Why are women’s health problems so ignored?

Today on Is It Hot In Here? Podcast, Dr. Noami Potter is joined by BBC presenter and journalist Naga Munchetty. In this powerful, emotional conversation, Naga reveals the decades she spent living with debilitating periods. The pain was so bad that she was regularly passing out, throwing up, and “bleeding half my life”. It took 32 years for Naga to be finally given an adenomyosis diagnosis.

But why so long? And why can so many women relate to this story?

In this conversation, Naga and Naomi talk about the need to better support women’s health – and how Naga’s own experiences will affect her in the next chapter of her life: menopause.

In this episode, Naga opens up about:

💥 Being dismissed and misdiagnosed by doctors

💥 The pain and trauma of coil fittings

💥 Why women's pain is so often minimised

💥 Her journey into perimenopause and finding the right HRT

💥 The fight to change NHS guidance on women’s health

💥 How to advocate for yourself and speak to your Doctor

If you’ve ever felt ignored, belittled, or frustrated by the system when it comes to your health, then this listen will be an hour well and truly spent.

Naga and Naomi hope that you will come away feeling heard, reassured, and empowered to go to their own GP with the information needed to make a real impact for themselves.

Follow Naga Munchetty below:

Naga's Instagram: ‪@tvnaga

Naga's new book It's Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women’s Health Crisis (and How to Thrive Despite It); https://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Probably-Nothing-Critical-Conversations/dp/0008686572

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

00:00 – Introduction

00:45 – What Is Adenomyosis?

12:25 – Naga on Being Dismissed by Doctors

14:00 – Period Pain, Dismissal & Misdiagnosis

18:00 – The Coil Fitting That Left Her Traumatised

22:00 – Finally Getting a Diagnosis

26:00 – The Link Between Menopause and Adenomyosis

30:00 – The Gap in Medical Knowledge About Women’s Health

33:00 – Are We Taught to Hide Our Pain?

37:00 – Changing NHS Guidelines: A Real-Life Win

43:00 – The Emotional Toll of Being Ignored

47:00 – Navigating Perimenopause

53:00 – Advice for Women Feeling ‘Less Like Themselves’

56:00 – How to Advocate for Yourself at the GP

1:03:00 – The Urgent Need for Change

#womenshealth #naomipotter #nagamunchetty

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, imposter syndrome, or rising stress levels in midlife — you're not alone.

In this episode of Is It Hot In Here?, Dr. Naomi Potter is joined by the brilliantly funny and refreshingly honest Louise Boyce — also known online as Mama Still Got It.

Louise began her career as a successful model, but in recent years has reinvented herself as a content creator, author, and mum-of-three sharing the real, unfiltered moments of parenting. Alongside the chaos of family life, Louise has been navigating a host of perimenopause symptoms — from brain fog and hot flushes to crippling anxiety.

So how does she manage it all and still find time to feel like herself again?

This conversation is packed with practical advice and reassuring insight for anyone approaching or in the thick of perimenopause. You’ll come away feeling seen, supported — and with a few laughs along the way.

Follow Louise Boyce below:

Louise's YouTube: ⁨@mamastillgotit_⁩

Louise's Instagram: @mamastillgotit_

Louise's TikTok: @mamastillgotit_

Louise's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/MAMA-STILL-GOT-HB-Yourself/dp/0008561842

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

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

0:00 – Intro

1:12 – Louise on transitioning from modelling to content creator

3:55 – Eating disorders within the modelling industry

5:10 – Being told pregnancy is the end of your career

7:12 – The good and bad of social media

9:45 – Putting perimenopause symptoms down to stress

11:35 – How to prepare for menopause

12:36 – How has perimenopause affected family life?

15:03 – How to talk to your family about menopause

16:32 – Having a baby during perimenopause

17:50 – Sleep problems during menopause

18:42 – Brain fog in menopause

21:15 – A shortage in HRT supplies (patch crisis!)

23:33 – Alternative oestrogen patches

24:33 – Menopause progress has stalled

27:02 – Is imposter syndrome due to menopause or society?

30:35 – Should I take testosterone for menopause?

34:50 – Can testosterone cause hair growth?

36:03 – Do you need to take oestrogen before you can have testosterone?

37:42 – Alternatives to HRT

41:22 – The mental benefits of exercise

43:00 – Can I increase my HRT?

46:39 – What to do if menopause symptoms return

48:44 – Women are being let down

50:18 – The truth behind blood tests for menopause

54:46 – Are night sweats enough to say I'm in perimenopause?

55:43 – How long can I take HRT for?

57:21 – Everyone should use vaginal oestrogen!

59:30 – How can I get rid of my menopause belly?

1:01:27 – What is Louise Boyce up to now?

#menopause #perimenopause #mamastillgotit

How can women thrive in menopause and beyond?

This week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by former actress, socialite and now fitness author Davinia Taylor. People may recognise her from her Hollyoaks days, when she was often recognised as a young n fun London partygoer. But now at 47, Davinia Taylor feels more alive than ever – as she enters the world of “bio hacking”.

In today’s episode, Davinia talks about her fears of deteriorating as she progresses through midlife into older age. Her mum and Grandmother both passed away at ages Davinia strives to overtake – as do most of us. So what can we do in terms of our diet, daily routine, and mental outlook to future-proof our bodies?

As Davinia has reached menopausal age, her and Dr. Naomi Potter also discuss the health hacks that women should be aware of – in order to optimise their bodies. From ‘Should I be using testosterone?’ to ‘How safe is HRT?’ to ‘What natural remedies could help with menopause?’ there is plenty to dive into within this topic.

With so much medical insight and life advice to share around not only menopause – but staying healthy in midlife as a whole – this episode is not one for women to miss.

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Davinia's Instagram: @daviniataylor

Davinia's new book Futureproof: Build Resilience, Feel Younger, Live Longer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Futureproof-Build-Resilience-Younger-Longer/dp/1398709654

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF...

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

Further reading on the psychological sigh: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051122001296

Further reading on the science of sourdough: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399781/

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - From overly sluggish to feeling 20 years younger

2:54 - What is biohacking?

3:45 - The psychological sigh

4:52 - Rewiring your brain

6:14 - A fear of not outliving your parents

7:05 - Going full carnivore

8:14 - Managing hormones surrounding menopause

9:00 - Men expect us to just put up with menopause

9:47 - Inheriting hormonal traits

11:20 - Giving addictive meds to an alcoholic

12:20 - Women are the true biohackers

13:16 - HRT and cancer, what are the risks?

18:09 - Should all women be using HRT as a longevity tool?

20:14 - Should women be using testosterone?

21:59 - Should we use wild yam for menopause?

23:37 - Can progesterone increase anxiety?

25:06 - Post hysterectomy and supplementing hormones

27:01 - Oestrogen dominance

28:15 - The impact of plastics in HRT

28:49 - Outro

#biohacking #biohack #daviniataylor

What do women, Doctors, and professionals keep getting wrong about menopause?

In this myth-busting episode of Is It Hot In Here?, Dr Naomi Potter takes on 13 of the most common menopause misconceptions—and sets the record straight.

From “HRT causes cancer” to “Menopause means the end of my sex life” and “Menopause starts at 50”, Naomi unpacks the facts behind the misinformation and outdated advice that too many women are still being told today.

Whether you’re just entering perimenopause or knee-deep in hot flushes and hormone confusion, this episode will empower you with clarity, science-backed answers, and a big sigh of relief.

Further reading:

https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/hormones-and-hrt
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/hrt-risks-and-benefits
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/signs-hrt-is-not-working
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/testosterone-and-menopause
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/contraception-in-menopause
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/hrt-and-breast-cancer
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/hrt-perimenopause
https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/hrt-weight-gain

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:
Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF7Fep/?mibextid=wwXIfr
For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/
Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

0:00 – Intro
0:23 – Myth 1: Menopause doesn't start until 50
1:10 – Myth 2: You ca only be on HRT for 5 years
2:18 – Myth 3: You should just put up with menopause symptoms
3:08 – Myth 4: Every women should be on HRT
4:19 – Myth 5: You are not menopausal if you have no symptoms
4:59 – Myth 6: You need a blood test to diagnose menopause
7:12 – Myth 7: HRT causes cancer
9:43 – Myth 8: You cannot use HRT if you have a family history of cancer
13:16 – Myth 9: Testosterone is only for men
14:26 – Myth 10: I cannot get pregnant once I start perimenopause
16:13 – Myth 11: Menopause means the death of sex
16:54 – Myth 12: I will gain weight during menpause
18:26 – Myth 13: Quality of life goes downhill from menopause

#menopause #perimenopause #hrt

• 00:00:00 Intro
• 00:00:23 Myth 1: Menopause doesn't start until 50
• 00:01:10 Myth 2: You ca only be on HRT for 5 years
• 00:02:18 Myth 3: You should just put up with menopause symptoms
• 00:03:08 Myth 4: Every women should be on HRT
• 00:04:19 Myth 5: You are not menopausal if you have no symptoms
• 00:04:59 Myth 6: You need a blood test to diagnose menopause
• 00:07:12 Myth 7: HRT causes cancer
• 00:09:43 Myth 8: You cannot use HRT if you have a family history of cancer
• 00:13:16 Myth 9: Testosterone is only for men
• 00:14:26 Myth 10: I cannot get pregnant once I start perimenopause
• 00:16:13 Myth 11: Menopause means the death of sex
• 00:16:54 Myth 12: I will gain weight during menpause
• 00:18:26 Myth 13: Quality of life goes downhill from menopause

Why does your gut feel different during menopause – and what can you do about it?

This week, Dr. Naomi Potter is joined by Dr. Megan Rossi – AKA The Gut Health Doctor – a dietitian and scientist leading the conversation on gut health.

From bloating and reflux to stubborn weight gain, Megan explains how hormonal shifts can disrupt digestion in midlife – and how smart, simple food choices can make all the difference.

Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, Megan’s tips are practical, science-backed, and doable for every budget.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotter

Follow Dr. Megan Rossi below:
Megan’s Instagram: @theguthealthdoctor
Megan’s TikTok: @theguthealthdoctor
Megan’s Website: https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:
Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF7Fep/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/
Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

#menopause #guthealth #guthealthdoctor

How can our diets help us through menopause and midlife?

Dr. Megan Rossi AKA The Gut Health Doctor explains.

Full episode with Dr. Megan Rossi will be out on the Is It Hot In Here podcast later this month!

We've released 10 episodes of Is It Hot In Here? so far, so today we're looking back at some of the biggest lessons our guests have shared.

Featuring Lorraine Candy discussing how community got her through menopause, Dame Kelly Holmes on top fitness tips for midlife women, and Lou Featherstone on body confidence.

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

Feeling isolated in midlife? You’re not alone — and today’s guest, Nadia Nagamootoo, knows exactly how that feels.

Nadia is a chartered psychologist, CEO of Avenir Consulting Services, and host of the Why Care? podcast. In this episode, she opens up to Dr Naomi Potter about her long, emotional journey with fertility struggles — and how those years shaped not just her 30s, but her experience of perimenopause.

Doctors told Nadia she had a low ovarian count, which resulted in her struggles to conceive. So the question is: do fertility struggles also suggest that Nadia will have menopause struggles? Can the two be connected? Dr. Naomi Potter is here to explain.

Nadia confesses she was “in denial” about hitting perimenopause. Together, she and Naomi explore how hormone changes intersect with mental health, identity, and the weight so many women silently carry.

They also speak candidly about why menopause support needs to be more inclusive. As a South Asian woman, Nadia highlights how healthcare research and treatment often overlooks diverse experiences — and why that has to change.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lonely, misunderstood, or overwhelmed in midlife. It’s a powerful, personal conversation — with practical insights and hope woven throughout.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotter

Follow Nadia Nagamootoo below:
Nadia’s Instagram: @nadianagamootoo
Nadia’s website: https://www.nadianagamootoo.com/
Nadia’s podcast Why Care?: https://www.nadianagamootoo.com/podcast

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:
Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF7Fep/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

#menopause #DrNaomiPotter #perimenopause

What happens when the loneliness and libido spikes in midlife drive you to “crash out” of your marriage?

In this week’s episode of Is It Hot in Here? Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Fashion Editor and artist Stacey Duguid.
In this raw conversation, Stacey explains how she “went looking for attention” and found it, her marriage ended in chaos, she “wrecked her financial future”, moved house and had a breakdown, all while unknowingly experiencing perimenopause.

Together, Naomi and Stacey explore the complex impact of hormonal changes, and how an increased sex drive can be as difficult and destructive as its opposite. Is there a scientific explanation behind Stacey’s choices? Could an earlier diagnosis or menopause care have changed her path? What do other women need to know?

Whether you’re in the thick of perimenopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or just beginning to wonder what this stage of midlife might bring — this episode is filled with insight, reassurance, and practical advice to help you feel more prepared and less alone.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotter

Follow Stacey Duguid below:
Stacey’s Instagram: @staceyduguid
Stacey’s TikTok: @mydivorceinoutfits
Stacey’s book: In Pursuit of Happiness: Mating, Marriage, Motherhood, Money, Mayhem: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pursuit-Happiness-Mating-Marriage-Motherhood/dp/0349435197

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:
Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter
Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF7Fep/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

#menopause #StaceyDuguid #DrNaomiPotter

I see so many women, with so many symptoms and confusion about what is happening to them, and why, that I wanted to break it down for you. So here is a Clinic Cheat Sheet to help break it down for you!

In this episode of my Is it Hot in here? podcast, I break down the signs and symptoms we go through in clinic to establish if they are related to perimenopause, general ageing, or other medical conditions - be they psychological, physical or emotional – and clarify the different symptom management and treatment options. From brain fog and burnout to skin and hair changes, low libido, joint pain and allergies, we cover it all.

So whether you are wondering if what you’re feeling is “just ageing,” or you’ve already started HRT and want to understand more, this episode will really help.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotter

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Is It Hot In Here’s Instagram: @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF7Fep/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]

#menopause #perimenopause #menopausesymptoms

• 00:00:00 Intro
• 00:00:23 What Dr Naomi asks women in clinic (are they perimenopausal?)
• 00:01:19 What are you currently experiencing?
• 00:01:52 Spotting menopause symptoms
• 00:02:33 Physical menopause symptoms (eye changes, hearing changes, skin changes, gut changes, libido etc.)
• 00:03:33 Psychological menopause symptoms (low mood, anxiety, dementia-like symptoms, brain fog etc.)
• 00:04:32 Rage in menopause
• 00:05:15 Other medical conditions alongside menopause
• 00:06:14 Medications alongside menopause
• 00:06:41 How your lifestyle impacts menopause
• 00:07:15 Family history and menopause
• 00:09:20 Hair changes during menopause
• 00:10:41 Skin changes during menopause
• 00:12:50 Libido changes during menopause
• 00:14:00 Loss of motivation during menopause
• 00:15:02 Brain fog during menopause
• 00:16:52 Allergies during menopause
• 00:18:12 Is it menopause or just ageing?
• 00:19:05 How to get help
• 00:19:57 What does HRT do in menopause?
• 00:20:37 Why you should take yourself seriously (you DO matter!)
• 00:21:19 What to do if you have more questions about menopause