Why does menopause make so many women feel anxious and overwhelmed?

In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down the science behind menopause-related anxiety – and what you can do to feel calm and in control again.

From understanding why hormonal shifts can trigger anxiety, to recognising when something else might be going on, Naomi offers clear, compassionate, practical guidance. She also explains the treatments and lifestyle tools that genuinely help. If you can relate to this topic of anxiety in menopause, we hope this episode helps you to feel more grounded, supported, and you again.

💬 Topics include:

• Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause and menopause

• How to tell if your anxiety is hormonal or something else

• The surprising ways menopausal anxiety can show up

• Evidence-based treatments that actually work

• What you can start doing today to ease anxiety

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

Follow Dr Naomi Potter:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

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

00:00 – Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause

00:33 – How menopause anxiety shows up physically and emotionally

01:19 – Night-time anxiety and waking panic explained

01:38 – Palpitations in menopause: when to worry

02:13 – Situational anxiety: driving, public speaking and daily triggers

02:36 – Why menopause anxiety fluctuates with no clear pattern

02:56 – Can menopause anxiety be treated?

03:23 – Hormonal causes of anxiety: oestrogen, progesterone and the brain

03:54 – The “perfect storm” of midlife stress and hormonal change

04:20 – Does past anxiety predict menopause anxiety?

04:42 – Sudden anxiety in your 40s and why it’s often hormonal

05:07 – Lifestyle triggers that worsen menopause anxiety

05:26 – Hidden sources of caffeine that fuel anxiety

05:58 – How alcohol increases menopause anxiety

06:21 – How exercise helps reduce anxiety symptoms

06:46 – Diet changes that support menopause anxiety

07:16 – Non-medical anxiety treatments: CBT, hypnotherapy and more

07:41 – Medical treatment options: HRT and non-hormonal therapies

08:04 – Beta blockers for managing menopause anxiety

08:31 – Antidepressants for menopause anxiety: who they help

08:53 – Herbal supplements for anxiety: magnesium, vitamin D, ashwagandha

09:23 – How progesterone in HRT affects anxiety

10:06 – Understanding your response to oestrogen and progesterone

10:29 – First steps to take if you have menopause anxiety

10:59 – Listener question: does testosterone affect anxiety?

11:59 – Will HRT help with anxiety in menopause?

12:46 – Nutrition and the gut–brain axis in menopause anxiety

13:18 – Final advice for women with menopause anxiety

13:45 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi Potter

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about nutritional advice in menopause with Dr Megan Rossi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zhZ4EoIkSbhQHPOAT5GCR?si=yZ_6UFLVRPm3y0G42F6DHQ

#menopause #anxiety #perimenopause

What can we do about hair and skin changes in menopause?

In this week’s episode, dermatologist Dr Archana Rao joins Dr Naomi Potter to break down the real science behind menopausal skin and hair changes. Archana is THE expert when it comes to hair and skin specifically in menopause, so you're in perfect hands!

From explaining why exactly these changes happen, to outlining the habits and products that can help (and the fads to avoid!), we hope this episode makes you feel more seen and less alone. Hair and skin changes can be distressing. But given the correct information and the right tools, there are things that can be done.

💬 Topics include:

• Why skin becomes drier, thinner or more reactive

• How hormones affect collagen, elasticity & pigmentation

• Thinning hair, shedding & pattern changes: what’s normal?

• The ingredients that genuinely work (and what to skip)

• When to see a dermatologist — and what treatments help most

• Affordable routines for healthier midlife skin & hair

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

Follow Dr Archana Rao below:

Archana's Instagram: @dr_archana_r_rao

Archana's website: https://drarchanarao.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 – Meet Dr Archana Rao: dermatologist specialising in menopause

01:14 – Why menopause needs its own dermatology

02:04 – Thinning hair in perimenopause

03:26 – Hair changes: flags not to ignore

05:11 – Receding hairline & eyebrow loss

06:48 – “Menopause shampoos” fact checked

09:12 – Shedding vs thinning hair

10:43 – Minoxidil – everything you need to know

13:26 – Why midlife hormones hit your hair so hard

15:07 – HRT, testosterone & hair

19:27 – Supplements for your hair

23:08 – Your evidence-based hair routine in menopause

24:11 – Menopause & skin changes

25:51 – The ideal midlife skin routine

27:10 – What will wreck your menopausal skin

28:48 – Daily SPF as anti-ageing

29:41 – Adult acne in perimenopause

32:29 – Rosacea triggers in midlife

37:22 – How to look your best in menopause

40:43 – Dr Rao’s go-to moisturisers & final advice

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about gaining confidence during menopause with self love expert Lou Featherstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=T6LMn8nYRMi2_oLxfcN6Cw

#skincare #haircare #menopause

When Menopause Feels Overwhelming: Understanding the Mental Health Impact

Viewer discretion: this episode does contain mention of suicide.

Today, Dr Naomi Potter tackles one of the most misunderstood – and under-discussed – aspects of menopause: the severe emotional distress many women experience.

Naomi explains why hormonal changes can push women to emotional breaking points, what the data actually tells us, and what to do if you are feeling hopeless.

This conversation alone does not equate to medical help. We created this episode first and foremost because we want to shed light on a tough topic many people aren't prepared to talk about.

If you can relate to this episode and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call:

NHS on 111

The Samaritans on 116 123

Or ask your GP for an emergency appointment

In an emergency:

Call 999 for an ambulance

💬 Topics include:

• Why some women experience severe emotional symptoms in menopause

• How hormones affect mood, resilience, and mental wellbeing

• The real data on emotional distress during perimenopause

• Early warning signs to look out for

• What to do if everything feels “too much”

• Where and how to seek safe, confidential help

• Treatments that can support both mood and hormone balance

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

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – When despair hits in menopause

00:31 – Why these feelings matter

01:04 – Urgent help for severe menopause symptoms

01:56 – Treatments that can ease emotional overwhelm

02:26 – How doctors assess mental health in perimenopause

02:48 – How common intrusive thoughts are in menopause

03:20 – How hormones affect mood in perimenopause

04:12 – Why early menopause impacts mental wellbeing

04:45 – Hormonal mood changes vs mental health conditions

05:37 – Why getting help can feel so hard

06:41 – How loved ones can support you

07:04 – Why recovery from symptoms takes time

07:52 – Why this phase of menopause won’t last forever

08:16 – When to seek immediate help

08:43 – Why you shouldn’t wait

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

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

Feel like you've lost yourself in menopause? Don't worry, getting back on track doesn't need to be a gruelling task.

In this deeply honest conversation, broadcaster, Big Brother winner, and fellow podcaster Kate Lawler joins Dr Naomi Potter to talk about the emotional and physical toll of menopause. Kate opens up candidly about her fear of taking HRT, the whirlwind of menopause symptoms she's trying to keep at bay, how she wishes she could "give my husband the wife he married back" and so much more.

If you have also felt like a hormonal mess with no idea what to fix first, this episode will be an absolute game-changer for you.

💬 Topics include:

• Kate’s personal journey through perimenopause

• The fear and stigma surrounding HRT

• How hormone changes can impact relationships

• Losing (and rediscovering) your sense of identity

• Dr Naomi Potter’s advice for women feeling “not themselves”

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

Follow Kate Lawler below:

Kate's Instagram: @thekatelawler

Kate's TikTok: @thekatelawler

Kate's YouTube channel: ⁨@katelawlerofficial⁩

Kate's podcast Boj and Kate Have A Lot On Their Plate: https://linktr.ee/bojandkate?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnthf83MQB3QCQlYTqfqJKS2tjJiCSp5weC6KQE7FXsZw0lK5hfZK-punRLoE_aem_w6T5Dd2sv0lkhTOmCneO3Q&brid=twDZS9EANZGY80xeeatMAg

Follow her podcast on Instagram: @bogandkate

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 – Meet Kate Lawler

00:43 – Winning Big Brother

02:33 – Postnatal depression and motherhood

03:28 – Why Kate hid perimenopause (stigma, work, ageism)

04:45 – “I don’t feel like me”: perimenopause symptoms

06:59 – Mood swings, heavy periods, anxiety & brain fog

09:03 – The blood test that changed everything

10:35 – Early menopause warning at the fertility clinic

12:15 – Fear of HRT

13:31 – HRT and breast tenderness

16:24 – Health anxiety in perimenopause

18:10 – Real HRT risks

19:11 – Personalising HRT: oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone

22:13 – Can extra progesterone help with sleep and anxiety?

23:55 – Testosterone on the NHS

27:04 – Bone health in early menopause

28:57 – Balancing risks: breast cancer headlines vs heart & brain health

31:11 – Kate Lawler breaks down about perimenopause

35:44 – HRT patches vs gel

39:29 – Vaginal oestrogen

44:47 – Setting rest boundaries in midlife

51:02 – Why midlife women feel overwhelmed

56:05 – “Textbook perimenopause” vs depression

57:45 – Listener Questions

1:01:00 – Closing thoughts and next steps for Kate Lawler

#hrt #menopause #katelawler

Feel like you've lost yourself during menopause? Dr Naomi Potter runs through the key body changes you can expect – and what can be done about them.

From hair and skin shifts to muscle loss, fat redistribution, and that stubborn midlife weight gain, Naomi reveals why these changes occur (hello, hormone science). She also sheds light on what we can all do to protect your health, confidence, and longevity as your body evolves. Expect clear, practical, myth-busting advice from one of the UK’s leading menopause doctors.

💬 Topics include:

• The hormonal science behind midlife body changes

• Why metabolism slows — and what to do about it

• How menopause affects hair and skin

• The truth about muscle loss and fat gain

• Doctor-approved tips for rebuilding strength, energy, and confidence

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

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – What happens to your body in menopause?

00:28 – Hair changes in menopause: thinning, breakage & growth

01:24 – Blood tests & nutrition for hair health

01:46 – Do hair products work? What you should (and shouldn’t) buy

03:09 – Skin changes in menopause: dryness, acne & sensitivity

04:29 – Simple skin fixes that work (and what doesn’t)

04:56 – Weight gain in menopause: why it happens

05:46 – Why fat moves to the belly (and what to do about it)

06:33 – Doctor’s tips to manage midlife weight gain

08:16 – Face & body changes: bone, fat & muscle loss

09:02 – Why it’s not ‘just vanity’ to care about your appearance

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

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

What happens when hormones collide with mental health?

In this week’s episode, journalist and author Bryony Gordon joins Dr Naomi Potter to talk candidly about navigating perimenopause while managing OCD, addiction recovery, and hormone sensitivity.

Bryony shares how the progesterone pill left her suicidal, why sobriety has been her superpower, and how she’s rebuilding her sense of self in midlife — proving that reinvention is always possible, no matter what stage you’re in.

Expect honesty, hope, and practical advice on how to protect your mental health through hormonal change.

💬 Topics include:

• How hormones can affect OCD, anxiety, and mood

• Why sobriety can make perimenopause easier (and harder)

• Understanding progesterone sensitivity

• How to spot when hormones are driving mental health issues

• Tips for self-care, support and midlife reinvention

Bryony's Instagram: @bryonygordon

Bryony's YouTube: @thelifeofbryony

Bryony's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-life-of-bryony/id1763828544

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – Arrival by running!

01:38 – How a royal chat led Bryony to run the London Marathon

06:52 – Getting sober: rehab, 12-step & building a life without booze

10:00 – Alcohol cravings, socialising sober & what actually helps

17:35 – OCD explained: intrusive thoughts & the perimenopause trigger

22:25 – Anxiety or hormones? Speaking to Dr Naomi & trying HRT

23:19 – Oestrogen gel: relief within days (mood, energy, clarity)

24:39 – Progesterone crash: severe mood dip & finding a safer option

33:26 – The Mirena coil: why it worked when pills didn’t

41:59 – Midlife reframe: no periods, more power, new identity

48:20 – Brain fog & burnout: stress load, simple resets that work

55:55 – Q&A: sobriety, early menopause & pill-sensitivity worries

1:01:33 – Tools for hormone days, mindset shifts & sharks 🦈

#bryonygordon #ocd #menopause

Enter our giveaway for a free consultation with Menopause Care: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/menopause-awareness-month-giveaway

Which Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) option is best?

In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down the 6 most key types of HRT — including the oral pill, gels, sprays, patches, the marina coil, and testosterone. Naomi breaks down how each method works, as well as some handy life hacks to make each product easier.

Expect no jargon, no confusion – just clear, expert advice from one of the UK’s leading menopause doctors.

💬 Topics include:

• How each HRT option works

• Which forms are easiest to use

• What you need to know about side effects

• Smart doctor tips you won’t hear elsewhere

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

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – Intro

00:26 – What is Utrogestan and why do we need progesterone?

00:45 – How to take it: perimenopause vs menopause

01:37 – Smart tip: how to remember your HRT schedule

02:02 – The scary leaflet: should you actually read it?

03:04 – Side effects explained (and what’s not true)

04:08 – Oral vs transdermal oestrogen: what’s the difference?

05:01 – Oestrogen gel: how to apply it properly

05:56 – Half doses, cold legs & quick hacks for better absorption

06:51 – When to apply: before or after swimming/showering?07:09 – Oestrogen spray (Lenzetto): how to use it

07:53 – How to space out sprays & track your doses

09:02 – Disposing safely & avoiding environmental harm

09:52 – Testosterone for women: what it is and how to apply it

10:31 – Common mistakes when dosing AndroFem or Testogel

11:32 – How to reduce waste and avoid overdosing

12:25 – Male vs female testosterone products: key differences

13:04 – Oestrogen patches: how they work and how to apply them

14:28 – Tips for swimmers & making patches stick longer

15:26 – Removing sticky marks safely (and avoiding irritation)

16:40 – The Mirena coil: what it really is and how it works

17:44 – Fitting process explained (and what to expect)

19:23 – Adjusting your HRT safely: one change at a time

19:45 – Final advice & where to find menopause support

Learn about the important role of hormone therapy and hormones in women's health during menopause and perimenopause. #hrt #hormonereplacement #hormonereplacementtherapy

Enter our giveaway for a free consultation with Menopause Care: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/menopause-awareness-month-giveaway

This episode is your midlife health reset.

Nutrition expert Rose Ferguson joins Dr Naomi Potter to share the daily eating habits and holistic health tools every woman over 40 should know. And the best part? It's not rocket science.

Whether you're already food-conscious, or haven't a clue where to start, anyone can listen to Rose's simple tweaks and see their health span, gut health, stress levels, and sugar cravings dramatically transform.

From the perfect breakfast, to when is the best time to drink coffee, this conversation is brimming with nutritional health hacks.

Follow Rose below:

Rose's Instagram: @rosemaryferguson_

Rose's R Health Club: @rhealthclub

Rose's TikTok: @rosemaryferguson_

Rose's website: https://roseferguson.com/

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – Meet Rose & today’s plan

00:34 – What is functional medicine? Rose’s background

02:18 – Big themes: gut health, perimenopause & healthspan

03:24 – How Rose works: plans, movement, supplements

05:11 – Why extremes fail: keto, fasting & low-fat traps

06:53 – Protein hype vs fibre; carb confusion

08:30 – The binge–purge cycle & “resets”

11:48 – What a balanced plate actually looks like

13:53 – Food & hormones: sugar, insulin & midlife

15:07 – Beating cravings (without willpower)

18:31 – Breakfast that stops the 4pm crash

23:11 – Coffee, matcha & timing your caffeine

24:53 – 12-hour eating window & the 80/20 rule

28:19 – When “perfect” diets backfire: stress & basics

30:06 – Supplements that matter: vitamin D & magnesium

33:22 – Adaptogens, polyphenols & liver support (NAC)

35:34 – Probiotics vs fermented foods: what actually helps

36:54 – How to start a realistic 2-week reset

39:45 – Simple swaps that stick: snacks, walking, sleep

42:06 – Lost your energy? Protein, labs & adrenal support

44:43 – Hydration, GP checks & closing thoughts

Enter our giveaway for a free consultation with Menopause Care: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/menopause-awareness-month-giveaway

Testosterone: The Overlooked Hormone In Menopause Care

In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down everything you need to know about testosterone and menopause — what it is, why it matters, and whether women really need it.

From libido changes and energy levels, to brain health, mood, and muscle strength, testosterone can play a surprisingly important role in women’s wellbeing during midlife. But with myths, misinformation, and confusion surrounding this hormone, it can be hard to know what’s true.

Dr Naomi Potter explains the science in a clear, no-nonsense way, busts common myths, and shares practical advice on how to know if testosterone could be right for you.

Whether you’re curious, confused, or considering treatment — this episode is for you.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @podcast_naomipotter
Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:
Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About Testosterone 👀

00:26 – What Testosterone REALLY Does For Women

01:27 – Are Your Levels Dropping With Age?

01:53 – Low Sex Drive? This Might Be Why…

02:33 – Testosterone Myths BUSTED

03:26 – Why Libido Actually Matters In Midlife

04:28 – Special Offer for Menopause Awareness Month

05:02 – Can a Blood Test Tell If You’re Low? (Spoiler: It’s Tricky)

05:20 – When Doctors Recommend Testosterone

05:50 – Creams, Gels & Dosing: How Replacement Works

06:59 – What Happens If You Take Too Much

07:23 – How We Add Testosterone Into HRT Step by Step

08:14 – Testogel vs AndroFeme: What’s the Difference?

09:59 – How to Apply Testosterone (Without Wasting It!)

10:44 – The Female Product: Easier Dosing Explained

11:28 – Big News: AndroFeme Is Finally Licensed in the UK

12:29 – What Happens If You Stop Taking It?

13:03 – Want to Learn More? Here’s Where to Find Me

#menopause #testosterone #testosteronereplacement

Enter our giveaway for a free consultation with Menopause Care: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/menopause-awareness-month-giveaway

Menopause is being overlooked — and women are paying the price.

In this special episode of Is It Hot In Here?, Dr Naomi Potter shares some of the most powerful and eye-opening moments from previous guests to highlight the shocking lack of menopause support in today’s world.

From devastating misdiagnoses to mental health struggles, medical gaslighting, and the fight to access basic hormone treatment — these real stories reveal why menopause awareness matters more than ever.

Whether you’re approaching menopause, going through it, or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you the clarity, validation and motivation to demand better.

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568826081861&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=4ZBW1Wvx7aqTigrV&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18evLF7Fep%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

Watch full episodes with:Cally Beaton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l6DH9H9VyfR8Wz9kgvZR1?si=GzCuNqGLS7iAgHvhOz0LBALorraine Candy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=GmzxcVV_RWyJBGzetdxtdgNaga Munchetty: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kSIqsjmTaxELkjGiv3Ojh?si=Rz7Vd8jMQmqLdS4JC58ppALisa Snowdon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WJEhycgRWgk6QqZqdhcMm?si=mRedlLluS-CyMYvPZG2xXwDavinia Taylor: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zRhBx2EDQJ6d7LQABhCX2?si=TZVHy3FqS1aBb-gpUIjl9QHeather Jackson: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5T3OV62tUQ2NoCIpNItOw3?si=ib6fvXexQUKmRiUX5JtoWQ00:00 – Why Everyone Should Care About Menopause00:35 – Cally Beaton on perimenopause misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder3:19 – Lorraine Candy on perimenopause being mistaken for a brain tumour5:27 – Win a free Menopause Care consultation 6:15 – Naga Munchetty on women losing years of their lives8:00 – Lisa Snowdon on the fear of prescribing HRT 10:32 – Davinia Taylor on women struggling to access testosterone 11:19 – Heather Jackson on menopause in the workplace  13:05 – Final Thoughts And Where To Get Support#menopause #perimenopause #menopauseawarenessmonth