Does Christmas feel overwhelming instead of joyful during menopause?

In this festive solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter talks honestly about why Christmas can feel especially hard during perimenopause and menopause. We're breaking down how you can protect your energy, mood, and wellbeing during the most pressured time of year.

From navigating family dynamics and emotional overload, to letting go of comparison and unrealistic expectations fuelled by social media, Naomi offers reassurance, perspective and practical advice. She also reflects on the year gone by and shares a heartfelt Christmas message with listeners.

💬 Topics include:

• Why Christmas stress can hit harder during menopause

• Managing family expectations and emotional overwhelm

• Letting go of comparison and “perfect Christmas” pressure

• Simple ways to protect your energy and wellbeing

• A reflective end-of-year message and Christmas wishes

Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Naomi Potter:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:04 – Coping with festive overwhelm during menopause

02:10 – Alcohol, sugar and sleep: why Christmas worsens menopause symptoms

03:27 – Comparing your Christmas to social media perfection

04:14 – Weight gain fears and letting go of Christmas guilt

05:15 – Managing HRT, prescriptions and travel over the holidays

05:39 – Handling unsympathetic family members at Christmas

07:08 – Menopausal rage, irritation and family tension at Christmas

08:33 – Creating space, setting boundaries and protecting your wellbeing

08:56 – Christmas message and reflection on the year ahead

#menopause #perimenopause #christmas

Struggling to juggle menopause symptoms and family life? You’re not alone.

In this special compilation episode, Dr Naomi Potter brings together powerful moments from past guests who’ve shared the realities of parenting through perimenopause and menopause. If you've ever found yourself losing your temper amid menopausal rage, or you're unsure how to communicate to your kids that you're going through some changes, there is no need to feel alone.

This episode sheds light on the stories and experiences that most mums can relate to – and offers some helpful tips for those in the thick of it.

💬 Topics include:

• Why parenting can feel harder during perimenopause

• Real stories from mums navigating symptoms + family demands

• How to communicate needs with partners, kids and teens

• Practical coping tools for overwhelming days

• What support actually helps — emotionally and physically

Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Naomi Potter:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Parenting and menopause: why the struggle feels so real

00:25 – Talking to kids about your menopause symptoms

00:53 – How to explain hormonal changes to teenagers

01:35 – Why timing matters when discussing menopause with your children

01:52 – How to answer teens’ questions about perimenopause

02:51 – Reassuring teenage girls about future menopause symptoms

03:30 – Normalising menopause for the next generation

03:54 – When your child’s age triggers unresolved memories

04:58 – Understanding anxiety and emotional triggers in menopause

05:19 – The link between postnatal depression, PMS and menopause mood changes

06:17 – Why mums snap: identifying anger triggers and unmet needs

07:11 – How to recognise your early signs of anger

07:56 – Parenting teens during peak perimenopause

08:44 – Balancing work, caring responsibilities and menopause

09:31 – How anxiety and loss of confidence show up in midlife

10:41 – Finding support from other menopausal women

11:06 – What exercise snacking is and why it helps busy mums

12:23 – Making movement accessible during parenting and menopause

12:48 – Picking your battles: managing conflict with young children

13:51 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi Potter

Listen to the full episode with:

Stacey Duguid: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dgl8cSiJPxrqd6PAxIfHb?si=YSlfSKgHTf-07DcMjQLx4A

Kate Lawler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eSbAVhA0ymFYWkGWzV5QP?si=N89k0ce9QE6kFVvFmw7LKg

Kate Silverton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Qn172LZSPkAMHfoVKvvgb?si=yHf1wmBWQkGHjRG-E_C84g

Lou Featherstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=Sm5FBC5MSZiz8WRIom4aVQ

Zoe Blaskey: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77B1G47a255EwkzQAsui96?si=kwFAL89SRQe4ZuBOM3hnrg

Lorraine Candy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=oZpjkeoITnOk52Hyb1zInA

Kate Varah: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0045i47VBpjHvdotZipA7c?si=1ux-Gbx-SO2BU259sfL3LQ

Lavina Mehta: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UNeIYs6QhMFTjTqnSU1pk?si=N6-7rBbCRzmpRU__PF2gSA

Louise Boyce: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HLr6inTWAtJS9OkEVsMkx?si=ZgpltgF3TemhmOTVazBwhw

#menopause #naomipotter #perimenopause

Why does menopause make so many women feel anxious and overwhelmed?

In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down the science behind menopause-related anxiety – and what you can do to feel calm and in control again.

From understanding why hormonal shifts can trigger anxiety, to recognising when something else might be going on, Naomi offers clear, compassionate, practical guidance. She also explains the treatments and lifestyle tools that genuinely help. If you can relate to this topic of anxiety in menopause, we hope this episode helps you to feel more grounded, supported, and you again.

💬 Topics include:

• Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause and menopause

• How to tell if your anxiety is hormonal or something else

• The surprising ways menopausal anxiety can show up

• Evidence-based treatments that actually work

• What you can start doing today to ease anxiety

Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Naomi Potter:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause

00:33 – How menopause anxiety shows up physically and emotionally

01:19 – Night-time anxiety and waking panic explained

01:38 – Palpitations in menopause: when to worry

02:13 – Situational anxiety: driving, public speaking and daily triggers

02:36 – Why menopause anxiety fluctuates with no clear pattern

02:56 – Can menopause anxiety be treated?

03:23 – Hormonal causes of anxiety: oestrogen, progesterone and the brain

03:54 – The “perfect storm” of midlife stress and hormonal change

04:20 – Does past anxiety predict menopause anxiety?

04:42 – Sudden anxiety in your 40s and why it’s often hormonal

05:07 – Lifestyle triggers that worsen menopause anxiety

05:26 – Hidden sources of caffeine that fuel anxiety

05:58 – How alcohol increases menopause anxiety

06:21 – How exercise helps reduce anxiety symptoms

06:46 – Diet changes that support menopause anxiety

07:16 – Non-medical anxiety treatments: CBT, hypnotherapy and more

07:41 – Medical treatment options: HRT and non-hormonal therapies

08:04 – Beta blockers for managing menopause anxiety

08:31 – Antidepressants for menopause anxiety: who they help

08:53 – Herbal supplements for anxiety: magnesium, vitamin D, ashwagandha

09:23 – How progesterone in HRT affects anxiety

10:06 – Understanding your response to oestrogen and progesterone

10:29 – First steps to take if you have menopause anxiety

10:59 – Listener question: does testosterone affect anxiety?

11:59 – Will HRT help with anxiety in menopause?

12:46 – Nutrition and the gut–brain axis in menopause anxiety

13:18 – Final advice for women with menopause anxiety

13:45 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi Potter

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about nutritional advice in menopause with Dr Megan Rossi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zhZ4EoIkSbhQHPOAT5GCR?si=yZ_6UFLVRPm3y0G42F6DHQ

#menopause #anxiety #perimenopause