Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

By Dr Naomi Potter

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause & midlife health.

Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore ... more

· Health & Fitness

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The podcast currently has 80 episodes available.

Best of Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: The Solution to UTIs in Menopause: Topical Oestrogen – Dr Naomi Potter
Could your recurrent UTIs actually be a menopause problem? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih In this week's solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the surprising and often overlooked link between diminishing oestrogen and recurrent urinary tract infections – and why antibiotics alone are never going to be the long-term answer. If you've had two or three UTIs in the past year and keep getting sent away with antibiotics, this episode is for you. Naomi explains why recurrent UTIs are so common in perimenopause and menopause, why they're so often missed, and what you can do right now to prevent them – including the simple, safe and highly effective role of topical oestrogen. Topics include: • Why UTIs become more common in perimenopause and menopause • How diminishing oestrogen affects the urinary tract • Why antibiotics treat UTIs but don't prevent them coming back • The role of topical oestrogen in preventing recurrent UTIs • Practical tips to reduce your risk of UTIs • Why recurrent UTIs are a serious long-term health risk if left untreated • Why this menopause symptom is so often missed by doctors Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi's Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi's TikTok: @dr_naomipotter #menopause #UTI #topicaloestrogen 0:00 – Why Recurring UTIs Are a Hidden Menopause Problem 0:51 – The Real Cause: Low Oestrogen and Urinary Tract Health 2:15 Practical Tips to Reduce UTI Risk 2:56 The #1 Solution: Local Vaginal Oestrogen 3:43 The Danger of Untreated UTIs in Older Women 4:32 Get Personalised Help with Menopause Care
June 22, 20266min
Number 2: Rewind Time: Did Perimenopause Lead To My Divorce? – With Stacey Duguid
Today, we're looking back at our conversation with former fashion editor and columnist, Stacey Duguid. Stacey worked with the likes of Elle, Prada, Armani and more. She divorced her husband back in 2022. Since then, she has spoken openly about her turbulent experience navigating perimenopause – alongside living with ADHD – which inevitably led to the crumble of her marriage. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Stacey here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=tPFUV9P_Sxe0qJgAmEqhUQ #menopause #perimenopause
June 11, 20267min
Number 3: Why Am I So Anxious In Menopause? Causes & Treatments Revealed By Dr Naomi Potter
Why does menopause make so many women feel anxious and overwhelmed? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih 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 Dr Naomi Potter: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter 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
December 08, 202515min
Number 4: How Your Own Trauma Impacts Menopause – Child Therapist Kate Silverton Explains
How can past trauma crop lead to burn out, menopausal problems, and other health issues later in life? 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih 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. 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
August 11, 202550min
Number 5: Why Your HRT Isn't Working (and how to fix it)
Why is your Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) not working properly? Dr. Naomi Potter – menopause specialist – explains why in today's episode. 🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih From incorrect doses and unexpected side effects, there are a number of reasons why your HRT might not be offering the results you're hoping for. However, the brighter side is there is nearly always something that can be done about it. Please note, this episode is not a substitute for medical advice and we do encourage any women watching, who are struggling with their HRT for menopause, to speak to their own GP and seek further information where necessary. 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# 00:00 – Introduction: Why your HRT might not be working 00:29 – Why some women don’t feel benefits 01:21 – Managing HRT side effects 01:53 – Why it’s important not to switch HRT too soon 02:14 – Is HRT a quick fix? 03:12 – Common reasons HRT may not work 03:40 – Reason 1: Your dose might be too low 04:31 – Reason 2: You’re not absorbing it properly 06:00 – Why symptoms can return over time 07:54 – Lifestyle factors affecting your HRT 08:27 – How activity and water impact HRT patch absorption 09:44 – When to consider switching from HRT patches 10:32 – HRT and bleeding: What to expect 11:13 – Managing bleeding without a coil 11:41 – Weight loss drugs and progesterone absorption 12:40 – Mood-related side effects of progesterone 13:29 – Adjusting how you take progesterone 13:51 – What is a low-progesterone regime? 14:18 – Oestrogen-related side effects: Migraine and breast tenderness 15:21 – How to manage breast tenderness 15:48 – HRT and fluid retention 16:32 – Could your HRT product be faulty? 18:15 – What to ask your doctor if HRT isn’t working 18:42 – What are the alternatives to HRT? 19:37 – Non-hormonal medications for symptom relief 19:58 – Are herbal remedies effective for menopause? 20:20 – Psychological therapies and complementary treatments 20:45 – Final advice and where to learn more #hormonereplacementtherapy #hrt #menopause
August 04, 202521min