The Premature Menocast

Episode 14: Living with POI: Naomi’s Story, Cultural Barriers & Why Awareness Matters

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 way * The profound impact of hormones on brain, bone, heart health—and overall wellbeing * Why POI is so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed * The realities of navigating HRT: when it works, when it doesn’t, and why persistence matters * Cultural and societal pressures around fertility, marriage, and identity * Barriers to healthcare access in South Asia and beyond * The global gap in menopause and POI education—for both patients and clinicians * The role of misinformation and the risks of unregulated “menopause” products * How low hormone levels can affect motivation, mental health, and the ability to seek help * The importance of awareness, advocacy, and finding community 1. Hormones Are Not Optional Hormones 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 Common Naomi’s experience highlights a familiar story: repeated GP visits, symptoms dismissed, and key hormone tests overlooked for years. 3. Cultural Context Matters In 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 Unequal Globally, access to HRT—particularly transdermal options—varies significantly, leaving many women without appropriate care. 5. The Power of Awareness Education 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 doctor * Don’t be afraid to ask: “Why?” if something is dismissed * Seek second opinions if needed * Be aware that finding the right HRT can take time * Look for trusted, evidence-based sources * Prioritise connection—support groups can be life-changing * Instagram: @SpeakUpForPOI * Facebook Groups: * POI Pakistan Support Group * Daisy Network South Asia Community * Organisation: Daisy Network This 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. Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdoc Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi Nina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth Don't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Episode 13: Diagnosed at 15: Growing Up With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

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 old * Early symptoms that were missed or mislabelled at school * Hot flushes, brain fog, fatigue, and weight gain in adolescence * Misdiagnosis, delayed recognition, and finally being heard * How POI affects identity, confidence, and emotional development * Why counselling and aftercare should be standard after diagnosis * The reality of navigating HRT over many years * NHS limitations vs private care for POI * Bone health, DEXA scans, and long-term risks * Self-advocacy in your 20s and 30s * Fertility grief, friendships, and baby milestones * Using movement, sleep, nutrition, and routine to protect health * Why it’s okay to not be okay — and to feel anger as well as gratitude * Finding community through Instagram and advocacy work * What’s next for Jess, including her upcoming menopause retreat You can find Jess on Instagram at: @jesslivingwithpoi Nina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdoc Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi Don't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Episode 12: Menopause, Anger & Acceptance: The Emotions We Don’t Talk About with Alison Bale

In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Dr Nikki Ramskill sits down with Alison Bale, former chiropractor and founder of Mind Insight [https://www.mindinsight.online/], 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 rage * How anger can signal unmet needs rather than “bad behaviour” * Practical ways to work with, not against, your emotions * The power of curiosity, journaling, and self-compassion in midlife * Why “doing less” and listening to your body is sometimes the real growth Alison 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 [https://www.mindinsight.online/] 📸 Instagram & Facebook: @mindinsightonline ✉️ Email: alison@mindinsight.online [alison@mindinsight.online] Don't forget to follow the team: Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdoc Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi Nina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth The Podcast: @theprematuremenocast

Episode 11: When Hormones and ADHD Collide: A Conversation with Jennie Canty

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 [https://www.chilternadhdclinic.co.uk/]. 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.uk [https://www.chilternadhdclinic.co.uk/] * Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdoc [https://instagram.com/femalehealthdoc] * Kate: @fertility_menopause_support [https://instagram.com/fertility_menopause_support] * Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi [https://instagram.com/mylifeonpausepoi] * Nina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth [https://instagram.com/soullaunndry_womenshealth] 👉 Don’t forget to follow the podcast: @theprematuremenocast [https://instagram.com/theprematuremenocast]

Episode 10: Unlocking Women’s True Potential with Jess Harvey

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 mentorship * The challenges and realities for women in male-dominated workplaces * How menopause and hormonal changes impact confidence and careers * Finding your true purpose and aligning with your values * Overcoming imposter syndrome and breaking free from “good girl” conditioning * Practical tools like “powerful pauses” and stakeholder mapping to regain control of your life and career Jess 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: @thefemalementoringalliance * LinkedIn: Jess Harvey * Sign 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: @mylifeonpausepoi Nina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdoc Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Don't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast