Knowledge is power

Fibroids : What Everyone Should Know

What are fibroids? Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus (womb). They can range from just a few millimetres in size to as large as a melon. By the age of 50, up to 80% of women will have developed one or more fibroids, although many never cause symptoms and…
PMOS: Why PCOS has had a name change

At first glance, this might seem like a simple rebrand. But in reality, it’s a significant shift in how we understand this common condition and its impact on women’s health throughout life. The change follows years of work by the international PCOS community, led by Professor Helena Teede and the International PCOS Network. More than…
Is It ADHD or Menopause?

Why is this question so common? Midlife is a perfect storm of hormonal change, life pressures, and cognitive load. Even those who have always prided themselves on their organisational skills and memory can suddenly feel stretched and overloaded. Both ADHD and menopause can affect: For some people, these symptoms are new and may be down…
Understanding PMS and PMDD

What Is PMS and PMDD? PMS is a spectrum of physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms which regularly recur in the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle (the two weeks leading up to your period) and which resolve or significantly improve by the end of your period. Over 150 symptoms have been recorded: PMDD is a…
Endometriosis: Recognising, Diagnosing and Managing Symptoms

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium) grows outside the womb. This tissue can be found on various organs and structures within the pelvis, such as the ovaries, the bowel, and the bladder. In rare cases, it may also be found outside the pelvis, including inside…
Understanding your hormones: A Deep Dive

Following on from last month’s blog about the menstrual cycle, let’s take a deeper look at hormones—how they impact our health and why understanding them is crucial, especially when we are navigating hormonal transitions like menopause. I want to start by acknowledging that not all women were assigned female at birth and that some trans…
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

There are many questions and misconceptions about the menstrual cycle. From period pain to hormone fluctuations, it’s crucial to understand what’s normal and what might be worth discussing with a healthcare professional. In this post, we’ll explore key aspects of menstrual health, including cycle length, pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and much more. What is Menstrual…
Migraine, the impact of menopause

Migraines affect 1 in 5 women, with three times as many women being affected as men. The symptoms can be really debilitating and include much more than headaches. Triggers There is often a history of migraine in the family, suggesting a genetic susceptibility. It can be helpful to look at whether there are triggers for…
Cervical screening, what you need to know.

A cervical screen, or smear test, takes just 5 minutes and can help us to know whether we are at risk of developing cervical cancer, yet so many of us put it off. This blog will give you more information about what’s involved, to inform your decision making. Cervical cancer In the UK <1% people…