That was really interesting. I’m perimenopausal and tired of the lack of information coming from the sources it should come from so I have immersed myself in learning over the past week or two. Dr Newson has taught me so much in my trawling. I am making a list and going to see my GP armed with my new knowledge and am determined to find the help I need - help that should be offered, knowledge that should be explained by the professionals, not sought so hard by ourselves. I am hoping I do not have to fight for this with my GP, but am determined to stand my ground, get my life back, get my libido back, get my pelvic floor back (!) and get my joie de vivre back! It boggles the mind that 100% of women go through menopause, over half the world’s population, yet it is hidden as a guilty secret and no knowledge is passed on about it. My Mum said even those who have been through it do not understand it, and that is so true. It’s like we still live in the dark ages, where periods were secret and young girls thought they were dying because nobody ever told them about it until after they started!

Thank you for such a fascinating interview. Last year I was diagnosed as being perimenopausal after suffering 5+ years of ill health. I am one of those women you described in the interview who went from near perfect health to having multiple health issues such as allergies, food intolerances, digestive, circulatory problems, skin problems, sensitivity to sunlighr- plus all of the most common perimenopausal symptoms. Basically my whole life has been turned upside down by the perimenopause. I realise that I have probably been suffering with symptoms for 10 years prior to my diagnosis. I am familiar with both Dr. Louise Newson and Prof. Tim Spector and think they are doing amazing work on the menopause and gut health respectively. If I have one criticism of Dr. Newson it is that she talks about HRT as if it is a cure all for all perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms. Very rarely does she mention that HRT does not suit all women. Unfortunately for me it was like taking poison as it made all of my symptoms worse as the oestrogen caused a vicious cycle by raising my histamine levels thereby making my allergies and intolerances unbearable. It is a shame that Dr. Newson did not mention any of the alternatives to HRT. I had never heard of GyclanAge until listening to this interview so this is definitely another area I shall be looking into to help me on my journey to good health. I am already working on improving my gut microbiome and have join the Zoe health study. I think Prof. Spector and his team are doing an incredible job on educating us on the importance of the gut microbiome and how personalised health care can help. Finally, I would like to say what a brilliant job Rina did in conducting the interview. She was so composed and asked great questions. She should be proud of herself. She's a star!

This was a great discussion. Thank you for the amazing learning experience.

I wish I had known all this information 10 years ago. My question: Are some of the aging-effects of the drop in hormones in peri menopause and menopause reversible if taking HRT in our mid 50s?

Thank you for this very interesting podcast. Could you please provide links to these studies mentioned? Thanks very much in advance!

I'm wondering why if testosterone is equally as important according to this doctor then why is testim not prescribed when you've even had a full hysterectomy and bi-lateral oviotomy as I have at an early age. My GP has refused to prescribe it saying it's not licensed by the GMC and her hands are tied despite my consultant telling me it's essential for libido & energy. I have to pay for a private prescription from him rather than get it from the NHS this is despite him repeatedly telling me it's misinformation that she can't prescribe me testim due to it not being licensed and that there's nothing stopping her from doing so. I'm dead on my feet without it at age 39. We are being failed constantly.

Wonderful tutorial👍 can anyone explain on adrenals, many Dr's claim once your ovaries shut down the adrenals are your back up system providing every hormone.