140 - Addressing the emotional challenges of perimenopause and menopause with Simona Stokes

Kim Goulding is one of Dr Newson's patients here at Newson Health. In today's episode, Kim talks about her own experience with the menopause how she was offered antidepressants. She has always been the driving force behind her family and became socially withdrawn and very low in her mood. She had no idea initially what was happening to her and her life had really changed. She talks to Dr Newson about how she tried to receive the right treatment and her experience taking HRT. Kim's Three Take Home Tips: It can be difficult when struggling with severe symptoms, but go and find the right help. If your GP can't help you then go private if you can. Women should not have to pay for good quality menopause care, but getting the right treatment is priceless! Get informed and search for evidence-based resources, such as menopausedoctor.co.uk.

22 Okt 201928min

Sheona Khan is a medical writer who has been working closely with Dr Newson for several months. In this weeks episode, Dr Newson and Sheona have an open discussion with about how much she has learnt regarding the perimenopause and how little she knew about it until recently. They discuss ways of improving knowledge for women about the perimenopause and the menopause and also the importance of women receiving evidence based and non-biased information. Sheona asks Dr Newson questions about changing hormones, making a diagnosis and HRT and Dr Newson explains why she feels that younger women should be equipped with the right information regarding their future hormone health.  Sheona Khan's Three Take Home Tips about Perimenopause: Talk about it - make those conversations happen. You could be going through the same thing as a friend! If you are in your 40s and are experiencing tiredness, forgetfulness or stress - don't dismiss it, start thinking about your hormones. Don't wait for your symptoms to get really bad before you consider HRT. The earlier you start replacing your hormones, the better!

15 Okt 201932min

Professor Geoffrey Hackett works as a consultant in Urology and Sexual Medicine. He is a prolific writer and educator about men's health and has a particular interest in low testosterone in men. In this episode, Dr Newson and Professor Hackett talk about how having a low testosterone level can affect men, how common it is and how men can receive help and treatment. Around 20% of men in the UK have low testosterone at some time in their life but few of these men are being diagnosed and treated. This is due to lack of awareness by patients and doctors, especially as symptoms are vague and often subject to incorrect diagnosis. Erectile problems can be a sign of cardiovascular disease so it is really important that men have the appropriate tests and receive the best treatment to improve their future health.  Professor Geoffrey Hackett's Three take Home Tips: Having erections and sexual activity is great for men's health. Regular sex can reduce the risk of heart failure and can prolong life. The quality of sex can matter more than the quantity. Erectile dysfunction is down to heart problems until proven otherwise. Don't just put it down to stress, age etc.

8 Okt 201931min

Lucy Holtom is a yoga teacher who works closely with Dr Newson here at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Lucy runs 'Living Your Yoga' and her classes encourage attendees to take time to connect with their inner world through ancient Yogic practices. These practices include co-ordinating the breath with movement; attention to alignment; seeking focus and balance; and finding comfort in challenging the body to open and release the accumulation of tension from life’s day-to-day habits. In this episode, Lucy talks to Dr Newson all about how yoga can nourish, restore and release physical, mental and emotional constraints, whilst building inner strength and confidence.  www.livingyouryoga.co.uk Lucy's Three Take Home Tips for Yoga Beginners: If you want to try a class, look for recommendations from others and chat to different teachers to find what's right for you. Wear comfortable clothing - you don't need to spend money on new yoga outfits, just wear whatever you can move freely in. Go with an open mind and enjoy!

1 Okt 201931min

Edward Joy has over 20 years’ experience as a complimentary healthcare practitioner, as an ethnobotanist Edward spends much of his time studying the components of plants in an aim to understand their nutritional benefits but he also adopts naturopathy into his practice.   Edward contributes regularly to articles for Only Natural and Holistic Therapist magazines. His  informal lectures and herb walks are attended by health professionals in the UK and throughout Europe from Ireland to Italy.  For the past 12 years Edward has worked closely with the Naturopathic Supplements Company, Bionutri, where his work includes procurement and product development. Working with an ingredient is one thing, ensuring the ingredient has benefit is Edward’s particular point of interest.   In an informal conversation with Dr Louise Newson, Edward Joy discusses the way herbs influence our health, particularly when integrated into the diet.  Edward Joy's Three Take Home Tips: When it comes to the menopause, don't deny it. Don't look for foods and herbs that can 'turn back the clock', look for ways to support and facilitate this time in your life. Think about supplements but do your research and look for the best quality. Be true to yourself! Be honest about your diet and nutrition and the areas you might be able to improve.

24 Sep 201933min

Diane Porterfield-Bourne is a Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years nursing experience. She runs www.bourne2care.co.uk and provides menopause education talks in the workplace and through organised events. She is committed to raising menopause awareness and feels very passionately about women's health and how menopause can affect women physically and emotionally. In this episode, Diane talks to Dr Newson all about her work as well as the ways she works with menopausal women from different ethnic minorities.  Diane Porterfield-Bourne's Three Take Home Tips: Read up on the menopause and discover how it may affect you. Talk to your GP and arm yourself with the correct, evidence-based information. Be open and honest with your families. Explain how you are feeling so they can support you.

17 Sep 201929min

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson talks with Diane Danzebrink, both very passionate campaigners on the subject of improving menopause education for women. The two experts discuss the current HRT shortages and media reports following the recent HRT scare and give women the real facts, talking about their grave concerns that women are going to be denied HRT by their doctors for the wrong reasons and how women need to be given the right information to challenge this. Diane Danzebrink's Three Take Home Tips: Don't panic! Don't believe the headlines - go find factual evidence-based advice Take someone with you to your doctor's appointment if you're feeling nervous, and before you visit, look at the Menopause Doctor website for information, visit the Menopause Support website and download the 'Ten things your GP should know about the menopause'

10 Sep 201932min

In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by Liz Earle MBE and together they discuss the recent research that was published in the Lancet, concerning the link between HRT and breast cancer. They talk about what this research means to women and discuss other evidence regarding the benefits of taking HRT. www.lizearlewellbeing.com Liz Earle's Three Take Home Tips about HRT: Don't believe everything you see in the headlines - do your research and don't panic! Read up on the subject and listen to experts. Look at all of your symptoms - menopause is so much more than hot flushes and it doesn't need to affect your quality of life.

3 Sep 201938min