The pill. The coil. The implant. The injection. Condoms. Natural methods. There are more contraceptive options available than ever, but how much are women actually told about what they contain, how they work and the potential benefits and risks?

Hormonal contraceptives don’t all contain the same hormones. Different types contain different synthetic hormones, at different doses and delivered in different ways, which can influence their effects on the body. Your age, medical history, symptoms and individual priorities can also affect which options may be most suitable for you.

In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will answer your questions about contraception and help you better understand the choices available.

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Aching joints. Sore muscles. Migraines. Headaches. Pelvic pain. These symptoms can have many different causes, but the role of hormones in pain is often overlooked.

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone influence many processes throughout the body, including our muscles, joints, bones, nervous system and inflammatory pathways. Changes and fluctuations in hormone levels can therefore affect how some women experience pain at different stages of their lives.

In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will answer your questions about pain and hormones, exploring the different ways hormonal changes can contribute to painful symptoms and what may help.

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This week marks a very special milestone: eight years since Dr Louise Newson opened the doors to her first clinic. What began with a determination to provide women with better, evidence-based hormone healthcare has grown enormously over the past eight years, helping more women access the information, support and individualised care they deserve.

To celebrate the clinic’s 8th birthday, Louise is hosting a special open Live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask her anything about hormones and your health.

There’s no set topic this week, so bring along the questions that matter to you. Whether you want to know more about perimenopause and menopause, PMS or PMDD, HRT, testosterone, progesterone, mental health, symptoms, treatment options or your future health, Louise will answer as many of your questions as she can.

Testosterone is an important hormone for women, yet its role in female health remains widely misunderstood and access to treatment can still be difficult.

This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public workshop dedicated to testosterone use in menopausal women, bringing together experts to examine the current evidence, gaps in research and the potential role of testosterone in areas including sexual function, mood, cognition and musculoskeletal health.

So, what do women need to know about testosterone?In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will answer your questions about testosterone and women’s health, exploring what the evidence tells us, why this hormone matters and what women should know when considering treatment.

Compounded hormone treatments are often described as unsafe, unregulated or something women should avoid. But is the conversation really that simple?

For some women, standard licensed hormone preparations may not provide the dose, formulation or route of administration they need. Individually compounded hormone treatments can offer another option, particularly when treatment needs to be personalised.

In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will explore the evidence around compounded hormone treatments, address some of the common misconceptions and explain why there can be an important role for individualised prescribing in women’s hormone healthcare.

September is PCOS Awareness Month, making it an important opportunity to talk about a condition that affects millions of women, yet is still often misunderstood.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also referred to as polycystic ovary or metabolic syndrome (PMOS), can affect far more than periods and fertility. Hormonal and metabolic changes can contribute to symptoms including irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, hair loss, changes in weight, mood symptoms and difficulties with fertility.

In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will answer your questions about PCOS / PMOS and explore what is happening hormonally, why symptoms can vary so much between women, and the different approaches to treatment and long-term health.

PMDD can cause severe anxiety, low mood, irritability, overwhelm, anger and other symptoms that appear at certain times in the menstrual cycle. Yet many women spend years struggling with their mental health without realising their symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is often described as a severe form of PMS, but understanding how the brain responds to changing hormone levels is an important part of understanding why symptoms occur.

Can you start hormone treatments (HRT) in your 60s, 70s or even later? Many women are told they’ve “missed the window”, while others are left wondering whether it’s too late to benefit from treatment.The reality is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

The decision to start HRT later in life should always be individualised, taking into account your symptoms, medical history, personal preferences and the latest evidence.

In this live session, Dr Louise Newson answers your questions about starting HRT later in life. She explains what the research says, who may benefit, the potential risks and benefits and why age alone should never determine whether a woman is offered treatment.

Postnatal psychosis and postnatal depression are more common than most people realise, and hormones play a far bigger role than they're given credit for. Join Dr Louise Newson for a LIVE Q&A on postnatal mental health on Friday 7th August at 9am.

Lindsay Clancy's trial has brought postnatal psychosis into the headlines, but the hormonal piece of this story is still barely discussed. In this session, Louise will cover what actually happens to hormones after birth, why postnatal psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, and why bioidentical hormone treatments, including progesterone, deserves a far bigger role in how it's managed.

Hormonal changes can affect every system in the body, yet most women are only told to expect symptoms like hot flushes or irregular periods. In reality, changing hormones can cause a much wider range of physical and mental symptoms that often go unrecognised.

Whether you’re living with PMS, PMDD, postnatal depression, perimenopause, menopause, or another hormone-related condition, understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help you make sense of what’s happening in your body.

PMS. PMDD. Postnatal depression. Perimenopause. Menopause. Endometriosis. PMOS/PCOS.

These are all labels used to describe different stages of a woman’s life or collections of symptoms. But what they all have in common is that hormones play a significant role, something that’s often overlooked in conversations about diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the role of hormones can help you make sense of your symptoms, ask the right questions, and explore treatments that address the underlying cause, rather than simply managing the label.

Bleeding after starting hormone treatments can be worrying, but it’s also one of the most common reasons women seek advice during perimenopause and menopause.

Join hormone and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson live as she answers your questions about bleeding on hormone treatments, including when bleeding is considered normal, when it should be investigated and how different types and doses of progesterone can affect your bleeding pattern.

When it comes to hormone treatments (HRT/MHT), there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The type of hormones you take, how they’re prescribed and the dose that’s right for you can all make a difference to how well your treatment works.

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Many women are unsure whether they’re on the right dose, whether they should switch products, or why their treatment has changed over time. Understanding your options can help you feel more confident about your care.

Do you have questions about testosterone? Join Dr Louise Newson live for an open Q&A discussing one of the most misunderstood hormones for women. Testosterone isn’t just about libido. It plays an important role in brain function, energy, mood, motivation, muscle strength, cognitive health and overall wellbeing.

Yet many women are never told about its benefits or whether it could be appropriate for them.Whether you’re experiencing symptoms during perimenopause, menopause, after a surgical menopause, or as part of PMS / PMDD, PCOS or PMOS, this live session is your opportunity to learn more.

Since the release of The Power of Hormones, thousands of women have been learning more about the profound role hormones play in their health.In this Live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson will answer your questions about The Power of Hormones and explore some of the topics that generated the most discussion on tour.

So, whether you’ve already read the book, are currently reading it or simply want to join the conversation, this is your chance to ask questions, gain clarity, and deepen your understanding of the power hormones have on your health.

In this YouTube Live session, Dr Louise Newson will discuss at bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We’ll talk about what’s considered normal, when bleeding might need further investigation and what the latest research is telling us.Topics include:

• Common causes of bleeding on HRT
• How different HRT regimens can affect bleeding patterns
• Recent findings on influencing factors such as BMI and endometrial thickness
• When bleeding should be checked by a doctor

If you’re on HRT, thinking about starting or supporting someone who is, this session will help you understand the evidence and feel more confident about what’s happening. There will also be time for questions at the end.

Menopause is more than just hot flushes and night sweats. Many women experience a wide range of unexpected symptoms that can affect quality of life and are often overlooked or misunderstood.In this live session, I’ll share the latest clinical insights on lesser-known menopause symptoms, why they occur, and what can be done to manage them. We’ll also look at the impact these changes can have on daily health and wellbeing, and discuss treatment options that are supported by evidence. Whether you are approaching menopause, currently experiencing symptoms, or supporting someone who is, this session will provide clear, practical information to help you feel more informed and in control.

Join Dr Louise Newson for a live 30-minute session all about testosterone and women’s health.In the first 10 minutes, Dr Louise will cover the science of how testosterone works in the body and its potential benefits for women. Then we’ll open the floor for a 20-minute live Q&A, so you can ask your questions directly.What you’ll learn:

• The role of testosterone in women’s health
• Common benefits and considerations
• How it influences energy, mood, and wellbeing
• Live answers to your questions

Perfect if you’re curious about hormones, women’s health or simply want clear science explained without the jargon.

Urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, leaking or recurring UTIs can have a significant impact on quality of life, especially during perimenopause and menopause. In this live session, Dr Louise Newson will explain how hormonal changes affect the bladder, pelvic floor, and vaginal tissues and why these symptoms are often hormone-related but rarely recognised as such. Dr Newson will guide you through the underlying causes of these symptoms, the role of oestrogen and how evidence-based treatments (including local hormone therapy) can make a real difference. She’ll also discuss how to approach these concerns with your healthcare provider and what options are available if symptoms persist. This session is ideal for anyone experiencing urinary changes or discomfort.

Do you have questions about PMS or PMDD that never seem to get a clear answer? In this live Q&A, Dr Louise Newson, a leading expert in hormone and women’s health, will be addressing the questions people often struggle to ask, or don’t always get time to ask in a standard appointment. Whether you’re dealing with mood swings, fatigue, anxiety before your period, or more severe symptoms that might point to PMDD, this is an opportunity to understand what’s happening in your body and why. Dr Newson will explore what’s considered ‘normal’, when symptoms become a concern and what treatment options are available. She'll include hormonal approaches, lifestyle changes and support for mental health. This session is ideal for anyone experiencing distressing symptoms related to their menstrual cycle, those who’ve been diagnosed with PMS or PMDD or anyone supporting someone who is. You can submit your questions in the live chat and hear real-time answers rooted in current clinical evidence.

Migraines affect around one in seven people, but women are significantly more likely to experience them, especially during times of hormonal change. That includes puberty, perimenopause, menopause, and even certain points in the menstrual cycle. This live session will focus on the connection between hormone fluctuations and migraine, why it disproportionately affects women and what can actually help. We’ll talk through what a migraine really is, beyond just a bad headache.  We’ll look at the role hormones play, particularly falling levels of oestrogen, and how those shifts can trigger or worsen migraine patterns. You’ll also learn how other factors like stress, disrupted sleep, diet, weather changes and physical activity may act as additional triggers. The session will cover both short-term relief and longer-term prevention. I’ll be sharing clinical insights, research-backed strategies and real-life examples to help you better understand migraines, manage symptoms, and have more informed conversations with your doctor.

If you suffer from bloating, acne, mood swings or other PMS-like symptoms while taking HRT, you might be dealing with progesterone intolerance (or sensitivity). It’s thought to affect around 10–20% of women.Symptoms can include anxiety, low mood, greasy skin, cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. And while these can make HRT feel like it’s working against you, there are ways to manage them. In this live session, Dr Louise Newson will explain what progesterone intolerance really is, why it happens, and how to tell if it could be affecting you. You’ll learn about the key difference between synthetic progestogens (often used in contraception and some forms of HRT) and natural, body-identical progesterone, which is generally much better tolerated.We’ll also break down how symptoms show up during HRT, what you can do about it and how to work with your doctor to adjust your treatment. That might mean changing the type or route of progesterone, using a hormone coil, or (in more severe cases) considering other clinical options.I’ll share insights from current evidence, clinical experience and practical tips to help you navigate HRT without feeling stuck or overwhelmed. And of course, we’ll have time for your questions, live.

Still not feeling right on HRT? Wondering if your dose is too low or the type isn’t quite right? It can be a real balancing act to find what it right for you. In this YouTube Live, join expert hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson as she breaks down how to actually find the right type and dose of HRT for your body. Whether you're perimenopausal, menopausal or just starting to ask questions, this session will give you clear, evidence-backed answers. She'll cover: 1) How HRT can improve your symptoms and long-term health 2) The real differences between patches, gels, sprays, and tablets 3) Why dose matters, and why one-size-fits-all doesn't work 4) The safest options (including for women with higher health risks) 5) When and how to add testosterone 5) Your most common questions, answered live.

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Did you know that 1 in 2 women over 50 will experience osteoporosis or a bone fracture due to bone loss? And yet, many never get told that falling hormone levels, especially oestrogen, are a major cause. In this YouTube Live, Dr Louise Newson will explore the strong connection between hormones and bone health during perimenopause and menopause. She’ll talk about: 1) Why women are at higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause 2) How oestrogen protects your bones and what happens when it drops 3) The role of HRT in preventing bone loss 4) What tests you can ask for and how to advocate for better care. If you’ve never thought about your bones before, now’s the time. And if you’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, understanding your hormones could change how you manage it. Dr Louise will also host a live Q&A as part of this session so you can ask her your questions in real time.

Struggling with low mood, anxiety, brain fog or just feeling unlike yourself? Your hormones might be playing a bigger role than you realise.Join Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist, for a live discussion on how hormones impact mental health and why so many women are being misdiagnosed or left unsupported. Dr Louise will cover: 1) The link between oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and your mood 2) Why mental health symptoms are common in perimenopause and menopause 3) What to ask your doctor (and what many don’t get told) 4) The role of HRT in supporting mental wellbeing. Dr Louise will also host a live Q&A as part of this session so bring your questions!

Are menopause supplements truly beneficial, or are they just clever marketing? In this live session, Dr Louise Newson talks about the dangers of menowashing, which is the trend of marketing products specifically to menopausal women without solid scientific backing. She'll explore which supplements have evidence-based benefits and which ones might be more hype than help.Dr Louise will talk about: 1) What menowashing is and the impact on women's health choices 2) The role of Vitamin D in bone health and mood regulation during menopause 3)Importance of calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis 4) How magnesium can aid in sleep and stress management 5) Tips for choosing safe and effective supplements. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, this session aims to provide clarity and empower you with knowledge to make informed health decisions.

Discover how your body’s natural hormones play a powerful role in managing inflammation, immunity, and long-term health. In this YouTube Live, Dr Louise Newson will break down the essential functions of oestradiol (the most beneficial oestrogen), progesterone, and testosterone, and how their balance can protect against chronic inflammatory conditions. We’ll explore: 1) How oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone works in the body. 2) Why these hormones can reduce inflammation. 3) How synthetic hormones, like those often found in contraception, can be pro-inflammatory. 4) What happens when hormone levels drop during perimenopause, menopauseIf you're dealing with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or chronic inflammation, understanding your hormones is a crucial step. Join me to learn how hormone health can impact inflammation.

Are you confused about hormones, menopause, PMS, or HRT? You're not alone. Join Dr Louise Newson for a LIVE Q&A session where she’ll dive into the most common hormone-related questions and answer your queries in real time. Whether you're dealing with symptoms of perimenopause, wondering about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), struggling with PMS or PMDD, or simply want to understand how hormones affect your body, this session is for you.

Choosing the right contraception can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which one suits your body, lifestyle, and future plans?In this YouTube Live, hormone expert Dr Louise Newson will break down the pros and cons of different contraception methods. She’ll explain: 1) How hormonal and non-hormonal contraception works. 2) What to consider at different life stages (teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. 3) How contraception interacts with your hormones and overall health. 4) How to make an informed, confident decision on the method that's right for you. This session is for all women, whether you're starting out, switching methods, or rethinking contraception as your needs change.

Are you noticing changes in your skin or hair during times during perimenopause or menopause, such as dryness, thinning, or increased sensitivity? These symptoms are common and often linked to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels.Join hormone expert Dr Louise Newson and consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar live at 6pm for a 30-minute session exploring why these changes occur and what you can do to manage them effectively. In this live session, Dr Louise and Dr Sajjad will explain: 1) How hormonal fluctuations impact skin texture, hydration, and elasticity 2)The effects on scalp health and hair thickness 3) What’s normal, what to watch for, and how to support your skin and hair health with the right care and products. Tune in at 6pm to gain clarity, feel reassured, and take informed steps to support your skin and hair through hormonal change.

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that control nearly every function in your body, from growth and development to mood, metabolism, sleep, reproduction, and even how you respond to stress. But what happens when these hormone levels shift or decline? In this YouTube Live session, renowned menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson explores the fascinating world of hormones and explains how they influence your physical and emotional wellbeing throughout life. You'll learn 1) What hormones are and why they’re essential for overall health. 2) How oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone function in the body 3) The role hormones play during key life stages including PMS, pregnancy, post-birth, and menopause. 4) What happens when hormone levels fluctuate or drop, and how it impacts your body and mind. Whether you’re curious about hormonal changes, experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, or simply want to better understand your body, this live discussion is packed with valuable insights.

In the UK, around 1.5 million people live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), many of whom are undiagnosed. ADHD can impact daily functioning, and these challenges are often heightened during times of hormonal change, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.

Join Dr. Louise Newson and Dr. Judith Mohring for an insightful YouTube Live session as they explore the crucial connection between ADHD and menopause. In this discussion, they will cover:

1) How menopause interacts with women’s mental health and ADHD

2) The biological factors that link menopause to worsened mental health and ADHD symptoms

3) Evidence-based treatments that can help improve mood, boost focus and energy, and alleviate the effects of ADHD

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Tune in for expert advice and practical solutions to better manage ADHD and mental health during menopause.

Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, tearful, or irritable in the days leading up to your period? You’re not alone. These are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For some, symptoms can be more intense and this may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS that can significantly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing.Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make PMS and PMDD symptoms even worse, leaving many women confused and struggling to cope.In this YouTube Live session, Dr Louise Newson, menopause specialist, and Dr Hannah Ward will explain why PMS and PMDD symptoms can intensify during the perimenopausal years. They'll also share expert advice on how to manage these symptoms, including medical options, lifestyle changes, and support strategies.

Struggling with hot flushes or night sweats during perimenopause or menopause? This Live Stream will give you practical advice on how to cope.

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If you're waking up drenched in sweat or overheating during the day, you're not alone. Up to 80% of women experience hot flushes and night sweats during the perimenopause and menopause, often worsened by warmer weather.

In this YouTube Live session, menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson shares practical, evidence-based tips to help you manage hot flushes, reduce night sweats, and feel more comfortable in your body, day and night.

You’ve seen a healthcare professional, talked about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and collected your first prescription – now what?

With so many different brands, types and doses, starting HRT can feel a little daunting, and you’ll no doubt have lots of questions including how and when to take it, and any initial side effects that may occur.

Join Dr Louise Newson in this YouTube Live stream to hear about her practical tips for starting HRT. Dr Louise will also do a Q&A at the end to answer audience questions live during the stream.

Dr Louise Newson has recently worked with a number of doctors and breast cancer charities to explore women’s experience of menopause care after breast cancer in the UK. A survey of over 1,000 women with a history of breast cancer was conducted and in this YouTube Live video, Dr Louise will discuss some of the findings.

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Hormonal changes, whether due to PMS/PMDD, menopause, or perimenopause, can lead to significant emotional and physical upheaval. The symptoms can vary widely in both intensity and type, making everyday life more challenging.

Chances are, you're not the only one feeling the impact either. Your loved ones, including children, may also notice shifts in your mood, energy levels, and overall behaviour.

You might find yourself feeling more fatigued, anxious, or irritable, and your patience at home could be wearing thin. So, how do you navigate these changes with your family? How much should you share with them, and what's the best way to communicate what you're going through?

In this week's YouTube Live Stream, Dr. Louise Newson will discuss practical strategies for talking to your family about hormone-related changes and how to foster understanding and support during this time. Don't miss it!

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that help to support your bladder, uterus and bowel. It is often referred to as a sling of muscles, and it stretches from your pubic bone to your coccyx. As well as supporting the pelvic organs, your pelvic floor muscles help you to control your bladder and bowel function and play a role in sexual response (including orgasm).Common causes of pelvic floor weakness include pregnancy and childbirth, constipation, being overweight, repeated heavy lifting, excessive coughing and pelvic surgery or trauma. While muscles can also weaken naturally with age, perimenopause and menopause can play a significant role. This is because your vagina, vulva, and urinary tract are lined with hormone ­receptor cells. When oestradiol (oestrogen) and testosterone levels reduce – especially during perimenopause and menopause – the lining of your bladder and urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the body) can thin, your pelvic floor muscle can weaken and your bowel can be more susceptible to dysfunction. In this YouTube Live, Dr Louise Newson discussesmore about this, including the symptoms you may experience and treatment options that may help.

Endometriosis can cause heavy, painful periods, pain in your abdomen and pelvis, and for some women, problems with fertility. Around one in ten women of reproductive age (between puberty and menopause) have endometriosis ­– it affects 1.5 million women in the UK.For those who have symptoms, there are many treatments available to manage the condition and reduce the symptoms and associated pain. In this video, you can hear Dr Louise Newson discuss some of these.