How Climate Change Is Affecting Women’s Reproductive Health 1. Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Risks Rising global temperatures expose pregnant women to heat stress, which can impair thermoregulation, increase cardiovascular strain, induce dehydration, and raise risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia International Confederation of Midwives+1. A meta-analysis found that each additional day of heatwave increases preterm birth by […]
The Gender Health Gap: Why Women’s Symptoms Are Often Ignored For decades, women around the world have faced a hidden barrier to adequate healthcare: the gender health gap. This gap doesn’t just refer to access or cost—it extends deep into how symptoms are perceived, diagnosed, and treated. The consequences are profound: delayed diagnoses, mismanaged conditions, […]
Cultural Taboos Around Menstruation: Are We Making Progress? For centuries, menstruation has been surrounded by silence, stigma, and cultural taboos. Across societies—whether in rural villages or bustling cities—the topic often remains cloaked in euphemisms and secrecy. But in recent years, voices have begun to rise, challenging outdated norms and demanding menstrual equity. The question remains: Are […]
Toxic Positivity in Postpartum Care: Real Talk About the Baby Blues The postpartum period is often painted as a magical time — newborn snuggles, heartwarming milestones, and a “love like no other.” While all of this can be true, it’s only half the picture. The reality is that postpartum recovery is also raw, exhausting, and […]
Yoga, Nutrition & Cycle Syncing: Alternative Approaches to Hormonal Wellness Hormonal balance is at the core of overall well-being—impacting energy, mood, sleep, skin health, and even mental clarity. While conventional medicine offers important tools for managing hormonal issues, many people are exploring complementary approaches such as yoga, nutrition, and cycle syncing to support their body’s […]
The Connection Between Gut Health and Hormonal Balance In recent years, science has uncovered just how deeply our gut health influences nearly every system in the body—from immunity and mental well-being to metabolism and hormone regulation. While we often think of hormones as being controlled primarily by glands like the thyroid, ovaries, or adrenal glands, […]
Perimenopause & Mental Health: Navigating the Fog Perimenopause is often described as a physical transition, marked by fluctuating hormones and changing cycles. But for many women, the emotional and cognitive shifts are just as profound—sometimes even more challenging than the physical symptoms. Feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, and “brain fog” can leave you wondering: Is this […]
The Emotional Toll of Infertility: Let’s Talk About It Infertility is more than a medical diagnosis. It’s a deeply emotional, often isolating journey that can touch every part of a person’s life — relationships, self-worth, mental health, and even identity. Yet, despite how common it is, conversations about the emotional side of infertility remain hushed, […]
The Promise of Personalized Hormone Therapy Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers—regulating everything from metabolism and mood to reproduction and sleep. When hormone levels are off balance, the effects can be profound. For decades, hormone therapy (HT) has been used to treat conditions like menopause, low testosterone, thyroid disorders, and more. But as our understanding […]
Wearable Tech & Period Tracking: Convenience or Risk? In today’s hyper-connected world, wearable technology has become more than a fitness trend—it’s a tool for managing daily life. From step counters and heart rate monitors to sleep trackers and smartwatches, wearables are collecting data at an unprecedented scale. One area where this tech is making major […]
Mr Alak Pal is a senior Consultant Gynaecologist at the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust with extensive experience in the management of utero-vaginal prolapse and urinary symptoms, menstrual disorders and pelvic pain, cysts in the ovary, endometriosis and fibroids. Read more…