In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan talk about anxiety, perimenopause and menopause, and how shifting hormones can completely hijack your mental health.

Dr Amir explains the significant role of oestrogen, progesterone, serotonin, dopamine, GABA and cortisol in menopausal anxiety, why so many women are misdiagnosed with depression or generalised anxiety disorder, and what to do if you’re told “it’s just your hormones”. They unpack HRT, lifestyle changes, CBT, SSRIs, beta blockers, breathwork and practical tools for managing panic attacks… PLUS, when to push for a second opinion.

CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes a brief reference to suicide in a medical context. If you’re experiencing difficult thoughts and in need of support, you can speak to Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information — it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information.

We've partnered with Randox Health. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at randoxhealth.com - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab.

An itchy, irritated scalp could be a sign of hard water rather than a “you” problem — and Polytar, trusted by doctors for over 60 years, can help treat dandruff, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis at the source. See the full Hard Water Hair Report at polytar.co.uk and use code Appointment10 for 10% off

Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com

Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share.

Chapters:

02:00 – Why today’s episode is all about anxiety

02:19 – Cherry’s perimenopause anxiety story & night-time panic attacks

04:23 – Hormones, brain chemicals & what actually causes menopausal anxiety

10:20 – Misdiagnosis, medical misogyny & asking for HRT

19:07 – What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

25:58 – Medication for anxiety: SSRIs, beta blockers & side effects

29:29 – Lifestyle changes, herbal remedies & breathwork explained

31:39 – Panic attacks: what they feel like & how to get out of one

40:48 – ChatGPT Q&A, white-coat blood pressure anxiety & winter daylight health hack

A Viral Tribe Production

Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices