Naga Munchetty on the hidden struggles of women’s healthcare

In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty, known for her role on BBC Breakfast. Naga discusses her new book, It’s Probably Nothing, where she explores how women’s health concerns are often dismissed, left undiagnosed, or told their pain was normal’. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she examines the harmful impact of medical misogyny and stresses the urgent need for change in how women’s health issues are treated. Naga reflects on the pressure she felt in sharing her personal experiences publicly, balancing her role as a journalist with the vulnerability of becoming the story. Yet by speaking out, she realised how many others had experienced similar struggles, her diagnosis of adenomyosis took over three decades, a delay that mirrors the experiences of many women conditioned to minimise their symptoms. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of being dismissed in the healthcare system and the barriers that prevent women from advocating for themselves. Both Naga and Louise emphasise the importance of genuine listening and collaboration in medical care, calling for greater support systems, second opinions, and the vital role of self-advocacy. They also highlight the need for better care for marginalised communities, particularly in regions where the word “menopause” doesn’t even exist and women struggle to receive the support they need. This episode is a powerful call for more compassionate, inclusive, and informed healthcare for women everywhere. This episode serves as a powerful call for better treatment, increased awareness, and stronger support systems for women in healthcare. 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Naga's personal experience 08:30 Importance of listening to patients 13:45 Access among communities 18:00 Treatment and contraception 19:26 Naga's book 31:48 Take home tips We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group. Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk for any media enquiries. LET'S CONNECT Website 👉 www.drlouisenewson.co.uk Instagram 👉 www.instagram.com/drlouisenewsonpodcast LinkedIn 👉 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/drlouisenewson Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7dCctfyI9bODGDaFnjfKhg Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dr-louise-newson-podcast/id1459614845 LEARN MORE Sign up to my Menopause Masterclass 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p/dr-louise-newson-menopause-masterclass Sign up for my Confidence in Menopause Course 👉 https://newson-health.teachable.com/p/confidence-in-the-menopause Sign up to my Upcoming Webinar 👉 https://newsonwebinars.com/agenda/