Womankind

Most women have heard of the gut microbiome. The scalp has one too, and for women, hormones play a direct role in keeping it balanced If your hair has felt different lately, not just thinner or shed more than usual, but somehow less healthy, harder to manage, more sensitive at the roots, you are not imagining it. And the explanation might have less to do with your shampoo than with what is happening inside your body. Scalp health has become one of the most talked-about topics

Three major studies have found that women with a history of childhood adversity or traumatic experiences are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic hormonal and inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Its causes are not fully understood, and diagnosis is often delayed by years, in the UK that can mean up to 10 years

The government has renewed its commitment to women's health. But how much will really change in practice? The UK government published a renewed Women's Health Strategy in April 2026, setting out reforms aimed at addressing longstanding failures in how the NHS identifies, assesses and treats women. The strategy was published by the Department of Health and Social Care alongside NHS England, and covers gynaecological care, menopause support, pain management, menstrual health ed

Many women spend years managing symptoms that have a hormonal root cause without ever knowing there is a specialist whose entire job is to investigate exactly that. Exhaustion that sleep does not fix. Weight that shifts without explanation. Hair that thins gradually and then more noticeably. Mood changes that feel disproportionate to what is actually happening. These are the kinds of symptoms women often spend years trying to address through lifestyle changes, better sleep ha

The research on food and hormones has moved well beyond cutting carbs and counting calories. Here is what the evidence actually shows Food has a direct and measurable effect on hormonal health. Not in a vague, wellness-adjacent way, but through specific, well-researched biological pathways that influence oestrogen, insulin, cortisol and the gut bacteria that help regulate them all. For women navigating everyday life, perimenopause or a condition like polyendocrine metabolic o

The research on vitamin D has moved well beyond bones and sunlight. Here is what women need to know about its wider role in the body. Most women know the basics: not enough sun means not enough vitamin D, and not enough vitamin D is bad for bones. That part is true, and it matters. But it is also a fraction of the picture. Vitamin D is now one of the most researched nutrients in medicine, and the emerging science places it at the centre of everything from immune function to c

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used in medicine for decades. Now it is showing up in conversations about endometriosis, PMOS and inflammation and for good reason If NAC has started appearing on your radar, you are not alone. NAC has quietly moved from hospital medicine cabinets into the supplement aisle, and women with conditions like endometriosis and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) are increasingly asking whether it belongs in their routine. The research is

Millions of women are living with perimenopause without knowing that is what it is. A study published earlier this year in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, has found a striking gap between the symptoms women associate with perimenopause and the symptoms they actually experience. The research, conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and the women's health app Flo, surveyed 17,494 women from 158 countries and is the largest global study of perimenopause know

What happens in the gut does not stay in the gut, especially when it comes to hormones. Most women are aware that oestrogen is produced by the ovaries. Fewer know that the gut plays a significant role in determining how much oestrogen actually circulates in the body at any given time. A review published earlier this year in the journal Nutrients has brought new attention to a mechanism that sits at the intersection of gut health and hormonal health, with particular relevance

A name that was always misleading has finally been changed. A condition affecting 1 in 8 women worldwide has officially been given a new name. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), following a 14-year global consultation process involving 56 patient and professional organisations. The name change was published in The Lancet this week and announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology. Why the old name was a problem The n

A menopause hormone may be more relevant to brain health than previously understood. Women account for approximately two-thirds of all Alzheimer's cases. Researchers have long suspected that the hormonal changes of menopause play a role in that disparity, but a study published earlier this year in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests the hormone responsible may not be the one most people would expect. What is FSH? Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pitu

When it comes to menstrual care, many of us don’t give much thought to what’s in the disposable pads and tampons we use every month. However, conventional sanitary products often contain nasty chemicals and synthetic materials that may harm our health over time. From hormone disruption to vaginal irritation, the risks are real, but safer, non-toxic alternatives are available, and making the switch could be one of the best decisions for your body and the planet. Chemical-Free

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. We often focus on eating clean, using natural skincare, and reducing toxins in our homes, but what about our clothes? The fabrics we wear every day, especially in intimate areas, can have a direct impact on our health, hormones, and overall well-being. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex may be convenient, but they come with hidden risks, from trapping heat and moisture to exposing our skin

Hair loss is one of the more unexpected and distressing symptoms of perimenopause. You brush your hair and notice more strands left behind. Your ponytail feels thinner. Your parting looks wider. It’s frustrating, but most importantly, you’re not alone. Hair loss in midlife is incredibly common, and while it can be upsetting, there are steps you can take to support healthier hair growth and regain confidence.

Spring is a season of renewal, yet for many women going through menopause, energy levels can still feel stuck in winter mode. Fatigue, sluggishness, and brain fog are common symptoms of hormonal shifts, but the good news is that small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference. With longer days, milder temperatures, and nature coming back to life, now is the perfect time to refresh your habits, embrace the season, and give your energy levels a well-deserved boost

Every woman’s journey through perimenopause and menopause is unique, yet many face common challenges especially around awareness, diagnosis, and education. Real-life stories, from everyday women to celebrities, shine a light on the struggles they wished they’d understood sooner. These testimonials highlight the need for better public understanding, education in schools, and comprehensive hormone education for healthcare professionals.

Menopause can bring a rollercoaster of symptoms, hot flushes, mood swings, weight gain, but did you know your diet can play a major role in managing them? The food you eat directly impacts hormone balance, energy levels, and overall well-being. Making the right dietary choices can help you feel more in control, support your body through these changes, and even reduce some of the most frustrating menopause symptoms. That’s why we’ve put together a free menopause-friendly meal

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, but it brings significant changes that can impact your health, especially your heart. As oestrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. The good news? Research shows that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can not only ease menopausal symptoms but also offer some heart protection. Let’s explore how menopause affects heart health and how HRT could be a game-changer. Why Does Heart Risk Increase After Meno

Your pelvic floor is a crucial part of your body that often goes unnoticed, until something goes wrong. Whether it’s unexpected leaks when you sneeze or laugh, no control with urgency and needing to pee, a feeling of heaviness, or changes in intimacy, a weak pelvic floor can impact daily life in ways you might not expect. The good news? It’s never too late to strengthen it and you are never too old. What Is Your Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments,

When we think about menopause symptoms, hot flushes and night sweats usually come to mind. However, some of the changes we experience are more subtle and surprising, like a shift in our vision. For me, my changing eyesight was one of the first clues that my body was entering a new stage of life. At 45, I began noticing that text messages on my phone looked blurry. Having enjoyed perfect vision my whole life, I was surprised when my optician recommended reading glasses. Around

Learn the truth about HRT and breast cancer risk. Discover why body-identical hormones are a safer option, debunking the myths.