In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Professor Mike Kirby, president of the British Society for Sexual Medicine and author of more than 450 clinical papers and 32 books. He was previously director of the Hertfordshire Primary Care Research Network, visiting professor to the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, and was attending physician to the Prostate Centre, London, where he dealt with complex medical problems until 2020.

Dr Newson and Professor Kirby discuss the importance of hormone health for both men and women, including testosterone. They also explore the benefits of phosphodiesterase inhibitors – which include Viagra – in treating not only erectile dysfunction, but their potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, urinary symptoms, dementia, and even cancer.

Professor Kirby is one of the speakers at the upcoming Newson Conference: The Hormone Blueprint, which will be held in London on 21 March. An event for healthcare professionals, the conference will delve into the far-reaching impact of hormones on the body. For more information and to book your place, click here.

Click here to find out more about Newson Health.

Content advisory: this episode includes themes of mental health and suicide

In this week’s podcast, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Rachel Jones to delve into the critical role hormones, particularly progesterone, play in women's mental health. They discuss the importance of understanding hormonal changes throughout a woman's life, the differences between natural and synthetic hormones, and the need for individualised treatment plans.

The conversation emphasises the significance of balancing hormones and considering lifestyle factors that impact mental health. Dr Louise and Dr Rachel share insights on how natural progesterone can help with mental health symptoms, including mood and anxiety, and encourage women not to give up on finding the right hormonal balance for them.

Click here to find out more about Newson Health.

Find out more about Dr Rachel on Instagram @the_hormone_clinic

Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Content advisory: this episode includes themes of mental health and suicide

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Rachel Birch, a doctor who shares her personal journey of menopause, mental health and alcohol addiction. Rachel discusses the lack of training on menopause in medical education, her experiences with anxiety and depression, how she found herself using alcohol as a coping mechanism and how she is navigating her recovery. Rachel emphasises the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and self-love in recovery. The conversation also highlights the need for better awareness and understanding of menopause and its impact on mental health.

Rachel also shares the following advice if you find yourself struggling with addiction:

• Listen to your body and trust your instinct
• Be your own advocate – you know your body best
• Prevention is better than cure: be alert to drinking habits
• Don't suffer alone, reach out for help.

Click here to find out more about Newson Health

Contact the Samaritans for 24-hour, confidential support by calling 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.