Women's Health

🔍 Common Conditions

Dysmenorrhoea (period pain): Cramping pain before or during your period. Very common and usually manageable with ibuprofen, heat pads, or hormonal contraception.

Heavy periods (menorrhagia): Soaking through pads or tampons every hour, or periods lasting more than 7 days. Can cause anaemia if untreated.

Irregular periods: Can be caused by stress, weight changes, PCOS, thyroid problems, or perimenopause.

Absent periods (amenorrhoea): No period for 3+ months when not pregnant. Needs GP assessment.

🏠 Self-Help

• Ibuprofen (most effective for cramps — take at start of period)
• Heat pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen
• Gentle exercise can reduce cramp severity
• Iron-rich foods if heavy bleeder (leafy greens, red meat, pulses)

⚠️ See Your GP / Pharmacist If

• Pain is severe and not controlled by over-the-counter medicines
• Periods suddenly become heavier or more painful than usual
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Periods stop for 3+ months and you are not pregnant
• You feel exhausted or breathless (signs of anaemia)

🔍 What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting 1 in 10 women. The ovaries may develop multiple small follicles and not regularly release eggs. It is associated with higher levels of androgens (male hormones).

🔍 Symptoms

• Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant (due to irregular ovulation)
• Excess hair growth on face, chest, back (hirsutism)
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp
• Oily skin or acne

💊 Management

• The combined pill can regulate periods and reduce androgen symptoms
• Weight loss (even 5–10%) can significantly improve symptoms
• Metformin may be prescribed for insulin resistance
• Fertility treatment available if trying to conceive

⚠️ See Your GP If

• You suspect PCOS based on the symptoms above
• You have been trying to conceive for 12+ months without success
• Symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life

🔍 What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It affects 1 in 10 women in the UK and can cause significant pain. It is not a cancer.

🔍 Symptoms

• Severe period pain that interferes with daily life
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain when urinating or opening bowels during your period
• Heavy periods, sometimes with blood clots
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Fatigue, especially during your period

💊 Treatment Options

• Pain relief: ibuprofen and paracetamol (ask your pharmacist)
• Hormonal treatment: combined pill, progestogen, or hormonal IUS
• Surgery: laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue
• Average diagnosis takes 8 years — push for investigation if symptoms are severe

⚠️ Seek Help If

• Period pain is consistently severe and disrupts your life
• You have pain during sex or difficulty conceiving
• Over-the-counter pain relief is not helping

🔍 Symptoms

UTIs are much more common in women due to the shorter urethra. Most are bladder infections (cystitis) and can be treated quickly without seeing a GP under the NHS Pharmacy First service.

• Burning or stinging sensation when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently or urgently
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
• Feeling generally unwell with a mild temperature

💊 Pharmacy First — No GP Needed

Women aged 16–64 with an uncomplicated UTI can now get antibiotic treatment directly from our pharmacist under the NHS Pharmacy First service — no GP appointment needed.

• Free for prescription-exempt patients
• Fast, discreet consultation
• Antibiotics dispensed immediately if appropriate

🚨 See a GP Urgently If

• Pain in your back or sides (possible kidney infection)
• High fever, chills, or feeling very unwell
• Blood in urine (haematuria)
• You are pregnant
• Symptoms recur frequently

🎯 Planning a Pregnancy

• Folic acid 400mcg daily — start at least 3 months before trying to conceive and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9)
• Check vaccinations are up to date (rubella, flu, COVID-19)
• Review any regular medicines with your pharmacist or GP

💉 Early Pregnancy

• Register with a midwife or GP as soon as possible
• Vitamin D 10mcg daily recommended throughout pregnancy
• Avoid vitamin A supplements (retinol)
• Food safety: avoid unpasteurised cheese, raw eggs, undercooked meat

🤖 Fertility Concerns

• If under 35, seek advice after 12 months of trying to conceive
• If over 35, seek advice after 6 months
• Both partners should be assessed
• Ovulation tracking apps and tests available from our pharmacy

⚠️ Seek Help If

• You have been trying to conceive for the recommended time without success
• You have irregular periods, PCOS, or endometriosis
• You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or STIs
• You are over 40 and considering pregnancy

🔍 Women & Mental Health

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Hormonal changes — puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postnatal period, and menopause — can all affect mental health significantly.

🌟 Perinatal Mental Health

• Postnatal depression affects 1 in 10 women after birth
• Baby blues (days 3–5 after birth) are normal; PND persists longer
• Symptoms: persistent low mood, difficulty bonding, overwhelming anxiety
• Effective treatments available — speak to your GP or health visitor

💊 Self-Care & Support

• Regular exercise — even 30 mins walking per day makes a difference
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Maintaining social connections
• Adequate sleep is critical — seek help for sleep problems

⚠️ Seek Help If

• Feeling persistently low, hopeless, or unable to cope
• Experiencing panic attacks or severe anxiety
• Difficulty bonding with your baby after birth
• Having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

Crisis line: Call 116 123 (Samaritans, free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258