Dr Louise Newson: Hormones, perimenopause, OCD and mental health (#432)
May 5, 2024
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Dr. Louise Newson, Menopause specialist, discusses hormones and mental health, PMDD, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle impacts, menopause symptoms, teenage hormones, and men's hormones. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare and personalized hormone management.
Hormones significantly impact mental health during perimenopause and menopause, leading to symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is triggered by estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, indicating the need for hormone-based treatments.
Debunking myths, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) benefits heart health, osteoporosis, and overall well-being for menopausal women.
Deep dives
Dr. Louise Nousen's Journey in Medicine and Specialization in Hormones
Dr. Louise Nousen shares her early decision to become a doctor and her journey into specializing in female hormones. Initially interested in cancer medicine, she later shifted to general practice due to her holistic approach to health. Her interest in menopause and hormones grew as she saw the need for better treatment options for women experiencing hormonal imbalances.
The Link Between Hormones and Mental Health
Dr. Nousen discusses the significant link between hormones and mental health, especially during the perimenopause and menopause stages. She emphasizes the often-neglected role of hormones in brain function and mood regulation. Fluctuating or low hormone levels can profoundly impact mental health, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
Dr. Nousen explains PMDD as a severe form of premenstrual syndrome characterized by intense mood-based symptoms before the menstrual period. She highlights how hormone fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone, play a crucial role in triggering and exacerbating PMDD symptoms. Addressing the underlying hormone deficiencies through treatment can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women's Health
Discussing the misconceptions and fears surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Nousen challenges the stigma and misinformation associated with HRT's safety and efficacy. She stresses the benefits of HRT, debunking myths and highlighting its positive impact on heart health, osteoporosis, and overall well-being for women going through menopause.
Impact of Hormones on Mental Health in Adolescents and Men
Dr. Nousen addresses the influence of hormones on mental health in adolescents, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and support young individuals experiencing hormonal changes. She also touches on testosterone deficiency in men and the potential parallels between hormone imbalances in both genders. Further research is needed to explore the role of hormones in mental health conditions like OCD.
UPDATE (30/09/2024): Since this podcast came out, this BBC Panorama episode was released. I am keeping the podcast episode live because I found the conversation with Louise insightful on the topic discussed, but please be aware of some of the criticisms surrounding Dr Newson and her private practice Newson Health. It's important to have a full picture when deciding on the best course of action for our health. Here is Newson Health’s response to the documentary.
In episode 432 I chat with Dr Louise Newson. Louise is a GP and Menopause Specialist, and co-founder of Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre. She is also author of, ‘The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause’.
We discuss her doctor story, hormones and mental health, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the different hormones and their role in mental health, some of the perimenopause and menopause symptoms in relation to mental health, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), anxieties around HRT, other lifestyle factors that may help, teenage hormones, men and hormones, and much more. Hope it helps.
The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories