Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

Dr Naomi Potter
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health. Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits. Whether you’re wondering if HRT is right for you, want to restore your libido, or need a help managing menopause symptoms, this is a safe space for women to face their midlife insecurities. So settle in, embrace the hormones, and enjoy the laughs along the way.

  1. Is Bleeding In Menopause Normal? Doctor Naomi Potter Explains

    2H AGO

    Is Bleeding In Menopause Normal? Doctor Naomi Potter Explains

    Bleeding during menopause? Find out wehn this is normal – and when you should see a doctor. Unexpected bleeding in menopause can feel frightening, but it's actually more common than you may think and often nothing to worry about. To clear any confusion, in this episode, menopause specialist Dr Naomi Potter explains the key differences between bleeding in perimenopause, bleeding while taking HRT, and bleeding after menopause. She breaks down when bleeding is completely normal, when doctors investigate further, and why you should never ignore certain symptoms. 💬 Topics include: • Why bleeding patterns change in perimenopause • What unscheduled bleeding on HRT means • When bleeding should be investigated by your doctor • The most common causes of post-menopausal bleeding • Common benign causes like fibroids and polyps • Why bleeding after menopause should be checked • Treatments that can help control heavy or disruptive bleeding Stay up to date with the podcast by following us on Instagram at: @podcast_naomipotter Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Bleeding in perimenopause explained 00:32 – What bleeding changes are normal in perimenopause 01:12 – When heavy periods should be investigated 01:45 – Causes of heavy bleeding (fibroids, polyps, endometrial changes) 02:05 – Bleeding when starting HRT 02:35 – Unscheduled bleeding on HRT (first 3–6 months) 03:05 – When bleeding on HRT needs investigation 03:35 – Transvaginal ultrasound: what doctors look for 04:15 – Treatments to control bleeding (progesterone, Mirena, dose changes) 04:55 – When to contact your doctor urgently 05:30 – Managing ongoing bleeding on HRT 06:05 – Treatments for heavy periods (Mirena, medications, surgery) 06:45 – How common abnormal bleeding investigations are 07:15 – Most common cause of bleeding after menopause (GSM) 07:55 – Where to find trusted menopause advice #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

    8 min
  2. Caroline Hirons' Secret To Surviving Skincare In Menopause

    6D AGO

    Caroline Hirons' Secret To Surviving Skincare In Menopause

    Today we're revealing the ultimate skincare routine for menopausal women. And the good news? It's super simple! If your skin has become dry, extra sensitive, or you're suffering from acne during midlife, this could be down to menopause. But there are things that can help – and for this week's episode, we're joined by THE skincare expert to reveal all... Dr Naomi Potter is joined by skincare expert and bestselling author Caroline Hirons (aka the “Queen of skincare”) for a funny, no-fluff conversation about menopause skin changes. From perimenopause breakouts and pigmentation to dryness, sagging and sensitivity. Caroline opens up about her own menopause experience, why HRT helped massively, and what actually works when you want results without a 10-step routine. Stay up to date with the podcast by following us on Instagram at: @podcast_naomipotter Follow Caroline Hirons below: Caroline's Instagram: ‪@carolinehirons Caroline's TikTok: ‪@carolinehirons Caroline's YouTube: @CarolineHirons Caroline's skincare brand Skin Rocks: https://skinrocks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooih8b25vzzeLOpU4-KNkHkHqW9J-aN7JvkYQ1eGPdiskK2vJRe Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Caroline Hirons’ skincare career 03:11 – Perimenopause skin changes explained 07:33 – Caroline’s perimenopause experience 10:25 – Post-menopause skin & dryness 11:41 – Early perimenopause skin signs 13:13 – Retinoids: benefits for ageing skin 18:32 – Lifestyle factors affecting skin 19:11 – Why washing your face matters 23:41 – Preventing skin damage early 26:05 – SPF, wrinkles & pigmentation 29:22 – SPF myths and vitamin D 32:56 – Simple daily skincare routine 38:13 – Life after perimenopause 40:08 – Perimenopause overwhelm & skin 44:20 – Caroline’s top menopause advice 49:00 – Skincare routine: morning vs night #carolinehirons #menopause #skincare

    53 min
  3. An Honest Guide To HRT Patches – With Menopause Doctor Naomi Potter

    MAR 2

    An Honest Guide To HRT Patches – With Menopause Doctor Naomi Potter

    Are HRT patches safe – and why do they sometimes stop working? In this week’s episode, menopause doctor Dr Naomi Potter breaks down everything you need to know about HRT patches — how they work, how to use them properly, and why so many women get confused or frightened by the information leaflet. If you’ve ever wondered whether your patch is working properly – or worried after reading the warnings inside the box – this episode will put your mind at ease. 💬 Topics include: • What HRT patches contain (body identical oestradiol explained) • Estrogen-only vs combined patches (Avorel, Evorel Conti, Estradot) • How to use patches correctly (placement, timing & routine) • What to do if your patch falls off • Why swimming, baths & moisturiser affect absorption • The real risk of breast cancer, stroke & heart disease • Common side effects (bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea) • What to do if your HRT “stops working” • Patch allergies & adhesive reactions • Why switching brands can cause problems Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter Follow Dr Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – What Are HRT Patches? (Body-Identical Estrogen Explained) 00:29 – Types of Estrogen Patches: Estradot vs Larger 100mcg Patches 02:32 – Patch Doses: 50 vs 100 Micrograms (Can You Cut Them?) 03:00 – Do You Need Progesterone With Estrogen Patches? 03:55 – Using the Mirena Coil With HRT 04:46 – Everel Sequi vs Everel Conti (Combined HRT Patches Explained) 06:59 – Patch Residue, Wrinkling & Adhesive Problems 07:43 – New Combined Estradot Patch (What’s Coming Next?) 08:08 – HRT Patch Leaflet Warnings: Breast Cancer, Stroke & Heart Risk 09:44 – HRT Patch Side Effects (What’s Normal?) 10:48 – Benefits of Patches: Twice Weekly Dosing 11:12 – Swimming, Baths & Sauna: Do They Affect Absorption? 12:24 – What To Do If Your Patch Falls Off 13:22 – “My HRT Stopped Working” – Dose & Batch Issues 14:09 – Maximum HRT Patch Dose (100mcg Explained) 14:26 – Are You a Good or Poor Absorber? 15:14 – How To Apply Patches Properly (Avoid These Mistakes) 15:38 – GP Prescribing, Brand Switching & Why It Matters 16:06 – Why Not All HRT Patches Feel The Same #hrt #hrtpatch #menopause

    17 min
  4. Am I Losing My Mind?! Or Is This Perimenopause? With Desiree Burch

    FEB 23

    Am I Losing My Mind?! Or Is This Perimenopause? With Desiree Burch

    Brain fog in menopause – who else can relate? In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by comedian, voice actor and presenter Desiree Burch. You might know Desiree from competing on the gameshow Taskmaster, the narrator for Netflix's dating show Too Hot to Handle, or from her current standup comedy tour The Golden Wrath. Desiree opens up about what perimenopause really felt like behind the scenes: the sudden shift from “fine” to not fine, the shock of losing mental sharpness as a professional performer, and the very real trial-and-error of getting HRT right when your body won’t absorb it. She shares the moment she realised this wasn’t “just stress” – including the mental health side that so many women are quietly battling – and why perimenopause can feel like a full-body initiation, not just a list of symptoms. They also discuss what to do when treatment stops working, why follow-up matters, and how midlife can become a turning point for boundaries, self-trust, and giving fewer f***s (in the best way). There are still tickets available for Desiree's tour! Get yours here: https://www.desireeburch.com/the-golden-wrath-tour/ Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter Follow Desiree Burch below: Desiree's Instagram: @destheray Desiree's website: https://www.desireeburch.com/ Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Intro + meet Desiree Burch 00:33 – Performing nerves: “pure panic” + adrenaline 02:58 – Brain fog hits midlife (and comedy suffers) 03:38 – Testosterone + mental acuity when words vanish 06:06 – Identity, misogyny & being misunderstood 07:26 – “Witch initiation” — perimenopause as inner overhaul 08:21 – The HRT train: progesterone first + Mirena 09:00 – Ectopic pregnancy + suicidal thoughts: “Add estrogen” 10:44 – Menopause in silence + not asking your mum 11:55 – Hearing other women’s stories brings relief 13:23 – Hormones vs antidepressants in midlife 14:39 – Penny-drop moment: bleeding, polyps & heavy periods 17:40 – The sudden “flip” + fear of how bad it gets 18:22 – HRT helped — and forced healthier habits 19:59 – Absorption chaos: gels, patches & lozenges 21:50 – What works: regulated options explained 29:39 – When symptoms return: troubleshooting HRT 34:09 – Why menopause care still feels like guesswork 37:46 – Can perimenopause derail careers? 46:08 – The Golden Wrath: show, dementia & women’s stories 52:49 – Listener Qs: partners + “giving fewer f**ks” #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

    1h 1m
  5. More Than The Traitors! Harriet Tyce Opens Up About Sobriety, Reinvention & Witch Trial

    FEB 16

    More Than The Traitors! Harriet Tyce Opens Up About Sobriety, Reinvention & Witch Trial

    What happens when you stop drinking in midlife – and everything starts to change? In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by acclaimed crime author, former criminal barrister and The Traitors star Harriet Tyce. Harriet opens up about the turning points that led her to quit alcohol, why it became the “bedrock” for feeling better, and the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild confidence in her 50s. They also dive into what The Traitors is really like behind the scenes – plus the simple, practical tools Harriet relies on when anxiety or rumination hits. Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter Follow Harriet Tyce on Instagram: @harriet_tyce Order Harriet's new book Witch Trial: https://www.waterstones.com/book/witch-trial/harriet-tyce/9781035411917 Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 Welcome Harriet Tyce + The Traitors intro 03:02 Middle-aged women on The Traitors (strategy + being heard) 06:01 Stepping into power in midlife 09:03 From English degree to choosing law 12:02 Criminal Bar realities + drinking culture 15:04 Motherhood, leaving the Bar, and finding writing 18:03 Blood Orange breakout success + why books struggle to cut through 21:05 Pressure after success + writing process + audience growth 24:01 Witch Trial plot, research, and the “dark imagination” 27:02 Alcohol history + last drink (6 June 2022) 30:01 How sobriety transformed health, routines, and self-worth 33:03 Therapy, resources, and why it’s hard without support 36:00 Social life shifts + what might’ve happened otherwise 39:02 Midlife challenges: access, misinformation, and information overload 42:04 Listener Qs: anxiety hacks + sober socialising tips 49:08 Wrap + final reflections #thetraitors #traitorsuk #drnaomipotter

    50 min
  6. Menopause Is FULL Of Fake News – How To Spot It

    FEB 9

    Menopause Is FULL Of Fake News – How To Spot It

    The internet is full of menopause advice. But how much of it can you actually trust? In this solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explores the growing world of menopause misinformation online – from social media 'experts' to AI-generated health advice and even deepfakes. She explains why menopause care is never one-size-fits-all, and why personalised medical advice still matters more than ever. With more women turning to Instagram, Google and AI for answers, this episode gives you practical tools to help you question what you see online, spot red flags, and feel more confident navigating menopause information safely. Menopause is complex, individual, and deeply personal. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this episode will help you cut through the noise. Follow Dr Naomi Potter: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Why menopause advice online is rising 00:24 – Social media and menopause information boom 00:48 – Why menopause advice isn’t one-size-fits-all 01:08 – How to safely navigate menopause advice 01:36 – Why women use Instagram for menopause advice 02:04 – HRT vs lifestyle: dangers of extreme advice 02:56 – Why menopause clickbait works 03:23 – Why personalised menopause care matters 04:25 – Can AI give safe menopause advice? 04:51 – Why AI menopause answers can be wrong 05:25 – The risks of AI medical misinformation 05:56 – What menopause deepfakes actually are 06:26 – How menopause experts are faked online 06:56 – 3 ways to spot fake menopause advice 08:26 – How to check menopause specialist credentials 09:07 – Can anyone call themselves a menopause expert? 09:56 – Why quick online health answers feel reassuring 10:29 – Why doctors still matter in menopause care 10:54 – When AI gives unsafe HRT advice 11:20 – The safest way to get menopause advice #menopause #drnaomipotter #fakenews

    12 min
  7. 8 Celebs Open Up About Nightmarish Perimenopause Diagnoses

    FEB 2

    8 Celebs Open Up About Nightmarish Perimenopause Diagnoses

    For years, these women were told they were depressed. Anxious. Burnt out. Even bipolar. In this powerful compilation episode of Is It Hot In Here?, we share eight moments from past celebrity guests where the penny finally dropped — the real cause of their symptoms wasn’t a psychiatric disorder, stress, or personal failure… it was perimenopause. From fears of early-onset dementia and brain tumours, to antidepressants prescribed as a quick but ineffective fix, these stories expose how often women’s hormonal transitions are misunderstood, dismissed, or missed entirely. If you’ve ever been told “it’s just anxiety”, “it’s probably stress”, or “this happens to everyone” — this episode is for you. Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter Follow Dr Naomi Potter: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Lorraine Candy: mistaking perimenopause for a brain tumour 00:54 – Lisa Snowdon: perimenopause being overlooked by depression 01:47 – Cally Beaton: perimenopause misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder 05:17 – Lavina Mehta: a fear of Alzheimer's overshadowing perimenopause diagnosis 06:08 – Kate Lawler: mistaking perimenopause for heart problems 07:01 – Naga Munchetty: Women's pain not being taken seriously 07:56 – Rosie Nixon: menopause symptoms being shrugged off as anxiety 09:58 – Bryony Gordon: perimenopause causing OCD to flare up Watch Naomi's full conversation with: Lorraine Candy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=io10fuoHT8y5zbZfWjOdLw Lisa Snowdon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WJEhycgRWgk6QqZqdhcMm?si=4gvi2yhCQ5GdAovMPxKtWQ Cally Beaton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l6DH9H9VyfR8Wz9kgvZR1?si=0evUO6oxSxqu86dKyWfkjw Lavina Mehta: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UNeIYs6QhMFTjTqnSU1pk?si=cBLu6umbRFKYYljT8U7_6A Kate Lawler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eSbAVhA0ymFYWkGWzV5QP?si=CDhKbqL3QCOmD_J0h8AmXg Naga Munchetty: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kSIqsjmTaxELkjGiv3Ojh?si=7HYXdgmnRLeI8jWn-CdkzQ Rosie Nixon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zWwGun1xjFISmV2hI6FHY?si=SQObyoaYS-mIOR04U53fNA Bryony Gordon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HvWsF9n00VTSyRVDqutLQ?si=PRuD7GFXST26J_Ow3oeUKQ #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

    12 min
  8. 9 Surprising Menopause Symptoms (and what to do about them)

    JAN 26

    9 Surprising Menopause Symptoms (and what to do about them)

    Nobody warns you about half of the symptoms that come with menopause. In this solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks through some of the more surprising, and often unspoken, symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause. The ones that don’t always make it onto the usual checklists, but regularly show up in clinic. From itchy ears and tinnitus to heart palpitations, sudden bladder urgency and even unexpected changes in libido, Naomi explains why these symptoms happen, how hormones influence them, and when to seek reassurance or support. Oestrgoen affects every organ system in the body, so it's not surprising that menopause can show up in various weird and wonderful ways. If you’ve ever felt confused, worried, or brushed off because a symptom didn’t seem 'menopausal enough', this episode is for you. You’re not imagining it – and you’re certainly not alone. Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter Follow Dr Naomi Potter: Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ 00:00 – Surprising menopause symptoms nobody warns you about 00:22 – Is tinnitus a sign of menopause? Ringing ears explained 01:24 – Are itchy ears linked to perimenopause and menopause? 02:50 – What is lightning fanny? Sharp vaginal pains in menopause 04:21 – Can menopause cause a sudden increase in libido? 05:26 – Burning mouth syndrome and menopause: what to know 07:13 – Body odour changes in menopause: why you smell different 08:25 – New allergies and sensitivities during menopause 10:54 – Heart palpitations in menopause: when to worry 12:12 – Sudden urinary urgency and menopause explained #menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

    14 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health. Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits. Whether you’re wondering if HRT is right for you, want to restore your libido, or need a help managing menopause symptoms, this is a safe space for women to face their midlife insecurities. So settle in, embrace the hormones, and enjoy the laughs along the way.

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