The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

Dr Louise Newson

Health & Fitness

Dr Louise Newson is an award-winning physician, respected women’s hormone specialist, educator, and author committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause, menopause, and lifelong hormone health. Each week, Louise dives into the newest research, treatments and hot topic issues, providing accessible, evidence-based information to empower your future health. Joined by fellow experts and special guests, with answers to your burning questions, Louise explores how hormones impact every aspect of our lives. Described as the “medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution”, Louise aims to empower a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies, minds and future health through their hormones. She is the creator of the award-winning free balance app, a Sunday Times bestselling author and the founder of the Newson Health clinic. With over three decades of clinical experience, Louise is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs, a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge, a regular contributor to academic journals including the Lancet and the British Journal of General Practice, and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health from Bradford University. 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.

Episodes

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

Dr Louise Newson

Health & Fitness

Episodes

51 – A man’s guide to menopause

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by journalist and author Joe Warner to discuss his new book exploring menopause from a partner’s perspective. It’s called “Burning Up, Frozen Out: What Every Man Needs to Know About the Menopause (But No One Told You)” Louise and Joe explore how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can often affect mood, cognition, sexual function and emotional connection, and discuss the role partners can play in recognising symptoms, supporting medical appointments, and helping women navigate complex and often confusing healthcare systems. This episode is a powerful reminder that perimenopause and menopause do not justaffect women in isolation. With the right knowledge and support, partners canbecome advocates, allies and an essential part of improving outcomes and strengthening relationships. Want more from the podcast?

30min•Mar 17, 2026

50 - Testosterone and breaking the stigma

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist, educator and hormone health advocate Dr Kelly Casperson to challenge some of the most persistent myths surrounding testosterone and women’s health. Drawing on both clinical experience and scientific evidence, they explore why testosterone is not just a “male hormone”, but an important hormone for women too, influencing brain health, energy, mood, sexual function and overall wellbeing. Louise and Kelly discuss how historical misunderstandings, stigma and perceived lack of research in women have shaped current attitudes to testosterone, and why confusion between natural testosterone and synthetic anabolic steroidscontinues to create unnecessary fear. They also reflect on the importance of education, advocacy and clinician training to ensure women can have access to this important hormone. Want more from the podcast?

29min•Mar 10, 2026

49 – Endometriosis, dismissal and the fight to be heard

In this episode for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Louise Newson is joined by author and women’s health advocate Evelyn Scott to share her personal experience of living with endometriosis, a condition affecting one in ten women that remains widely misunderstood, under-recognised and frequently dismissed. Together, Louise and Evelyn explore why endometriosis is not simply a gynaecological condition but a complex inflammatory disease and how gaps in research, outdated guidelines and lack of education continue to leave many women without answers or effective support. They also discuss the important role hormones may play, why listening to patients is critical, and how women can begin to advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always hear them. Want more from the podcast?

33min•Mar 3, 2026

48 – Why heart disease in women is still being missed

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist and leading advocate for improving recognition of cardiovascular disease in women. Despite being the number one cause of death globally, heart disease in women remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood and frequently misattributed to anxiety or stress. Together, they explore how differences in symptoms between men and women have led to systemic gaps in diagnosis and treatment, with many women experiencing delays in care or missing warning signs altogether. They also discuss the critical role of hormones, particularly estradiol, in protecting cardiovascular health and why cardiovascular health should be considered a core part of menopause care. Want more from the podcast?

28min•Feb 24, 2026

47 - Rethinking mental health and antidepressant prescribing

Content advisory: this episode contains themes of metal health and suicidality In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr MarkHorowitz, who is a psychiatrist, researcher and world-leading expert in psychiatric medication withdrawal and deprescribing. Mark is also the lead author of the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines and co-founder of Outro Health, the only virtual clinic in the United States offering a clinically validated antidepressant tapering service. Together, they explore how antidepressants,gabapentinoids and other psychoactive medications became so widely prescribed and why stopping them is often far more difficult than starting them. Thediscussion looks closely at what the evidence actually shows about effectiveness, long-term risks, withdrawal effects and suicidality, particularly for women and younger people. The conversation also examines how hormonal changes, life stressors and social factors are frequently overlooked, leading to the medicalisation of distress that may be a normal response to difficultcircumstances. Want more from the podcast? MarkHorowitz's work 👉 https://markhorowitz.org/ Find out more about Outro Health's virtual tapering clinic (US) 👉 https://www.outro.com/

35min•Feb 17, 2026

46 - Why understanding your hormones changes everything

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin and author of It’s Probably Your Hormones. Together, they explore why hormones are far more than just “reproductive messengers”, and how they influence almost every system in the body, including the brain, immune system, metabolism, bones and cardiovascular health. The conversation moves through perimenopause, menopause, autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions, PCOS, endometriosis and fertility, highlighting how hormone imbalance is often overlooked or misunderstood in both research and clinical practice. This episode is a reminder that when we understand hormones properly, we don’t just treat symptoms. We change long-term health, quality of life and outcomes for women, as well as for society as a whole. Want more from the podcast?

31min•Feb 10, 2026

45 - Inflammation, hormones and the hidden cause of chronic disease

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Professor Robert Lufkin, physician, medical school professor and author, to explore how inflammation and metabolic dysfunction lie at the heart of many of today’s chronic diseases. They discuss why conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and mental illness are often treated as separate problems, when in reality they share the same inflammatory and metabolic origins. The conversation also looks at the central role of hormones in regulating inflammation, mitochondrial function and long-term health, and why progesterone, estradiol and testosterone may be among the most powerful disease-modifying treatments we already have. Want more from the podcast?

28min•Feb 3, 2026

44 - Testosterone and why the UK is falling behind

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Prof Mohit Khera to talk about testosterone in women and why it remains one of the most misunderstood and underused hormones in medicine. They explore how sexual dysfunction is rarely an individual problem, why treating only one partner can create new difficulties, and why testosterone should be seen as part of a three-hormone foundation alongside estradiol and progesterone. Crucially, this conversation goes far beyond libido. This is a powerful discussion about a hormone women make naturally, the wide-ranging health benefits it offers, and why being scared to replace it is often doing more harm than good. Want more from the podcast?

29min•Jan 27, 2026

43 - Kate Muir on the power and pushback in menopause care

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined once again by journalist, author and friend Kate Muir to reflect on where the menopause conversation really stands. From the science behind body-identical hormones to the deep frustrations of outdated medical thinking, this is a wide-ranging conversation about what women are still being denied, why fear continues to shape healthcare and what happens when evidence is ignored. Dr Louise and Kate talk honestly about the backlash following a BBC Panorama programme featuring Dr Louise’s clinic, the real-world consequences for women who’ve been taken off treatment and the emotional toll of being publicly challenged for speaking up. They also explore why hormones matter far beyond symptom relief, touching on brain health, sleep, ageing and long-term disease prevention. Want more from the podcast?

30min•Jan 20, 2026

42 - Exposing the failures faced by perimenopausal women

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Jain monks and filmmakers Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti to discuss their new docuseries, Balance, which follows their personal experiences of perimenopause and exposes how women’s hormonal health has been overlooked for generations. As the only UK doctor featured in the series, Louise reflects on why these stories matter, the injustices women still face in being believed and treated, and why she founded the Balance app, a free, evidence-based resource created because women deserve better information and care. This is a conversation about being heard, understanding your hormones, and having the confidence to advocate for the health you need and deserve. Want more from the podcast?

38min•Jan 13, 2026

41 - How small lifestyle changes can transform your health

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson sits down with GP and lifestyle medicine lead Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi to talk about the everyday habits that shape long-term health. Hussain shares his own story of being diagnosed with fatty liver disease and high blood pressure in his twenties, and how facing that reality pushed him to rethink movement, food, relationships and even how he coped with stress. Together, they explore what “lifestyle medicine” actually means, why weight isn’t the only measure that matters and how simple, enjoyable movement can be far more powerful than gruelling workouts. They also touch on addiction, loneliness, the role of hormones and the small but meaningful choices that protect both physical and emotional wellbeing. Want more from the podcast?

35min•Jan 6, 2026

40 - How hormones reduce inflammation and keep you healthier for longer

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with longevity expert and patient advocate Leslie Kenny about health span, inflammation and why prevention matters more than ever. Leslie shares her experience of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in her late thirties and being told there was nothing she could do. Rather than accepting this, she explored lifestyle, immune health and inflammation, leading to a remarkable recovery. Together, they discuss why medicine often focuses on managing disease instead of preventing it, the role of hormones in healthy ageing and how women are frequently dismissed during menopause. They also explore the Oxford Longevity Project and share practical, realistic ways to protect health, energy and independence for the long term. Want more from the podcast?

31min•Dec 30, 2025

39 - Looking back at 2025: progress, pushback and what still needs to change

As 2025 comes to a close, Dr Louise Newson reflects on the progress that’s been made this year, as well as the ongoing frustration of knowing too many women are still not being listened to or supported. Drawing on what she sees in her clinic, through research and in conversations with women and clinicians around the world, she asks whether things are truly progressing or whether we’re going back in time.. It’s an honest, end-of-year reflection on why choice, evidence and shared knowledge are so important, and why the voices of women and clinicians working together are what will shape what comes next. Want more from the podcast?

24min•Dec 23, 2025

38 - Why hormone education matters for every clinician

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Dr Rebecca Lewis discuss the role of hormone education in modern clinical practice and why so many women are still affected by gaps in training. Drawing on their years of running a large menopause clinic and developing educational resources for healthcare professionals, they reflect on what clinicians are taught, what’s missing and how that affects diagnosis, prescribing and long-term health. They explain how their original training programme, Confidence in Menopause, was created to give clinicians practical, case-based teaching at a time when menopause education was minimal. They’ve now taken time to update the programme, now called Confidence in Hormones, so it’s expanded beyond menopause to include PMS, PMDD, POI and other hormone-related conditions. Want more from the podcast? Sign up to my premium offer: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/premium-podcasts Thank you to Vevobarefoot for sponsoring this episode.

32min•Dec 16, 2025

37 - Chronic migraine and PMDD: Jessica’s story

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her daughter Jessica for a very personal conversation about living with chronic migraine, PMDD and the long journey toward feeling well again. Jessica talks openly about the years of debilitating symptoms, the medications that helped (and those that didn’t), the impact on her studies and music, and the frustration of not being fully heard in medical consultations. They explore how hormonal fluctuations contributed to Jess’s symptoms, the role of HRT in stabilising her health and the difference that careful, holistic care made after a long period of uncertainty. They also reflect on the importance of being listened to, the small incremental changes that add up, and why young women deserve better recognition and support when experiencing severe hormonal or chronic health issues. It’s an emotional conversation about resilience, advocacy and the steady work of rebuilding quality of life with a chronic condition. Want more from the podcast? Sign up to my premium offer: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/premium-podcasts Thank you to Vevobarefoot for sponsoring this episode.

34min•Dec 9, 2025

36 - How Balance app is reshaping women’s hormonal health

In this conversation, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Matt Jones, Managing Director of Balance app, for an honest look at how a simple idea grew into a global tool supporting over a million women. They talk about the real stories behind the app, the messages from women who feel unheard, the gaps in medical care regarding hormones and why accessible, trustworthy information can make such a difference to women. Matt shares what drew him to the project, what he’s discovered and why the scale of unmet need has surprised him. Together they explore the future of Balance app expanding beyond menopause to hormonal health across a woman’s whole life, harnessing technology without losing the human touch and keeping the app free so knowledge remains within reach for every woman who needs it. It’s a thoughtful discussion about purpose, equity, and how digital tools can help women advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence. Want more from the podcast?

29min•Dec 2, 2025

35 - How vaginal hormones can transform the health of women

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr Rachel Rubin for a clear look at how hormonal changes can often worsen both urinary and vaginal health. The conversation examines why recurrent urinary tract infections are so common in women, how prevention with vaginal hormones is often overlooked and what current evidence shows about the safety and effectiveness of vaginal hormone treatments. They also explore the impact of inaccurate hormone labelling, the role of androgens in genitourinary tissues, and the growing push for updated regulatory guidance. Grounded in clinical experience and research, this discussion offers practical insight for anyone seeking to understand menopause care, hormone therapy and the broader health implications that follow when symptoms are dismissed or untreated. Note: This podcast was recorded before the FDA's announcement that it is removing the black box warnings on estrogen products. Want more from the podcast? Sign up to my premium offer: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/premium-podcasts LET'S CONNECT Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/ Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/ TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson LEARN MORE Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson Get tickets for my new theatre tour, Breaking the Cycle 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-breaking-the-cycle/ Download my balance app 👉 https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

30min•Nov 25, 2025

34 - Penny Lancaster: The truth about menopause care

Every day we hear from women whose symptoms are being misdiagnosed, which makes Penny Lancaster’s story hit close to home. She talks with Dr Louise Newson about the months she spent thinking she was depressed, the antidepressants she was offered in lockdown and the moment she realised her symptoms were linked to menopause. They touch on a bigger cultural shift too. Menopause is being mentioned more often now, yet many women still struggle to get clear guidance or access HRT. Old fears linger, and too many people feel pushed aside in their working and home lives just when they need support. Penny reflects on how getting the right information changed everything for her, and how the themes in her book Someone Like Me echo the resilience so many women quietly build. It’s a straightforward, reassuring listen for anyone trying to make sense of their own symptoms or wanting to understand this stage of life a little better. Want more from the podcast?

31min•Nov 18, 2025

33 - Menopause and the making of Riot Women with Sally Wainwright

Content advisory: this episode contains themes of mental health and suicide Many women experience menopause as more than hot flushes and periods stopping. It can also bring a deep sense of flatness, loss of joy, anxiety or even thoughts of hopelessness. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Sally Wainwright OBE, the multiple BAFTA-winning writer and director known for Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Last Tango in Halifax. Her new BBC drama Riot Women has already had amazing reviews. Louise was the Medical Consultant for Riot Women. Sally discusses her personal experience of menopause, and how being prescribed hormones has transformed her wellbeing and how those truths shaped her latest BBC drama, Riot Women. She also talks openly about her mother, who had both osteoporosis and dementia. Together, they explore the link between menopause and mental health, the cost of silence around hormonal symptoms and the power of honest storytelling to change how women think and talk about menopause, as well as how they access hormone treatments.. Disclaimer: This podcast is not connected to the BBC. In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

32min•Nov 11, 2025

32 - Tackling myths and misinformation in menopause

Despite increased awareness, misinformation around menopause is still everywhere with outdated fears about hormone therapy, confusion over types of hormones and mixed messages about risks leaving many women unsure where to turn. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Amy Alkon, an American author and science writer, for a clear-eyed look at what the evidence really shows. Amy’s book, Going Menopostal, unpacks the research behind menopause and exposes how gaps in medical education still affect women’s care. Their conversation covers the differences between hormone types, the importance of scientific literacy in medicine and the value of personalised, evidence-based treatment. It’s an honest, informative discussion that helps separate fact from assumption in menopause care.

29min•Nov 4, 2025

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Episodes

Episodes