'It really weighs heavy. It’s like puttingon lots of different cloaks.’

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a topic many are talking about right now, and thankfully, we’ve movedbeyond the outdated stereotype that it only affects young boys. And with somuch noise on social media alongside lingering stereotypes, is all thisattention truly helping people recognise their symptoms and get a diagnosis?And how does it feel to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood – does it bringrelief, clarity, present new challenges, or a combination of allthree?  

This week, Dr Louise Newson sits down withJack Suddaby to explore his ADHD diagnosis journey, from a lightbulb momentduring the COVID-19 lockdown to launching his podcast, Distracted. Jack opensup about the moment his symptoms pushed him to seek answers and how simpleshifts in his daily routine have transformed his life in surprising ways. 

Louise discusses the connection betweenADHD and hormonal changes, from PMDD to menopause, and how these shifts canimpact symptoms, especially as ADHD often presents differently in women.  

Louise and Jack explore how menopause andADHD, topics that are still under-recognised, are being talked about moreopenly, and how getting a diagnosis can truly change people’s lives by bringingunderstanding and clarity. 

We’re delighted to have been nominated inthe Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s stilltime to vote - ⁠click here⁠ 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for newguests!  

Disclaimer  

The information provided in this podcastis for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute forprofessional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice ofyour physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you mayhave regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their ownand do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the NewsonHealth Group.    

LET'S CONNECT   Website: Dr Louise Newson  

Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast)• Instagram photos and videos   

LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  

Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube

RELATED RESOURCES

ADHD and hormones in women

‘Without perimenopause, I might not have realised Ihave ADHD’

“The fire in the belly is coming from people’s want and need to help patients and to make a change”  

This week, Dr Fionnuala Vernon, Medical Director of Blackwater Private Clinics and GP trainer in Ireland, joins Dr Louise Newson for a compelling conversation about breaking down barriers in healthcare and addressing the ways in which the system often fails women. 

They discuss how global gaps in training for healthcare professionals can result in women’s health needs – particularly during menopause – being overlooked and highlight the critical role of education in equipping clinicians with the skills and confidence to ask the right questions and connect patients with the support they need. 

Fionnuala also outlines recent developments in women’s healthcare in Ireland, such as the introduction of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - ⁠click here⁠   

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!    

Disclaimer    

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.      

LET'S CONNECT     

·        Website: Dr Louise Newson    

·        Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos     

·        LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn    

·        Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify    

·        YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube 

RELATED RESOURCES (TBC) 

How to talk to your doctor about HRT – and get results 

Find out more about Newson Education’s education programmes here 

“I don’t understand why we’re not shouting this from the rooftops, a simple medicine, a natural hormone, that can reduce the risk of both diabetes and breast cancer. That’s incredibly important, isn’t it?”  

This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Franck Mauvais-Jarvis, Professor of Medicine at Tulane University and an endocrinologist specialising in metabolism.   

In this episode, they dive deep into the science behind oestradiol’s crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, reducing inflammation throughout the body, and supporting memory and cognition.  

Professor Mauvais-Jarvis explains how improving mitochondrial function, often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell,” boosts metabolism and helps prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. He also highlights the vital, often overlooked role of testosterone in women’s health.  

Together they address common misconceptions stemming from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study and set the record straight on the benefits of body-identical hormones.  

 Be sure to check out Professor Franck Mauvais-Jarvis’s book, Principles of Precision Hormone Therapy: Healthy Aging and Prevention of Chronic Disease, which presents cutting-edge scientific data and insights from leading experts, including Dr Louise Newson, on the vital role of hormone optimisation in healthy aging.  

Available to watch on YouTube

We hope you’re enjoying season 2! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.   

We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - ⁠click here⁠ 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!  

Disclaimer  

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.    

LET'S CONNECT   

Website: Dr Louise Newson  

Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast(@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos   

LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube

Dr Louise Newson sits down this week with Shelly Horton, an Australian journalist, broadcaster and passionate advocate for menopause awareness.

Shelly recently released her debut book, I’m Your Peri Godmother: A happily-ever-after guide to kicking perimenopause in the ovaries, reflecting just how many women are desperate for relatable, honest guidance through perimenopause.

In this warm conversation, Shelly opens up about her own personal experience after initially being misdiagnosed, struggling with anxiety, brain fog, heavy bleeding and exhaustion –  all whilst trying to maintain a cheerful public persona on live TV.

She also shares how receiving the right support inspired her to write a book to help other women feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Shelly and Dr Louise discuss the importance of education, open conversation, and compassionate healthcare and why no woman should suffer in silence or alone.

An inspiring episode for anyone navigating hormonal changes or supporting someone who is.

We hope you are enjoying season two of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.

We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - ⁠click here⁠ 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. 

LET'S CONNECT!

Dr Louise Newson:

• Website: Dr Louise Newson
• Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast  @drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
• LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn
• YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube

Shelly Horton: 

• Instagram: Shelly Horton (@shellyhorton1) • Instagram photos and videos
• LinkedIn: Shelly Horton | LinkedIn
• Book available on Amazon here: I’m Your Peri Godmother: A happily-ever-after guide to kicking perimenopause in the ovaries 

In what Dr Louise Newson calls ‘the most impactful podcast I've ever recorded’, this powerful episode shares the extraordinary story of Hayley and her son, Jay.

Hayley spent nearly 30 years in and out of psychiatric hospitals. She was diagnosed with postnatal psychosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), depression and treatment-resistant mental illness. She was prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants and even received electroconvulsive therapy. At one point, she was told she might have dementia.

After years of watching his mum, Hayley, struggle with severe mental illness, hospital stays, and treatments that never truly helped, her son Jay came across an episode of the Dr Louise Newson discussing the impact of hormones on mental health. For the first time, things started to make sense.

It led him to question whether hormones could have been the missing piece all along. With persistence and care, he pushed for Hayley to be given HRT, and the results were life changing. Together, Jay and Hayley share their emotional story of misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and the powerful difference hormone treatment made after decades of suffering.

This episode is not just a story: it's a call to action. It highlights the often-ignored link between hormones and mental health, the systemic failures in women's healthcare, and the critical need for change.

Please listen, reflect and share. Because not everyone has a son like Jay.

We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote - click here  

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!   

Disclaimer:

Please note: This episode contains discussions around suicide, self-harm, and severe mental health struggles, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available.

In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.     

LET'S CONNECT   

Website: Dr Louise Newson   

Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) •Instagram photos and videos  

LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn   

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube  

This week, Dr Louise Newson is joined by the inspirational Angela Rippon, whose remarkable career in television and journalism spans nearly six decades. From breaking barriers as one of the first female newsreaders on British TV to her more recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Angela reflects on the evolution of her work and the deep personal passion that drives her today: getting the nation moving.  

In this uplifting episode, Louise and Angela explore how dance and movement can be powerful tools for supporting long-term health and wellbeing. Angela shares the inspiration behind her Let’s Dance! initiative and explains why she believes dance is a ‘superpower’ – capable of improving physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection at every stage of life.  

From using dance in schools to helping people with Parkinson’s, Angela makes a compelling case for why dance should be seen as an investment in our ‘wellbeing pension plan’.  Whether you're eight or 80, this conversation will inspire you to see dance not just as exercise, but as joy, connection, and a key to ageing well. As Angela says: ‘My ambition is to die young – as late as possible.’  

Watch on YouTube

Find out more about Let’s Dance! here  

We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote – click here  

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!    

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.      

LET'S CONNECT     

• Website: Dr Louise Newson    

• Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos   

• LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn    

• Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify     

• YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube   

CONNECT WITH ANGELA  

• Instagram Angela Rippon (@theangelarippon) • Instagram photos and videos  

He became a familiar face to millions on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies and Live From The Clinic – boundary-pushing shows that challenged taboos and brought sensitive health issues into mainstream conversation.  

Behind the camera, however, consultant urological surgeon Paul Anderson has established himself as one of the UK’s most experienced urethroplasty surgeons, having performed over 2,500 procedures in the past 19 years – more thanany other surgeon in the country. Beyond his clinical practice, Paul also trains surgeons in Zambia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Pakistan, addressing a critical unmet need for reconstructive urology in resource-limited settings. 

In this deeply personal and candid episode, Paul joins his wife, Dr Louise Newson, to offer a rare insight into both his professional journey and their shared life together. They explore the often-overlooked impact hormones have on the health of both men and women, emphasising why recognising hormonal changes is vital to supporting physicaland mental wellbeing. 

Louise discusses how hormonal changes have affected her personally and influenced their family life. Together, they examine how greater awareness could help demystify hormones, not only for the public but also for healthcare professionals. 

We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed byguests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.    

LET'S CONNECT   

• Website: Dr Louise Newson  
• Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast)• Instagram photos and videos  
• LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  
• Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  
• YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube

Content advisory: this episode includes themes of self-harm

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Christine D’Ercole, a master world champion track cyclist and Peloton instructor, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. Together, they dive into crucial conversations about pelvic floor health, urinary incontinence and eating disorders, shining a light on topics often left in the shadows. 

Christine opens up about the impact of body image and societal judgment on women and reflects on her own struggles with an eating disorder, self-harm, and the lifelong challenge of overcoming ingrained beliefs about her body, and how these experiences intersect with hormonal changes throughout life. 

The conversation also tackles the complex role hormones, especially testosterone, play in women’s health and athletic performance. Together, they candidly explore the difficult decisions around testosterone and athletics, weighing thebenefits of improved quality of life and muscle strength against concerns about performance enhancement in sport. 

We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests! 

Disclaimer 

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.   

LET'S CONNECT  

• Website: Dr Louise Newson 
•  Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
• LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn 
• YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube 

CONNECT WITH Christine D’Ercole  

• Website: Christine D'Ercole   
• Instagram: Christine D'Ercole 
• LinkedIn: Christine D'Ercole  
• Wordshops: Upcoming Wordshops – IAMICANIWILLIDO.COM

Related resources: 

Click here to read more about Newson Research’s paper about testosterone and sport

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with author Jean Hannah Edelstein about her deeply personal new book, Breasts: A Relatively Short Relationship, and the complex journey she’s had with her own body. Jean shares the experience of choosing to undergo a double mastectomy at 41, after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and highlights the emotional and practical importance of finding the right doctors and surgeons during such a life-altering process. 

Jean reflects on growing up in the hyper-sexualised 1990s, a world where pop stars like Britney Spears were both idolised and seen as cautionary tales, and Victoria’s Secret sold not just lingerie, but a narrow vision of womanhood, aimed at teenage girls. By her early twenties, Jean had size 30G/F breasts, which brought unwanted attention, but also moments of connection, especially with other women.

Jean also talks candidly about choosing to have a mastectomy, then later, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. She opens up about her diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, and about the frustrations of navigating a medical system that often withholds information, especially when it comes to HRT and cancer risk, leaving too many patients to advocate for themselves in the dark. 

We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests! 

Disclaimer 

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.   

LET'S CONNECT  

Website: Dr Louise Newson 

Instagram: The Dr LouiseNewson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos 

 LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube 

CONNECT WITH Jean Hannah Edelstein 

Website: Jean Hannah Edelstein 

Instagram: Jean Hannah Edelstein (jhedelstein) • Instagram photos and videos 

Book: Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship – the funny, moving and universally relatable new memoir 

LinkedIn: Jean Hannah Edelstein | LinkedIn 

Related resources: 

Breast cancer treatment and HRT 

Dr Corinne Menn: I’m a doctor who’s had breast cancer: here’s what I want you to know 

In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers. 

Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study.

They also explore the crucial differences between the older forms of synthetic HRT derived from pregnant horse’s urine and today’s body identical hormones, which have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by your body.

Ann reflects on her own journey with menopause, shaped by a generation that ‘didn't talk about health issues... periods were “the curse” and menopause was just “the change”.’ She shares powerful memories of struggling through exhaustion and that at times, coping was simply putting ‘one foot in front of the other’. 

Together they explore why stopping HRT after the age of 60 should be an individualised choice. Ann also shares her own experiences, frustrations, and how hormones could have possibly impacted her relationship with her daughter, without even realising it.

With warmth, humour, and wisdom, this episode champions the importance of informed choice, patient-centred care, and the right to feel well at any age. 

Read more about HRT in later life on Dr Louise’s website here, and an article on the difference between natural and synthetic hormones here.

We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. 

Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests! 

Disclaimer 

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.   

LET'S CONNECT  

Website: Dr Louise Newson 

Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast(@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn 

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube 

Resources  

https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/hrt-in-later-life-or-after-menopause