19 - Your Peri Godmother: Shelly Horton on surviving and thriving through perimenopause

Content advisory: this episode includes themes of self-harmIn 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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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 videosLinkedIn: 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.COMRelated resources: Click here to read more about Newson Research’s paper about testosterone and sport

8 Juli 33min

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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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

1 Juli 29min

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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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 videosLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube  Resources  https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/hrt-in-later-life-or-after-menopause

24 Juni 28min

'I'm a journalist, and I'm always trying to make sense of stories... that's just how my brain works. But I've never been able to make sense of this one... the whole HRT story, the information women are given, and the choices we make based on information we're not entirely sure about. I've always felt that was just unsatisfactory. So that overview from you, I have found really, really interesting’.In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and journalist Kaye Adams — a familiar face from ITV’s Loose Women and host of the How to Be 60 podcast — for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about navigating menopause in your sixties, the vital role of hormones, and the ongoing confusion around HRT (hormone replacement therapy).Drawing on her background in pathology and neurophysiology, Dr Louise unpacks decades of overlooked science showing how hormones like oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone influence everything from brain function and inflammation to bone health and dementia risk. She explains how hormones deficiencies can create a perfect storm for disease, and why understanding their role at a cellular level is crucial for women’s long-term health.Together, Dr Louise and Kaye address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial WHI study. Dr Louise explains how misinterpretation and media panic have caused widespread confusion and lasting harm to women’s health. Dr Louise also highlights the significant reductions in risks such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis that HRT can offer, questioning why compelling evidence is still often ignored by mainstream medicine.Kaye shares her personal reflections and doubts as a woman navigating healthcare in a landscape clouded by misinformation. Their discussion becomes a powerful call for clearer, evidence-based communication, encouraging women to feel empowered, not frightened, when considering treatment.Available to watch on YouTubeWe 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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!DisclaimerThe 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 NewsonInstagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedInYouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTubeCONNECT WITH KAYE ADAMS Podcast Website: How To Be 60 with Kaye AdamsInstagram: Kaye Adams (kayeadamsofficial) • Instagram photos and videosSpotify: How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams | Podcast on SpotifyYouTube: How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams - YouTube

21 Juni 36min

Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide‘You're not just losing a person. You're losing all of those memories’In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by mental health campaigner and author, Ben West. At 17, Ben’s world was turned upside down when he lost his younger brother, Sam, to suicide at just 15 years old. What followed was a life-altering journey through grief, resilience, and purpose.Ben transformed personal tragedy into powerful advocacy – raising awareness around mental health, challenging stigma, and driving real change in how we support mental wellbeing, especially within the education system.Together they explore how hormones, medication, stress and lifestyle can all impact mental health, and why understanding these factors could change how we approach conversations around suicide and depression.Ben also completed an ultra-marathon to raise funds for Shout, a 24/7 text messaging service providing support for mental health and suicide prevention. To find out how you can volunteer or donate, visit their website here.Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgTo learn more about Ben West, visit his Instagram here and check out This Book Could Save Your Life, available here. If you would like to make a change to the way schools train their teachers on mental health issues, sign the petition here.Available to watch on YouTube We hope you're loving 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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! DisclaimerThe 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 NewsonInstagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedInSpotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyYouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube CONNECT WITH BEN WESTWebsite: Ben WestInstagram: Ben West (@iambenwest) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Ben West | LinkedIn

10 Juni 32min

'Haemorrhoids is one of those embarrassing problems that a lot of people suffer from. There's a lot of taboos surrounding it, because people don't want to own up that they've got haemorrhoids. A lot of people listening or watching this probably have haemorrhoids, they're probably sitting on them right now. That video is not a sexy topic, but it got over 2 million views... that is a huge amount of people that I could see across 100 clinics, and still not get to that number.'   In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Karan Rajan, a doctor, health educator, and host of the Dr Karan Explores podcast. With millions of followers across his social media platforms, Dr Karan showcases the power of social media to ‘de-taboo the taboo’, tackling topics including menopause, women’s health, and bowel issues. He stresses the harm caused by shame and silence, reminding us that ‘taboo should not be associated with any disease or condition’. A passionate advocate for accessible, jargon-free medical education, Dr Karan believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in understanding and managing their own health. Together, he and Dr Louise challenge persistent myths, like the notion that testosterone is a male-only hormone – exploring how such misconceptions reinforce outdated ideas that negatively impact patient care.  They also address how misinformation, stigma and a one size fits approach to medicine creates barriers to care, particularly in women’s health such as menopause and endometriosis. This episode explores the evolving role of medical educators, and is a call for more open, informed conversations – because great medicine should never settle for ‘good enough’. Watch on YouTube 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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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 DR KARAN Website: Dr Karan Rajan Instagram: Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Dr Karan Rajan | LinkedIn Spotify: Dr Karan Explores | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Karan - YouTube

3 Juni 32min

In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Ferne McCann, TV personality, reality star, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the wellness app Shoorah. Ferne first rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex and has since appeared on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice. Ferne talks candidly about the hormonal changes she experienced during and after pregnancy, and how breathwork learned through hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and manage stress during childbirth. She also opens up about how pushing herself beyond her comfort zone - whether learning to skate for Dancing on Ice or taking part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, has strengthened her resilience and confidence. She reflects on the value of embracing challenges and aims to inspire curiosity and courage in her daughters while continuing to embrace these qualities herself. Their conversation then turns to perimenopause, with Louise explaining how fluctuating hormones after pregnancy can affect mood and wellbeing. The episode closes with Ferne sharing her three take-home tips, plans for an exciting new podcast, Every Cloud, and other upcoming projects. We hope you're loving 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. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube hereEmail dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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 NewsonInstagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedInSpotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyYouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTubeCONNECT WITH FERNE MCCANN TikTok: Ferne McCannInstagram: Ferne McCannLinkedIn: Ferne McCann

27 Maj 31min

Award-winning content creator, comedian, and author Fats Timbo joins Dr Louise Newson for a powerful conversation on self-worth, confidence, and hormones. Fats, who has achondroplasia, shares how she turned adversity into empowerment—from childhood challenges and societal bias to becoming a viral creator and published author of Main Character Energy. In this warm, funny, and honest discussion, Fats opens up about: Growing up with limited representation Navigating bullying, ignorance, and social media Building confidence and self-love on her own terms The episode also delves into hormonal health, as Fats describes how PMS (premenstrual syndrome) affects her mood, confidence, and relationships. Dr Louise Newson explains the science behind PMS and PMDD, highlighting how hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can impact our mental wellbeing. Together, they call for greater understanding and compassion, from affirmations and goal setting, to simply allowing yourself small acts of kindness. Fats’ infectious positivity is a powerful reminder that confidence and mental wellbeing are not only essential but possible for everyone at every stage of life. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/l_j9nTHEUro Follow Fats, on TikTok & Instagram Order Main Character Energy  here  We hope you're loving 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 dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk 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

20 Maj 29min