When the BBC Panorama programme aired, it marked the beginning of sustained personal and professional harm to me, and far more importantly, to many women. Since its broadcast, I have faced persistent hostility, reputational damage and misinformation that has distorted my work and undermined evidence-based hormone treatments for women.
The programme presented a misleading and inaccurate narrative about my clinical practice. It relied heavily on commentary from doctors associated with the British Menopause Society and raised concerns about my prescribing of higher doses of estradiol (a type of estrogen) in some women. These claims were not supported by evidence and failed to reflect basic principles of pharmacology or personalised medicine.
I submitted detailed complaints to the BBC and Ofcom outlining factual inaccuracies, editorial bias, procedural failures and the inappropriate use of undercover filming. Despite the clear and demonstrable harm caused, these complaints were not upheld, and no apology has been issued.
The science that has been ignored
There is no evidence of harm arising from my prescribing practices. On the contrary, I have published data from 1,508 women demonstrating that one in four women prescribed the maximum licensed dose of transdermal estradiol still fail to achieve adequate symptom control because their blood estradiol levels remain too low. Persistently low estradiol levels can lead to ongoing symptoms and increased long-term health risks, making under treatment with estradiol potentially detrimental to women.
Absorption of estradiol through the skin varies widely between women. It is influenced by multiple well-established factors, including age, skin thickness, blood flow, application site, whether the skin is washed shortly after application, and even skin temperature. Women who absorb poorly will, by necessity, require higher doses to achieve therapeutic levels. This is basic pharmacology, yet it was disregarded to construct a simplistic and alarming narrative.
A few weeks after the programme was aired, the British Menopause Society wrote about the Panorama programme on their website that “some women may require higher doses of estrogen, outside the licensing guidelines” which contradicts what they discussed on the programme.
This programme also raised concerns that women prescribed higher doses of estradiol were not always prescribed higher doses of progesterone. However, I have published a research paper showing no correlation between estradiol dose and pathological changes to the lining of the womb. Current evidence and clinical guidelines are clear: hormone therapy must be individualised, not prescribed according to rigid, non-evidence-based dose matching. This is precisely how I practise medicine.
The real-world consequences to women
The impact of this broadcast has been profound and damaging. Since transmission, many women have had their HRT reduced or stopped entirely, not because of evidence of harm, but because of fear generated within parts of the medical profession. Many have experienced the return of severe and debilitating symptoms, affecting their ability to function at work, in relationships and in daily life.
Professionally, the consequences for me have been severe. Media appearances have been cancelled, my reputation has been publicly undermined, and a pending university professorship was withdrawn, despite the fact that I have done nothing wrong. The broadcast directly contributed to dozens of doctors and valued colleagues losing their roles within my clinic, as patients discontinued hormone treatment and unfounded concerns were amplified.
My professional record
I am a highly qualified physician. I graduated in Medicine with Honours and I also have a first-class degree in Pathology. Over the past 31 years, I have worked as a clinician, medical writer and educator. I have published dozens of peer-reviewed academic papers, lectured internationally to healthcare professionals, and written evidence-based medical books.
My focus on women’s hormones over the past decade has been driven by listening to thousands of women who describe being dismissed, disbelieved, or inadequately treated, particularly when their symptoms affect their mental health. Too often, women are prescribed antidepressants instead of appropriate hormone treatments, sometimes with significant and lasting side effects. My work has always been grounded in improving education, knowledge and access to evidence-based care, so women can make informed decisions about their health.
I have been described as a “maverick doctor” by some people. This is simply untrue. I undergo an annual medical appraisal, and my most recent appraisal was excellent, with no concerns raised about my work as a clinician, educator or researcher. My appraiser specifically noted my ability to maintain high professional standards and to support others, even under intense public scrutiny.
Continuing despite adversity
Despite the harm caused, I continue to practise medicine, publish research, produce my weekly podcast, develop educational resources for healthcare professionals, host live Q&A sessions, write extensively, and educate women globally through my Balance app. Millions of women continue to benefit from this work every day.
I remain firmly committed to evidence-based medicine, education and advocacy. I am now working with forward-thinking, innovative colleagues to expand access to accurate information and to challenge the misinformation that continues to surround women’s hormones.
While I cannot change what has happened, I have learned that truth, integrity and determination matter. With the right support, it is possible to move forward—stronger, clearer and more committed than ever to improving women’s health.
