13 - HRT after 60: myths, facts and finding your own path with Ann Newson

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Jun 24, 2025

In a heartfelt conversation, Ann Newson, mother of Dr. Louise Newson, shares her rich experiences with menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after 60. They tackle common fears surrounding breast cancer and HRT, revealing important insights from past studies. Ann reflects on her journey through a silent generation and the emotional toll it took. With humor and warmth, they advocate for personalized approaches to HRT, emphasizing empowerment and informed choices that enhance well-being at any age.

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ANECDOTE

Life-Changing Early Prescription

Ann Newson was prescribed HRT decades ago and says it “brought her back to life.”
She credits HRT with restoring energy and enabling her to cope with single motherhood and work.

ANECDOTE

Coping Through Grief And Exhaustion

Ann recalls extreme exhaustion after her husband died and managing by putting "one foot in front of the other."
She links that period to low mood that improved after starting HRT.

INSIGHT

WHI Study Misinterpretation Legacy

Louise Newson explains the 2002 WHI study caused mass panic because its results were misreported.
The study mostly used older synthetic hormones and enrolled older women, so its findings don't apply to modern body-identical HRT started earlier.

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In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers.

Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study.

They also explore the crucial differences between the older forms of synthetic HRT derived from pregnant horse’s urine and today’s body identical hormones, which have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by your body.

Ann reflects on her own journey with menopause, shaped by a generation that ‘didn't talk about health issues... periods were “the curse” and menopause was just “the change”.’ She shares powerful memories of struggling through exhaustion and that at times, coping was simply putting ‘one foot in front of the other’.

Together they explore why stopping HRT after the age of 60 should be an individualised choice. Ann also shares her own experiences, frustrations, and how hormones could have possibly impacted her relationship with her daughter, without even realising it.

With warmth, humour, and wisdom, this episode champions the importance of informed choice, patient-centred care, and the right to feel well at any age.

Read more about HRT in later life on Dr Louise’s website here, and an article on the difference between natural and synthetic hormones here.

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Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!

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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Resources

https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/hrt-in-later-life-or-after-menopause