The Dr Louise Newson Podcast
Dr Louise Newson, an award-winning physician and women's hormone specialist, hosts this weekly podcast exploring perimenopause, menopause, and lifelong hormone health. Each episode delves into the latest research, treatments, and hot topics, providing evidence-based information to empower women. Joined by experts and special guests, Louise answers burning questions and discusses how hormones impact every aspect of life. She is the creator of the free balance app, a Sunday Times bestselling author, and founder of the Newson Health clinic.
Episodes
80 – What if we’ve misunderstood hormones all along?
Many people only think about hormones in relation tomenopause, puberty or fertility. But hormones influence every cell in yourbody, affecting everything from your energy and metabolism to inflammation, sleep and long-term health.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultant endocrinologist and author Dr Saira Hameed to uncover the extraordinary roles hormones play throughout the body,
79 – ”I knew it wasn’t depression”: Jenny’s PMDD story
For years, Jenny was wrongly told she had depression. She was prescribed antidepressants, saw multiple healthcare professionals and even underwent a hysterectomy, yet no one addressed the underlying hormonal changes driving her symptoms.In this powerful episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Jenny Potkins, who shares her deeply personal experience of living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PM
78 – Primodos: The forgotten synthetic hormone scandal
Millions of women were prescribed Primodos as a pregnancy test even though there were concerns that it was associated with many different and often devastating birth defects. More than 60 years later, many of the questions surrounding the drug - which contains synthetic hormones that are still prescribed to women today - remain unanswered.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by ProfessorNei
77 – Hormones after cancer: why women deserve a choice
For many women diagnosed with cancer, conversations about hormones end before they’ve even begun. They’re often told they can never take hormone treatment again, without being given the evidence, the options or the opportunity to make an informed choice.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by women’shealth nurse and educator Jill Chmielewski to discuss why so many women are denied balanced
76 – Why migraine is so much more than a headache with Dr Eli Sader
Migraine is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood and often dismissed as “just a headache”.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by neurologist and migraine specialist Dr Eli Sader to explore what migraine really is, why it happens and why it affects so much more than pain alone. Dr.Elie Sader is a double board-certified neurologist and pa
75 – Can technology help us live healthier for longer?
We often talk about living longer, but what about living better?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by award-winning technology journalist, broadcaster and author Lara Lewington to explore the difference between lifespan and health span, and why the future of healthcare needs to focus on preventing disease rather than simply treating it.They discuss how advances in technology and artificia
74 – The case for hormones: choice, health and longevity
For decades, women have been told to fear hormones. But what if understanding them is one of the most important steps you can take for your current and future health?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by South African GP and functional medicine specialist Dr Mary Atkinson to discuss the vital role hormones play throughout the body and why women deserve better information to make informed
73 – Hormone treatments after 70: why you don’t need to stop
So many women are wrongly told they need to stop takinghormone treatments when they reach a certain age, yet there is noevidence-based age limit for natural hormone treatments.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Paula Keats who previously worked in the City as a Head ofHR for an international investment bank. Paula has been taking hormone treatments for 33 yearsand is still benefiting f
72 – ADHD in women: the hidden role of hormones
Why are so many women only discovering they have ADHD during perimenopause?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by wellbeing coach, author and host of the ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, Kate Moryoussef, for an important conversation about ADHD in women and the often overlooked role hormones can play.Kate shares how she was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40 after recognising the same str
71 – What’s your skin telling you about your hormones?
So many women notice changes in their skin and hair duringtimes of hormonal change, yet hormones are rarely discussed as part of the conversation.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultantdermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar to explore the powerful relationship between hormones, skin health and ageing. Together they discuss why the skin is far more than just appearance, how declining horm
70 – How perimenopause can really impact you and your partner
What happens when women finally realise they’re not “going crazy”, but experiencing hormonal changes?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by comedian and content creator Matt Hyams, whose viral social media videos about perimenopause have resonated with millions of women around the world. Together, they discuss the reality of living throughperimenopause, why so many women feel dismissed or
69 - How hormone treatments can prevent disease
Why do we wait for people to become ill before we help them get better?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by GP and preventative health specialist Dr Harpreet Sood for a conversation about why healthcare needs to move beyond firefighting disease and towards a more proactive, personalised approach.Together, they discuss the importance of hormones in long-term health, why so many women glob
68 – Testosterone: Why is it so hard to access?
Why are so many women denied testosterone?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by US menopause specialist Dr Susan Hardwick-Smith for a vital conversation about testosterone and why so many women are still being denied treatment that could transform their lives.Drawing on both personal and clinical experience, Louise and Susan discuss the widespread misunderstanding surrounding testosterone
67 – The Power of Hormones
Ahead of the publication of her new book The Power ofHormones, Dr Louise Newson sits down with journalist and Balance editorial director Kat Keogh to explore the hidden history of hormones and why women’shealth has been misunderstood for decades.Together, they discuss the stories and research behind the book, from the origins of HRT and hormonal contraception to the wider impact hormones have on t
66 – PMDD and mental health: what’s really going on?
What if severe changes in your mental health were being driven by your hormones?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Isabella Sillar, an Australian doctor, who shares her powerful and deeply personal experience of living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Despite being in medical training, Isabella struggled for years with severe symptoms including suicidal thoughts, repeate
65 – The truth about food and health with The Happy Pear
What if improving your health could start with what’s on your plate?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dave and Steve Flynn, also known as The Happy Pear, for a refreshing and practical conversation about food, lifestyle and long-term health. Together, they explore how modern diets have changed, why so many of us feel overwhelmed by nutrition advice and how simple, whole foods can have
64 – Estrogen: separating fear from fact
Why are so many women still being told estrogen is dangerous?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by oncologist and author of Estrogen Matters, Dr Avrum Bluming, to explore how fear around hormones took hold and why it persisted for so long. They also revisit the evidence behind the Women’s Health Initiative and discuss what it actually shows about risks and benefits.Together, they unpack t
63 – Hormones, disability and the battle to be taken seriously : Laura Dallison
What happens when you know something isn’t right, but no one will listen?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Laura Dallison, who shares her experience of navigating hormonal changes while living with a physicaldisability. After a spinal cord injury, Laura began experiencing symptoms including brain fog, insomnia and recurrent infections, but was repeatedly dismissed and told she was too
62 – How hormones change your brain - Dr Jay Jagannathan
What if the symptoms women are told are down to stress or hectic lifestyles are actually coming from hormone changes in the brain?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by board certified neurosurgeon, Dr Jay Jagannathan, for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about the role hormones play in brain health.They explore what’s really happening during times of hormonal change such as peri
61 – Living with untreated urinary symptoms
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Penny Pijnenburg for a powerful conversation about genitourinary syndrome , a condition that affects most women but is still rarely talked about.Penny shares her experience of living with severe symptoms for more than 14 years before realising they were linked to perimenopause, and the frustration of not being offered the right treatment.Together, the
60 – Liz Earle on how to age well
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Liz Earle for a refreshing and empowering conversation about ageing, and why the way we think about it needs to change.Drawing on the science behind her new book How to Age, Liz explains how factors like hormones, inflammation, circadian rhythm and even light exposure influence how we feel as we get older. She shares simple, accessible ways to support
59 - Can you start HRT after 60? What the evidence shows
So many women are denied hormone replacement because they are told they are “too old”. In this special solo episode, Dr Louise Newson explains why this is wrong. She covers what happens when hormone levels stay low as women age and why this long-term deficiency affects everything from cardiovascular health to bone strength and cognitive function. She clarifies why the WHI study created so much con
58 – ADHD and the gap in hormone care for women
What happens when a woman is finally diagnosed with ADHD, only to be blindsided by perimenopause making everything harder?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Sarah-Jane Ayers for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about ADHD, perimenopause and the devastating impact hormonal changes can have on mental health.Sarah-Jane shares her experience of feeling dismissed, desperate and u
57 – Bleeding on HRT: what’s normal and what’s not
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultant gynaecologist Mr Osama Naji for a reassuring and practical conversation about one of the most common concerns women have when starting HRT, bleeding. Together, they explain why bleeding can happen, when it is a normal response to changing hormones and when it may need further investigation. They also discuss the common causes of unscheduled
56 – Why confusion around contraception and hormones is failing women
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by US-based OB-GYN Dr Jordan Emont to explore why so many women are still being denied hormones, despite clear evidence of their benefits.They discuss the ongoing fear and misinformation surrounding body identical hormones, the confusion with synthetic hormones used in contraception and why this is leaving many women unsupported.Louise and Jordan also hi
55 – HRT, breast cancer and the real risks of not taking hormones
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by physician and author Dr Jeffrey Dach, who is the founder and Medical Director of the TrueMedMD Clinic in Florida and author of numerous books including Bioidentical Hormones 101.Together, Louise and Jeffrey challenge some of the biggest myths surrounding hormone treatments, including the long-standing fear around breast cancer and the lasting damage c
54 - Menopause at 10 years old
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by therapist SaraWitter who shares her deeply personal and shocking experience of being menopausal as a child. Sara describes how she lost most of her ovarian function at just 10 years old following surgery for large dermoid cysts, and the long-lasting impact this had on her physical and mental health. Despite years of symptoms including extreme fatigue,
53 – Rosie Viva on bipolar disorder, hormones and mental health
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by model and author Rosie Viva, who speaks openly about her experience of living with bipolar disorder, something she also explores in her book, Completely Normal and Totally Fine.Rosie shares her journey to diagnosis in her early twenties, the challenges of being misunderstood, and the reality of finding the right treatment. Together, Louise and Rosie d
Bonus: When hormones are missed in mental health
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by mental health nurses Jayne and Diane to discuss the often overlooked role of hormones in women’s mental health.Drawing on their experience working in mental health services, they share how hormonal changes are rarely considered when women present with symptoms such as anxiety, depression or mood changes. As a result, many women are given psychiatric d
52 – Why psychiatrists must start thinking about hormones
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultant psychiatrist Dr Gareth Jarvis to explore the important, and often overlooked, connection between hormones and mental health. Louise and Gareth discuss how hormonal changes can often contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and severe mental illnesses. They also explore why psychiatrists are rarely trained to consider hormones a
51 – A man’s guide to menopause
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by journalist and author Joe Warner to discuss his new book exploring menopause from a partner’s perspective. It’s called “Burning Up, Frozen Out: What Every Man Needs to Know About the Menopause (But No One Told You)”Louise and Joe explore how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can often affect mood, cognition, sexual function and emoti
50 - Testosterone and breaking the stigma
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist, educator and hormone health advocate Dr Kelly Casperson to challenge some of the most persistent myths surrounding testosterone and women’s health. Drawing on both clinical experience and scientific evidence, they explore why testosterone is not just a “male hormone”, but an important hormone for women too, influencing brain health, energy,
49 – Endometriosis, dismissal and the fight to be heard
In this episode for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Louise Newson is joined by author and women’s health advocate Evelyn Scott to share her personal experience of living with endometriosis, a condition affecting one in ten women that remains widely misunderstood, under-recognised and frequently dismissed. Together, Louise and Evelyn explore why endometriosis is not simply a gynaecological condit
48 – Why heart disease in women is still being missed
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist and leading advocate for improving recognition of cardiovascular disease in women. Despite being the number one cause of death globally, heart disease in women remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood and frequently misattributed to anxiety or stress.Together, they explore how differences in symptoms between men and women
47 - Rethinking mental health and antidepressant prescribing
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of metal health and suicidalityIn 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 Sta
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 cardiov
45 - Inflammation, hormones and the hidden cause of chronic disease
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Robert Lufkin, physician, medical school professor and author, to explore how inflammation and metabolic dysfunction lie at the heart of many of today’s chronic diseases.They discuss why conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and mental illness are often treated as separate problems, when in reality they share the same
44 - Testosterone and why the UK is falling behind
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Prof Mohit Khera to talk about testosterone in women and why it remains one of the most misunderstood and underused hormones in medicine.They explore how sexual dysfunction is rarely an individual problem, why treating only one partner can create new difficulties, and why testosterone should be seen as part of
43 - Kate Muir on the power and pushback in menopause care
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined once again by journalist, author and friend Kate Muir to reflect on where the menopause conversation really stands. From the science behind body-identical hormones to the deep frustrations of outdated medical thinking, this is a wide-ranging conversation about what women are still being denied, why fear continues to shape healthcare and what happens when
42 - Exposing the failures faced by perimenopausal women
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Jain monks and filmmakers Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti to discuss their new docuseries, Balance, which follows their personal experiences of perimenopause and exposes how women’s hormonal health has been overlooked for generations.As the only UK doctor featured in the series, Louise reflects on why these stories matter, the injustices wom
41 - How small lifestyle changes can transform your health
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson sits down with GP and lifestyle medicine lead Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi to talk about the everyday habits that shape long-term health. Hussain shares his own story of being diagnosed with fatty liver disease and high blood pressure in his twenties, and how facing that reality pushed him to rethink movement, food, relationships and even how he coped with stress.Togethe
40 - How hormones reduce inflammation and keep you healthier for longer
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with longevity expert and patient advocate Leslie Kenny about health span, inflammation and why prevention matters more than ever.Leslie shares her experience of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in her late thirties and being told there was nothing she could do. Rather than accepting this, she explored lifestyle, immune health and inflamm
39 - Looking back at 2025: progress, pushback and what still needs to change
As 2025 comes to a close, Dr Louise Newson reflects on the progress that’s been made this year, as well as the ongoing frustration of knowing too many women are still not being listened to or supported. Drawing on what she sees in her clinic, through research and in conversations with women and clinicians around the world, she asks whether things are truly progressing or whether we’re going back i
38 - Why hormone education matters for every clinician
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Dr Rebecca Lewis discuss the role of hormone education in modern clinical practice and why so many women are still affected by gaps in training. Drawing on their years of running a large menopause clinic and developing educational resources for healthcare professionals, they reflect on what clinicians are taught, what’s missing and how that affects diagnosis,
37 - Chronic migraine and PMDD: Jessica’s story
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her daughter Jessica for a very personal conversation about living with chronic migraine, PMDD and the long journey toward feeling well again. Jessica talks openly about the years of debilitating symptoms, the medications that helped (and those that didn’t), the impact on her studies and music, and the frustration of not being fully heard in medical c
36 - How Balance app is reshaping women’s hormonal health
In this conversation, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Matt Jones, Managing Director of Balance app, for an honest look at how a simple idea grew into a global tool supporting over a million women. They talk about the real stories behind the app, the messages from women who feel unheard, the gaps in medical care regarding hormones and why accessible, trustworthy information can make such a differen
35 - How vaginal hormones can transform the health of women
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr Rachel Rubin for a clear look at how hormonal changes can often worsen both urinary and vaginal health. The conversation examines why recurrent urinary tract infections are so common in women, how prevention with vaginal hormones is often overlooked and what current evidence shows about the safety and effect
34 - Penny Lancaster: The truth about menopause care
Every day we hear from women whose symptoms are being misdiagnosed, which makes Penny Lancaster’s story hit close to home. She talks with Dr Louise Newson about the months she spent thinking she was depressed, the antidepressants she was offered in lockdown and the moment she realised her symptoms were linked to menopause.They touch on a bigger cultural shift too. Menopause is being mentioned more
33 - Menopause and the making of Riot Women with Sally Wainwright
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of mental health and suicide Many women experience menopause as more than hot flushes and periods stopping. It can also bring a deep sense of flatness, loss of joy, anxiety or even thoughts of hopelessness.In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Sally Wainwright OBE, the multiple BAFTA-winning writer and director known for Happy Valley, Gentlema
32 - Tackling myths and misinformation in menopause
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, Goi
31 - Could it be perimenopause? How hormones influence the brain
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
30 - Challenging the invisibility of menopausal women with Liz Earle MBE
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
29 - Hysterectomy: surgery, recovery and hormones
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 red
28 - How synthetic hormones can rewire the female brain
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 Sa
27 - Elizabeth Day on The Cost of Not Believing Women
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 h
26 - How hormones and lifestyle shape healthy ageing
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 lik
25 - Hormones, nutrition and metabolism 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
24 - Bone health, hormones and the real risk of osteoporosis
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 cru
23 - The truth about GLP-1s, weight loss and nutrition with Dr Jack Mosley
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 headlin
22 - Distracted: Jack Suddaby on being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
'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 an
21 - Breaking barriers in women’s health: Hormones, education and HRT with Dr Fionnuala Vernon
“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
20 - Hormones and metabolism: Unlocking the science with Professor Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
“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
19 - Your Peri Godmother: Shelly Horton on surviving and thriving through perimenopause
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 conversatio
18 - Hayley and Jay: a 30-year battle for the right diagnosis
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, anti
17 - Why dance is a superpower, with Angela Rippon
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 natio
16 - Talking about our relationship and how my husband supports me
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 pro
15 - Championing hormones, healing and strength with Christine D’Ercole
Content advisory: this episode includes themes of self-harmIn 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 t
14 - Breasts, bodies, and belonging: a conversation with Jean Hannah Edelstein
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 findin
13 - HRT after 60: myths, facts and finding your own path with Ann Newson
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 synthe
12 - HRT, misinformation and navigating the menopause media minefield with Kaye Adams
'I'm a journalist, and I'm always trying to make sense of stories... that's just how my brain works. But I've never been able to make sense of this one... the whole HRT story, the information women are given, and the choices we make based on information we're not entirely sure about. I've always felt that was just unsatisfactory. So that overview from you, I have found really, really interesting’.
11 - Hormones and mental health: Ben West discusses how having hard conversations can save lives
Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide‘You're not just losing a person. You're losing all of those memories’In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by mental health campaigner and author, Ben West. At 17, Ben’s world was turned upside down when he lost his younger brother, Sam, to suicide at just 15 years old. What followed was a life-altering journe
10 - Breaking down health taboos: Dr Karan Rajan on hormones, myths and patient power
'Haemorrhoids is one of those embarrassing problems that a lot of people suffer from. There's a lot of taboos surrounding it, because people don't want to own up that they've got haemorrhoids. A lot of people listening or watching this probably have haemorrhoids, they're probably sitting on them right now. That video is not a sexy topic, but it got over 2 million views... that is a huge amount of
09 - Ferne McCann talks motherhood, breathwork and perimenopause
In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Ferne McCann, TV personality, reality star, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the wellness app Shoorah. Ferne first rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex and has since appeared on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice. Ferne talks candidly about the hormonal changes she experienced during and after pregnancy, and how
08 - Main Character Energy: How Fats Timbo transformed adversity into a self-worth manifesto
Award-winning content creator, comedian, and author Fats Timbo joins Dr Louise Newson for a powerful conversation on self-worth, confidence, and hormones. Fats, who has achondroplasia, shares how she turned adversity into empowerment—from childhood challenges and societal bias to becoming a viral creator and published author of Main Character Energy. In this warm, funny, and honest discussion, Fat
07 - It’s Probably Nothing: unpacking the pitfalls of women’s healthcare with Naga Munchetty
In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty, known for her role on BBC Breakfast. Naga discusses her new book, It’s Probably Nothing, where she explores how women’s health concerns are often dismissed, left undiagnosed, or told their pain was normal’. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she examines the harmful impact of medical misogyny and
06 - Is food the best medicine? Dr Rupy breaks down the science of protein, fibre and more
In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her good friend Dr Rupy Aujla, a medical doctor, nutritionist, and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen for a deep dive into his new book, Healthy High Protein. Together, they explore how our relationship with food evolves over time, and why protein and fibre play a far more essential role in our health than many of us realise. Dr Rupy shares how i
05 - Talking to my daughter: understanding hormones, contraception, PMS & the gaps in sex ed
"I remember saying to you, do people actually go to work like this? Do they just carry on with normal life? Surely you take two days off and just lie in bed. I just couldn’t comprehend that this was normal, and that women are expected to just live like this." This week, Dr. Louise Newson is joined by her daughter, Sophie Anderson, a student at King’s College London, for an honest and insightful
04 - Dr Felice Gersh on oestradiol, natural vs synthetic hormones and standing by your beliefs in medicine
In this episode, Dr Louise is joined by renowned American OB-GYN, integrative medicine specialist and globally renowned women’s health expert, Dr Felice Gersh. Together Louise and Felice delve into the science of hormones, how menopause care differs between the US and UK, and the harmful past of women’s medicine – from the vaginal mesh scandal to the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study whic
03 - Content creator Charlotte Craig on overcoming adversity and taking charge of your health
On this week's episode, Charlotte Craig, a hugely successful content creator with nearly one million followers on TikTok joins Dr Louise Newson in the studio to share her journey to recovery from a traumatic injury – the highs, the lows, and the profound shift in perspective that followed. The pair also touch on the importance of understanding your hormone health at any stage. In 2022, Charlotte
02 - Donna Francis on sobriety, perimenopause and empowerment
In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Donna Francis, an award-winning Beauty Editor with over 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked with magazines such as InStyle, Company, and Cosmo/Fabulous. Now Beauty Editor At Large at Hello! Magazine, Donna shares her personal experience with perimenopause, opening up about the profound impact it had on her life. She discusses
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