Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

What major menopause changes are coming in 2026 – and how will they affect you?In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew from the Menopause Care team to break down the biggest updates shaping menopause care in 2026.Together, they unpack what it really means for menopause to be included in NHS GP health checks for women over 40, how testosterone is becoming more accessible, and how increased workplace support could change daily life for millions of women. If you want to feel informed, empowered, and prepared for what’s ahead, this is an essential listen.Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr Liz Andrew: Liz's Instagram: @drlizandrewFollow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – What’s changing for menopause care in 202600:53 – Menopause being added to NHS health checks01:40 – Using smear appointments to open menopause conversations03:41 – How women can prepare for NHS health checks05:15 – Breaking down barriers to talking about menopause with doctors05:42 – Easier access to testosterone for women07:07 – New testosterone options including patches08:19 – Menopause support and policy changes in the workplace09:17 – Menopause challenges faced by NHS staff10:18 – Missed opportunities to treat vaginal symptoms in primary care11:24 – Why the menopause movement will keep growing12:29 – Reaching underserved and culturally diverse communities14:35 – What effective menopause support at work really looks like16:27 – Audience question: HRT patch shortages explained19:09 – How to involve partners and husbands in menopause conversations22:56 – How and where to find trusted menopause support#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

The Best of Is It Hot In Here? 2025: The Moments You Loved MostMissed an episode this year — or want to relive the moments everyone’s been talking about?In this special compilation episode, Dr Naomi Potter looks back at some of the most powerful, honest and popular conversations from Is It Hot In Here? in 2025. Featuring unforgettable moments from guests including Dame Kelly Holmes, Bryony Gordon, Louise Boyce, Cally Beaton and more, this episode celebrates the stories that resonated most with you.Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter00:00 – Bryony Gordon on OCD and menopause02:09 – Dr Karen Gurney on what 'normal' sex is04:43 – Kate Lawler on losing herself in perimenopause 06:11 – Dame Kelly Holmes on feeling weaker during perimenopause 06:56 – Davinia Taylor on testosterone for women07:45 – Louise Boyce on brain fog09:20 – Cally Beaton on being misdiagnosed bipolar12:05 – Stacey Duguid on perimenopause destroying her marriage 15:44 – Kate Silverton on childhood trauma impacting menopause16:35 – Victoria Emes on HRT and dogs Follow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/Watch the full episode with:• Bryony Gordon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HvWsF9n00VTSyRVDqutLQ?si=QkgI3nsoTZ-NlstYrC4L7A&t=0&pi=OG8U1ujZRP6Ek• Dr Karen Gurney: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74WPkh7SDcNVh7E9oJ0Bgx?si=YrvZC7ZmSlKZA5T8VqfmiQ&t=0&pi=FLP9eeMqSjaYM• Kate Lawler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eSbAVhA0ymFYWkGWzV5QP?si=ATzmZ6LZSHujMkiJMtsb7g&t=0&pi=B6kRsLwSS4G-6• Dame Kelly Holmes: https://youtu.be/JV2XaovVUAA?si=gFwtF0_5y_GrYeta• Davinia Taylor: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zRhBx2EDQJ6d7LQABhCX2?si=37baxu-mQbiTPNG4BFa8pQ&t=0&pi=KLsKZTJgSAi1j• Louise Boyce: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HLr6inTWAtJS9OkEVsMkx?si=DTJTc3pwTN6njXOGgXUlIQ&t=0&pi=Vp1AzxTzQUCYD• Cally Beaton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l6DH9H9VyfR8Wz9kgvZR1?si=TC5VOwx4TCClPxzW_7c1Ig&t=0&pi=qvqKlrFgSH-Nh• Stacey Duguid: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=0A5tfrOlRcOybXWWSp32yg&pi=jYpDK29TRh6tT&t=0• Kate Silverton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Qn172LZSPkAMHfoVKvvgb?si=kU3CFAESRsGCQTLi8jQ42A&t=0&pi=gYeSt01cSTWgN• Victoria Emes & Kelly Bedford: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jp9OkA1yll5wlTQPX2VzG?si=yHRZA5atQ6ep-EJXu0-p2g&t=0&pi=VmEq2nyZRjGRR#menopause #perimenopause #naomipotter

Does Christmas feel overwhelming instead of joyful during menopause? In this festive solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks honestly about why Christmas can feel especially hard during perimenopause and menopause. We're breaking down how you can protect your energy, mood, and wellbeing during the most pressured time of year.From navigating family dynamics and emotional overload, to letting go of comparison and unrealistic expectations fuelled by social media, Naomi offers reassurance, perspective and practical advice. She also reflects on the year gone by and shares a heartfelt Christmas message with listeners.💬 Topics include:• Why Christmas stress can hit harder during menopause• Managing family expectations and emotional overwhelm• Letting go of comparison and “perfect Christmas” pressure• Simple ways to protect your energy and wellbeing• A reflective end-of-year message and Christmas wishesFollow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:04 – Coping with festive overwhelm during menopause02:10 – Alcohol, sugar and sleep: why Christmas worsens menopause symptoms03:27 – Comparing your Christmas to social media perfection04:14 – Weight gain fears and letting go of Christmas guilt05:15 – Managing HRT, prescriptions and travel over the holidays05:39 – Handling unsympathetic family members at Christmas07:08 – Menopausal rage, irritation and family tension at Christmas08:33 – Creating space, setting boundaries and protecting your wellbeing08:56 – Christmas message and reflection on the year ahead#menopause #perimenopause #christmas

Struggling to juggle menopause symptoms and family life? You’re not alone. In this special compilation episode, Dr Naomi Potter brings together powerful moments from past guests who’ve shared the realities of parenting through perimenopause and menopause. If you've ever found yourself losing your temper amid menopausal rage, or you're unsure how to communicate to your kids that you're going through some changes, there is no need to feel alone. This episode sheds light on the stories and experiences that most mums can relate to – and offers some helpful tips for those in the thick of it. 💬 Topics include:• Why parenting can feel harder during perimenopause• Real stories from mums navigating symptoms + family demands• How to communicate needs with partners, kids and teens• Practical coping tools for overwhelming days• What support actually helps — emotionally and physicallyFollow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Parenting and menopause: why the struggle feels so real00:25 – Talking to kids about your menopause symptoms00:53 – How to explain hormonal changes to teenagers01:35 – Why timing matters when discussing menopause with your children01:52 – How to answer teens’ questions about perimenopause02:51 – Reassuring teenage girls about future menopause symptoms03:30 – Normalising menopause for the next generation03:54 – When your child’s age triggers unresolved memories04:58 – Understanding anxiety and emotional triggers in menopause05:19 – The link between postnatal depression, PMS and menopause mood changes06:17 – Why mums snap: identifying anger triggers and unmet needs07:11 – How to recognise your early signs of anger07:56 – Parenting teens during peak perimenopause08:44 – Balancing work, caring responsibilities and menopause09:31 – How anxiety and loss of confidence show up in midlife10:41 – Finding support from other menopausal women11:06 – What exercise snacking is and why it helps busy mums12:23 – Making movement accessible during parenting and menopause12:48 – Picking your battles: managing conflict with young children13:51 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi PotterListen to the full episode with:Stacey Duguid: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=YSlfSKgHTf-07DcMjQLx4AKate Lawler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eSbAVhA0ymFYWkGWzV5QP?si=N89k0ce9QE6kFVvFmw7LKgKate Silverton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Qn172LZSPkAMHfoVKvvgb?si=yHf1wmBWQkGHjRG-E_C84gLou Featherstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=Sm5FBC5MSZiz8WRIom4aVQZoe Blaskey: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77B1G47a255EwkzQAsui96?si=kwFAL89SRQe4ZuBOM3hnrgLorraine Candy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=oZpjkeoITnOk52Hyb1zInAKate Varah: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0045i47VBpjHvdotZipA7c?si=1ux-Gbx-SO2BU259sfL3LQLavina Mehta: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UNeIYs6QhMFTjTqnSU1pk?si=N6-7rBbCRzmpRU__PF2gSALouise Boyce: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HLr6inTWAtJS9OkEVsMkx?si=ZgpltgF3TemhmOTVazBwhw#menopause #naomipotter #perimenopause

Why does menopause make so many women feel anxious and overwhelmed?In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down the science behind menopause-related anxiety – and what you can do to feel calm and in control again.From understanding why hormonal shifts can trigger anxiety, to recognising when something else might be going on, Naomi offers clear, compassionate, practical guidance. She also explains the treatments and lifestyle tools that genuinely help. If you can relate to this topic of anxiety in menopause, we hope this episode helps you to feel more grounded, supported, and you again.💬 Topics include:• Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause and menopause• How to tell if your anxiety is hormonal or something else• The surprising ways menopausal anxiety can show up• Evidence-based treatments that actually work• What you can start doing today to ease anxietyFollow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr Naomi Potter:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause00:33 – How menopause anxiety shows up physically and emotionally01:19 – Night-time anxiety and waking panic explained01:38 – Palpitations in menopause: when to worry02:13 – Situational anxiety: driving, public speaking and daily triggers02:36 – Why menopause anxiety fluctuates with no clear pattern02:56 – Can menopause anxiety be treated?03:23 – Hormonal causes of anxiety: oestrogen, progesterone and the brain03:54 – The “perfect storm” of midlife stress and hormonal change04:20 – Does past anxiety predict menopause anxiety?04:42 – Sudden anxiety in your 40s and why it’s often hormonal05:07 – Lifestyle triggers that worsen menopause anxiety05:26 – Hidden sources of caffeine that fuel anxiety05:58 – How alcohol increases menopause anxiety06:21 – How exercise helps reduce anxiety symptoms06:46 – Diet changes that support menopause anxiety07:16 – Non-medical anxiety treatments: CBT, hypnotherapy and more07:41 – Medical treatment options: HRT and non-hormonal therapies08:04 – Beta blockers for managing menopause anxiety08:31 – Antidepressants for menopause anxiety: who they help08:53 – Herbal supplements for anxiety: magnesium, vitamin D, ashwagandha09:23 – How progesterone in HRT affects anxiety10:06 – Understanding your response to oestrogen and progesterone10:29 – First steps to take if you have menopause anxiety10:59 – Listener question: does testosterone affect anxiety?11:59 – Will HRT help with anxiety in menopause?12:46 – Nutrition and the gut–brain axis in menopause anxiety13:18 – Final advice for women with menopause anxiety13:45 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi PotterIf you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about nutritional advice in menopause with Dr Megan Rossi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zhZ4EoIkSbhQHPOAT5GCR?si=yZ_6UFLVRPm3y0G42F6DHQ#menopause #anxiety #perimenopause