The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

"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 conversation about contraception, hormones, and the significant gaps in sex education.  Sophie shares both her own experiences and those of her peers, highlighting how many young women use birth control not just to prevent pregnancy but also to manage symptoms of PMS, heavy periods, and acne. Dr Newson discusses the lack of education around the differences between natural and synthetic hormones, explaining how this knowledge gap leaves many young people feeling frustrated and unsupported.  Together, they examine how PMS is so widely normalised that many young women come to expect low moods, fatigue, and pain as simply part of life. This candid mother-daughter conversation calls for a more personalised and informed approach to hormonal health.   If sex education only teaches how to avoid pregnancy but fails to explain how hormones actually work, are we truly preparing young people to make informed choices?  Available to watch on YouTubeWe hope you're loving the new series! 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.  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: @drlouisenewsonpodcast  LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast  YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube  Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries.  LEARN MORE  Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass here  Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause course here  Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar for healthcare professionals here Check out the new edition of Dr Louise Newson’s Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause 

Dr. Felice Gersh, an accomplished OB-GYN and women's health expert, joins the conversation to unpack the complex world of hormones. She discusses the differences in menopause care between the US and UK, and the lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative study on hormone replacement therapy. Felice also addresses the controversies surrounding synthetic versus natural hormones and shares insights on how estradiol plays a critical role in weight management and overall health. Her candid reflections on past practices in women's medicine add a compelling layer to the discussion.

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, then a secondary school teacher, saw her life take an unexpected turn. What was meant to be a fun day of paddleboarding ended in a devastating leg injury. Forced to leave teaching behind, she found a new path in content creation, using social media to document her experiences and inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.  Now 27, Charlotte has also become more mindful of what she puts into her body, including her choices around contraception. She admits that when she first got the contraceptive implant, she didn’t fully understand how it worked – an experience many young women can relate to. The conversation delves into contraception, with a focus on the need for better education around the hormones, and the differences between synthetic and natural hormones. This honest and empowering discussion highlights the importance of asking questions, making informed choices, and owning your decisions with confidence. As Charlotte puts it: ‘My outlook has always been, who cares? Whether it’s not wearing makeup, staying in pyjamas all day, or not shaving your legs, just do what feels right for you.’ To learn more about Charlotte, visit her Instagram here and TikTok here Watch the episode on YouTube Episode transcript We hope you're loving the new series! 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.  LET'S CONNECT  Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: @drlouisenewsonpodcastLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiriesLEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass Here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Class Here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar Here 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. 

Donna Francis, an award-winning Beauty Editor with over 25 years of experience, shares her journey through sobriety and perimenopause. She candidly discusses how alcohol dependency affected her life and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming self-worth. Donna reveals how exercise became her mental health savior during this challenging time and advocates for rebranding menopause as 'meno-power.' Her mission to support women going through similar struggles is both inspiring and empowering!

Content advisory: This episode contains themes that some listeners may find distressing.Kicking off a brand-new series, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Gina Miller, founder of MoneyShe, co-founder of SCM Direct, who famously took the government to court over Brexit, for a powerful conversation about standing up for yourself, supporting others, and the financial struggles faced by menopausal women.Gina shares what fuels her determination, the values instilled in her from childhood, and her experiences challenging injustice – whether in politics, finance, or education. She speaks candidly about the backlash she has faced, the importance of resilience, and why she refuses to stay silent in the face of inequality.Together, Louise and Gina explore why women are often judged more harshly than men, how curiosity and questioning the status quo are essential for progress, and why empowering women is crucial for a fairer society. This inspiring discussion highlights the need for systemic change and the importance of speaking out—even when it’s difficult.To learn more about the research and insights on closing the gender investment and pension gap discussed in this episode, visit: MoneyShe.com Available to watch on YouTube  LET'S CONNECT  Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: @drlouisenewsonpodcastLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass Here Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Class Here Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar Here 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.  

A very exciting preview of what's to come in the new series of The Dr Louise Newson Podcast. Available to watch on YouTube  

Advisory: this episode contains themes of suicide and topics which listeners may find upsetting. In this week’s podcast Dr Louise Newson is joined by Lisa, who shares her deeply personal and challenging journey through perimenopause, mental health struggles, and the impact of her experiences on her family. Lisa discusses the devastating effects of her mental health decline, which led to a crisis point and ultimately a prison sentence for attempted murder. She also reflects on her time in prison, the realisations she had about her health, and the transformative impact of HRT on her recovery. The conversation also delves into the impact of hormonal changes on women's mental health and the often-overlooked connection between hormonal imbalances and criminal behaviour. Dr Louise and Lisa also discuss the importance of education around hormonal health, especially during perimenopause and menopause, to prevent tragic outcomes such as suicide and criminal behaviour. Click here to find out more about Newson Health. Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Cassandra Szoeke, academic professor, general physician, consultant neurologist and multi-award-winning clinical researcher and author. As principal investigator of the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project, the longest study of women’s health in Australia, she authored the book Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing and has several hundred published articles in academic journals. This week's episode explores the topic of healthy ageing, including the connection between inflammation and chronic diseases, the importance of physical activity, mental health, and the role of nutrition and gut health in inflammation. Dr Newson and Professor Szoeke also emphasise the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and the importance of prevention. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.

Content advisory: this episode discusses themes of suicide and sexual assault. In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Christiane Gurner, who shares her story of endometriosis and PMDD, highlighting the challenges many women face in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. Christiane also shares her experiences of IVF and menopause at the age of 42. The conversation also covers the importance of listening to patients, individualising care and access to the right treatment, as well as the impact of hormone-related conditions on mental health. Christiane has written about her IVF experiences in the Sydney Morning Herald here (subscription required) and here, and menopause at 42 here. She can be contacted via email at christianewrites@outlook.com. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.

In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Professor Mike Kirby, president of the British Society for Sexual Medicine and author of more than 450 clinical papers and 32 books. He was previously director of the Hertfordshire Primary Care Research Network, visiting professor to the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, and was attending physician to the Prostate Centre, London, where he dealt with complex medical problems until 2020. Dr Newson and Professor Kirby discuss the importance of hormone health for both men and women, including testosterone. They also explore the benefits of phosphodiesterase inhibitors – which include Viagra – in treating not only erectile dysfunction, but their potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, urinary symptoms, dementia, and even cancer. Professor Kirby is one of the speakers at the upcoming Newson Conference: The Hormone Blueprint, which will be held in London on 21 March. An event for healthcare professionals, the conference will delve into the far-reaching impact of hormones on the body. For more information and to book your place, click here. Click here to find out more about Newson Health.