A former patient of celebrity menopause expert Dr Louise Newson has revealed she tried to take her own life after being prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the beleaguered medic today tearfully countered that she is the victim of a witch-hunt.
Earlier this week, Dr Newsom, the most famous face of menopause medicine – who would regularly appear on TV and in newspapers to advocate the benefits of HRT – was the subject of a BBC Panorama documentary that painted her as predatory and exploitative.
It claimed that she had flown in the face of the medical establishment by doling out high doses of HRT to thousands of women who flock to her private clinics, some of whom struggle to absorb the standard guideline of 100 micrograms of oestrogen.
HRT, which can be prescribed as a gel, spray, tablets or patches, is used to help alleviate symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause, such as brain fog, hot flushes and mood swings.
But some of the patients developed a thickening of their womb linings, a potential precursor to cancer.
A former patient of celebrity menopause expert Dr Louise Newson has revealed she tried to take her own life after being prescribed HRT, as the beleaguered medic today tearfully countered she is the victim of a witch-hunt
Former doctors from her clinics also voiced concerns about prescribing higher doses with one warning that women could come to harm.
Since the episode aired on Monday, the UKs health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said it is looking into information of concern regarding high doses of HRT prescribed in the clinics, known as Newson Health.
For her part, Dr Newsom believes she has helped thousands of women over the years and today gave her side of the story for the first time since the furore began in an emotionally-charged interview.
She said that these higher doses are only prescribed in a minority of cases and when patients have already tried lower doses with inadequate results.
But MailOnline has heard from women who were negatively impacted by taking HRT.
One woman, now 54, told MailOnline she had become suicidal following the treatment she received while a patient at Newson Health in 2022.
I was a patient with the Group until I self-harmed and tried to end my life after taking HRT prescribed by them, she said.
The woman, who was prescribed oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets for her symptoms, claimed the advice she received was to use as much or as little of oestrogen gel to overcome your symptoms, its up to you to decide.
Dr Newson (pictured left) outside the Houses of Parliament in London demonstrating against prescription charges for HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) back in 2022
Dr Newson appearing alongside Davina McCall on ITVs Loose Women
When approached for comment, Newson Health said the claim was in no way representative of Newson Health’s prescribing practice or philosophy.
The woman added: There was no mention of some women cannot tolerate HRT, which I was later told by a medical professional.
The business of saying to a patient take more when their symptoms are not improving or getting worse is utterly irresponsible.
The womans symptoms included anxiety, brain fog and sleep deprivation which started in 2021.
At one point, she claimed, the symptoms were so bad she could barely string a sentence together.
She claimed she spent around £2,000 on her treatment altogether including £240 for each appointment.
I never voiced my thoughts after my incident as the whole experience was traumatic, she said.
The woman left Newson Health and sought help elsewhere. She says she now only experiences hot flushes now and again.
I would suggest theres a question to be answered too by celebrities like Davina McCall singing the praises of HRT and Louise Newson, which naturally gives the public an impression that it must be ok, the woman added.
Dr Louise Newson (pictured) makes regular appearances on BBC and ITV programmes. Her privately run group of clinics, Newson Health, is now being probed by the health watchdog
Dr Newson (pictured on This Morning) defended herself against claims she prescribes too-high doses of HRT, stating her clinics treat every patient on an individualised basis
Another woman told MailOnline she had ended up needed an operation following her treatment.
She said: I had two appointments with Newson Clinic. I was prescribed a high dose of oestrogen.
I ended up with ovarian cysts, risk of cancer and ultimately needing surgery.
The extent to which her menopause treatment had played a role in this developing raised questions but can not be confirmed.
The British Menopause Society (BMS) has said it has removed Dr Newson from its online menopause specialist register as a result of concerns that aspects of her practice did not accord with established guidance.
Dr Newson has defended herself against the claims, stating her clinics treat every patient on an individualised basis.
The TV doctor, who is currently on a nationwide tour and whose ethos is centred on personalised treatment plans, has said that she stands by her work 100 per cent.
In an interview published today, she said of the Panorama episode: I was cross because they obviously selected the women.
Some of the information they gave wasnt correct. Even the woman who said how much she spent in the clinic.
I had her notes up and it wasnt the £2,000 or something she said – and she wasnt just exaggerating by 20 quid or so.
We treat every patient on an individualised basis. Some women dont absorb oestrogen as easily as others. I dont.
The documentary also revealed that last year the British Menopause Society (BMS) removed her from its online register of specialists because of concerns that aspects of her practice did not fit with established guidance.
She said that the Panorama episode almost suggested that Dr Newson was pinning people down outside the clinic and forcing them in screaming.
She said: The British Menopause Society have tried to shut me down for eight years ever since I set up my first menopause website. They phoned me to tell me to take it down. I was really shocked.
They said, Weve got Menopause Matters. We dont need another website. But, no one was really talking about the menopause back then. I said, This affects 14million women. Why cant we have more than one website? All Im trying to do is raise a debate. I dont know why youre being so hostile.
When pressed, she said, the BMS told her she was no different from any other GP and requested that she stop calling herself a menopause expert.
It also repeatedly reported her to the General Medical Council, but she said, it didnt go anywhere. The GMCs external doctor has said Im experienced enough to practise outside guidelines.
She added: What upsets me is their hatred for what I do. I honestly dont get it. Its 2024 and weve got this stupid thing where doctors are trying to take me down.
Following the Panorama episode, Dr Newson said she felt really upset but has received thousands of messages of support, as she stood by her work
Ive been at NHS England meetings where theyve told me, Louise, your media attention has got to stop. Were overprescribing HRT. Women are coming and asking for it thinking HRT is going to improve their sleep, their muscle and joint pains and their mood. Its ridiculous.
I said, I dont think it is. I feel very strongly if 100 per cent of women want HRT they should be able to have it.
I dont care if they dont like me as a person. I dont even care if they dont like the way I prescribe because Im an independent practitioner. Its the fact theyve also reported [my clinic] to the CQC [health watchdog the Care Quality Commission] like Im some awful doctor. Why have they done that?
The documentary (pictured) featured several patients from her privately run clinics, Newson Health, who told the BBC that they had experienced complications
Following the Panorama episode, Dr Newson said she felt really upset but has received messages of support.
She said: The number of people who have said this is a witch hunt has been huge.
Im trying so hard not to wobble but the next morning I woke up really upset. It was the enormity of it.
Becoming tearful over her experience, Dr Newson said she had helped women from every walk of life, from those in prison to, as she says, Cotswold mums with Mulberry bags. The oldest patient she started on HRT was 90.
She sleeps better, has no muscle and joint pain, more energy and her cognition has improved.
These clinics are like my fourth child. I dont actually know any more what these people want.
Do they want to see me dead? Do they want to see me in an asylum? I dont understand.
Dr Newson, who is a member of the Governments Menopause Taskforce, has been a regular fixture on BBC Breakfast, ITVs Lorraine, This Morning and appeared alongside celebrities including Davina McCall.
Newson Health said its approach to care was consistent with national guidelines and that the British Menopause Society was a charity, not a regulatory body.
HRT can be prescribed as a gel, spray, tablets or patches, with the highest licensed dose of oestrogen being 100 micrograms (mcg) per day (stock image)
A spokesperson for Newson Health previously told MailOnline: As the UKs leading menopause clinic, Newson Health utilises a wealth of clinical experience and data, as well as the best available scientific evidence, to treat every patient on an individualised basis and provide the best possible menopause care.
This is particularly important in an area of health that is chronically underfunded, undervalued and under-researched.
Newson Health has addressed all points raised by the CQC and has not been notified of any resulting concerns. Newson Health is confident in the quality of care it provides and maintains a CQC Good rating.
Newson Health has been approached for further comment by MailOnline.