How can past trauma crop lead to burn out, menopausal problems, and other health issues later in life?

In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks to former BBC News presenter turned child therapist Kate Silverton. She opens up about her own menopause journey; in her 20s, Kate had a life threatening health issue that led to the removal of her left ovary. Years later, the faced a full hysterectomy which plunged her into medically induced menopause overnight.

As this experience unfolded, Kate learnt the importance of not 'grinning and bearing' our way through menopause, but recognising the mental load that comes with it and the need to ask for help.

But we aren't just focussing on Kate's own experience today. We're shedding light on a fascinating study that Kate brings to the table. Together, the pair unpick the link between past trauma and burnout in midlife, how unresolved childhood experiences can resurface during menopause, and the crucial role therapy can play in building resilience.

Warm, wise, and full of honest truths, we hope you all enjoy this conversation.

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Follow Kate Silverton below:

Kate's Instagram: @katesilverton

Kate's TikTok: @katesilvertonofficial

Kate's website: https://www.katesilverton.com/

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Further reading and sources for the link between childhood trauma and burnout later in life:

Scared Sick by Meredith Wiley: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scared-Sick-Childhood-Trauma-Disease-ebook/dp/B06XCD4L9S

The book Scared Sick: The Role of Childhood Trauma in Adult Disease by Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith Wiley explores how early life stress and trauma—especially in infancy and early childhood—can lead to long-term dysregulation of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.

Key Conclusion Related to Women in Their Forties:

The authors highlight that many women in their 40s begin to experience immune-related illnesses (like autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or inflammatory conditions) that seem to appear “out of nowhere.” However, Scared Sick argues that these conditions are often the long-delayed effects of unresolved early trauma or chronic stress.

00:00 – Kate Silverton’s menopause story

02:02 – Surgical menopause and its immediate impact

04:06 – Stopping HRT while travelling

05:59 – Feeling low and visiting the GP

08:55 – Realising the impact of losing ovaries

10:46 – Deciding to restart HRT

12:21 – Finding the right HRT dose

14:27 – Options for changing HRT methods

16:47 – GP knowledge and when to see a specialist

17:24 – Menopause management as an art and a science

18:38 – Factors affecting how HRT works

19:05 – Testosterone replacement – who it’s for

21:23 – Career change from journalism to child therapy

25:07 – How childhood trauma can resurface at menopause

28:58 – Addressing anxiety when HRT isn’t enough

30:07 – The pressure on modern women and need for community

33:09 – Research linking early trauma and menopause symptoms

34:45 – Advice for menopausal women with a trauma history

36:33 – Where to find trauma-informed help

38:22 – The myth of perfection and self-compassion

39:29 – Managing menopausal rage with children

43:45 – Rebuilding communication with family during menopause

48:59 – Where to find Dr Naomi Potter’s resources

#katesilverton #menopause #childhoodtrauma