18 - Hayley and Jay: a 30-year battle for the right diagnosis

In this episode, Dr Newson is joined by former music industry PR guru Meg Mathews. Together, they discuss Meg's reasons for creating her website, MegsMenopause, and why she has worked so hard to improve menopause education for women. Meg talks very openly about her dreadful menopause experience and how she had no idea what was happening to her - as indeed so many women don't. Thankfully she is so much better now, taking the right dose and type of HRT. Meg works tirelessly to educate women (and men) about the menopause and how it can affect their lives. In this podcast, Dr Newson and Meg discuss the different ways women can receive the right help and advice.  Meg's Three Take Home Tips: Share with your family! Your symptoms may also affect those closest to you so it could be helpful to share how you are feeling and why. If you have an inkling of any menopausal symptoms, fill out this questionnaire - if you have 5 or more symptoms then you may want to go and see your GP. Self love! Things can feel so overwhelming during the menopause so take time for yourself and put yourself first. www.megsmenopause.com

13 Aug 201931min

Athena Lamnisos is the Chief Executive of the Eve Appeal which the only UK national charity raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. In this episode Dr Louise Newson and Athena talk about the importance of diagnosing these cancers early which leads to better outcomes for women. Many women are ignoring signs of potential cancer such as vaginal bleeding due to fear or denial which needs to change. Athena talks about ways the charity is working to improve early detection of cancers and also with the research they are involved in and the discussion also includes managing menopause in women who have had treatment for their cancer and how important it is for them to receive the right treatment and advice. Athena's Three Take Home Tips for Understanding your Gynae Health: You need to know your menstrual health and cycle and know what's normal for you. If you no longer have periods, you need to know when your last one was. We need to break down the stigma and taboo around gynaecological health. Learn and use the correct terminology for your body parts so you can describe any symptoms properly. Know your body! Have a look at your vulva and know what is normal for you. This will help so much should you have to explain anything to a medical professional. https://eveappeal.org.uk/

6 Aug 201937min

Migraines and worsening headaches can be a very common symptom of the perimenopause and menopause. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Sarah Ball who explains why this can occur and ways of managing migraines for women who have changing hormone levels. Many women wrongly believe they cannot take HRT if they have a history of migraine, so this myth is discussed and the correct advice given. In addition to taking HRT, there are numerous lifestyle measures that can improve migraines which are also discussed. Dr Sarah Ball's Three Take Home Tips About Menopause and Migraines: Look back at your reproductive cycle as a whole, particularly when your periods first began and when on different contraceptives. Are there any patterns? Keep a headache diary - this can be so helpful! Always look at your lifestyle first as there are lots of helpful changes that can be made. However, don't forget to consider your hormones as this could well be the source of the problem. Learn more about Dr Sarah Ball

30 Juli 201930min

Diane Danzebrink is a psychotherapist, menopause expert, wellbeing consultant and also a great friend of Dr Newson. She is tirelessly campaigning for improved care and support for menopausal women having personally had a dreadful experience of the menopause after an operation to remove her ovaries to the extent she became suicidal. Diane always promised her husband that if she ever improved then she would campaign and fight so that other women do not suffer in the way she did. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Diane discuss the #makemenopausematter campaign Diane has introduced, which now has an impressive 27,000 votes. The aims of this campaign are to improve menopause education amongst doctors and to raise awareness of the menopause within the workplace. The third aim of the campaign has been achieved – which is discussed in this podcast! Dr Newson and Diane also talk openly about the challenges they are experiencing in improving menopause care and education globally. Diane's Three Take Home Tips for Getting the Right Menopause Care: If you are in your early 40s, educate yourself and get a general understanding of what menopause is and what it might bring. Menopause does not have to be negative! This time in your life should be for reflecting on your life and re-setting your goals for the future. If you're listening and are currently going through the perimenopause or menopause, you are not alone! There are places, such as Menopause Support, where you can talk to like-minded women and get support. There are also so many resources such as menopausedoctor.co.uk where you can find evidence-based advice. Visit the Menopause Support website here

23 Juli 201931min

Dr Newson talks with Meg Mathews & Athena Lamnisos, CEO of charity Eve Appeal, about best times to discuss menopause with women & children. Menopause being on the curriculum has had a mixed response, but as it can cause many different symptoms, which can go unrecognised for years, it’s essential we start the conversation early so children can recognise potential symptoms in themselves & others & become aware of the health risks of the menopause & optimise health. The Eve Appeal Meg's Menopause

16 Juli 201926min

Dr Louise Newson discusses changing hormones with Nurse Tracy Rutter, who has had an interesting & varied career as an army nurse & a school nurse. Tracy talks about changing hormones in adolescent girls & comparisons with changing hormone levels in perimenopausal and menopausal women, her own experience of surgical menopause, how balancing her hormones really improved the quality of her life & her experience of working in the Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. Tracy's Three Take Home Tips: Don't put yourself on the back burner any more! Be brave and seek the right advice and treatment. That 'me time' is really important - remember to take care of yourself. Start keeping a diary to record your symptoms and how you are feeling. It can be helpful for your own mind and also when you visit your GP. Learn more about Nurse Tracy Rutter

9 Juli 201928min

Menopause education is not mandatory for healthcare professionals. Dr Newson discusses the importance of menopause education with Menopause & Wellbeing Centre Practice Manager, Sarah Baker who previously worked in a private hospital and ran educational events for doctors on various subjects. Sarah describes how women’s health events were always popular and, in her experience, doctors have a real thirst for knowledge regarding the menopause and safe prescribing of HRT.  Sarah Baker's Three Take Home Tips to Help You on Your Menopause Journey: Do your research! There are so many great resources available, such as menopausedoctor.co.uk, and if you have the right information it will help when you visit your GP. Be brave and talk to other people - you may find a lot of your friends are going through the same thing and you can help and support each other. Talk to your family and involve your partner. You are not on your own and there is help out there! Learn more about Sarah Baker

3 Juli 201928min

Symptoms of depression commonly occur during the perimenopause/menopause. Here, Dr Newson is joined by Dr Rebecca Lewis and together they discuss why symptoms can occur & ways of managing them with the right treatment. For many menopausal women, these symptoms are incorrectly diagnosed as depression; research shows around 70% of perimenopausal/menopausal women are inappropriately offered/given antidepressants. There is no evidence that antidepressants are beneficial for the low mood associated with changing hormone levels. Dr Rebecca Lewis' Thee Take Home Tips about Menopause and Depression: Low mood is a very common symptom during the menopause - you are not alone! There is a great treatment available and the right type and dose of oestrogen can really help these symptoms. HRT is safe and can be so beneficial for our mental health, as well as cardiovascular health and bone health. Find out more about Dr Rebecca Lewis

27 Juni 201933min