In a special episode to mark World Menopause Month, and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Rebecca Lewis, co-founder of Newson Health.

Together they cover some of the most frequently asked questions about perimenopause, menopause and HRT, including:

• When should I expect symptoms to improve after starting HRT?
• How long can I take HRT for?

Plus advice on taking a holistic approach to menopause, tracking your symptoms, and talking to your healthcare professional.

Dr Rebecca also suggests three things women and healthcare professionals should consider about hormones:

1. Know there is a difference between older synthetic hormones and body identical, natural hormones
2. Be aware of the health benefits of HRT
3. The importance of shared decision making and patient-centred care.

You can download the balance app here, and the Easy HRT prescribing guide mentioned in the episode here.

For more information on Newson Health, click here.

Dr Louise Newson’s first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.

Joining Dr Louise on this week’s episode is Victoria Faulkner, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes in childhood. Victoria talks about day to day life managing menopause and diabetes, as well as her experiences of a surgical menopause due to treatment for endometriosis.

Finally she shares the three things she thinks women with type one diabetes should know about hormonal health, and what has helped her personally:

1. Familiarise yourself with the NICE guidelines on diabetes and see what you can access to monitor your diabetes
2. Use a body map to track your symptoms ahead of any appointments you have to help discussions on any symptoms you might be experiencing
3. Ask your healthcare professional for a continuous glucose monitor to help monitor your blood sugars and spot any patterns, and if possible, push for a sensor augmented pump system to monitor any highs or lows.

For more information on Newson Health, click here.

Dr Louise Newson’s first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, takes place 27 September to 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.

Content advisory: this podcast contains themes of mental health and suicide

Joining Dr Louise on the podcast this week is Linda Gask, retired psychiatrist and author of new book Out of Her Mind: How We Are Failing Women's Mental Health and What Must Change.

In her book, Linda draws on the lived experiences of women, alongside expert commentators, recent history, current events, and her own personal and professional experience to look at women’s mental healthcare today.

Dr Louise and Linda discuss the challenges women face in accessing mental health treatment, the importance of understanding the impact of hormones on women's mental health, and the need for women to be listened to.

Find out more about Linda’s book here.

For more information on Newson Health, click here.

Dr Louise Newson’s first-ever live theatre tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, runs until 12 November. For more information and tickets, click here.

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