Rethink everything you’ve been told about hormones – with Dr Louise Newson

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Wellbeing Team

21 May, 2026
Rethink everything you’ve been told about hormones – with Dr Louise Newson

Thought hormones were just for period regulation and menopause support? In this eye-opening conversation, GP and hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson joins Liz to explain the surprising role progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone play in everything from brain health to inflammation.

They discuss the misinformation that’s letting women down, the crucial difference between body-identical and synthetic hormones, and why progesterone may be far more powerful than most of us realise.

Louise also explains why cholesterol is essential for hormone production, how testosterone is a natural painkiller, and the questions every midlife woman should feel confident asking about her health and treatment options.

Stream the episode below, or download the recording via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

5 surprising truths about your hormones

For most of us, hormones are something that affect periods, fertility and hot flushes. But according to Dr Louise Newson, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what hormones actually do for our brains, bones, mood, heart health and long-term wellbeing.

So much of what we’ve been told about hormones may be outdated, oversimplified – or simply wrong. Louise explains why understanding what hormones really do is key for midlife women getting the right treatment. Here are five things that might surprise you.

They’re behind far more than menopause symptoms

One of the biggest misconceptions, says Louise, is that hormones are only relevant when periods stop. “There’s so much misinformation and misunderstanding of basic physiology – how our body works and responds to natural hormones,” she says.

In reality, progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone influence almost every system in the body – including the brain, immune system, muscles, metabolism and nervous system.

Louise explains that hormone changes can contribute to anxiety, poor sleep, migraines, low mood and brain fog long before menopause. Many women are prescribed antidepressants before hormones are even considered.

Hormones need cholesterol

While we’ve been taught to fear cholesterol and cut it down through diet and medication, it’s not the bad guy it’s often made out to be, says Louise. In fact, it’s essential for hormone production. “Our hormones actually come from cholesterol,” she explains. “Cholesterol converts to progesterone.”

That said, keeping cholesterol in a healthy range is vital for heart health. A diet rich in healthy fats (think avocados, olive oil, nuts) and plenty of fibre (oats, beans, leafy veg) will help keep cholesterol – and therefore your hormones – balanced.

Progesterone is good for the brain

Many of us assume oestrogen is the star of the show when it comes to perimenopause symptom relief, but Louise points out that progesterone also has powerful benefits. It plays a vital role in calming the nervous system, supporting sleep, regulating inflammation and helping the brain repair itself after stress, injury, even a stroke.

“Progesterone is a real mother hormone,” says Louise, who explains how it can reduce the cortisol-induced ‘fight or flight’ response, helping to regulate anxiety and balance mood. “It’s not just a hormone that works on the lining of the womb – it works everywhere.”

Testosterone isn’t just for men

Often thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is also important for women, and not just for reviving a flagging libido. It can help with energy, concentration, stamina – even heavy periods. Though, as Louise explains, getting a prescription in the UK isn’t always straightforward.

Many women have found that taking it also brings relief from migraines and aching joints. “Testosterone stimulates our pain receptors in a beneficial way,” says Louise. “It’s a natural painkiller.”

Synthetic hormones are not the same

Louise also flags the important distinction between natural, body-identical hormones and synthetic versions used in many contraceptives and older HRT medications. She explains that although contraceptives are often labelled as ‘hormones’, they are chemically altered compounds that behave differently in the body.

Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are structurally the same as those we naturally produce, and can be better tolerated. For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, understanding this difference can feel empowering – especially when discussing treatment options with your GP and asking informed questions about contraception and HRT.

Also in this episode:

  • The difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones
  • The truth about cholesterol
  • Why progesterone might play a role in mental health care
  • Why the contraceptive pill needs updating
  • Prescribing testosterone as a natural painkiller
  • Why post-hysterectomy women still need progesterone

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