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
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Am I Allergic To EVERYTHING In Menopause? (and how to stop it)
1w ago00:08:57Tap 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
2w ago00:05:47Tap 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)
2w ago00:41:50Tap 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
3w ago00:07:14Tap 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
3w ago00:37:43Tap 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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Endometriosis, Fibroids & HRT: What You Need To Know
May 1100:36:12Tap to summarizeWin a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb Can you take HRT if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids?In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Menopause Care doctor Dr Eloise Elphinstone to talk through the conditions that can make menopause treatment feel more complicated – including endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids.Together, they explain why these conditions can affect HRT choices, why progesterone matters, when a Mirena coil may be helpful, and why having endometriosis or fibroids does not automatically mean HRT is off the table.Expect clear, practical advice for women who have spent years feeling dismissed, confused, or worried that their history of pain, heavy bleeding or surgery means they have fewer menopause treatment options.💬 Topics include:• What endometriosis actually is• Why endometriosis can take years to diagnose• Can HRT flare endometriosis symptoms?• Why progesterone is important with endometriosis• HRT after hysterectomy• Surgical menopause and medical menopause• What adenomyosis is and how it differs from endometriosis• Fibroids, heavy bleeding and menopause• Can you take HRT if you have fibroids?• The role of the Mirena coil• How to tell if pain is menopause or endometriosis• Why specialist menopause care mattersFollow Dr Eloise Elphinstone below:Eloise's Instagram: @the_womenshealth_gpFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Introduction: menopause, endometriosis & why diagnosis takes years00:50 – What endometriosis actually is and why it causes pain03:05 – Why menopause and HRT can complicate endometriosis05:03 – How HRT is prescribed differently in endometriosis08:00 – Hysterectomy, endometriosis & why progesterone still matters09:59 – What the Mirena coil does and why it helps endometriosis11:30 – Key takeaways: can women with endometriosis still use HRT?13:28 – What is adenomyosis and how is it different from endometriosis?16:26 – The “estrogen threshold” theory explained17:01 – Medical menopause, GnRH treatments & surgical options19:36 – Why endometriosis care and menopause care are often difficult20:29 – Why endometriosis is called a chronic inflammatory condition21:52 – Fibroids explained: symptoms, growth & menopause implications24:48 – Can women with fibroids safely use HRT?26:08 – The emotional impact of years of dismissed symptoms28:26 – Mirena coils, fibroids & reducing heavy bleeding29:50 – Why hysterectomies are less common than they used to be31:07 – Listener question: bladder pain, hip pain & menopause vs endometriosis35:08 – Listener question: can progesterone affect endometriosis?36:01 – Final thoughts & outro#hrt #endometriosis #perimenopause
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Answering Your Questions About HRT In Menopause (side effects, HRT not working, biggest myths, and more)
May 400:18:01Tap to summarize❤️ Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhbConfused about HRT in menopause?Today Dr Naomi Potter is answering as many questions as possible about HRT – all sent in by our lovely listeners. From what to do if progesterone affects your mood or sleep, to why vaginal oestrogen is still so underused, you can expect these frequently asked questions to be addressed with clear, practical, reassuring advice. 💬 Topics include:• How to know if you need HRT• Can you take HRT in your 30s?• HRT and endometriosis• What to do if one HRT product doesn’t suit you• Bleeding on HRT• Taking HRT while still having periods• Progesterone, mood and sleep• Mirena coil and progesterone• Stopping HRT suddenly• Testosterone and PCOS• Vaginal oestrogen and recurrent UTIs• HRT alternatives and supplements• Anxiety after starting HRTFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/#hrt #perimenopause #menopause
Transcribe →Rewind Time: “I Took A Naked Photo At 50… And It Changed My Life”
Apr 3000:07:30Tap to summarizeToday we're revisiting our episode with self love expert Lou Featherstone AKA Lu in Luland.If you have lost yourself in midlife, you need to listen to this. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lou Featherstone here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=bww7hrU5RE-No0eg4eezow#menopause #midlife #midlifecrisis #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
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How To Get Your Doctor To Listen If You Feel Neglected During Menopause
Apr 2700:25:43Tap to summarizeNot being taken seriously about menopause or HRT?🤝 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 fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed.From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around HRT, this episode gives you the tools to advocate for yourself with confidence. If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling unheard, this is essential listening.Follow Dr Liz Andrew: Liz's Instagram: @drlizandrewFollow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/#gp #perimenopause #diagnosis
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