – How to reconnect with your ageing body #menopause #midlifecrisis #zoelyons
April 6 · 52 min
How To Deal With Dismissed Menopause Symptoms – Dr Naomi Potter & Jane James
Think it’s anxiety, stress or depression? It could be perimenopause. 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Jane James, menopause mentor at Menopause Care, to talk about the symptoms women often miss, what to do if your GP isn’t helping, and how to know when HRT might be right for you. Jane also shares her own story of being dismissed and misdiagnosed before realising she was perimenopausal – and explains how lived experience can help women feel less alone and more confident in getting support. 💬 Topics include: • Early signs of perimenopause • Anxiety, low mood and feeling “not yourself” • Why perimenopause is often mistaken for depression • What to do if your GP dismisses your symptoms • Jane’s HRT journey • What to do when HRT stops working • Why symptom tracking helps • The value of menopause support groups • Why you shouldn’t buy HRT online • How to find the right menopause specialist Follow Jane James below: Jane’s Instagram: @janemhdg Join Jane's Facebook Group MHDG (Menopause & HRT Discussion Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/702855629805990/?locale=en_GB Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 0:00 – Jane James’ perimenopause story 3:05 – One ovary removed and the first menopause symptoms 6:40 – Misdiagnosed with depression instead of perimenopause 10:20 – How Jane realised it was perimenopause 14:05 – Menopause support groups and where to find help 18:00 – How to research menopause and HRT properly 22:05 – What a menopause mentor actually does 26:10 – Can you get NHS prescriptions after a private menopause appointment? 30:20 – Why so many women feel dismissed by doctors 34:10 – Jane’s HRT journey: tablets, patches, gel and progesterone 40:50 – What to do when HRT stops working 45:00 – Testosterone in menopause: benefits and side effects 48:30 – Lifestyle changes that can help menopause symptoms 52:10 – Early signs of perimenopause and symptom tracking 56:10 – How journaling can help anxiety, relationships and menopause appointments 1:00:25 – Why menopause training for GPs must improve 1:04:05 – Can you buy HRT online safely? 1:08:10 – Anxiety in perimenopause: should you try HRT or therapy? #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
March 30 · 10 min
Is My HRT Actually Working? 5 Signs You're On The Wrong Dose – With Dr Naomi Potter
How do you know if your HRT dose is right? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains how to tell whether your HRT is actually working - and why finding the right dose is rarely as simple as 'more or less'. Naomi breaks down the biggest signs that your Hormone Replacement Therapy may need adjusting, why HRT is always a little bit of trial and error, and how your symptoms, lifestyle, absorption and medical history all shape what dose is right for you. 💬 Topics include: • How to know if your HRT dose is right • Signs your HRT is working • When your oestrogen dose may be too low • Why some women need a higher HRT dose • How side effects can guide HRT adjustments • Why HRT is never one-size-fits-all • Poor absorption of transdermal HRT • How swimming, heat, moisturiser and routine can affect HRT • Why HRT needs can change over time in perimenopause • How to find the best HRT regime for your lifestyle Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Introduction: How to know if your HRT dose is right 00:32 – How doctors decide your starting HRT dose 01:30 – When you might need a different approach (medical history) 02:20 – Why HRT dosing is trial and error 03:25 – No “perfect dose” – how to find what works for you 04:16 – Tip 1: Are your symptoms improving? 04:48 – Tip 2: Feeling like yourself again 05:30 – Tip 3: Finding an HRT routine that fits your life 06:47 – Lifestyle factors that affect HRT (exercise, swimming, heat) 07:34 – Tip 4: Choosing the right HRT regimen for your body 08:48 – Tip 5: Are you a “poor absorber”? 09:56 – Final sign: When symptoms quietly disappear 10:42 – Why HRT needs change over time #menopause #perimenopause #hrt