Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

• Menopause & Parenting: How To Cope When Both Feel Impossible

  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

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• Why Am I So Anxious In Menopause? Causes & Treatments Revealed By Dr Naomi Potter

  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

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• Your Hair & Skin Survival Guide In Menopause – With Dermatologist Dr Archana Rao

  What can we do about hair and skin changes in menopause?In this week’s episode, dermatologist Dr Archana Rao joins Dr Naomi Potter to break down the real science behind menopausal skin and hair changes. Archana is THE expert when it comes to hair and skin specifically in menopause, so you're in perfect hands!From explaining why exactly these changes happen, to outlining the habits and products that can help (and the fads to avoid!), we hope this episode makes you feel more seen and less alone. Hair and skin changes can be distressing. But given the correct information and the right tools, there are things that can be done.💬 Topics include:• Why skin becomes drier, thinner or more reactive• How hormones affect collagen, elasticity & pigmentation• Thinning hair, shedding & pattern changes: what’s normal?• The ingredients that genuinely work (and what to skip)• When to see a dermatologist — and what treatments help most• Affordable routines for healthier midlife skin & hairFollow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr Archana Rao below:Archana's Instagram: @dr_archana_r_raoArchana's website: https://drarchanarao.com/Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Meet Dr Archana Rao: dermatologist specialising in menopause01:14 – Why menopause needs its own dermatology02:04 – Thinning hair in perimenopause03:26 – Hair changes: flags not to ignore05:11 – Receding hairline & eyebrow loss06:48 – “Menopause shampoos” fact checked09:12 – Shedding vs thinning hair10:43 – Minoxidil – everything you need to know13:26 – Why midlife hormones hit your hair so hard15:07 – HRT, testosterone & hair19:27 – Supplements for your hair23:08 – Your evidence-based hair routine in menopause24:11 – Menopause & skin changes25:51 – The ideal midlife skin routine27:10 – What will wreck your menopausal skin28:48 – Daily SPF as anti-ageing29:41 – Adult acne in perimenopause32:29 – Rosacea triggers in midlife37:22 – How to look your best in menopause40:43 – Dr Rao’s go-to moisturisers & final adviceIf you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about gaining confidence during menopause with self love expert Lou Featherstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=T6LMn8nYRMi2_oLxfcN6Cw#skincare #haircare #menopause

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• Your Emergency Toolkit: When You Hit Rock Bottom In Menopause – Dr Naomi Potter

  When Menopause Feels Overwhelming: Understanding the Mental Health Impact Viewer discretion: this episode does contain mention of suicide. Today, Dr Naomi Potter tackles one of the most misunderstood – and under-discussed – aspects of menopause: the severe emotional distress many women experience.Naomi explains why hormonal changes can push women to emotional breaking points, what the data actually tells us, and what to do if you are feeling hopeless. This conversation alone does not equate to medical help. We created this episode first and foremost because we want to shed light on a tough topic many people aren't prepared to talk about.If you can relate to this episode and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call:NHS on 111The Samaritans on 116 123Or ask your GP for an emergency appointmentIn an emergency:Call 999 for an ambulance💬 Topics include:• Why some women experience severe emotional symptoms in menopause• How hormones affect mood, resilience, and mental wellbeing• The real data on emotional distress during perimenopause• Early warning signs to look out for• What to do if everything feels “too much”• Where and how to seek safe, confidential help• Treatments that can support both mood and hormone balanceFollow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – When despair hits in menopause00:31 – Why these feelings matter01:04 – Urgent help for severe menopause symptoms01:56 – Treatments that can ease emotional overwhelm02:26 – How doctors assess mental health in perimenopause02:48 – How common intrusive thoughts are in menopause03:20 – How hormones affect mood in perimenopause04:12 – Why early menopause impacts mental wellbeing04:45 – Hormonal mood changes vs mental health conditions05:37 – Why getting help can feel so hard06:41 – How loved ones can support you07:04 – Why recovery from symptoms takes time07:52 – Why this phase of menopause won’t last forever08:16 – When to seek immediate help08:43 – Why you shouldn’t wait More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

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• Kate Lawler Opens Up About Menopause Struggles (fear of HRT, symptoms & marriage)

  Feel like you've lost yourself in menopause? Don't worry, getting back on track doesn't need to be a gruelling task. In this deeply honest conversation, broadcaster, Big Brother winner, and fellow podcaster Kate Lawler joins Dr Naomi Potter to talk about the emotional and physical toll of menopause. Kate opens up candidly about her fear of taking HRT, the whirlwind of menopause symptoms she's trying to keep at bay, how she wishes she could "give my husband the wife he married back" and so much more.If you have also felt like a hormonal mess with no idea what to fix first, this episode will be an absolute game-changer for you.💬 Topics include:• Kate’s personal journey through perimenopause• The fear and stigma surrounding HRT• How hormone changes can impact relationships• Losing (and rediscovering) your sense of identity• Dr Naomi Potter’s advice for women feeling “not themselves”Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotterFollow Kate Lawler below:Kate's Instagram: @thekatelawlerKate's TikTok: @thekatelawlerKate's YouTube channel: ⁨@katelawlerofficial⁩ Kate's podcast Boj and Kate Have A Lot On Their Plate: https://linktr.ee/bojandkate?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnthf83MQB3QCQlYTqfqJKS2tjJiCSp5weC6KQE7FXsZw0lK5hfZK-punRLoE_aem_w6T5Dd2sv0lkhTOmCneO3Q&brid=twDZS9EANZGY80xeeatMAgFollow her podcast on Instagram: @bogandkate Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterMore info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Meet Kate Lawler00:43 – Winning Big Brother02:33 – Postnatal depression and motherhood 03:28 – Why Kate hid perimenopause (stigma, work, ageism)04:45 – “I don’t feel like me”: perimenopause symptoms 06:59 – Mood swings, heavy periods, anxiety & brain fog09:03 – The blood test that changed everything 10:35 – Early menopause warning at the fertility clinic12:15 – Fear of HRT13:31 – HRT and breast tenderness16:24 – Health anxiety in perimenopause18:10 – Real HRT risks19:11 – Personalising HRT: oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone22:13 – Can extra progesterone help with sleep and anxiety?23:55 – Testosterone on the NHS27:04 – Bone health in early menopause28:57 – Balancing risks: breast cancer headlines vs heart & brain health31:11 – Kate Lawler breaks down about perimenopause35:44 – HRT patches vs gel39:29 – Vaginal oestrogen 44:47 – Setting rest boundaries in midlife51:02 – Why midlife women feel overwhelmed56:05 – “Textbook perimenopause” vs depression57:45 – Listener Questions1:01:00 – Closing thoughts and next steps for Kate Lawler#hrt #menopause #katelawler

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