Today we're revealing the ultimate skincare routine for menopausal women.

And the good news? It's super simple!

If your skin has become dry, extra sensitive, or you're suffering from acne during midlife, this could be down to menopause. But there are things that can help – and for this week's episode, we're joined by THE skincare expert to reveal all...

Dr Naomi Potter is joined by skincare expert and bestselling author Caroline Hirons (aka the “Queen of skincare”) for a funny, no-fluff conversation about menopause skin changes. From perimenopause breakouts and pigmentation to dryness, sagging and sensitivity. Caroline opens up about her own menopause experience, why HRT helped massively, and what actually works when you want results without a 10-step routine.

Stay up to date with the podcast by following us on Instagram at: @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Caroline Hirons below:

Caroline's Instagram: ‪@carolinehirons

Caroline's TikTok: ‪@carolinehirons

Caroline's YouTube: @CarolineHirons

Caroline's skincare brand Skin Rocks: https://skinrocks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooih8b25vzzeLOpU4-KNkHkHqW9J-aN7JvkYQ1eGPdiskK2vJRe

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Caroline Hirons’ skincare career

03:11 – Perimenopause skin changes explained

07:33 – Caroline’s perimenopause experience

10:25 – Post-menopause skin & dryness

11:41 – Early perimenopause skin signs

13:13 – Retinoids: benefits for ageing skin

18:32 – Lifestyle factors affecting skin

19:11 – Why washing your face matters

23:41 – Preventing skin damage early

26:05 – SPF, wrinkles & pigmentation

29:22 – SPF myths and vitamin D

32:56 – Simple daily skincare routine

38:13 – Life after perimenopause

40:08 – Perimenopause overwhelm & skin

44:20 – Caroline’s top menopause advice

49:00 – Skincare routine: morning vs night

#carolinehirons #menopause #skincare

Are HRT patches safe – and why do they sometimes stop working?

In this week’s episode, menopause doctor Dr Naomi Potter breaks down everything you need to know about HRT patches — how they work, how to use them properly, and why so many women get confused or frightened by the information leaflet.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your patch is working properly – or worried after reading the warnings inside the box – this episode will put your mind at ease.

💬 Topics include:

• What HRT patches contain (body identical oestradiol explained)

• Estrogen-only vs combined patches (Avorel, Evorel Conti, Estradot)

• How to use patches correctly (placement, timing & routine)

• What to do if your patch falls off

• Why swimming, baths & moisturiser affect absorption

• The real risk of breast cancer, stroke & heart disease

• Common side effects (bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea)

• What to do if your HRT “stops working”

• Patch allergies & adhesive reactions

• Why switching brands can cause problems

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

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at:

https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – What Are HRT Patches? (Body-Identical Estrogen Explained)

00:29 – Types of Estrogen Patches: Estradot vs Larger 100mcg Patches

02:32 – Patch Doses: 50 vs 100 Micrograms (Can You Cut Them?)

03:00 – Do You Need Progesterone With Estrogen Patches?

03:55 – Using the Mirena Coil With HRT

04:46 – Everel Sequi vs Everel Conti (Combined HRT Patches Explained)

06:59 – Patch Residue, Wrinkling & Adhesive Problems

07:43 – New Combined Estradot Patch (What’s Coming Next?)

08:08 – HRT Patch Leaflet Warnings: Breast Cancer, Stroke & Heart Risk

09:44 – HRT Patch Side Effects (What’s Normal?)

10:48 – Benefits of Patches: Twice Weekly Dosing

11:12 – Swimming, Baths & Sauna: Do They Affect Absorption?

12:24 – What To Do If Your Patch Falls Off

13:22 – “My HRT Stopped Working” – Dose & Batch Issues

14:09 – Maximum HRT Patch Dose (100mcg Explained)

14:26 – Are You a Good or Poor Absorber?

15:14 – How To Apply Patches Properly (Avoid These Mistakes)

15:38 – GP Prescribing, Brand Switching & Why It Matters

16:06 – Why Not All HRT Patches Feel The Same

#hrt #hrtpatch #menopause

Brain fog in menopause – who else can relate?

In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by comedian, voice actor and presenter Desiree Burch. You might know Desiree from competing on the gameshow Taskmaster, the narrator for Netflix's dating show Too Hot to Handle, or from her current standup comedy tour The Golden Wrath.

Desiree opens up about what perimenopause really felt like behind the scenes: the sudden shift from “fine” to not fine, the shock of losing mental sharpness as a professional performer, and the very real trial-and-error of getting HRT right when your body won’t absorb it.

She shares the moment she realised this wasn’t “just stress” – including the mental health side that so many women are quietly battling – and why perimenopause can feel like a full-body initiation, not just a list of symptoms.

They also discuss what to do when treatment stops working, why follow-up matters, and how midlife can become a turning point for boundaries, self-trust, and giving fewer f***s (in the best way).

There are still tickets available for Desiree's tour! Get yours here: https://www.desireeburch.com/the-golden-wrath-tour/

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

Follow Desiree Burch below:

Desiree's Instagram: @destheray

Desiree's website: https://www.desireeburch.com/

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

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

00:00 – Intro + meet Desiree Burch

00:33 – Performing nerves: “pure panic” + adrenaline

02:58 – Brain fog hits midlife (and comedy suffers)

03:38 – Testosterone + mental acuity when words vanish

06:06 – Identity, misogyny & being misunderstood

07:26 – “Witch initiation” — perimenopause as inner overhaul

08:21 – The HRT train: progesterone first + Mirena

09:00 – Ectopic pregnancy + suicidal thoughts: “Add estrogen”

10:44 – Menopause in silence + not asking your mum

11:55 – Hearing other women’s stories brings relief

13:23 – Hormones vs antidepressants in midlife

14:39 – Penny-drop moment: bleeding, polyps & heavy periods

17:40 – The sudden “flip” + fear of how bad it gets

18:22 – HRT helped — and forced healthier habits

19:59 – Absorption chaos: gels, patches & lozenges

21:50 – What works: regulated options explained

29:39 – When symptoms return: troubleshooting HRT

34:09 – Why menopause care still feels like guesswork

37:46 – Can perimenopause derail careers?

46:08 – The Golden Wrath: show, dementia & women’s stories

52:49 – Listener Qs: partners + “giving fewer f**ks”

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter