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

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

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: Friday 4 November 2022

Published: Friday 29 April 2016

Gosia Bowling, Prevention Lead Emotional Wellbeing at Nuffield Health, discusses five key things men should know about the menopause so they can better support their partners.

Updated: Thursday 27 October 2022

Published: Monday 28 October 2019

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: Monday 24 October 2022

Published: Friday 16 September 2022

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: Wednesday 19 October 2022

Published: Wednesday 13 October 2021

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: Tuesday 18 October 2022

Published: Wednesday 11 March 2020

A positive result on a pregnancy test can herald many positive life changes, but it won't all be a breeze. Emotional wellbeing expert Brendan Street takes us through some of the changes to expect.

Updated: Friday 7 October 2022

Published: Wednesday 27 February 2019

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

There are many reasons why you might be experiencing intimacy issues, not all of them are things you can control on your own. Here's six things that could be getting in the way of your sex life.

Updated: Friday 7 October 2022

Published: Friday 1 April 2016

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

Making an effort to relax might sound counterintuitive, but it's vital to your emotional and physical wellbeing. Brendan Street, Professional Head of Emotional Wellbeing, suggests a few techniques to help you unwind before you unravel.

Updated: Friday 7 October 2022

Published: Thursday 11 May 2017

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting almost 55,000 UK women each year. But not everything you hear about breast cancer is true.

Updated: Friday 30 September 2022

Published: Friday 4 September 2015

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: Wednesday 28 September 2022

Published: Wednesday 28 September 2022

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

Conversations about menopause should be a normal part of working life. Gosia Bowling, National Lead for Emotional Wellbeing, discusses some common concerns for menopausal women in the workplace and how these can be addressed – to help change the taboo around 'the change'.

Updated: Tuesday 20 September 2022

Published: Friday 15 October 2021

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

Whether you're a regular or novice, entering the gym as a new Mum will have fresh challenges. Here's our top tips to getting fit as a new Mum.

Updated: Friday 2 September 2022

Published: Wednesday 27 March 2019

If you’re not sleeping enough, the effects could be more significant than bags under your eyes, and there could also be dramatic but hidden effects on how you think and feel. Head of Preventative Medicine, Dr Ben Kelly, explains sleep can be closely linked to your physical and mental health.

Updated: Friday 8 July 2022

Published: Monday 5 June 2017

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 24 September 2021

Published: Tuesday 7 September 2021

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