

Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter
Dr Sophie Shotter
Award winning Dr Sophie Shotter and journalist / writer Fiona Mattesini talk about the latest trends and developments in skincare, longevity, and wellness.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 14, 2025 • 48min
The truth about low testosterone and why so many men need TRT - with Dr Jeff Foster
"Testosterone deficiency is an unknown epidemic amongst men."
Dr Jeff is an NHS GP Partner and a Private GP - with a specialist interest in men’s health. He’s also the Director of Men’s Health at Manual the online men’s health clinic – and the Medical Director and founder of H3 Health, the U.K.’s first male (and female) health clinic aimed at the 40s.
Follow Jeff on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drjefffoster/?hl=en
Find out more about Jeff here: https://www.drjefffoster.co.uk/
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Oct 7, 2025 • 26min
What we now know about eggs, sperm, and fertility (new data, new ideas)
“While you can’t change the *number* of eggs you’re born with, you can change the *quality*”
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Listen to the episode to get the full low-down on everything discussed. Here are a few more notes:
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and Fish:
Studies have also suggested that PUFAs may promote fertility by improving egg quality and implantation (Gaskins & Chavarro, 2018). Several large-cohort studies have shown that women who report higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs have higher fecundability and reduced risk of anovulation (no ovulation). Women who reported a higher intake of trans fatty acids were found to have greater risk of infertility and reduced fecundability (Chavarro et al., 2007; Mumford et al., 2016; Wise et al., 2018). (Trans fatty acids are a type of fat found primarily in fried and other foods that are made with partially hydrogenated oils, and they are known to raise cholesterol levels.)
Women who eat a lot of trans fatty acids have been found to have greater risk of fertility challenges (Chavarro et al., 2007; Mumford et al., 2016; Wise et al., 2018).
Soy:
See this comprehensive summary of the state of the research on phytoestrogens and soy by reproductive endocrinologist Amber Cooper, MD, at the Vios Fertility Institute in St. Louis, Missouri.)
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(19)30621-1/fulltext
Quitting Drinking and Smoking:
Not only does drinking during pregnancy have significant risks for the fetus but drinking when trying to conceive can also pose problems. Alcohol has been shown to reduce female and male fertility, perhaps by impacting sperm quality (Fan et al., 2017; Karmon et al., 2017; La Vignera et al., 2013). If you’re having trouble conceiving, try reducing your alcohol intake.
Smoking can cause reproductive issues and impaired fertility. Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced ovarian function and lower pregnancy rates in women (Vanvoorhis et al., 1996). Male smoking is associated with reduced semen quality, sperm development, sperm maturation, and sperm function (Dai et al., 2015).
Recent studies have suggested that folic acid reduces the risk of miscarriage, while also conferring other benefits, such as better fertility and getting pregnant faster (Gaskins & Chavarro, 2018).
In a study lactolycopene seemed to improve sperm motility and morphology in healthy men, increasing the proportion of fast sperm and normal morphology (Williams et all, 2020).
Women who took FertilityBlend three times a day for three months had significantly more pregnancies (Lynn Marie Westphal et al., 2004). This positive finding was replicated in a subsequent larger controlled study (Westphal, Polan, & Trant, 2006).
https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2018-08/Howtoavoidchemicalsthatcanreduce_fertility.pdf
https://www.su.se/english/research/human-eggs-prefer-some-men-s-sperm-over-others-research-shows-1.503532
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/09/health/sperm-choice-female-eggs-wellness
https://www.healthline.com/health/substance-use/does-weed-affect-sperm#short-answer
https://www.glamour.com/story/foods-that-increase-fertility
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Sep 30, 2025 • 22min
Grounding sheets (and how an insomniac got their "best ever night's sleep")
“Just as the sun gives us vitamin D, why should it seem so strange that the Earth gives us something beyond a surface to walk and build on?”
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Sep 23, 2025 • 37min
A chat with cult facialist and skincare visionary... Sarah Chapman
“I've seen so many fads [and] what I'm interested in is evidence based results.”
Find out more and make a booking at The Skinesis Clinic here: https://www.sarahchapman.com/
Follow Sarah Chapman London on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sarahchapmanlondon/?hl=en
Listen to the episode to get the full low-down on how Sarah ages well.
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Sep 16, 2025 • 19min
Metformin + ivermectin + rapamycin (etc) << a ‘longevity’ drugs explainer
“Some of these have data and others… not so much."
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Some notes and studies etc:
Metformin is increasingly thought to protect against cancer, heart disease, and potentially even Alzheimer’s. Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28802803-metformin-reduces-all-cause-mortality-and-diseases-of-ageing-independent-of-its-effect-on-diabetes-control-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/
Scientists have also shown that Metformin encourages the growth of certain good gut bacteria, which leads to increased production of short-chain fatty acids. Read more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4681099/
A recent longitudinal study shows we still need more research and data. Read more: https://peterattiamd.com/a-recent-metformin-study-casts-doubts-on-longevity-indications/
Dr Sophie mentioned the Targeting Aging with Metformin or TAME study.
Some studies have also shown that metformin can inhibit muscle growth. Read more: https://www.lifespan.io/news/metformin-and-resistance-training-downside-and-upside/#:~:text=Metformin%20restricts%20muscle%20building%20but%20makes%20gene%20expression%20more%20youthful.&text=A%20new%20study%20published%20in,it%20promotes%20youthful%20gene%20expression.
A 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting looked at a study of ivermectin in combination with immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer and showed no significant benefit. Read: https://www.oncologynewscentral.com/asco-conference-coverage
Dr Sophie mentioned Primeadine® Original Spermidine.
MORE STUDIES:
https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/anti-aging-drug-rapamycin-extends-lifespan-as-effectively-as-eating-less
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556523000876
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Sep 9, 2025 • 41min
How to radically improve your digital nutrition - with Dr Kaitlyn Regehr
“We're not the consumers of social media – we’re the product (or rather, our time and attention is).”
Find out more about Dr Kaitlyn here: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/88177-kaitlyn-regehr
Follow Dr Kaitlyn on socials – she does occasionally post! – via https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynregehr/?hl=en-gb
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Sep 2, 2025 • 56min
NEW data / thinking on insulin – from Alzheimer’s to PCOS - Prof Ben Bikman
“This insulin resistance has been shown to begin to occur in people as early as their 20s.”
Find out more about Prof Ben here: https://www.benbikman.com/
Follow Prof Ben here: https://www.instagram.com/benbikmanphd/?hl=en
Find out more about Insulin IQ here: https://insuliniq.com/
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Aug 26, 2025 • 17min
Viagra + Cialis + NEW options for female libido (and does Viagra lower the risk of Alzheimer’s?)
“There’s a lack of research into libido for women [and] this idea that we should only develop drugs that work on the brain rather than giving women a genital stimulant."
NOTES:
A study at UCL found that Viagra might help to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bryan Johnson quoted nearly 10 individual studies that talk about Viagra’s effects on longevity. Read more here: https://www.science.org/content/article/viagra-and-other-unlikely-candidates-lead-hunt-new-longevity-drugs
Here’s the Dr Nathan Bryan episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/loss-of-nitric-oxide-is-directly-linked-to-almost/id1713189123?i=1000664439672
Here’s the Dr Tracy Gapin episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/from-sex-drive-to-fertility-this-is-a-mens-health/id1713189123?i=1000666738097
Cordyceps research has found it to increase testosterone, while a review concluded that it could enhance libido and sexual performance.
Read more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11712663/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791983/
Other references
www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/infographics/three-decades-of-viagra/20202847.article
www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7124/pil#gref
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7430/pil#gref
In 2014, a meta analysis of many studies showed cardioprotective effects of PDE5 inhibitors.
In 2018, Cialis showed improved cardiovascular dysfunction and overactive bladder in rats, and in 2019, it was shown to reverse signs of heart failure in sheep.
In 2021, a study out of Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that PDE5 inhibitors may extend life in men with coronary artery disease.
https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/1/38/6986842
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
Dr Stacy Sims - the world's leading voice on why women need to exercise differently to men
“A lot of the exercise stuff being promoted out there is based on male data [while] looking through a male lens.”
Find out more and get Dr Stacy’s FREE newsletter and articles at: https://www.drstacysims.com/
Get 15% off Dr Stacy’s online courses at https://www.drstacysims.com/product_guide using the code DRSTACYSIMS15OFF
Dr Stacy’s socials:
https://www.facebook.com/drstacysims
https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPD55VPa1ZWx1a_nzWC2VJA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-t-sims-phd/
The below were all mentioned by Dr Stacy:
https://drgabriellelyon.com/
https://www.vaginacoach.com/ and https://www.buffmuffapp.com/
This was the other app mentioned https://www.junofem.com/femfit
Thanks for listening to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter – please rate and review the show if you get a moment.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Aug 12, 2025 • 22min
Why the science world is getting *so* excited about post-biotics (short explainer)
“There are a few really interesting examples of postbiotics' potential in helping ward off disease”
Sophie mentions a few brands – listen in to the episode to find out more (also now adding https://myotahealth.com/ to the mix – a newer prebiotic brand).
The at-home health test eps is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/a-review-of-at-home-health-test-kits/id1713189123?i=1000674816637
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast


