Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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 of our 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.
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Is 60 too old to start HRT?
02:00 - Ann starting HRT
07:46 - Breast cancer and HRT
16:12 - Why do some people stop HRT?
20:24 - Antidepressants vs HRT
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.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote visit: britishpodcastawards.com/voting
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.
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk
Instagram 👉 instagram.com/drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 / drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfy...
Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
LEARN MORE
Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p...
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p...
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 of our 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.
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Is 60 too old to start HRT?
02:00 - Ann starting HRT
07:46 - Breast cancer and HRT
16:12 - Why do some people stop HRT?
20:24 - Antidepressants vs HRT
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.
We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.
We’re delighted to have been nominated in the Listeners’ Choice category for the British Podcast Awards. There’s still time to vote visit: britishpodcastawards.com/voting
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.
LET'S CONNECT
Website 👉 drlouisenewson.co.uk
Instagram 👉 instagram.com/drlouisenewsonpodcast
LinkedIn 👉 / drlouisenewson
Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfy...
Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
LEARN MORE
Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p...
Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p...
