Women's Health

The female body has its own life story and its needs change throughout that journey. Our experts provide advice to help you make the right choices at the right time in these women's health articles. We also provide a guide through the stages of a woman's life. 

Pregnancy

A girl getting her first period can be a distressing and confusing time. When the menstrual cycle begins, emotions can be difficult to process, and physical symptoms can make it harder for them to maintain healthy activity levels throughout adolescence. All of this can have a negative impact on how young girls view and participate in sport both in and outside school.

Updated: Wednesday 11 October 2023

Published: Wednesday 11 October 2023

Conversations about menopause should be a normal part of working life. Working during the menopause can make a difficult time even more stressful, so it’s important we all better understand the common challenges that can arise in the workplace during this time.

Updated: Tuesday 5 September 2023

Published: Friday 15 October 2021

The menstrual cycle encompasses far more than just a period. Whether you’re interested in learning more about your own cycle, or your child has recently gotten their first period, you’re in the right place. Dispelling common myths about menstruation and the female cycle helps us all understand the ‘time of the month’ as part of a bigger picture. Senior physiotherapist Hazel Eatwell provides a detailed insight into the menstrual cycle.

Updated: Tuesday 8 August 2023

Published: Thursday 27 July 2023

Whether you're a regular or novice, entering the gym as a new Mum will have its fresh challenges. Adam Byrne, Wellbeing Personal Trainer shares his top tips for getting fit as a new Mum.

Updated: Tuesday 16 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 27 March 2019

Maintaining a strong pelvic floor is crucial in preventing, improving, or curing urinary stress incontinence and other women's health issues. Rachel Bromley, Clinical Specialist demonstrates a few easy exercises you can do to help regain control of your bladder and improve your overall wellness.

Updated: Wednesday 10 May 2023

Published: Friday 4 September 2015

Pelvic floor muscles play a part in a range of women’s health issues, from urinary continence to sensitivity during sex. Hayley Saunders, Physiotherapist at Nuffield Health, explains why and how to look after your pelvic floor muscles.

Updated: Friday 5 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 11 March 2020

If you’ve recently had a baby, on the outside it may seem like you’ve recovered, but has your pelvis recovered internally? Jo Dafforn, Clinical Lead Pelvic Health Physiotherapy discusses 4 symptoms you may experience as a new mum, and how our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists can help.

Updated: Friday 5 May 2023

Published: Tuesday 7 September 2021

Celebrities like Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup have recently raised the profile of all things ‘menopause’. It’s no longer a word you need to whisper under your breath to your girlfriends. It’s okay to admit you’re ‘going through it.’ It’s even something you can talk to your manager about if you’re having issues at work. Jo Dafforn, Clinical Lead for Pelvic Health Physiotherapy explains the lesser-known pelvic symptoms of menopause and how to ease them.

Updated: Thursday 4 May 2023

Published: Wednesday 13 October 2021

Looking for a workout that targets both your cardiovascular system and muscles while improving bone density? Wellbeing Personal Trainer Alexandra Cadman, explains the benefits of perimenopause exercises and how to perform them safely.

Updated: Monday 3 April 2023

Published: Wednesday 22 March 2023

This gym or at home workout aims to strengthen your muscles and improve your bone density with a mixture of cardio and strength exercises. Nuffield Health Clinical Fitness Regional Lead Adam Byrne explains the benefits for post menopause and how to perform each exercise safely.

Updated: Thursday 23 March 2023

Published: Wednesday 22 March 2023

There are many benefits of exercise during menopause, some of the most important being maintenance of muscle and bone mass. Adam Byrne, Regional Clinical Fitness Lead, explains why strength training is particularly helpful and provides some example exercises and tips for performing them.

Updated: Thursday 16 March 2023

Published: Friday 16 September 2022

The years leading up to the menopause can be a difficult time due to the hormonal changes that occur, but help is available. Dr Unnati Desai, National Lead for GP Services at Nuffield Health explains the main symptoms that could mean you’re experiencing perimenopause, and how to get support.

Updated: Thursday 9 March 2023

Published: Friday 29 April 2016

Running is booming, with global studies showing that more people than ever before are running. What is even more fascinating is that female participation rate is growing more than males. Hazel Eatwell, Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, shines the spotlight on the benefits of running to women and what they can do to ensure their pelvic health is not forgotten about during the gruelling training for the 26.2 miles of a marathon.

Updated: Thursday 2 February 2023

Published: Wednesday 28 September 2022

Large and heavy breasts can be a big problem for some women. Here are six signs you should do something about them.

Updated: Tuesday 24 January 2023

Published: Monday 12 December 2016

A new baby can bring couples, families and friends closer together, but changed priorities and a lack of time can create challenges. Find out how to navigate relationship changes during this time.

Updated: Friday 7 October 2022

Published: Monday 25 February 2019

Our emotional wellbeing expert, Brendan Street advises on the emotional highs and lows of the weight loss journey.

Updated: Friday 7 October 2022

Published: Monday 24 December 2018

Exercise is the most recommended of managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms. Our clinical regional fitness lead, Olivia Tyler, explains how exercise can help manage symptoms as well as providing some simple body weight exercises that you can incorporate into your day.

Updated: Wednesday 21 September 2022

Published: Friday 2 September 2022

That time of the month? Nutritional Therapist Lisa Holmes explains how eating well can help beat those PMS blues.

Updated: Tuesday 20 September 2022

Published: Friday 6 May 2016

Most women will have a gap in their tummy muscles in their third trimester. This usually resolves within 3–6 months after giving birth but some mums are left with a gap – giving the classic “mummy pooch”. Minal Gadhia, Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, explains what causes a diastasis recti and gives her top tips on how to fix it.

Updated: Friday 24 September 2021

Published: Monday 13 September 2021

Smear tests are a key part of looking after your health, but women can be anxious about the results. Nuffield Health's Medical Executive Director, Dr Davina Deniszczyz, explains the different types of smear results and what they mean for you.

Updated: Tuesday 15 June 2021

Published: Tuesday 15 March 2016