Mar 28, 2026
Why are so many of us blindsided by anxiety, depression, rage, or even suicidal thoughts in midlife? And why are hormones so often left out of the conversation? I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Louise Newson, a UK-based GP and menopause specialist, to talk about something far too many women experience in silence—mental health struggles during perimenopause and menopause.
We dive deep into what’s really happening in the brain when estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone start to fluctuate or decline. Could your low mood, brain fog, loss of confidence, or even a new ADHD diagnosis be rooted in biology rather than a character flaw? Why are antidepressants often prescribed before anyone even considers hormones? And what happens when we actually treat the root cause?
Dr. Newson shares eye-opening research, powerful patient stories, and practical guidance on how to advocate for yourself or someone you love. How do you know if your symptoms are hormonal? Does dosing matter? And why are we still dismissing something that affects 51% of the population? This episode might just change the way you see midlife forever.
In this episode, we uncover:
- How hormone changes directly impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Why antidepressants often fail when depression is hormone-driven.
- What suicidal thoughts in midlife may reveal about hormonal shifts.
- How proper hormone dosing can transform mental health outcomes.
- Why perimenopause is often harder emotionally than menopause itself.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this just me—or is it my hormones?” then this episode is for you!
Visit Dr. Newson’s website here.
Sponsors
Head to cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONES for 20% off sitewide! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here!
Get 10% off Magnesium Breakthrough By BiOptimzers at bioptimizers.com/hormone with coupon code HORMONE.
Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?
At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.
Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call
Find out what’s really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.
Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com
Shop the Midlife Solutions Store
Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.
Including:
• Progesterone
• Estrogen Face Cream
and more!
Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.
Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).
Women’s Peptide Weight Loss Program
Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.
A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.
Your host:
Karen Martel
Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert