78 – Primodos: The forgotten synthetic hormone scandal
25/06/2026 | 33min
Millions of women were prescribed Primodos as a pregnancy test even though there were concerns that it was associated with many different and often devastating birth defects. More than 60 years later, many of the questions surrounding the drug - which contains synthetic hormones that are still prescribed to women today - remain unanswered. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by ProfessorNeil Vargesson, Professor of Developmental Biology at the University of Aberdeen, whose research into Primodos has helped shine a light on one of themost dreadful drug scandals in modern medicine. Together, they explore how Primodos came to be prescribed, why concerns raised by women were not properly investigated, and why it took 20 years for the drug to be withdrawn. They also discuss what the scandal reveals about the regulation of medicines, the importance of knowing about the difference between synthetic and natural hormones and why this history should never be forgotten. We hope you love the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who might find it helpful. LET'S CONNECT 👉 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/?hl=en&utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ LEARN MORE 👉 Download mybalance app https://balance-app.com/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Order my new book https://bio.to/ThePowerofHormones?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Speak to Newson Clinic https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/?utm_source=louise_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=clinic_cross_promotion 👉 Visit my website https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+
77 – Hormones after cancer: why women deserve a choice
23/06/2026 | 31min
For many women diagnosed with cancer, conversations about hormones end before they’ve even begun. They’re often told they can never take hormone treatment again, without being given the evidence, the options or the opportunity to make an informed choice. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by women’shealth nurse and educator Jill Chmielewski to discuss why so many women are denied balanced information about hormones after cancer, and why this needs tochange. Together, they explore the widespread misconceptionssurrounding hormones, the importance of understanding physiology rather thanrelying on outdated assumptions, and why decisions about treatment should always consider both long term health and quality of life. Whether you’ve had cancer yourself, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to better understand the role hormones play in lifelong health, this episode offers reassurance, evidence and hope. LET'S CONNECT 👉 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/?hl=en&utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ LEARN MORE 👉 Download mybalance app https://balance-app.com/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Order my new book https://bio.to/ThePowerofHormones?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Speak to NewsonClinic https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/?utm_source=louise_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=clinic_cross_promotion 👉 Visit my website https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+
76 – Why migraine is so much more than a headache with Dr Eli Sader
18/06/2026 | 33min
Migraine is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood and often dismissed as “just a headache”. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by neurologist and migraine specialist Dr Eli Sader to explore what migraine really is, why it happens and why it affects so much more than pain alone. Dr.Elie Sader is a double board-certified neurologist and pain physician. Known online as Dr. Painkiller, he creates evidence-based migraine and pain educationacross platforms, cutting through medical misinformation with clinical rigor and a healthy skepticism toward wellness hype. They discuss the different stages of a migraine attack, common triggers, and why symptoms can vary so much between individuals. Eli explains what is happening in the brain during a migraine and why recognising the early signs is so important. Louise and Eli also explore the powerful connection between hormones and migraine, including why fluctuating hormone levels can worsen symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, and also during the menstrual cycle. They talk about how the right treatment approach can help. We hope you love the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who might find it helpful. LET'S CONNECT 👉 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/?hl=en&utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ LEARN MORE 👉 Hear more from Dr Elie Sader on YouTube https://youtu.be/YI14xTnfMqA 👉 Download mybalance app https://balance-app.com/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Order my new book https://bio.to/ThePowerofHormones?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+ 👉 Speak to NewsonClinic https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/?utm_source=louise_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=clinic_cross_promotion 👉 Visit my website https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/?utm_source=DLNpodcast+&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=BAU+
75 – Can technology help us live healthier for longer?
16/06/2026 | 27min
We often talk about living longer, but what about living better? In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by award-winning technology journalist, broadcaster and author Lara Lewington to explore the difference between lifespan and health span, and why the future of healthcare needs to focus on preventing disease rather than simply treating it. They discuss how advances in technology and artificial intelligence could transform the way we understand our health, identify disease risk earlier and personalise healthcare in ways that were previously unimaginable. Louise and Lara also explore the growing role of wearable technology, health tracking and genomics, as well as the challenges that come with having more information about our bodies. We hope you love the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who might find it helpful. LET'S CONNECT Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/ Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/ TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE 👉 Download my balance app 👉 Order my new book 👉 Learn more about Newson Clinic
74 – The case for hormones: choice, health and longevity
11/06/2026 | 27min
For decades, women have been told to fear hormones. But what if understanding them is one of the most important steps you can take for your current and future health? In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by South African GP and functional medicine specialist Dr Mary Atkinson to discuss the vital role hormones play throughout the body and why women deserve better information to make informed choices about their health. Drawing on both her professional expertise and personal experience, Mary explains how hormones influence everything from brain function and bone health to cardiovascular health, inflammation and healthy ageing. Together, Louise and Mary explore the growing evidence around hormone treatments and disease prevention, discuss the importance of individualised care, and examine why so many women still struggle to access accurate information and appropriate treatment. We hope you love the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who might find it helpful. LET'S CONNECT Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/ Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/ TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg LEARN MORE Download my balance app 👉 https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/ Get tickets for my new theatre tour, Breaking the Cycle 👉 https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-breaking-the-cycle/ Order my new book 👉 https://bio.to/ThePowerofHormones
Dr Louise Newson is an award-winning physician, respected women’s hormone specialist, educator, and author committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause, menopause, and lifelong hormone health. Each week, Louise dives into the newest research, treatments and hot topic issues, providing accessible, evidence-based information to empower your future health. Joined by fellow experts and special guests, with answers to your burning questions, Louise explores how hormones impact every aspect of our lives.
Described as the “medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution”, Louise aims to empower a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies, minds and future health through their hormones. She is the creator of the award-winning free balance app, a Sunday Times bestselling author and the founder of the Newson Health clinic. With over three decades of clinical experience, Louise is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs, a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge, a regular contributor to academic journals including the Lancet and the British Journal of General Practice, and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health from Bradford University.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.
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