In this conversation, Dr Louise Newson sits down with Matt Jones, Managing Director of Balance app, for an honest look at how a simple idea grew into a global tool supporting over a million women. They talk about the real stories behind the app, the messages from women who feel unheard, the gaps in medical care regarding hormones and why accessible, trustworthy information can make such a difference to women.

Matt shares what drew him to the project, what he’s discovered and why the scale of unmet need has surprised him. Together they explore the future of Balance app expanding beyond menopause to hormonal health across a woman’s whole life, harnessing technology without losing the human touch and keeping the app free so knowledge remains within reach for every woman who needs it.

It’s a thoughtful discussion about purpose, equity, and how digital tools can help women advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence.

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LET'S CONNECT

Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor

Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/

Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast

Download balance app 👉 / https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/

TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg

LEARN MORE

Download my balance app 👉

https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

Get tickets for my new theatre tour, Breaking the Cycle 👉

https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-breaking-the-cycle/

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr Rachel Rubin for a clear look at how hormonal changes can often worsen both urinary and vaginal health. The conversation examines why recurrent urinary tract infections are so common in women, how prevention with vaginal hormones is often overlooked and what current evidence shows about the safety and effectiveness of vaginal hormone treatments.

They also explore the impact of inaccurate hormone labelling, the role of androgens in genitourinary tissues, and the growing push for updated regulatory guidance. Grounded in clinical experience and research, this discussion offers practical insight for anyone seeking to understand menopause care, hormone therapy and the broader health implications that follow when symptoms are dismissed or untreated.

Note: This podcast was recorded before the FDA's announcement that it is removing the black box warnings on estrogen products.

Want more from the podcast? Sign up to my premium offer: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/premium-podcasts

LET'S CONNECT

Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor

Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/

Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast

LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/

TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson

LEARN MORE

Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson

Get tickets for my new theatre tour, Breaking the Cycle 👉

https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-breaking-the-cycle/

Download my balance app 👉
https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

Every day we hear from women whose symptoms are being misdiagnosed, which makes Penny Lancaster’s story hit close to home. She talks with Dr Louise Newson about the months she spent thinking she was depressed, the antidepressants she was offered in lockdown and the moment she realised her symptoms were linked to menopause.

They touch on a bigger cultural shift too. Menopause is being mentioned more often now, yet many women still struggle to get clear guidance or access HRT. Old fears linger, and too many people feel pushed aside in their working and home lives just when they need support.

Penny reflects on how getting the right information changed everything for her, and how the themes in her book Someone Like Me echo the resilience so many women quietly build. It’s a straightforward, reassuring listen for anyone trying to make sense of their own symptoms or wanting to understand this stage of life a little better.

Want more from the podcast? Sign up to my premium offer: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/premium-podcasts

LET'S CONNECT

Subscribe here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@menopause_doctor

Website 👉 https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/

Instagram 👉 / @drlouisenewsonpodcast

LinkedIn 👉 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson/

TikTok 👉 / https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisenewson

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg

LEARN MORE

Buy Penny’s book, Someone Like Me 👉

https://www.waterstones.com/book/someone-like-me/penny-lancaster/9781526686978

Take my online education course, Hormones Unlocked 👉 https://www.learningwithexperts.com/products/hormones-unlocked-dr-louise-newson

Get tickets for my new theatre tour, Breaking the Cycle 👉

https://www.nlp-ltd.com/dr-louise-newson-breaking-the-cycle/

Download my balance app 👉

https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/