Podcast
Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast
Hosted by Dr Naomi Potter · EN
Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause & midlife health.
Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits.
Whether you’re wondering if HRT is right for you, or need a help managing menopause symptoms, this is a safe space for women to face their midlife insecurities.
Get specialised menopause support: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Solution to UTIs in Menopause: Topical Oestrogen – Dr Naomi Potter
3w ago00:05:34Tap to summarizeCould your recurrent UTIs actually be a menopause problem?🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihIn this week's solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the surprising and often overlooked link between diminishing oestrogen and recurrent urinary tract infections – and why antibiotics alone are never going to be the long-term answer.If you've had two or three UTIs in the past year and keep getting sent away with antibiotics, this episode is for you. Naomi explains why recurrent UTIs are so common in perimenopause and menopause, why they're so often missed, and what you can do right now to prevent them – including the simple, safe and highly effective role of topical oestrogen.Topics include:• Why UTIs become more common in perimenopause and menopause• How diminishing oestrogen affects the urinary tract• Why antibiotics treat UTIs but don't prevent them coming back• The role of topical oestrogen in preventing recurrent UTIs• Practical tips to reduce your risk of UTIs• Why recurrent UTIs are a serious long-term health risk if left untreated• Why this menopause symptom is so often missed by doctorsFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi's Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi's TikTok: @dr_naomipotter#menopause #UTI #topicaloestrogen0:00 – Why Recurring UTIs Are a Hidden Menopause Problem0:51 – The Real Cause: Low Oestrogen and Urinary Tract Health2:15 Practical Tips to Reduce UTI Risk2:56 The #1 Solution: Local Vaginal Oestrogen3:43 The Danger of Untreated UTIs in Older Women4:32 Get Personalised Help with Menopause Care
Transcribe →Rewind Time: The Frightening Symptom That Is Brain Fog
4w ago00:06:09Tap to summarizeToday, we're looking back at our conversation with Nadia Nagamootoo.Nadia is a chartered psychologist, CEO of Avenir Consulting Services, and host of the Why Care? podcast.In this chat, she opened up about brain fog and how it's been impacting her life. This is an incredibly raw, vulnerable moment where Nadia comes to terms with the fact that she's "in denial" about perimenopause – something many people experience in midlife! If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Stacey here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NMGVdECTZsXouihsqQw21?si=REMauUZvQ5CCazpikY6zgg#menopause #perimenopause #brainfog
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How I Became A Record-Breaking Ultra Runner Through Menopause – Susie Chan
4w ago00:55:20Tap to summarizeCan menopause really change the way you run – and can running change the way you experience menopause?🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihSusie Chan didn't start running until she was 35. She was a smoking, self-described idle single mum with zero sporting background. Fast forward to now, and she's completed four Marathon des Sables – a gruelling six-day ultra across the Sahara Desert – run 100-mile races, and built a career as one of the UK's most beloved endurance runners and Peloton coaches. But when perimenopause arrived, even she found her world shifted beneath her feet.In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Susie for an honest, funny and genuinely inspiring conversation about running later in life, what menopause actually does to your body when you're an athlete, and why it's never ever too late to start moving. Topics include:• How Susie went from complete non-runner to desert ultramarathon competitor• The perimenopause symptoms that hit hardest: joint pain, fatigue, anxiety and brain fog• Why menopause symptoms can be so easy to miss or misattribute• How HRT – including testosterone – has helped Susie continue competing• Why women in midlife may actually be built for endurance sport• How menopause affects fuelling, energy and performance during long-distance running• The mental strength required to run ultras – and how perimenopause tests it• Advice for women who want to start running in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond• Why you should never compare yourself to who you were before perimenopause• Listener questions: is 66 too old to start running? And how do you keep going when perimenopause kills your motivation?Follow Susie Chan below:Susie's Instagram: @susie_chan_Susie's TikTok: @susie.chanFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi's Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi's TikTok: @dr_naomipotter0:00 Meet Susie Chan: From Museum Curator to Ultra Endurance Runner1:32 How Running Started: From One Half Marathon to a New Life8:00 Joining the Ultra Running Community17:54 Becoming a Full-Time Running Coach at Peloton20:09 Why Women Excel at Long-Distance Running26:08 Menopause and the Physical Toll of Running33:01 Hormones, HRT and Performance: Oestrogen, Testosterone and Thyroid39:48 Starting Running Later in Life: It's Never Too Late44:58 Life After Menopause: What to Expect51:00 Listener Q&A: Age, Knee Pain and Motivation#menopause #perimenopause #running
Transcribe →Rewind Time: Did Perimenopause Lead To My Divorce? – With Stacey Duguid
Jun 1100:06:38Tap to summarizeToday, we're looking back at our conversation with former fashion editor and columnist, Stacey Duguid.Stacey worked with the likes of Elle, Prada, Armani and more. She divorced her husband back in 2022. Since then, she has spoken openly about her turbulent experience navigating perimenopause – alongside living with ADHD – which inevitably led to the crumble of her marriage.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Stacey here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=tPFUV9P_Sxe0qJgAmEqhUQ#menopause #perimenopause
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Why Am I Allergic To EVERYTHING In Menopause? (and how to stop it)
Jun 800:08:57Tap to summarizeWhy are my allergies suddenly worse in perimenopause?🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihHave you suddenly developed hay fever, itchy skin, rashes, food sensitivities or reactions to things you've tolerated your whole life?In this week's solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explores the surprising connection between menopause, histamine and allergies. She explains why hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make some women more sensitive to foods, alcohol, environmental triggers and even HRT itself.If you've ever wondered why your symptoms seem to come out of nowhere, this episode will help you understand what's happening and what you can do about it.💬 Topics include:• Why allergies can worsen during perimenopause• Histamine intolerance and menopause• The role of mast cells and hormonal changes• Common food triggers including wine, tomatoes and fermented foods• Why keeping a symptom diary can help• The "histamine bucket" theory explained• Hay fever, itchy skin, rashes and digestive symptoms• How HRT can affect histamine sensitivity• When to seek medical advice• Practical ways to reduce allergy symptomsFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – Allergies in perimenopause and menopause explained00:31 – Histamine sensitivity, mast cells and menopause symptoms01:24 – Common histamine triggers: food, alcohol, stress and temperature02:23 – The histamine bucket theory explained03:07 – Antihistamines and HRT for menopause allergies05:06 – How to start HRT if you have histamine sensitivity06:43 – Do menopause allergy symptoms get better over time?07:30 – How to identify and manage histamine intolerance in menopause08:14 – When to see a doctor about menopause allergies#menopause #perimenopause #allergies
Transcribe →Rewind Time: The Breakdown That Made Hello! Magazine's Editor Walk Away – And Reinvent Herself
Jun 400:05:47Tap to summarizeToday we're revisiting our episode with author, coach, and former editor of Hello! Magazine, Rosie Nixon. Rosie opened up about the burnout that hit her in midlife – which was only exacerbated by hormonal turbulence in perimenopause – and how this did, in fact, lead to the biggest and best transformation of her life.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Rosie here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zWwGun1xjFISmV2hI6FHY?si=6YNgHbLARgePL1NrjkuU1g#menopause #perimenopause #burnout
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Diagnosed At 34: Dani Harmer Holds Nothing Back About Early Menopause (Tracy Beaker)
Jun 100:41:50Tap to summarizeCan you go through menopause in your 30s?🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihThis week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by actress and national treasure Dani Harmer (best known as Tracy Beaker) for a very honest conversation about early menopause, HRT, exhaustion, brain fog and trying to parent young children while completely running on empty.Dani opens up about the symptoms that made her realise something was wrong, how her partner first spotted the signs of perimenopause, and why finally starting HRT made her “feel like herself again”. Naomi also explains why women who go through menopause young may need extra support for their bones, heart and long-term health.💬 Topics include:• Early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)• Perimenopause symptoms in your 30s• HRT for younger women• Why DEXA bone scans matter in early menopause• Brain fog, exhaustion and menopause fatigue• Hair loss during menopause• The role of nutrition and protein in menopause symptoms• Menopause rage, anxiety and low mood• Parenting young children during perimenopause• How partners can better support menopausellow Dani Harmer below:Dani’s Instagram: @missdanijharmerDani’s TikTok: @daniharmerFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – Dani Harmer on early menopause at 3403:18 – The early menopause symptoms nobody warned her about06:17 – Diagnosed with perimenopause in her 30s09:23 – What is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?12:05 – Why younger women may need higher HRT doses15:50 – Why Dani still feels exhausted despite HRT18:16 – Hair loss in menopause: hormones or nutrition?21:14 – The menopause fatigue cycle explained24:00 – Simple menopause nutrition changes that could help27:06 – Can menopause cause hair thinning and hair loss?29:14 – How Dani's partner supported her through menopause32:30 – The right way to talk about menopause with your partner34:21 – Dani's advice if your GP won't listen37:03 – Feeling isolated with early menopause? What helps38:32 – Parenting young children during perimenopause41:04 – Why more women need to talk about early menopause#menopause #earlymenopause #hrt
Transcribe →Rewind Time: Breaking Menopause Taboos In The South Asian Community
May 2800:07:14Tap to summarizeToday we're revisiting our episode with personal trainer, author, and wellness coach Lavina Mehta. Lavina very candidly opened up about her experience as a South Asian woman bringing 'taboo' topics like perimenopause, periods, and women's health to the table – and why this is so crucially important to do.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lavina here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UNeIYs6QhMFTjTqnSU1pk?si=mcTPkZqvQ2y90kFMSbaOjg#menopause #perimenopause #southasianculture
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How Your Negative Thoughts Are Impacting Your Health – With Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin
May 2500:37:43Tap to summarizeHealthy shouldn't be this hard. 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihIn this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by nutritionist, author and podcast host Sarah Ann Macklin for a fascinating conversation about diet culture, self-worth, stress and why your mindset may be affecting your metabolism more than you realise.Sarah explains why so many women feel like they’re “failing” at health during midlife – despite trying so hard to eat well, exercise and keep up with endless wellness advice. Together, they unpack the science behind self-compassion, stress, digestion, emotional eating and why being kinder to yourself may actually improve your health outcomes. 💬 Topics include:• Why stress affects digestion and metabolism• The link between self-worth and food choices• Why women feel exhausted by wellness culture• Diet culture and “optimisation” explained• The science behind self-compassion• Why shame does NOT motivate healthy habits• Emotional eating and binge eating• Why “healthy eating” feels harder in midlife• The surprising psychology behind cravings• How mindset affects hormones and health• Why mums are more active than they think• How to build healthier habits without punishment📘 Get Sarah's new book Healthy Shouldn't Be This Hard: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healthy-Shouldnt-Be-This-Hard/dp/0857509977/ref=asc_df_0857509977?mcid=ebba7bd752a23e949a6647f3f30010ab&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=795502497071&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6551743774984784278&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9262905&hvtargid=pla-2472515035398&psc=1&hvocijid=6551743774984784278-0857509977-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1Follow Sarah Ann Macklin below:Sarah’s Instagram: @sarahannmacklinSarah’s podcast: Live Well Be WellSarah’s book: Healthy Shouldn’t Be This HardFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter#menopause #nutrition #selfcompassion
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14 Alternatives To HRT That Can Help Menopause Symptoms (herbal, supplements, therapies)
May 1800:22:25Tap to summarizeWhat can you do if HRT isn’t right for you?🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihihIn this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the non-hormonal options that may help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms — from CBT, hypnotherapy and acupuncture to herbal remedies, antidepressants, beta blockers, Veozah and lifestyle changes.HRT can be brilliant, but it is not suitable for everyone. Whether you can’t take HRT, don’t want to take it, or have tried it and struggled with side effects, this episode breaks down what else is available — without the fear, fads or confusion.💬 Topics include:• CBT for menopause • Hypnotherapy, reflexology and acupuncture• Herbal remedies (e.g black cohosh and ashwagandha)• Plant oestrogens• When antidepressants may be helpful• Beta blockers • Veozah / fezolinetant • Bladder medications• Lifestyle changes still matter• How to avoid wasting money on menopause fadsFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – 14 alternatives to HRT for menopause symptoms01:20 – CBT for menopause anxiety, hot flushes & mood swings03:28 – Hypnotherapy for menopause anxiety & sleep04:43 – Reflexology for menopause symptoms05:34 – Acupuncture for hot flushes & night sweats07:41 – Herbal remedies for menopause explained08:29 – Black cohosh for hot flushes & night sweats09:21 – Ashwagandha for menopause brain fog & anxiety09:54 – Plant oestrogens, soya & red clover for menopause11:56 – Antidepressants (SSRIs) for menopause mood & anxiety14:12 – Oxybutynin for hot flushes & night sweats14:56 – Propranolol & beta blockers for menopause anxiety16:03 – Veozah (fezolinetant): new non-hormonal menopause treatment17:33 – Gabapentin for severe menopause symptoms18:23 – Mirabegron & solifenacin for bladder symptoms20:40 – Lifestyle changes that improve menopause symptoms22:07 – How to choose the right menopause treatment for you#menopause #hrt #drnaomipotter
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