Is It Hot In Here? Menopause Podcast

• How Your Own Trauma Impacts Menopause – Child Therapist Kate Silverton Explains

  How can past trauma crop lead to burn out, menopausal problems, and other health issues later in life?In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks to former BBC News presenter turned child therapist Kate Silverton. She opens up about her own menopause journey; in her 20s, Kate had a life threatening health issue that led to the removal of her left ovary. Years later, the faced a full hysterectomy which plunged her into medically induced menopause overnight. As this experience unfolded, Kate learnt the importance of not 'grinning and bearing' our way through menopause, but recognising the mental load that comes with it and the need to ask for help. But we aren't just focussing on Kate's own experience today. We're shedding light on a fascinating study that Kate brings to the table. Together, the pair unpick the link between past trauma and burnout in midlife, how unresolved childhood experiences can resurface during menopause, and the crucial role therapy can play in building resilience.Warm, wise, and full of honest truths, we hope you all enjoy this conversation.Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinhere_podcastFollow Kate Silverton below:Kate's Instagram: @katesilverton Kate's TikTok: @katesilvertonofficialKate's website: https://www.katesilverton.com/Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterFurther reading and sources for the link between childhood trauma and burnout later in life: Scared Sick by Meredith Wiley: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scared-Sick-Childhood-Trauma-Disease-ebook/dp/B06XCD4L9SThe book Scared Sick: The Role of Childhood Trauma in Adult Disease by Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith Wiley explores how early life stress and trauma—especially in infancy and early childhood—can lead to long-term dysregulation of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.Key Conclusion Related to Women in Their Forties:The authors highlight that many women in their 40s begin to experience immune-related illnesses (like autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or inflammatory conditions) that seem to appear “out of nowhere.” However, Scared Sick argues that these conditions are often the long-delayed effects of unresolved early trauma or chronic stress.00:00 – Kate Silverton’s menopause story02:02 – Surgical menopause and its immediate impact04:06 – Stopping HRT while travelling05:59 – Feeling low and visiting the GP08:55 – Realising the impact of losing ovaries10:46 – Deciding to restart HRT12:21 – Finding the right HRT dose14:27 – Options for changing HRT methods16:47 – GP knowledge and when to see a specialist17:24 – Menopause management as an art and a science18:38 – Factors affecting how HRT works19:05 – Testosterone replacement – who it’s for21:23 – Career change from journalism to child therapy25:07 – How childhood trauma can resurface at menopause28:58 – Addressing anxiety when HRT isn’t enough30:07 – The pressure on modern women and need for community33:09 – Research linking early trauma and menopause symptoms34:45 – Advice for menopausal women with a trauma history36:33 – Where to find trauma-informed help38:22 – The myth of perfection and self-compassion39:29 – Managing menopausal rage with children43:45 – Rebuilding communication with family during menopause48:59 – Where to find Dr Naomi Potter’s resources#katesilverton #menopause #childhoodtrauma

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• Why Your HRT Isn't Working (and how to fix it)

  Why is your Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) not working properly? Dr. Naomi Potter – menopause specialist – explains why in today's episode. From incorrect doses and unexpected side effects, there are a number of reasons why your HRT might not be offering the results you're hoping for. However, the brighter side is there is nearly always something that can be done about it.Please note, this episode is not a substitute for medical advice and we do encourage any women watching, who are struggling with their HRT for menopause, to speak to their own GP and seek further information where necessary. Stay up to date with the podcast by following us on Instagram at: @hotinhere_podcastFollow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568826081861&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=4ZBW1Wvx7aqTigrV&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18evLF7Fep%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#00:00 – Introduction: Why your HRT might not be working00:29 – Why some women don’t feel benefits01:21 – Managing HRT side effects01:53 – Why it’s important not to switch HRT too soon02:14 – Is HRT a quick fix?03:12 – Common reasons HRT may not work03:40 – Reason 1: Your dose might be too low04:31 – Reason 2: You’re not absorbing it properly06:00 – Why symptoms can return over time07:54 – Lifestyle factors affecting your HRT08:27 – How activity and water impact HRT patch absorption09:44 – When to consider switching from HRT patches10:32 – HRT and bleeding: What to expect11:13 – Managing bleeding without a coil11:41 – Weight loss drugs and progesterone absorption12:40 – Mood-related side effects of progesterone13:29 – Adjusting how you take progesterone13:51 – What is a low-progesterone regime?14:18 – Oestrogen-related side effects: Migraine and breast tenderness15:21 – How to manage breast tenderness15:48 – HRT and fluid retention16:32 – Could your HRT product be faulty?18:15 – What to ask your doctor if HRT isn’t working18:42 – What are the alternatives to HRT?19:37 – Non-hormonal medications for symptom relief19:58 – Are herbal remedies effective for menopause?20:20 – Psychological therapies and complementary treatments20:45 – Final advice and where to learn moreFor more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/#hormonereplacementtherapy #hrt #menopause

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• Everyone Said I Was Bipolar, But It Was ACTUALLY Menopause – Cally Beaton Finally Speaks Out

  How can perimenopause be mistaken for bipolar disorder? In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks to comedian, writer and speaker Cally Beaton about how she was wrongly diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was actually perimenopausal — a misdiagnosis that happens in more cases than you might realise. Cally also shares how she reinvented herself in midlife to become a stand-up comedian, how she's struggling to access the HRT she needs, and gets advice from Dr Naomi Potter on how to beat those menopause-induced nighttime surges of anxiety. This is an eye-opening conversation full of laughter, information, and great advice for midlife women.Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinhere_podcastFollow Cally Beaton below:Cally's Instagram: @callybeatoncomedianCally's TikTok: @callybeatoncomedianCally's podcast Namaste Motherf**kers: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/namaste-motherf-kers/id1562113984Cally's new book Namaste Motherf**kers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Namaste-Motherf-kers/dp/B08JJZF3MCFollow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter00:00 – Intro to Cally00:28 – From TV boardrooms to comedy clubs00:59 – Joan Rivers gives life-changing advice02:33 – Taking the leap into standup03:21 – From corporate gloss to vulnerability04:26 – Learning through failure in comedy05:05 – Balancing comedy and corporate life05:35 – cComedy secret revealed in New York07:51 – The hormonal chaos of our 40s08:42 – Perimenopause is the real issue09:19 – When Cally hit rock bottom10:23 – Juggling too much and crashing10:54 – Post-stage breakdown and relentless tears11:25 – Accessing private psychiatric treatment12:08 – Diagnosed with bipolar at 4712:54 – Prescribed heavy-duty bipolar meds13:46 – Finally a GP mentions hormones14:16 – Realising it was perimenopause all along14:36 – Off bipolar meds, onto HRT15:08 – Misdiagnosis of women in psychiatry16:34 – Hormonal turbulence or psychiatric issue?17:14 – Fear of long-term bipolar medication18:01 – Finally coming off the wrong meds19:34 – Overprescribing and polypharmacy problems20:11 – HRT patch frustration begins20:49 – Side effects and stock issues22:10 – Why HRT access is so hard25:06 – Perimenopause symptoms: depression to anxiety25:55 – Hot flushes, night sweats and brain fog26:35 – The stubborn menopause tummy fat27:15 – Brain fog vs stage clarity27:51 – Crippling sleep anxiety in midlife29:02 – Sleep schedule struggles as a comedian29:26 – Cally’s current HRT regime30:03 – Trouble replacing the mirena coil30:56 – Alternative progesterone options31:48 – Regular pushback from GPs32:31 – Long-term safety of HRT33:36 – Alternatives to HRT patches34:35 – Chronic sleep deprivation struggles35:07 – Could progesterone help with sleep?35:28 – Questions from Cally’s community35:45 – When is a good time to stop HRT?36:24 – Managing withdrawal and symptoms36:46 – On max HRT and still foggy37:09 – Lifestyle factors beyond hormones38:05 – Absorption issues and patch quality38:28 – Testosterone and brain clarity39:00 – What to expect post-menopause39:49 – Hormonal chaos eventually settles40:44 – Libido tips and tricks41:15 – Understanding the causes of low libido43:12 – Cally’s upcoming book and tour44:07 – Fearless reinvention through midlife44:50 – Mess, midlife, and moving forward46:10 – Outro#callybeaton #naomipotter #namastemotherfuckers

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• Parenting Expert: Why New Mums Need To Rethink Motherhood – Zoe Blaskey

  We're looking about parenting all wrong in today's world – and you're about to find out why.This week, we're doing something a bit different and opening up a conversation about something that often overlaps with menopause, and we're seeing more and more of our audience talking about... motherhood!We know that more and more women in the western world are parenting later in life, which means raising a family is often colliding with the oncoming storm of perimenopause / hormonal turbulence. So what's the secret to coping?!Let's hear from the expert.This week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by parenting specialist, coach, and podcaster Zoe Blaskey to explore the hidden pressures mothers face during midlife and why so many women feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and guilty.Zoe introduces us to the concept of matrescence – the psychological and physical transition into motherhood – and explains why this stage of life needs the same awareness and support as menopause. Together, they discuss practical ways to protect your energy, manage your mindset, and parent with more compassion towards yourself, even on the toughest days.If you’re a busy, burnt-out mum wondering, “Is it just me?”, this conversation will leave you feeling seen and supported.Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinhere_podcastFollow Zoe Blaskey below:Zoe's Instagram: @zoeblaskeyZoe's TikTok: @zoeblaskeyZoe's podcast Motherkind: https://www.motherkind.co/podcastFollow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterFor more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/00:00 – Introduction to Zoe Blaskey01:47 – What is matrescence?03:19 – Questioning identity after motherhood04:29 – Why matrescence needs recognition05:22 – Birth trauma and lack of support06:14 – Sleep deprivation and confidence dips06:48 – The need for paternity leave07:22 – Managing energy as mothers08:08 – Two-minute rule for energy08:42 – The phone battery analogy09:38 – Knowing what recharges you10:11 – Why self-care isn't enough10:49 – Energy management over self-care11:31 – Please follow and share, and an intro to Motherkind12:26 – Parallels with menopause awareness13:44 – Backlash around menopause conversations15:04 – Social media polarisation15:31 – Criticism of working mothers16:27 – Matrescence and perimenopause overlap17:04 – Being a friend to yourself18:15 – Using self-talk to shift perspective19:37 – Practising self-compassion20:11 – Negativity bias in motherhood20:44 – Noticing what you’ve done21:33 – Listener question: conflict with kids22:09 – Why we snap at our kids23:05 – Understanding anger triggers24:16 – Recognising bodily cues24:54 – Regulating in the moment25:26 – It's normal to shout sometimes25:48 – It's OK to feel annoyed26:19 – Listener question: hormones and emotions27:32 – Self-awareness before perimenopause28:07 – Warning close ones about changes28:38 – Recognising symptoms and seeking help29:30 – Thank you and reflections30:09 – Where to find more resources#zoeblaskey #matrescence #naomipotter

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• Where Are All The Midlife Women?! TV Icon Sally Lindsay Speaks Out

  Why do women over 40 disappear from our screens? This week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by actress, writer, and producer Sally Lindsay to unpack why midlife women — and their real experiences with menopause, motherhood, and ageing — are still invisible in TV and film.You might know Sally best from her role as Michelle in The Royle Family, or Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street, or even Piella Bakewell in Wallace and Gromit! But most recently, she's been starring, writing and producing the Madame Blanc Mysteries, in which Sally plays antique dealer Jean White. Sally talks about how important this job is to her – how she's putting midlife women in the limelight – and how women can bring far more to the table both on camera and behind the scenes compared to men.This is an empowering, funny, and honest conversation reminding us that women in midlife deserve to be seen — and heard.Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinherepodcast_drnaomipotterFollow Sally Lindsay below:Sally's Instagram: @sallylindsay73Watch The Madame Blanc mysteries on Channel 5: https://www.channel5.com/show/the-madame-blanc-mysteries/season-3/d5639acf-4ec1-4a52-b4a8-6fdf7ed378cfFollow Dr. Naomi Potter below:Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotterNaomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18evLF...For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/Submit a question for Naomi to read at: [email protected]:00 – Welcome & introduction02:02 – Why TV still prefers men in key roles03:01 – The struggle to get female-led dramas made04:34 – Where are all the female writers in TV?05:42 – Motherhood, childcare & losing women in the industry07:05 – Midlife women and missing roles on screen08:33 – Why Sally writes roles for women over 5010:05 – The reality of casting women in midlife11:04 – Bringing menopause and hot flushes to TV12:32 – The power (and freedom) of menopause14:09 – Sally’s personal perimenopause journey16:02 – Brain fog, anxiety & the fear of losing yourself18:03 – The life-changing impact of HRT20:02 – Managing anxiety during menopause22:04 – The battle women face getting HRT24:03 – Sally’s experience starting HRT26:03 – Travelling with HRT & the stress of access28:04 – If men went through this, it would be everywhere30:05 – Why has progress on menopause care stalled?32:02 – Support (or lack of) from friends who didn’t struggle33:04 – Listener question: Balancing career & family life36:02 – Listener question: Anxiety, brain fog & confidence at work39:01 – Final thoughts & where to find support#sallylindsay #madameblanc #naomipotter

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