Think it’s anxiety, stress or depression? It could be perimenopause.

In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Jane James, menopause mentor at Menopause Care, to talk about the symptoms women often miss, what to do if your GP isn’t helping, and how to know when HRT might be right for you.

Jane also shares her own story of being dismissed and misdiagnosed before realising she was perimenopausal – and explains how lived experience can help women feel less alone and more confident in getting support.

💬 Topics include:

• Early signs of perimenopause

• Anxiety, low mood and feeling “not yourself”

• Why perimenopause is often mistaken for depression

• What to do if your GP dismisses your symptoms

• Jane’s HRT journey

• What to do when HRT stops working

• Why symptom tracking helps

• The value of menopause support groups

• Why you shouldn’t buy HRT online

• How to find the right menopause specialist

Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Jane James below:

Jane’s Instagram: @janemhdg

Join Jane's Facebook Group MHDG (Menopause & HRT Discussion Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/702855629805990/?locale=en_GB

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

0:00 – Jane James’ perimenopause story

3:05 – One ovary removed and the first menopause symptoms

6:40 – Misdiagnosed with depression instead of perimenopause

10:20 – How Jane realised it was perimenopause

14:05 – Menopause support groups and where to find help

18:00 – How to research menopause and HRT properly

22:05 – What a menopause mentor actually does

26:10 – Can you get NHS prescriptions after a private menopause appointment?

30:20 – Why so many women feel dismissed by doctors

34:10 – Jane’s HRT journey: tablets, patches, gel and progesterone

40:50 – What to do when HRT stops working

45:00 – Testosterone in menopause: benefits and side effects

48:30 – Lifestyle changes that can help menopause symptoms

52:10 – Early signs of perimenopause and symptom tracking

56:10 – How journaling can help anxiety, relationships and menopause appointments

1:00:25 – Why menopause training for GPs must improve

1:04:05 – Can you buy HRT online safely?

1:08:10 – Anxiety in perimenopause: should you try HRT or therapy?

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter