If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What is happening to me?”… you are not alone.

Perimenopause can feel like a slow, disorientating shift.

One that creeps in quietly and then, before you know it, leaves you feeling like a completely different version of yourself.

In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, I’m joined by Dr Charlotte Gooding — GP, BMS-accredited menopause specialist, and someone who has supported me personally over the last year as I navigated my own perimenopause and HRT journey.

This episode is both personal and practical. Together, we explore the reality of hormonal change, the symptoms so many women don’t realise are connected, and one of the most complex and emotionally loaded topics of all: HRT and breast cancer risk.

Why this conversation matters

Over the last few years, perimenopause has been a real rollercoaster for me.

Alongside the emotional turbulence, anxiety, loss of resilience and moments of not recognising myself… I was also carrying a very real fear.

With a strong family history of breast cancer, the decision about whether HRT was right for me felt overwhelming.

I was trying to weigh up my quality of life against perceived risk, and at times, it felt like I was choosing between my sanity and my safety.

And I know I’m not alone in that.

This episode is about bringing clarity, nuance and compassion to a conversation that too often feels confusing, polarised or fear-driven.

In this episode, we explore:

What perimenopause and menopause actually are (and why menopause is technically just one day)

The wide range of symptoms – including those many women don’t realise are hormone-related

Why perimenopause often shows up as anxiety, irritability and emotional overwhelm before physical symptoms

Brain fog, memory lapses and the impact on confidence and work

Heavy periods, fibroids and when symptoms need further investigation

The roles of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone

Different types of HRT and why treatment should always be individualised

The truth about HRT and breast cancer risk and how to understand risk in context

Lifestyle factors that also influence breast cancer risk

Options for women with a history of breast cancer

Vaginal health, UTIs and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (the symptoms no one talks about)

A more nuanced conversation about HRT

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is how Charlotte reframes risk.

Rather than seeing HRT in isolation, she helps us understand it in context of the whole picture, including lifestyle, personal history, and overall wellbeing.

Because this isn’t about one “right” answer.

It’s about helping you feel informed enough to make the decision that’s right for you.

My personal journey

In this episode, I also share more of my own experience.

Through working with Charlotte, we uncovered that I had a large fibroid, something that ultimately led to me having a total hysterectomy just eight weeks ago.

Thanks to the support and guidance I received, I’ve been able to approach this next chapter feeling informed, supported and empowered.

And that’s exactly what I want for you too.

If you’re feeling…
Not quite like yourself
More anxious, irritable or overwhelmed than usual
Confused about your symptoms
Unsure about HRT — especially with breast cancer concerns
Or simply wanting to understand what’s happening in your body

…this episode will help you feel more informed, more confident, and less alone.

About Dr Charlotte Gooding

Dr Charlotte Gooding is a GP and BMS-accredited menopause specialist with particular expertise in supporting women navigating menopause after breast cancer, as well as those at higher risk due to family history.

She works within an NHS breast clinic and is passionate about making evidence-based, compassionate menopause care more accessible to women.

Important note

This episode reflects my personal experience and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.

Every woman’s body, history and risk profile is different, so please speak to a qualified healthcare professional about what’s right for you.

Connect & continue the conversation

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love you to share it with a friend or with a woman who might need to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future conversations designed to help you thrive in work, life and motherhood, without burning out.

Links in this episode

Dr Charlotte Website

Dr Charlotte on Instagram

The Menopause & Cancer Podcast with Dani Binnington

The Menopause & Cancer Website

Read the full transcript here.