About this episode

Dr Louise Newson discusses misconceptions about HRT and its relationship to breast cancer risk.

Dr Louise Newson challenges the belief that HRT automatically increases breast cancer risk—and explains why the type of hormone, the dose, and the individual woman all matter. She discusses: What the famous 2002 study actually found Why estrogen-only and combined HRT can have different risks Why some women need higher doses because they do not absorb patches or gels properly Why menopause symptoms can include joint pain, palpitations, insomnia, low mood and brain fog Why women are still being prescribed antidepressants instead of hormones The difference between progesterone and synthetic progestogens Why a blood test may not tell the whole story Whether HRT can protect future bone and heart health This is a frank conversation about medical misinformation, women being dismissed, and why “one dose fits all” medicine may be failing women. Buy The Power of Hormones here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Hormones-misinformation-hormones-healthier/dp/1399749935/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Louise Newson

Topics covered

• HRT
• breast cancer risk
• menopause symptoms
• hormone therapy
• medical misinformation
• women's health

Keywords

• HRT
• breast cancer
• estrogen
• progesterone
• menopause
• hormones
• joint pain
• palpitations
• insomnia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Women's Health UK

Products: The Power of Hormones

More episodes of Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

• HYROX athlete Lucy Procter on ADHD, PMDD and the Pressure to Perform · September 8, 2026 · 41 min
• Clara Amfo: “I Feel Powerful” — Her Health Reset, ADHD Diagnosis and Running Journey · August 31, 2026 · 43 min
• GLP-1s, Food Noise and the Return of the Smaller Body · August 25, 2026 · 45 min
• Your Libido Isn’t Broken: Kate Moyle on Sex, Desire and Feeling Like Yourself Again · August 11, 2026 · 59 min
• How to Age Better: Dr Tamsin Lewis on Stress, HRT, Supplements and the Longevity Myths to Ignore · August 4, 2026 · 55 min
• Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Trichologist Annabel Kingsley on What Really Works · July 28, 2026 · 45 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast podcast page.