Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of mental health and suicide
Many women experience menopause as more than hot flushes and periods stopping. It can also bring a deep sense of flatness, loss of joy, anxiety or even thoughts of hopelessness.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Sally Wainwright OBE, the multiple BAFTA-winning writer and director known for Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Last Tango in Halifax. Her new drama Riot Women on the BBC has already had amazing reviews. Louise was the Medical Consultant for Riot Women.
Sally discusses her personal experience of menopause, and how being prescribed hormones has transformed her wellbeing and how those truths shaped her latest BBC drama, Riot Women. She also talks openly about her mother, who had both osteoporosis and dementia.
Together, they explore the link between menopause and mental health, the cost of silence around hormonal symptoms and the power of honest storytelling to change how women think and talk about menopause, as well as how they access hormone treatments.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not connected to the BBC.
In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / balance-menopause.com/balance-app
LinkedIn 👉 / linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson
TikTok 👉 / tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Watch Sally’s latest BBC Drama, Riot Women 👉
bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hd7x
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
Content advisory: this episode contains themes of mental health and suicide
Many women experience menopause as more than hot flushes and periods stopping. It can also bring a deep sense of flatness, loss of joy, anxiety or even thoughts of hopelessness.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Sally Wainwright OBE, the multiple BAFTA-winning writer and director known for Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Last Tango in Halifax. Her new drama Riot Women on the BBC has already had amazing reviews. Louise was the Medical Consultant for Riot Women.
Sally discusses her personal experience of menopause, and how being prescribed hormones has transformed her wellbeing and how those truths shaped her latest BBC drama, Riot Women. She also talks openly about her mother, who had both osteoporosis and dementia.
Together, they explore the link between menopause and mental health, the cost of silence around hormonal symptoms and the power of honest storytelling to change how women think and talk about menopause, as well as how they access hormone treatments.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not connected to the BBC.
In the UK, you can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you're outside the UK, please reach out to a local crisis support service or emergency medical help.
LET'S CONNECT
Subscribe here 👉 youtube.com/@menopause_doctor
Website 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk
Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast
Download balance app 👉 / balance-menopause.com/balance-app
LinkedIn 👉 / linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson
TikTok 👉 / tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg
LEARN MORE
Watch Sally’s latest BBC Drama, Riot Women 👉
bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hd7x
Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk/education---confidence-in-menopause
