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 Menopause Periods Pelvic health Breasts Women's health advice

It is estimated that one in six adults will be affected by urinary incontinence, a pelvic condition that leads to the unintentional loss of urine specifically for those who struggle to control their bladder. Angela Birnie shares her top tips to help women who are experiencing this.

Updated: Thursday 10 September 2026

Published: Thursday 30 May 2019

Breast screening is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer early, yet many women are worried about the process. Here, real women who’ve had mammograms share their tips and experience.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 4 September 2017

From early on, women are taught to check for lumps in their breasts. But lumps aren’t the only sign you should see a specialist. Here are four more.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Friday 17 June 2016

You don't have to give up on fitness when you are pregnant. Fitness Manager Marie Coburn provides a trimester-by-trimester guide to exercising safely.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 4 August 2016

Gosia Bowling, Mental Health National Lead at Nuffield Health, discusses five key things you should know to support your partner through the menopause.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 28 October 2019

Professional Head of Mammography Sue Oliver and Medical Director Dr Davina Deniszczyc provide a thorough guide to checking your breasts.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Friday 19 June 2015

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

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 12 December 2016

Prepare for home life after breast surgery with tips from those who've done it before.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 21 March 2019

During the menopause, many women experience hot flashes. These can vary in intensity and cause confusion, disorientation, and anxiety if you aren’t used to them. Dr Unnati Desai shares some insight into what hot flashes are and how you can manage them.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 18 October 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: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Friday 16 September 2022

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: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Thursday 27 July 2023

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: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Wednesday 11 March 2020

Many women put up with these symptoms for years, not realising the damage they are doing to their health and fertility. Here's your need-to-know guide on the signs of endometriosis.

Updated: Friday 28 August 2026

Published: Wednesday 16 March 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 28 August 2026

Published: Monday 13 September 2021

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 28 August 2026

Published: Friday 29 April 2016

Tracking your period and the duration of your menstrual cycle can give you some valuable insights into your body's natural rhythm and further empower you to take control of your reproductive health.

Updated: Thursday 27 August 2026

Published: Monday 24 July 2023

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 27 August 2026

Published: Wednesday 13 October 2021

Joanne Taylor survived breast cancer, but fear and anxiety stripped away her confidence. Now, after a remarkable physical and emotional recovery – she’s back in control and dedicating her life to helping women living with cancer.

Updated: Monday 17 August 2026

Published: Tuesday 29 September 2015

When your period starts, a certain level of discomfort and pain is to be expected. This includes cramps, headaches and a dull ache in the back and stomach. For some women however, the pain gets so severe that it prevents them living a normal life. This is not to be ignored, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Updated: Friday 7 August 2026

Published: Wednesday 16 August 2023

Those going through their menopause journey can experience symptoms severe enough to impact their physical and mental wellbeing, such as night sweats and disturbed sleep. Louise Wright explains why this happens and how you can improve your sleep with ten lifestyle tips.

Updated: Monday 3 August 2026

Published: Thursday 9 February 2023