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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 Professor Neil Vargesson, Professor of Developmental Biology at the University of Aberdeen, whose research into Primodos has helped shine a light on one of the most dreadful drug scandals in modern medicine.
Together, they explore how Primodos came to be prescribed, why concerns raised by women were not properly investigated, and why it took 20 years for the drug to be withdrawn. They also discuss what the scandal reveals about the regulation of medicines, the importance of knowing about the difference between synthetic and natural hormones and why this history should never be forgotten.
We hope you love the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who might find it helpful.
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Duration:

33.27

Thursday, June 25, 2026

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About:

Dr Louise Newson is an award-winning physician, respected women's hormone specialist, educator, and author committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause, menopause, and lifelong hormone health. Each week, Louise dives into the newest research, treatments and hot topic issues, providing accessible, evidence-based information to empower your future health. Joined by fellow experts and special guests, with answers to your burning questions, Louise explores how hormones impact every aspect of our lives.

Described as the "medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution", Louise aims to empower a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies, minds and future health through their hormones. She is the creator of the award-winning free balance app, a Sunday Times bestselling author and the founder of the Newson Health clinic. With over three decades of clinical experience, Louise is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs, a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge, a regular contributor to academic journals including the Lancet and the British Journal of General Practice, and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health from Bradford University.
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Episode :

Taking HRT forever – Ann Newson and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson has an open discussion with her mother, Ann Newson, about her personal views regarding taking HRT. Over 30 years ago, Ann was experiencing symptoms of severe fatigue which were negatively affecting her ability at work, prompting her GP to give her a prescription for HRT. Ann was then told that she was going through 'the change' but had no idea what that meant! The menopause was never spoken about at that time and she was given no information about it. However, taking HRT gave Ann her life back and her energy levels vastly improved. Fast forward to today and Ann is delighted to have learnt so much about the menopause from her daughter, Louise. In this episode, Ann also explains how many of her friends have developed breast cancer over the years despite none of them taking HRT. She strongly feels that women should be given a choice regarding hormone therapy and how she plans to stay on her HRT forever!
Ann Newson’s three take home tips:
1. Carry on! If you’re happy with your HRT then you don’t have to stop taking it
2. If you are feeling low, don’t think that you’re not menopausal just because you aren’t experiencing hot flushes and night sweats
3. Don’t be frightened of HRT, it can be life-changing!
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Duration:

32.22

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Perimenopause and menopause

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Pelvic floor health – Jane Simpson and Dr Louise Newson

This week, Dr Newson is joined by Jane Simpson, a continence nurse specialist who works from The London Clinic in Harley Street.
In this episode, Jane and Dr Newson discuss all aspects of pelvic floor health relating to the menopause, including stress incontinence, an overactive bladder (key in the door syndrome!), vaginal dryness/atrophy, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation and the bowels and last but not least the pelvic floor and how menopause can affect our sex lives.
You can find Jane at www.thepelvicfloorbible.com and on Instagram @jane_thepelvicfloorbible.
Jane’s three take home tips for pelvic floor health:
1. Make sure you are exercising the correct muscles
2. Once you’re sure that you are, make sure you do it regularly
3. If you are unsure or think there could be a problem, then please seek help!
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Duration:

27.04

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Symptoms

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Early Menopause and POI - Dr Sarah Ball and Dr Louise Newson

In this week's podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Sarah Ball, a GP with a special interest in the menopause. Together, they talk all about early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) which affects women under 45 years. In the UK, around one in 100 women under 40 experience an early menopause yet many of these women are not diagnosed nor do they receive evidence-based advice and treatment. It is essential that these women receive replacement hormones at least until the age of 51 (the average age of the menopause) unless there are medical contra-indications to taking hormones. Dr Newson and Dr Ball discuss the health risks of untreated early menopause and POI and also the different ways in which women can receive individualised help and treatment.
Dr Sarah Ball's three take home tips:
1. Early menopause is a different experience - it is essential to replace your hormones
2. Your fertility still does need to be considered
3. Don't feel isolated! Find some support, there are others out there experiencing the same thing.
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Duration:

34.39

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Perimenopause and menopause

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Life after breast cancer – Kirsty Lang and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is speaking to journalist Kirsty Lang about her experience with breast cancer and how life has been since her recovery. Together, they discuss the treatment that Kirsty received and the side effects that she experienced from some of the medication, particularly those that blocked the effects of oestrogen in her body. Kirsty talks openly about her menopausal symptoms relating to vaginal dryness and reduced libido and Dr Newson explains the effective treatment options available for these symptoms. They also talk about the differences between information given to men who have prostate cancer and women who have breast cancer. Men are usually given far more information than women, especially regarding the sexual problems that can arise during cancer treatment, and clearly this needs to change.
Click here to listen to Kirsty Lang talk about breast cancer in Liz Earle’s weekly podcast.
Kirsty’s three take home tips for dealing with menopause after cancer:
1. Try local vaginal oestrogen for vaginal dryness
2. If you are struggling massively, go to your GP/surgeon/oncologist and don’t be afraid to ask for help
3. Don’t feel like you have to struggle just because you’ve survived breast cancer. It’s not true, there is help out there for you!
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Duration:

32.52

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Health conditions

Lifestyle

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Menopause and friendship – Kate Parr and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking with one of her closest friends, Kate Parr, about her reasons for setting up Newson Health. Kate encouraged Dr Newson to start educating women about the perimenopause and menopause by hosting a lunch in her house a few years ago, to which many of their friends were invited. Both were really surprised with how eager women were to learn about menopause and how little they knew about something that they will all experience. This inspired Louise to continue to educate and empower women with the right knowledge, so that they can make evidence-based decisions regarding their future health during their menopause. In this episode, Louise and Kate also discuss why talking about menopause to our friends and families is so important.
Kate Parr’s three take home tips:
1. Be informed! Find out everything you can about the menopause, from reliable sources
2. Talk to your girlfriends and support each other
3. Mothers – talk to your sons and daughters about how you are feeling. Educate them so that, in the future, they know what to expect and know that it’s okay to talk about it.
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Duration:

29.16

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Lifestyle

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Menopause and the skin – Dr Sajjad Rajpar and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking to leading consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar. Together, they discuss all about the skin and how it can change during the perimenopause and menopause. The low hormone levels that occur during the perimenopause and menopause often have a negative effect on the collagen in the skin, which can lead to changes in appearance and elasticity. As well as this, skin concerns such as dryness and acne are a common occurrence during this time of our lives. Dr Newson and Dr Rajpar also discuss HRT and the effectiveness of giving oestrogen through the skin as a patch or gel.
Dr Rajpar’s three take home tips for healthy skin:
1. Avoid soap and use gentle cleanser, moisturise twice daily
2. Be sensible with the sun – wear factor 50
3. Stop smoking! Nicotine can have a very negative effect on your skin.
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Duration:

30.36

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Symptoms

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Surgical menopause – Dr Rebecca Lewis and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson chats to her good friend, Dr Rebecca Lewis, who is also a clinical director at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Together they discuss surgical menopause. Surgical menopause can often be very different to a natural menopause because it happens very suddenly. Women who have their ovaries removed during an operation are plunged into the menopause straight away. In addition, women who have a hysterectomy without their ovaries being removed still have a higher risk of an early menopause. Dr Newson and Dr Lewis discuss the most effective ways of treating surgical menopause.
Dr Lewis’ three take home tips:
1. Think about menopause before your surgery – be aware of the symptoms you may experience
2. Discuss HRT with your surgeon before surgery
3. Have a solution and treatment plan in place before the operation.
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Duration:

29.30

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Perimenopause and menopause

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Missing my perimenopause – Katie Taylor and Dr Louise Newson

In this week’s episode, Dr Newson chats to Katie Taylor. From the age of 43 Katie suffered for four years with debilitating perimenopausal symptoms, which had been misdiagnosed as depression by her doctor.   It was only when her father, a breast cancer professor, suggested that he thought her symptoms were more likely to be hormonal, did she finally get the right diagnosis from her gynaecologist. Within a month of being on the right treatment (HRT) and off the antidepressants, she felt like her old self again.
It was her anger and frustration at having wasted so many years of precious life, that led her to set up an online virtual coffee shop: The Latte Lounge (Top Tips For Women Over 40), to share her experience with others. Katie and Dr Newson discuss how commonly women are misdiagnosed and then are not receiving the right treatment for their symptoms.
Katie Taylor’s three take home tips:
1. Download the Balance app and take the menopause symptom questionnaire and read the NICE menopause guidelines and go to your doctor feeling empowered and armed with information
2. Know that HRT should be the first-line treatment, not just antidepressants
3. Remember you’re not alone! Join the Latte Lounge or Menopause Support and talk to like-minded women.
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Duration:

28.21

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Perimenopause and menopause

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Menopause and West Midlands Police – Yvonne Bruton and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson chats to Yvonne Bruton, a chief inspector at West Midlands Police who currently heads up the Violence Reduction Unit. Yvonne is also the chair of her Women in Policing association. Dr Newson and Yvonne have worked closely in the past and shared a journey over the last few years: Dr Newson has shared her passion and expertise and Yvonne has shared the problems that are experienced, not only by women in the workplace, but also by trying to design organisational responses to these within a challenging working environment! Policing is about improving people’s lives and protecting them from harm – but they need to look after the workforce to enable them to get out there and do that. Dr Newson has helped support and champion the work that West Midlands Police have been doing with menopause in the workplace and in this podcast they discuss Yvonne’s inspirational work and how other organisation’s can follow their lead.
Yvonne’s three take home tips for menopause support at work:
1. Find someone to talk to – that could be a colleague experiencing similar problems or a peer support group
2. Find an organisational advocate within your workplace
3. Don’t be afraid to make noise!
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Duration:

34.08

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Lifestyle

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Menopause and the pelvic floor – Nicola Mulkeen and Dr Louise Newson

In this podcast, Dr Newson is speaking with Nicola Mulkeen, a very experienced and knowledgeable pelvic floor physiotherapist. Together they discuss what exactly the pelvic floor muscles are and what they do in our bodies. Nicola talks about the importance of regular pelvic floor exercises and how to perform them. Dr Newson also asks Nicola about different types of urinary incontinence and how women experiencing symptoms should be receiving the right help and treatment.
Nicola Mulkeen’s three take home tips for pelvic floor health:
1. Don’t suffer in silence – get a referral from your GP if you have any concerns
2. Prevention is better than reacting to symptoms once they occur, so it’s always a good time to start thinking about your pelvic floor health
3. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about bladder and bowel problems or sexual health.
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Duration:

24.02

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Symptoms

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Menopause for partners – Leigh Goulding and Dr Louise Newson

Partners of menopausal women are often neglected. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson talks to Leigh, a partner of one of her patients who vividly describes how worried he was when he saw the changes in his wife and had no idea what was going on. They discuss potential ways of improving education to men and partners. It is really important that partners are involved and understand potential symptoms. Partners can often have a pivotal role in diagnosing the perimenopause and menopause and can help seek the right advice and treatment.
Leigh Goulding’s three take home tips for partners:
1. Hold your tongue – any arguments you may be having may simply be due to perimenopaue and menopause.
2. Do your research and make sure to check the sources of whatever you read.
3. 'Happy wife, happy life!'
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Duration:

19.33

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Lifestyle

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MPowered women – Saska Graville and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode, Dr Newson chats to Saska Graville, co founder of MPowered Women a community of doctors, wellbeing experts and brilliant women, to power you through menopause. Despite a career in women’s magazines, including being the deputy editor of Red, Saska had no idea that anxiety and loss of confidence were classic perimenopause symptoms. Hot flushes were the extent of her knowledge, and she’d never had one. She blamed her anxiety and loss of confidence in her late 40s on a career change. MPowered Women ensures that no woman has to struggle and be uninformed about what the hell is going on with her physical and mental health, and what she can do about it. With no subject off limits, MPowered Women has her back.
Saska Graville’s three take home tips:
1. Don’t panic!
2. Don’t believe the headlines – search for factual, evidence-based advice
3. Take someone with you to your doctor’s appointment if you’re feeling nervous.
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Duration:

33.30

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Education

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Menopause and antidepressants – Kim Goulding and Dr Louise Newson

Kim Goulding is one of Dr Newson’s patients here at Newson Health. In today’s episode, Kim talks about her own experience with the menopause how she was offered antidepressants. She has always been the driving force behind her family and became socially withdrawn and very low in her mood. She had no idea initially what was happening to her and her life had really changed. She talks to Dr Newson about how she tried to receive the right treatment and her experience taking HRT.
Kim’s Three Take Home Tips:
1. It can be difficult when struggling with severe symptoms, but go and find the right help. If your GP can’t help you then go private if you can.
2. Women should not have to pay for good quality menopause care, but getting the right treatment is priceless!
3. Get informed and search for evidence-based resources, such as the Balance app.
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Duration:

28.21

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Symptoms

Health conditions

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What is perimenopause? – Sheona Khan and Dr Louise Newson

Sheona Khan is a medical writer who has been working closely with Dr Newson for several months. In this weeks episode, Dr Newson and Sheona have an open discussion with about how much she has learnt regarding the perimenopause and how little she knew about it until recently. They discuss ways of improving knowledge for women about the perimenopause and the menopause and also the importance of women receiving evidence based and non-biased information. Sheona asks Dr Newson questions about changing hormones, making a diagnosis and HRT and Dr Newson explains why she feels that younger women should be equipped with the right information regarding their future hormone health.
Sheona Khan’s three take home tips about perimenopause:
1. Talk about it – make those conversations happen. You could be going through the same thing as a friend!
2. If you are in your 40s and are experiencing tiredness, forgetfulness or stress – don’t dismiss it, start thinking about your hormones
3. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get really bad before you consider HRT. The earlier you start replacing your hormones, the better!
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Duration:

32.18

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Education

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Low testosterone in men – Professor Geoffrey Hackett and Dr Louise Newson

Professor Geoffrey Hackett works as a consultant in Urology and Sexual Medicine. He is a prolific writer and educator about men’s health and has a particular interest in low testosterone in men. In this episode, Dr Newson and Professor Hackett talk about how having a low testosterone level can affect men, how common it is and how men can receive help and treatment. Around 20% of men in the UK have low testosterone at some time in their life but few of these men are being diagnosed and treated. This is due to lack of awareness by patients and doctors, especially as symptoms are vague and often subject to incorrect diagnosis. Erectile problems can be a sign of cardiovascular disease so it is really important that men have the appropriate tests and receive the best treatment to improve their future health. 
Professor Geoffrey Hackett’s three take home tips:
1. Having erections and sexual activity is great for men’s health. Regular sex can reduce the risk of heart failure and can prolong life
2. The quality of sex can matter more than the quantity
3. Erectile dysfunction is down to heart problems until proven otherwise. Don’t just put it down to stress, age etc.
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Duration:

31.02

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

HRT/Hormones

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The benefits of yoga – Lucy Holtom and Dr Louise Newson

Lucy Holtom is a yoga teacher. Lucy runs Living Your Yoga and her classes encourage attendees to take time to connect with their inner world through ancient Yogic practices. These practices include coordinating the breath with movement, attention to alignment, seeking focus and balance; and finding comfort in challenging the body to open and release the accumulation of tension from life’s day-to-day habits. In this episode, Lucy talks to Dr Newson all about how yoga can nourish, restore and release physical, mental and emotional constraints, whilst building inner strength and confidence.
www.livingyouryoga.co.uk
Lucy’s three take home tips for yoga beginners:
1. If you want to try a class, look for recommendations from others and chat to different teachers to find what’s right for you
2. Wear comfortable clothing – you don’t need to spend money on new yoga outfits, just wear whatever you can move freely in
3. Go with an open mind and enjoy!
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Duration:

31.12

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Lifestyle

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The importance of a plant-based diet – Edward Joy and Dr Louise Newson

Edward Joy has over 20 years’ experience as a complimentary healthcare practitioner, as an ethnobotanist Edward spends much of his time studying the components of plants in an aim to understand their nutritional benefits but he also adopts naturopathy into his practice.
Edward contributes regularly to articles for Only Natural and Holistic Therapist magazines. His informal lectures and herb walks are attended by health professionals in the UK and throughout Europe from Ireland to Italy.
For the past 12 years Edward has worked closely with the Naturopathic Supplements Company, Bionutri, where his work includes procurement and product development. Working with an ingredient is one thing, ensuring the ingredient has benefit is Edward’s particular point of interest.
In an informal conversation with Dr Louise Newson, Edward Joy discusses the way herbs influence our health, particularly when integrated into the diet.
Edward Joy’s three take home tips:
1. When it comes to the menopause, don’t deny it. Don’t look for foods and herbs that can ‘turn back the clock’, look for ways to support and facilitate this time in your life
2. Think about supplements but do your research and look for the best quality
3. Be true to yourself! Be honest about your diet and nutrition and the areas you might be able to improve.
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Duration:

33.48

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Lifestyle

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Menopause and Nursing – Diane Porterfield and Dr Louise Newson

Diane Porterfield-Bourne is a Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years nursing experience. She runs www.bourne2care.co.uk and provides menopause education talks in the workplace and through organised events. She is committed to raising menopause awareness and feels very passionately about women’s health and how menopause can affect women physically and emotionally. In this episode, Diane talks to Dr Newson all about her work as well as the ways she works with menopausal women from different ethnic minorities.
Diane Porterfield-Bourne’s three take home tips:
1. Read up on the menopause and discover how it may affect you
2. Talk to your GP and arm yourself with the correct, evidence-based information
3. Be open and honest with your families. Explain how you are feeling so they can support you.
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Duration:

29.54

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Education

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Getting the right menopause information – Diane Danzebrink and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks with Diane Danzebrink, both very passionate campaigners on the subject of improving menopause education for women. The two experts discuss the current HRT shortages and media reports following the recent HRT scare and give women the real facts, talking about their grave concerns that women are going to be denied HRT by their doctors for the wrong reasons and how women need to be given the right information to challenge this.
Diane Danzebrink’s three take home tips:
1. Don’t panic!
2. Don’t believe the headlines – go find factual evidence-based advice
3. Take someone with you to your doctor’s appointment if you’re feeling nervous, and before you visit, look at the Balance app for information, visit the Menopause Support website.
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Duration:

31.16

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Education

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HRT and breast cancer – Liz Earle MBE and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by Liz Earle MBE and together they discuss the recent research that was published in the Lancet, concerning the link between HRT and breast cancer. They talk about what this research means to women and discuss other evidence regarding the benefits of taking HRT.
www.lizearlewellbeing.com
Liz Earle’s three take home tips about HRT:
1. Don’t believe everything you see in the headlines – do your research and don’t panic!
2. Read up on the subject and listen to experts
3. Look at all of your symptoms – menopause is so much more than hot flushes and it doesn’t need to affect your quality of life.
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Duration:

38.51

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Health conditions

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Gut Matters – Emma Ellice-Flint and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode Dr Newson and qualified nutritionist and chef Emma Ellice-Flint, talk about gut matters, microbiome research and what foods can make a difference to the gut and whole body health. Topics discussed include:
- Control how you feel through what you eat, bidirectional communication to/from gut and the brain
- The time it takes to make a change to your gut microbiome through what you eat
- Fecal transplants, what it is and some recent research
- Different types of prebiotics and probiotics and what they are, including kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi
- Getting variety into everyday eating, making vegetables the center of your dish
- Which good fats to especially eat – extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, avocado, seafood
- Digestion and the anticipation of eating on digestion
- Fasting and ways of doing it
- Variety – pushing out your food choices to include more varieties of fruit and vegetables
- Individual – what suits one person may not suit another, learn to understand what works best for you
- Sleep – good habits around sleep and what you might be able to improve to have a better night’s sleep
Read more about Emma on her website here and follow Emma on Instagram and Facebook. Read about Emma’s cookbooks here.
Emma’s three take home tips for gut health:
1. Variety is important! Especially when it comes to vegetables – try to mix it up and try new things
2. We are all individual and what works for one person when it comes to weight loss, bloating, hormone balance etc might be different for another. Find out how your body works!
3. Sleep is so important. We make better food choices when we are well rested.
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Duration:

35.42

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Lifestyle

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MegsMenopause – Meg Mathews and Dr Louise Newson

In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by former music industry PR guru Meg Mathews.
Together, they discuss Meg’s reasons for creating her website, MegsMenopause, and why she has worked so hard to improve menopause education for women. Meg talks very openly about her dreadful menopause experience and how she had no idea what was happening to her – as indeed so many women don’t. Thankfully she is so much better now, taking the right dose and type of HRT. Meg works tirelessly to educate women (and men) about the menopause and how it can affect their lives. In this podcast, Dr Newson and Meg discuss the different ways women can receive the right help and advice.
Meg’s three take home tips:
1. Share with your family! Your symptoms may also affect those closest to you so it could be helpful to share how you are feeling and why
2. If you have an inkling of any menopausal symptoms, take the menopause symptoms questionnaire on the Balance app – if you have five or more symptoms then you may want to go and see your GP.
3. Self love! Things can feel so overwhelming during the menopause so take time for yourself and put yourself first.
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Duration:

31.22

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Education

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Migraines and menopause – GP and menopause expert Dr Sarah Ball and Dr Louise Newson

Migraines and worsening headaches can be a very common symptom of the perimenopause and menopause. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Sarah Ball who explains why this can occur and ways of managing migraines for women who have changing hormone levels. Many women wrongly believe they cannot take HRT if they have a history of migraine, so this myth is discussed and the correct advice given. In addition to taking HRT, there are numerous lifestyle measures that can improve migraines which are also discussed.
Dr Sarah Ball’s three take home tips about menopause and migraines:
1. Look back at your reproductive cycle as a whole, particularly when your periods first began and when on different contraceptives. Are there any patterns?
2. Keep a headache diary – this can be so helpful!
3. Always look at your lifestyle first as there are lots of helpful changes that can be made. However, don’t forget to consider your hormones as this could well be the source of the problem.
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Duration:

30.35

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Symptoms

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Campaigning for improved menopause care – Diane Danzebrink and Dr Louise Newson

Diane Danzebrink is a psychotherapist, menopause expert, wellbeing consultant and also a great friend of Dr Newson. She is tirelessly campaigning for improved care and support for menopausal women having personally had a dreadful experience of the menopause after an operation to remove her ovaries to the extent she became suicidal. Diane always promised her husband that if she ever improved then she would campaign and fight so that other women do not suffer in the way she did.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Diane discuss the #makemenopausematter campaign Diane has introduced, which now has an impressive 27,000 votes. The aims of this campaign are to improve menopause education amongst doctors and to raise awareness of the menopause within the workplace. The third aim of the campaign has been achieved – which is discussed in this podcast! Dr Newson and Diane also talk openly about the challenges they are experiencing in improving menopause care and education globally.
Diane’s three take home tips for getting the right menopause care:
1. If you are in your early 40s, educate yourself and get a general understanding of what menopause is and what it might bring
2. Menopause does not have to be negative! This time in your life should be for reflecting on your life and re-setting your goals for the future
3. If you’re listening and are currently going through the perimenopause or menopause, you are not alone! There are places, such as Menopause Support, where you can talk to like-minded women and get support. There are also so many resources such as Balance app where you can find evidence-based advice.
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31.12

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Education

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Importance of discussing menopause early – Meg Mathews, Athena Lamnisos and Dr Louise Newson

Dr Newson talks with Meg Mathews and Athena Lamnisos, CEO of charity Eve Appeal, about best times to discuss menopause with women and children. Menopause being on the curriculum has had a mixed response, but as it can cause many different symptoms, which can go unrecognised for years, it’s essential we start the conversation early so children can recognise potential symptoms in themselves and others and become aware of the health risks of the menopause and optimise health.
The Eve Appeal
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26.26

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Lifestyle

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Comparing hormones in menopausal women to teenagers – Nurse Tracy Rutter and Dr Louise Newson

Dr Louise Newson discusses changing hormones with Nurse Tracy Rutter, who has had an interesting and varied career as an army nurse and a school nurse. Tracy talks about changing hormones in adolescent girls and comparisons with changing hormone levels in perimenopausal and menopausal women, her own experience of surgical menopause, how balancing her hormones really improved the quality of her life and her experience of working in the Menopause and Wellbeing Centre.
Tracy’s three take home tips:
1. Don’t put yourself on the back burner any more! Be brave and seek the right advice and treatment
2. That ‘me time’ is really important – remember to take care of yourself
3. Start keeping a diary to record your symptoms and how you are feeling. It can be helpful for your own mind and also when you visit your GP.
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28.55

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Education

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Education about the menopause – Practice Manager Sarah Baker and Dr Louise Newson

Menopause education is not mandatory for healthcare professionals. Dr Newson discusses the importance of menopause education with Practice Manager, Sarah Baker who previously worked in a private hospital and ran educational events for doctors on various subjects. Sarah describes how women’s health events were always popular and, in her experience, doctors have a real thirst for knowledge regarding the menopause and safe prescribing of HRT.
Sarah Baker’s three take home tips to help you on your menopause journey:
1. Do your research! There are so many great resources available, such as Balance, and if you have the right information it will help when you visit your GP
2. Be brave and talk to other people – you may find a lot of your friends are going through the same thing and you can help and support each other
3. Talk to your family and involve your partner. You are not on your own and there is help out there!
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28.14

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Education

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Menopause and depression – GP and menopause expert Dr Rebecca Lewis and Dr Louise Newson

Symptoms of depression commonly occur during the perimenopause and menopause. Here, Dr Newson is joined by Dr Rebecca Lewis and together they discuss why symptoms can occur and ways of managing them with the right treatment. For many menopausal women, these symptoms are incorrectly diagnosed as depression: research shows around 70% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are inappropriately offered or given antidepressants. There is no evidence that antidepressants are beneficial for the low mood associated with changing hormone levels.
Dr Rebecca Lewis’ thee take home tips about menopause and depression:
1. Low mood is a very common symptom during the menopause – you are not alone!
2. There is a great treatment available and the right type and dose of estrogen can really help these symptoms
3. HRT is safe and can be so beneficial for our mental health, as well as cardiovascular health and bone health.
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33.02

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Symptoms

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Improving education about the menopause – PCWHF Director, Karl Hamer and Dr Louise Newson

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29.51

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Education

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Symptoms and effective treatment for women experiencing the menopause – Dr Sarah Ball and Dr Louise Newson

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37.30

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

HRT/Hormones

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Distracted: Jack Suddaby on being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult

‘It really weighs heavy. It’s like putting on lots of different cloaks.’

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a topic many are talking about right now, and thankfully, we’ve moved beyond the outdated stereotype that it only affects young boys. And with so much noise on social media alongside lingering stereotypes, is all this attention truly helping people recognise their symptoms and get a diagnosis? And how does it feel to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood – does it bring relief, clarity, present new challenges, or a combination of all three?

This week, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Jack Suddaby to explore his ADHD diagnosis journey, from a lightbulb moment during the COVID-19 lockdown to launching his podcast, Distracted. Jack opens up about the moment his symptoms pushed him to seek answers and how simple shifts in his daily routine have transformed his life in surprising ways.

Louise discusses the connection between ADHD and hormonal changes, from PMDD to menopause, and how these shifts can impact symptoms, especially as ADHD often presents differently in women.

Louise and Jack explore how menopause and ADHD, topics that are still under-recognised, are being talked about more openly, and how getting a diagnosis can truly change people’s lives by bringing understanding and clarity.

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

ADHD and hormones in women
‘Without perimenopause, I might not have realised I have ADHD’
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23.59

Health conditions

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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 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
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How to talk to your doctor about HRT – and get results
Find out more about Newson Education’s education programmes here

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30.03

Education

HRT/Hormones

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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?”
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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 estradiol’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.
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.
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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
- Instagram: ⁠The Dr Louise Newson Podcast @drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos⁠
- LinkedIn: ⁠Louise Newson | LinkedIn⁠
- YouTube: ⁠Dr Louise Newson - YouTube
- Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
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31:00

HRT/Hormones

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The Irish menopause – Sallyanne Brady, Claire Peel and Dr Louise Newson

The Irish Menopause was set up by Sallyanne Brady and Claire Peel – two ladies who suffered horrendously with their own menopause symptoms and met in an online support group. Ireland was lacking in knowledge, support and evidence based information, for women in particular, so they founded The Irish Menopause in April 2019 and the group now has 2700 members! Sallyanne and Claire chat to Dr Newson about the stories they hear day after day that are heartbreaking and unnecessary and how they are striving for change in Ireland.
Sallyanne’s three take home tips for women in Ireland:
1. Join The Irish Menopause – it’s evidence-based support and you might find something you relate to
2. Find a doctor – if your doctor doesn’t listen or you’re not happy with what they have said, go to the next doctor and keep trying!
3. Reach out – share, talk to others. You’re not going mad, it’s not just you, it’s every other woman.
Claire’s three take home tips on how women can help themselves:
1. Talk to other people, go online and find support groups like The Irish Menopause
2. Look after yourself, don’t feel guilty for taking time to yourself. Rest!
3. Give Yoga a try! It can do wonders during this time of your life.
Find The Irish Menopause on Instagram: @theirish_menopause
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30.43

Education

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

In this episode, Dr Newson has a lively discussion with Heather Hirsch, the Clinical Programme Director for the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Heather was shocked to see, during her fellowship, that what was being taught about menopause principles and care was actually wrong and realised that menopause was the biggest gap in women’s healthcare across America.
The experts discuss the problem of unregulated compounded bioidentical hormones and the reasons why two thirds of American women use this type of non-approved hormone treatment, rather than FDA approved body identical HRT that is prescribed by doctors in the UK. They reflect on the shift away from using HRT over the last two decades, and the devastating consequences to women’s health because of this, and offer practical advice on how to educate other healthcare professionals to unlearn the pervasive myth that oestrogen is dangerous.
Heather’s three take away messages are:
1. Medical students should spend time with a menopause doctor and see how they help women
2. Menopause care is a team effort and a global effort; everyone has to come together
3. Tell a friend, colleague or family member about evidence-based sources of menopause information such as podcasts, YouTube channels, or social media. Help spread the truth about HRT.
IG @hormone.health.doc
Website: heatherhirschmd.com
YouTube: Health by Heather Hirsch
Podcast: Women’s Health by Heather Hirsch
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Duration:

32.58

Education

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About:

Described as the "medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution", Louise aims to empower a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies, minds and future health through their hormones. She is the creator of the award-winning free balance app, a Sunday Times bestselling author and the founder of the Newson Health clinic. With over three decades of clinical experience, Louise is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs, a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge, a regular contributor to academic journals including the Lancet and the British Journal of General Practice, and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health from Bradford University.
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Please note that neither the content of the Website nor the Balance App is intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read within our content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, speak to your doctor or contact the emergency services immediately.

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