In this powerful episode of In Your Skin, we sit down with Dr Louise Newson, a GP and world-leading menopause specialist, to unpack the myths, misconceptions and life-altering truths about perimenopause and menopause.

Dr Newson breaks down why menopause is not just a “transition” but a permanent hormonal state with serious health implications—and why women deserve more than being dismissed or handed antidepressants. She explains the role of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the safest treatments available, and why so many women still struggle to access it.

From misdiagnoses to mood swings, broken careers to broken relationships, this is an eye-opening conversation that goes far beyond hot flushes. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or 50s—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to action.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misinformed or overwhelmed, this conversation is for you.

The episode is proudly sponsored by Olay: You can watch their new short film "A Better Look" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qojRHVwj2r8

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 – The biggest lies we’ve been told about menopause

1:09 – Meet Dr Louise Newson: GP, author, and menopause advocate

2:10 – Why women are still being denied HRT

3:05 – The dangerous lack of education and ongoing medical misogyny

4:00 – What is perimenopause—and why the term might be unhelpful

6:15 – Why menopause affects every cell in the body

7:45 – The danger of misdiagnoses and poor testing practices

10:00 – The youngest and most overlooked cases of early menopause

12:50 – Symptoms, stress and how hormones could be the missing link

14:20 – How doctors still fail to consider hormones in diagnosis

16:10 – Why it’s not just about symptoms, it’s about long-term health

17:30 – The myth that lifestyle alone can fix menopause

19:30 – The long-standing fear of HRT and how it began

22:45 – The difference between synthetic and body-identical hormones

25:40 – Why even modern guidelines are misleading

27:25 – What to do if your GP says no to HRT

30:05 – How menopause impacts relationships and divorce rates

31:30 – Libido, testosterone and the stigma of asking for help

34:15 – The link between menopause and long-term health risks

35:45 – Career sabotage: how menopause is forcing women out of work

38:05 – What workplaces should do (hint: it's not about support groups)

40:00 – Why men need to understand hormones too

42:30 – Where we need to be in 10 years—and how to get there

44:00 – What daily HRT looks like and how it’s prescribed

47:10 – The power of Balance app and where to begin your journey

48:20 – What makes Dr Newson feel confident in her skin

Connect with us on Instagram @inyourskin.podcast

Connect with Dr Louise Newson on Instagram @menopause_doctor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices