The Premature Menocast

Guest: Naomi (POI Advocate, Founder of Speak Up for POI)In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we’re joined by Naomi, a passionate advocate raising awareness about premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), particularly within South Asian and marginalised communities.Diagnosed at 36, Naomi shares her personal journey—from years of missed symptoms and misdiagnosis to navigating hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and ultimately finding her voice through advocacy.Together, we explore the often-overlooked realities of hormone health, the global gaps in awareness and treatment access, and the cultural and societal pressures that can shape a woman’s experience of POI.This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and the urgent need for change in women’s healthcare worldwide.Naomi’s personal journey to a POI diagnosis and the missed opportunities along the wayThe profound impact of hormones on brain, bone, heart health—and overall wellbeingWhy POI is so often misunderstood or misdiagnosedThe realities of navigating HRT: when it works, when it doesn’t, and why persistence mattersCultural and societal pressures around fertility, marriage, and identityBarriers to healthcare access in South Asia and beyondThe global gap in menopause and POI education—for both patients and cliniciansThe role of misinformation and the risks of unregulated “menopause” productsHow low hormone levels can affect motivation, mental health, and the ability to seek helpThe importance of awareness, advocacy, and finding community1. Hormones Are Not OptionalHormones influence far more than reproductive health—they affect mood, cognition, energy, and identity. Yet they remain under-recognised in both clinical care and public awareness.2. Diagnosis Delays Are CommonNaomi’s experience highlights a familiar story: repeated GP visits, symptoms dismissed, and key hormone tests overlooked for years.3. Cultural Context MattersIn some communities, fertility is closely tied to a woman’s identity and social value. This can lead to silence, stigma, and delayed help-seeking.4. Access to Treatment Is UnequalGlobally, access to HRT—particularly transdermal options—varies significantly, leaving many women without appropriate care.5. The Power of AwarenessEducation is the starting point for change—empowering women to advocate for themselves and improving outcomes across healthcare systems.“You are not alone. There are other women out there going through this. Reach out, find support, and don’t give up on finding the right treatment—you can feel better.”Keep a symptom diary to support conversations with your doctorDon’t be afraid to ask: “Why?” if something is dismissedSeek second opinions if neededBe aware that finding the right HRT can take timeLook for trusted, evidence-based sourcesPrioritise connection—support groups can be life-changingInstagram: speakup_for_poiFacebook Groups:POI Pakistan Support GroupDaisy Network South Asia CommunityOrganisation: Daisy NetworkThis episode shines a light on the intersection of medicine, culture, and lived experience. It challenges us to rethink how we approach women’s health—and reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a story that deserves to be heard.Note correction - NIH study is not what we were meant to say in the podcast, it's actually WHI (we knew what was intended, just got the acronym wrong).Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

What happens when menopause-like symptoms begin at 13 — and a life-changing diagnosis arrives at 15?In this deeply honest episode of Premature Me Cast, Nina is joined by Jess, who was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) as a teenager. Jess shares what it was really like navigating hot flushes, brain fog, weight changes, and identity confusion while still at school, and how those early experiences shaped her adult life.Together, Nina and Jess explore the emotional impact of early diagnosis, the gaps in long-term medical follow-up for POI, the realities of hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of self-advocacy as you get older. Jess also opens up about fertility grief, relationships, body image, and how building community through Instagram helped her heal and help others.This episode is raw, validating, and essential listening for anyone living with POI, early menopause, or supporting someone who is.Being diagnosed with POI at just 15 years oldEarly symptoms that were missed or mislabelled at schoolHot flushes, brain fog, fatigue, and weight gain in adolescenceMisdiagnosis, delayed recognition, and finally being heardHow POI affects identity, confidence, and emotional developmentWhy counselling and aftercare should be standard after diagnosisThe reality of navigating HRT over many yearsNHS limitations vs private care for POIBone health, DEXA scans, and long-term risksSelf-advocacy in your 20s and 30sFertility grief, friendships, and baby milestonesUsing movement, sleep, nutrition, and routine to protect healthWhy it’s okay to not be okay — and to feel anger as well as gratitudeFinding community through Instagram and advocacy workWhat’s next for Jess, including her upcoming menopause retreatYou can find Jess on Instagram at:@jesslivingwithpoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Dr Nikki Ramskill sits down with Alison Bale, former chiropractor and founder of Mind Insight, to explore one of menopause’s most misunderstood emotions: anger.Alison shares her personal experience of hitting menopause while running a busy healthcare clinic, and how unexpected bursts of rage left her questioning who she’d become. Together, Nikki and Alison unpack why so many women feel shame around anger, how suppressed emotions can resurface during perimenopause, and why learning to notice your feelings rather than fix them, can be deeply healing.They discuss:The hidden link between hormonal change, identity, and suppressed rageHow anger can signal unmet needs rather than “bad behaviour”Practical ways to work with, not against, your emotionsThe power of curiosity, journaling, and self-compassion in midlifeWhy “doing less” and listening to your body is sometimes the real growthAlison also explains her therapeutic approach through Mind Insight, offering compassionate support for women navigating anger, burnout, and emotional overwhelm, particularly around menopause and fertility loss.🌐 Website: www.mindinsight.online📸 Instagram & Facebook: @mindinsightonline✉️ Email: [email protected]'t forget to follow the team: Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthThe Podcast: @theprematuremenocast

This month on The Premature Menocast, Nikki takes the reins solo for a special conversation with psychotherapist Jennie Canty, founder of the Chiltern ADHD Clinic. With diaries busier than ever, this episode is a one-to-one deep dive into how ADHD shows up for women, particularly around menopause, perimenopause, and POI (premature ovarian insufficiency).Jennie shares her expertise on:Why ADHD in women often looks very different from the “traditional” male-based diagnostic criteria.How perimenopause and menopause can amplify ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, overwhelm, and mental hyperactivity.The importance of thorough, adapted ADHD assessments and therapy approaches.Practical treatment options — from stimulant and non-stimulant medications to adapted CBT and lifestyle strategies.This conversation is packed with insight, compassion, and real-world advice for women navigating both ADHD and hormonal change.✨ Connect with Jennie and the Chiltern ADHD Clinic: chilternadhdclinic.co.ukDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth👉 Don’t forget to follow the podcast: @theprematuremenocast

In this inspiring episode of the Premature Menocast, we welcome Jess Harvey, founder of The Female Mentoring Alliance, to share her incredible journey from the high-pressure world of corporate banking to a life dedicated to coaching and empowering women.Jess’s story is one of courage, transformation, and purpose. After climbing the corporate ladder to Managing Director at JP Morgan, Jess realised that success didn’t feel the way she expected. When her husband’s sudden illness prompted a life reset, she left her high-flying career to follow her true calling: helping women reconnect with themselves, rediscover their passions, and embrace their full potential.In this episode, we discuss:Jess’s journey from corporate banking to women’s mentorshipThe challenges and realities for women in male-dominated workplacesHow menopause and hormonal changes impact confidence and careersFinding your true purpose and aligning with your valuesOvercoming imposter syndrome and breaking free from “good girl” conditioningPractical tools like “powerful pauses” and stakeholder mapping to regain control of your life and careerJess shares heartfelt insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for any woman feeling stuck, lost, or ready to embrace her next chapter.🔗 Connect with Jess Harvey:Instagram: @thefemalementoringallianceLinkedIn: Jess HarveySign up for her Sunday Forecast newsletter and explore her Career Audit and Career Accelerator programs.Whether you’re navigating early menopause, POI, career transitions, or just feeling that pull for “something more,” this episode is a warm, empowering reminder: you are allowed to become the truest version of yourself.Enjoy!Love from,Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Dr Hannah Short wrote the POI info bible: The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause: Practical Advice and Support for Living with Early Menopause and POIIt is well worth a read if you're suspecting POI or have just been diagnosed with it. Here is our interview with the lady herself - enjoy!Until next time,Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Hello!Excuse the * in our title for this one... we don't want any bots to stop us spreading the word on this highly important topic! GSM, or genitourinary syndrome of the menopause affects women with POI too, and it is definitely something we need to talk more about.It can also be tricky to bring POI up in a relationship conversation, especially in the early days, how do you do it?The research that Kate suggested is unfortunately now closed to new applications, but look on The Daisy Network's Site here: https://www.daisynetwork.org/news-events-and-research/research/ for further information on other trials and research.We hope you enjoy this episode!Speak soon,Nikki, Kate, Nina and Siobhan@theprematuremenocast@femalehealthdoc@fertility_menopause_support@soullaundry_womenshealth@mylifeonpausepoi

It's been aaaages since we released an episode, and this is mostly Nikki's fault (!) If you didn't know, she adopted 2 girls in the summer of 2024, so podcasting went on the back burner a bit, but she's back and we've planned what we want to say in 2025. This episode is giving you an update on where we all are and what we plan to do over the course of the next 12 months for season 2. We also invite you to plan with us and drop us any topic ideas you love to hear us cover here: [email protected] And finally, Kate is an author! Her book, Progesterone and Me is coming out soon and is available on pre-order here: https://olympiapublishers.com/book/progesterone-and-me Phew... that's enough for now. We hope you enjoy this episode and we look forward to sharing the next season with you. Nikki - @femalehealthdoc Siobhan - @mylifeonpausepoi Kate - @fertility_menopause_support Nina - @soullaundry_womenshealth Follow our account on instagram too - @theprematuremenocast

In this special episode of The Premature Menocast, we bring you a recording from the recent Daisy Day event hosted by The Daisy Network, a charity supporting women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Unfortunately, our co-host Nikki couldn’t join us as she’s busy with her newly adopted daughters, but she sends her love and looks forward to being part of future events. During the event, hosts Nina, Kate, and Siobhan interviewed four incredible women—Priya, Emma, Lucy, and Jess—sharing their unique journeys with POI. The episode highlights diverse perspectives and experiences, from healthcare professionals to personal stories, creating a supportive and educational space for listeners worldwide. The podcast team shares how they came together after meeting at a conference, where Siobhan presented her inspiring book about her POI journey: "My Life On Pause". Recognising the need for an engaging and informative podcast dedicated entirely to POI, they created The Premature Menocast, blending personal experiences with professional insights to reach a global audience. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or on social media. @femalehealthdoc - Nikki @soullaundry_womenshealth - Nina @fertility_menopause_support - Kate @mylifeonpause - Siobhan Enjoy the episode!

In this episode Siobhan and Nikki talk about their experiences being childfree and adoption children. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact [email protected] Make sure to follow us on instagram too! @theprematuremenocast