Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause?In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead.Together we explore:<ul><li>Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopause</li><li>The impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnight</li><li>Breast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisions</li><li>Why recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can help</li><li>The gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatment</li><li>The importance of informed decision-making and asking questions</li><li>How misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they need</li></ul>This isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next.Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions.If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.

Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause? In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead. Together we explore:Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopauseThe impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnightBreast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisionsWhy recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can helpThe gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatmentThe importance of informed decision-making and asking questionsHow misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they needThis isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next. Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions. If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.

Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause?In this episode I’m joined by journalist&nbsp;Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead.Together we explore:<ul><li>Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopause</li><li>The impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnight</li><li>Breast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisions</li><li>Why recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can help</li><li>The gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatment</li><li>The importance of informed decision-making and asking questions</li><li>How misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they need</li></ul>This isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next.Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions.If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.

When menopause arrives overnight

In this episode, I'm joined by Mick Wadge, the 88-year-old weightlifting grandad who has taken TikTok by storm, and his coach, Ross Starkie. Mick spent years caring for his wife Margaret, who had rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. When she died, he found himself at a loss, and carrying far more weight than he wanted to. So he took an old broom handle, hung two milk bottles full of water on it, and started training on his patio. When he turned 85, his grandson booked him four sessions with Ross, a strength and conditioning coach who works with professional athletes. Three years on, Mick has deadlifted 100kg, come off his metformin, had a letter from Arnold Schwarzenegger and lifted on national television. We talk about why so many people, health and fitness professionals included, are frightened of older people lifting weights, and why Ross thinks doing nothing is the bigger risk. Ross explains how he coached Mick up from an empty bar with nothing more complicated than adding a little weight over time, and why the things Mick already did every day were a squat, a hinge and a deadlift by another name. We also talk about getting up off the floor, a skill that can matter far more than any personal best, and the technique Ross taught Mick that local firefighters have since asked to share. In this episode:Caring for a partner, and putting your own health lastStarting with a broom handle and two milk bottlesWhy a council gym can be a great place to startWhat structured coaching adds as you get olderWhy coaches are nervous of training older clientsAngina, prediabetes, and why Ross says keep the coffee and cakeGetting up off the floor, and why it mattersArnold Schwarzenegger, This Morning, and saying no to Britain's Got TalentWhat to look for in a gym and a coachWhy it is never too late to start As Ross puts it: it's scarier not to do anything at all. Follow Mick on TikTok: @old.man.mick2 If you enjoyed this, listen back to my conversation with Christine Hobson, who ran her first marathon in her 60s: "At 50 She Was Struggling. At 73, She's Fitter Than Ever": https://pod.link/1762298788/episode/ZTkyNGE1YTYtZDM3ZC00NzY5LWI0ZTMtNWU3NDlmZDU4ZmRk

In this episode, I'm joined by Mick Wadge, the 88-year-old weightlifting grandad who has taken TikTok by storm, and his coach, Ross Starkie. Mick spent years caring for his wife Margaret, who had rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. When she died, he found himself at a loss, and carrying far more weight than he wanted to. So he took an old broom handle, hung two milk bottles full of water on it, and started training on his patio. When he turned 85, his grandson booked him four sessions with Ross, a strength and conditioning coach who works with professional athletes. Three years on, Mick has deadlifted 100kg, come off his metformin, had a letter from Arnold Schwarzenegger and lifted on national television. We talk about why so many people, health and fitness professionals included, are frightened of older people lifting weights, and why Ross thinks doing nothing is the bigger risk. Ross explains how he coached Mick up from an empty bar with nothing more complicated than adding a little weight over time, and why the things Mick already did every day were a squat, a hinge and a deadlift by another name. We also talk about getting up off the floor, a skill that can matter far more than any personal best, and the technique Ross taught Mick that local firefighters have since asked to share. In this episode: Caring for a partner, and putting your own health last Starting with a broom handle and two milk bottles Why a council gym can be a great place to start What structured coaching adds as you get older Why coaches are nervous of training older clients Angina, prediabetes, and why Ross says keep the coffee and cake Getting up off the floor, and why it matters Arnold Schwarzenegger, This Morning, and saying no to Britain's Got Talent What to look for in a gym and a coach Why it is never too late to start As Ross puts it: it's scarier not to do anything at all. Follow Mick on TikTok: @old.man.mick2 If you enjoyed this, listen back to my conversation with Christine Hobson, who ran her first marathon in her 60s: "At 50 She Was Struggling. At 73, She's Fitter Than Ever": https://pod.link/1762298788/episode/ZTkyNGE1YTYtZDM3ZC00NzY5LWI0ZTMtNWU3NDlmZDU4ZmRk

He Started Strength Training at 85. This Is What Happened

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Andy Ward, a GP working with people experiencing homelessness in Leicester, and Kyra Biddle from Dear Albert’s Stairway Project, who brings her own lived experience of homelessness, addiction and recovery.Kyra shares what happened when her family lost their home when she was just 14, how alcohol became a way of coping, and what it really means to live in survival mode.We talk about the barriers people experiencing homelessness can face when trying to access healthcare, why appointments, medication and even apparently simple health advice can become almost impossible to navigate when you don’t have somewhere safe to live, and how stigma can destroy trust.Andy explains how working in homeless healthcare changed the way he practises medicine, and why behaviour that can look “difficult” makes much more sense when you understand what someone may be living through.But this is also a conversation about recovery. Kyra is now more than four years into her own recovery and uses her experience to support others. We talk about what helped her, why being listened to and treated as a human being matters, and how sometimes the beginning of recovery can be as simple as a cup of tea, a Hobnob and somewhere you feel welcome.A conversation about homelessness, addiction, healthcare, recovery — and the importance of seeing the person in front of you. You can contact Dear Albert here: https://www.dearalbert.co.uk See the fantastic work of Inclusion Healthcare here: https://www.inclusionhealthcare.co.uk

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Andy Ward, a GP working with people experiencing homelessness in Leicester, and Kyra Biddle from Dear Albert’s Stairway Project, who brings her own lived experience of homelessness, addiction and recovery. Kyra shares what happened when her family lost their home when she was just 14, how alcohol became a way of coping, and what it really means to live in survival mode. We talk about the barriers people experiencing homelessness can face when trying to access healthcare, why appointments, medication and even apparently simple health advice can become almost impossible to navigate when you don’t have somewhere safe to live, and how stigma can destroy trust. Andy explains how working in homeless healthcare changed the way he practises medicine, and why behaviour that can look “difficult” makes much more sense when you understand what someone may be living through. But this is also a conversation about recovery. Kyra is now more than four years into her own recovery and uses her experience to support others. We talk about what helped her, why being listened to and treated as a human being matters, and how sometimes the beginning of recovery can be as simple as a cup of tea, a Hobnob and somewhere you feel welcome. A conversation about homelessness, addiction, healthcare, recovery — and the importance of seeing the person in front of you. You can contact Dear Albert here: https://www.dearalbert.co.uk See the fantastic work of Inclusion Healthcare here: https://www.inclusionhealthcare.co.uk

What Happens to Your Health When You Become Homeless?

We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused.In this episode I'm joined by coach and author Emma Storey-Gordon to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off.This isn't a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the science, the psychology and the realities of everyday life.We discuss:<ul><li>Why a calorie deficit still matters (and why that's not the whole story)</li><li>The biggest fat loss myths doing the rounds online</li><li>Why smart people often struggle with weight loss</li><li>Tracking calories: helpful tool or unnecessary obsession?</li><li>Why weekends quietly sabotage progress</li><li>The role of habits, environment and decision fatigue</li><li>Why maintenance is the hardest—and most important—part of fat loss</li><li>How ageing changes the challenge without making success impossible</li><li>Why comparing yourself to your younger self (or someone else) is rarely helpful</li></ul>Emma combines a science background with more than a decade of coaching real women, bringing together evidence with practical strategies that actually work in everyday life.You can reach her and pre-order the book here:<a href="http://esgfitness.co.uk/" target="_blank">ESGfitness.co.uk</a>  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/</a> pre order link: <a href="https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen" target="_blank">https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen</a> and substack: <a href="https://esgfitness.substack.com/" target="_blank">https://esgfitness.substack.com/</a>

We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused. In this episode I'm joined by coach and author Emma Storey-Gordon to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off. This isn't a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the science, the psychology and the realities of everyday life. We discuss:Why a calorie deficit still matters (and why that's not the whole story)The biggest fat loss myths doing the rounds onlineWhy smart people often struggle with weight lossTracking calories: helpful tool or unnecessary obsession?Why weekends quietly sabotage progressThe role of habits, environment and decision fatigueWhy maintenance is the hardest—and most important—part of fat lossHow ageing changes the challenge without making success impossibleWhy comparing yourself to your younger self (or someone else) is rarely helpfulEmma combines a science background with more than a decade of coaching real women, bringing together evidence with practical strategies that actually work in everyday life. You can reach her and pre-order the book here: ESGfitness.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/ pre order link: https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen and substack: https://esgfitness.substack.com/

We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused.In this episode I'm joined by coach and author&nbsp;Emma Storey-Gordon&nbsp;to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off.This isn't a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the science, the psychology and the realities of everyday life.We discuss:<ul><li>Why a calorie deficit still matters (and why that's not the whole story)</li><li>The biggest fat loss myths doing the rounds online</li><li>Why smart people often struggle with weight loss</li><li>Tracking calories: helpful tool or unnecessary obsession?</li><li>Why weekends quietly sabotage progress</li><li>The role of habits, environment and decision fatigue</li><li>Why maintenance is the hardest—and most important—part of fat loss</li><li>How ageing changes the challenge without making success impossible</li><li>Why comparing yourself to your younger self (or someone else) is rarely helpful</li></ul>Emma combines a science background with more than a decade of coaching real women, bringing together evidence with practical strategies that actually work in everyday life.You can reach her and pre-order the book here:<a href="http://esgfitness.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">ESGfitness.co.uk</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/</a> pre order link:&nbsp;<a href="https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen</a> and substack:&nbsp;<a href="https://esgfitness.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://esgfitness.substack.com/</a>

Fat Loss Without the Myths: What Actually Works (and Why It Feels So Hard)

None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives.For GP and author Dr Clara Doran, that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.But this isn't really a conversation about MS.It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had.We talk about the uncertainty before a diagnosis, the pressure many of us feel to keep going even when we're struggling, and why carrying on isn't always the same thing as coping.Clara also shares how her diagnosis led her to explore brain health, sleep, rest, creativity and the everyday habits that quietly shape how we think, feel and function.If you've ever faced a life change you didn't choose or simply feel exhausted by trying to keep all the plates spinning, I think you'll find something here.<ul><li>Why uncertainty is often harder than certainty</li><li>Returning to work after a life-changing diagnosis</li><li>The hidden cost of "just coping"</li><li>Why rest is not a luxury</li><li>Brain health beyond supplements and biohacks</li><li>The importance of creativity and joy</li><li>Learning to accept a different future without giving up hope</li></ul>Books mentioned<ul><li>Doctor Interrupted — Dr Clara Doran</li><li>Heads Up: How to Look After Your Brain So It Will Look After You — Dr Clara Doran</li></ul>

None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives. For GP and author Dr Clara Doran, that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. But this isn't really a conversation about MS. It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had. We talk about the uncertainty before a diagnosis, the pressure many of us feel to keep going even when we're struggling, and why carrying on isn't always the same thing as coping. Clara also shares how her diagnosis led her to explore brain health, sleep, rest, creativity and the everyday habits that quietly shape how we think, feel and function. If you've ever faced a life change you didn't choose or simply feel exhausted by trying to keep all the plates spinning, I think you'll find something here.Why uncertainty is often harder than certaintyReturning to work after a life-changing diagnosisThe hidden cost of "just coping"Why rest is not a luxuryBrain health beyond supplements and biohacksThe importance of creativity and joyLearning to accept a different future without giving up hopeBooks mentionedDoctor Interrupted — Dr Clara DoranHeads Up: How to Look After Your Brain So It Will Look After You — Dr Clara Doran

None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives.For GP and author&nbsp;Dr Clara Doran, that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.But this isn't really a conversation about MS.It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had.We talk about the uncertainty before a diagnosis, the pressure many of us feel to keep going even when we're struggling, and why carrying on isn't always the same thing as coping.Clara also shares how her diagnosis led her to explore brain health, sleep, rest, creativity and the everyday habits that quietly shape how we think, feel and function.If you've ever faced a life change you didn't choose or simply feel exhausted by trying to keep all the plates spinning, I think you'll find something here.<ul><li>Why uncertainty is often harder than certainty</li><li>Returning to work after a life-changing diagnosis</li><li>The hidden cost of "just coping"</li><li>Why rest is not a luxury</li><li>Brain health beyond supplements and biohacks</li><li>The importance of creativity and joy</li><li>Learning to accept a different future without giving up hope</li></ul>Books mentioned<ul><li>Doctor Interrupted&nbsp;— Dr Clara Doran</li><li>Heads Up: How to Look After Your Brain So It Will Look After You&nbsp;— Dr Clara Doran</li></ul>

The changes we don't choose.

We discuss the topic of testosterone in health and training. 
It can be good, great in fact, but like everything it can have a down side.

We discuss the topic of testosterone in health and training. It can be good, great in fact, but like everything it can have a down side.

We discuss the topic of testosterone in health and training. 
It can be good, great in fact, but like everything it can have a down side.

Testosterone Truths. The Power, Risks and Reality.

Female HRT has become so mainstream, you could be forgiven for thinking you might be missing out. 
We discuss the different things your doctor will be thinking, and how you can help yourself feel better without relying just on HRT.

Female HRT has become so mainstream, you could be forgiven for thinking you might be missing out. We discuss the different things your doctor will be thinking, and how you can help yourself feel better without relying just on HRT.

HRT. Maybe it's not what you need. Part 1. Female hormones.

In this episode we talk about how we approach depression in the consultation and the complexities of bringing exercise and activity into the discussion. We discuss the role of medication in the short and longer term, the evolutionary mechanisms that have ensured we've evolved to feel better when we move and we catch up on how our respective challenges are shaping up.

In this episode we talk about how we approach depression in the consultation and the complexities of bringing exercise and activity into the discussion. We discuss the role of medication in the short and longer term, the evolutionary mechanisms that have ensured we've evolved to feel better when we move and we catch up on how our respective challenges are shaping up.

Doctor I feel depressed, do something to help.

In this second episode of the Iron Prescription, Stuart and Lynette discuss some of the downsides of exercise, both psychologically and when injuries happen. 
How to adapt when you can't do what you've always done. 
Also discussed is the utility of data and measurements as they relate to exercise and whether they can be a help or a hindrance.

In this second episode of the Iron Prescription, Stuart and Lynette discuss some of the downsides of exercise, both psychologically and when injuries happen. How to adapt when you can't do what you've always done. Also discussed is the utility of data and measurements as they relate to exercise and whether they can be a help or a hindrance.

2. The downsides of exercise.

Medical doctors Lynette and Stuart chat about who they help as doctors and as personal trainers and why they do both these jobs.

Medical doctors Lynette and Stuart chat about who they help as doctors and as personal trainers and why they do both these jobs.

Who we are, who we help, and why exercise anyway.

Hosted by Dr Lynette Ewart, a GP in the NHS for 20 years and a passionate personal trainer specialising in strength training.
A practical, evidence-informed health and fitness podcast for people who want clarity without hype.

Most weeks, you’ll hear Pocket Prescription — short, no-nonsense episodes answering real questions about strength training, health, ageing, and risk.
Once a month, I sit down with a guest to explore a topic in more depth.

The video version of Pocket Prescription episodes is available on YouTube.

Health & Fitness

Hosted by Dr Lynette Ewart, a GP in the NHS for 20 years and a passionate personal trainer specialising in strength training. A practical, evidence-informed health and fitness podcast for people who want clarity without hype. Most weeks, you’ll hear Pocket Prescription — short, no-nonsense episodes answering real questions about strength training, health, ageing, and risk. Once a month, I sit down with a guest to explore a topic in more depth. The video version of Pocket Prescription episodes is available on YouTube.

Share The Prescription Strength Podcast

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Prescription Strength Podcast

The Prescription Strength Podcast episodes

About The Prescription Strength Podcast

Best of The Prescription Strength Podcast