Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

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

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

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

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

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