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, and 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, want to restore your libido, or need a help managing menopause symptoms, this is a safe space for women to face their midlife insecurities. So settle in, embrace the hormones, and enjoy the laughs along the way.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Your Negative Thoughts Are Impacting Your Health – With Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin
3d 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)
1w ago00:22:25Tap 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
2w ago00:36:12Tap 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)
3w ago00:18:01Tap 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”
4w ago00:07:30Tap 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?In 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 Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow 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
Transcribe →Rewind Time: “I Thought I Had A Brain Tumour” – Lorraine Candy On Terrifying Perimenopause Symptoms
Apr 2300:07:14Tap to summarizeToday we're revisiting one of our first episodes of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Lorraine Candy.Lorraine was experiencing debilitating brain fog. Her memory was slipping, and things were getting so bad she scared herself into thinking she had early dementia, or a brain tumour. While this might sound dramatic, it's an unfortunate truth that brain fog in perimenopause can easily take over your entire life. But luckily, once Lorraine realised what was really going on, she was able to get the help and menopause support she needed. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lorraine Candy here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=f_gk0DttRQWTzINX4zmqjA#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
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HRT Gels vs Sprays: What Works Best? Menopause Doctor Naomi Potter
Apr 2000:13:33Tap to summarizeWhich is best in menopause – HRT gels or sprays?🤝 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 breaks down everything you need to know about HRT gels and sprays — two of the most commonly prescribed forms of transdermal oestrogen. Whether you're interested in trying Lenzetto Spray or Estradiol gel, this episode will be massively helpful for you.If you’ve ever felt confused about HRT dosing, absorption, or which option to choose, this episode will give you clear, practical answers.💬 Topics include:• HRT gels vs sprays: key differences explained• How to apply oestrogen gel correctly (and common mistakes)• Why absorption varies between women• What to do if your HRT isn’t working• How to safely adjust your dose• The benefits of transdermal HRT (lower clot risk)• How long you can stay on HRT• Practical tips to fit HRT into your daily routineFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – Intro: HRT Gels vs Sprays Explained00:35 – HRT Gel: How It Works & How To Use It02:43 – Where & When To Apply Gel (Key Tips)05:52 – Why Choose Gel? (Pros & Practicalities)06:39 – HRT Spray (Lenzetto): What It Is & How It Works07:32 – Spray vs Gel: Dosing & Key Differences08:49 – Spray Pros & Cons (Absorption & Ease)10:01 – When To Replace Your Spray (Important!)10:46 – How Long Can You Stay On HRT?11:32 – Switching Between Gel & Spray12:35 – Why Transdermal HRT Is Safer#hrt #menopause #perimenopause
Transcribe →Rewind Time: Kelly Holmes Opens Up About Body Changes & HRT Fears
Apr 1600:07:36Tap to summarizeToday we're revisiting our very first episode of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Dame Kelly Holmes.Kelly opened up about feeling weaker than ever once perimenopause hit – she went from a Gold medalist athlete to not even able to do a single push up. And with that came fears of ageing, HRT anxiety, and more.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Dame Kelly Holmes here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GAUMWlWD8nwlY9B7ckUwL?si=y2Vk06dtQMyX3Vjh5BKrcA#damekellyholmes #perimenopause #drnaomipotter
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Zoe Lyons Opens Up About Relationship Breakdowns, HRT Scares & Her Midlife Crisis
Apr 1300:50:32Tap to summarizeMenopause or midlife crisis?🤝 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 comedian Zoe Lyons for a funny, raw and surprisingly moving conversation about what menopause can really do to your mind, confidence, work and relationships. Zoe opens up about the hot flushes that hit out of nowhere, the depression and rage that followed, and why she bought a sports car.Together, Naomi and Zoe talk about HRT, testosterone, brain fog, motivation, exercise, therapy and the strange grief of feeling like you’ve lost the version of yourself you used to know. If you’ve been feeling flat, overwhelmed, unlike yourself or tempted to run away from your life, this episode will make you feel very seen.💬 Topics include:• Menopause symptoms • Why menopause can feel like a midlife crisis• Menopause at work• Relationship strain during midlife • HRT for menopause symptoms• Menopause rage• Brain fog• Testosterone in women• Exercise and running for menopause • Body image and ageingFollow Zoe Lyons below:Zoe’s Instagram: @zoelyonscomedyListen to Zoe's running & comedy podcast The Running Joke: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hd4lR0ynIlEcSvMRNGrPv?si=fe38e79a62744a5fFollow Dr Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter0:00 – Zoe Lyons on perimenopause and comedy1:29 – Zoe’s first symptoms and starting HRT2:31 – Covid, midlife crisis and everything falling apart5:56 – How therapy helped save Zoe’s relationship9:48 – Why menopause changed her confidence and work13:42 – Depression, low mood and menopause15:07 – How running helped her mental health19:06 – Zoe’s HRT journey: tablets, gel and progesterone24:20 – Brain fog, low motivation and low testosterone32:00 – Why menopause information still feels confusing33:49 – Can you stay on HRT forever?38:05 – Menopause hair loss, skin changes and aging43:10 – Is it a midlife crisis or perimenopause?45:20 – How to reconnect with your ageing body#menopause #midlifecrisis #zoelyons
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