Dr Jo Sewell on the truth about menopause, HRT, symptoms and taking back control Menopause has become one of the most talked-about subjects in women’s health; but how much do we actually understand about what happens to our bodies? In this episode of We Missed The Memo, Leanne is joined by Dr Jo Sewell, a doctor and women’s hormone health specialist at Newson Clinic, for a frank and eye-opening conversation about menopause, perimenopause, HRT and the symptoms women are so often told to simply put up with. Dr Jo brings a fascinating perspective to menopause care, having originally trained and worked as a physiotherapist in women’s health before retraining as a doctor. Her experience includes supporting women with genitourinary symptoms, working with perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and disrupted sleep, and developing a holistic approach to menopause care. In this episode, we get into the questions so many women are asking — and some that they might never have thought to ask. WE DISCUSS: • What actually happens to our hormones during perimenopause and menopause • Why menopause can affect so much more than periods • The huge range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be linked to hormonal changes • Why women can feel like they suddenly don't recognise themselves • Anxiety, panic attacks and sleep problems; and the potential hormonal connection • The difference between perimenopause and menopause • Why some women are diagnosed with anxiety, depression or other conditions before anyone considers their hormones • HRT - what it is, what it can help with and why so many women are still frightened of it • Common myths and misconceptions surrounding HRT • Whether there is an age at which it's "too late" to consider HRT • Menopause and long-term health • The importance of looking beyond the obvious symptoms • Vaginal and urinary symptoms that women often suffer with in silence • Sex, intimacy and the changes menopause can bring • Nutrition, gut health and lifestyle during menopause • The role of exercise and looking after your body as hormones change • Menopause after cancer and why this area can be particularly complex • Why menopause care needs to be individualised • The importance of women being listened to by healthcare professionals • Why knowledge and education can completely change a woman's menopause experience And, most importantly, how women can feel empowered rather than frightened when they enter this stage of life. Dr Jo's approach combines hormonal support with lifestyle and holistic care, with a particular focus on empowering women to understand their symptoms and make informed choices. ABOUT DR JO SEWELL Dr Jo Sewell is a doctor and women’s hormone health specialist at Newson Clinic. She began her career as a physiotherapist working in women’s health, supporting women before and after childbirth as well as women experiencing genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause. She later retrained as a doctor, bringing her physiotherapy experience into her medical practice. Dr Jo has a particular interest in menopause after cancer, menopause in older and younger women, nutrition and gut health, and urinary tract symptoms. She holds the British Menopause Society Advanced Menopause Diploma and is Confidence in Menopause accredited. FIND DR JO Newson Clinic: Dr Jo Sewell – Newson Clinic Instagram: @menopause_doctor @newson_clinic @drlouisenewsonpodcast ABOUT NEWSON CLINIC Newson Clinic provides specialist support for women's hormone health, including perimenopause and menopause, with personalised consultations and treatment. The clinic offers both virtual and face-to-face appointments. LISTEN, WATCH & FOLLOW If this episode has made you question your own menopause experience, share it with a woman who needs to hear it. If you enjoy We Missed The Memo, please subscribe, follow and leave us a review. It genuinely helps more people discover the podcast. Listen to We Missed The Memo wherever you get your podcasts. Follow We Missed The Memo for more honest conversations about women's health, hormones, relationships, motherhood, mental health and all the things nobody gave us the memo on. 🎧 LOVE THE PODCAST? If you enjoy We Missed The Memo, please subscribe, follow and leave us a review. It genuinely helps more people discover the podcast. This podcast is for information and discussion only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
