Brain fog in menopause – who else can relate?

In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by comedian, voice actor and presenter Desiree Burch. You might know Desiree from competing on the gameshow Taskmaster, the narrator for Netflix's dating show Too Hot to Handle, or from her current standup comedy tour The Golden Wrath.

Desiree opens up about what perimenopause really felt like behind the scenes: the sudden shift from “fine” to not fine, the shock of losing mental sharpness as a professional performer, and the very real trial-and-error of getting HRT right when your body won’t absorb it.

She shares the moment she realised this wasn’t “just stress” – including the mental health side that so many women are quietly battling – and why perimenopause can feel like a full-body initiation, not just a list of symptoms.

They also discuss what to do when treatment stops working, why follow-up matters, and how midlife can become a turning point for boundaries, self-trust, and giving fewer f***s (in the best way).

There are still tickets available for Desiree's tour! Get yours here: https://www.desireeburch.com/the-golden-wrath-tour/

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

Follow Desiree Burch below:

Desiree's Instagram: @destheray

Desiree's website: https://www.desireeburch.com/

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/

00:00 – Intro + meet Desiree Burch

00:33 – Performing nerves: “pure panic” + adrenaline

02:58 – Brain fog hits midlife (and comedy suffers)

03:38 – Testosterone + mental acuity when words vanish

06:06 – Identity, misogyny & being misunderstood

07:26 – “Witch initiation” — perimenopause as inner overhaul

08:21 – The HRT train: progesterone first + Mirena

09:00 – Ectopic pregnancy + suicidal thoughts: “Add estrogen”

10:44 – Menopause in silence + not asking your mum

11:55 – Hearing other women’s stories brings relief

13:23 – Hormones vs antidepressants in midlife

14:39 – Penny-drop moment: bleeding, polyps & heavy periods

17:40 – The sudden “flip” + fear of how bad it gets

18:22 – HRT helped — and forced healthier habits

19:59 – Absorption chaos: gels, patches & lozenges

21:50 – What works: regulated options explained

29:39 – When symptoms return: troubleshooting HRT

34:09 – Why menopause care still feels like guesswork

37:46 – Can perimenopause derail careers?

46:08 – The Golden Wrath: show, dementia & women’s stories

52:49 – Listener Qs: partners + “giving fewer f**ks”

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter