Breast pain is common, and there can be many causes, but most cases are not a cause for concern. Cyclical breast pain can be a normal part of many women's menstrual cycles, especially in the weeks before a period starts. Other causes of breast pain are the contraceptive pill, pregnancy, menopause, an infection in the breast such as mastitis, a muscle strain in the chest wall, and injury to the area. Pain is not a common presentation of breast cancer; other signs that are more indicative of breast cancer include changes in your breast shape, nipple or skin changes, or a breast lump that doesn't go away with your next period.

Some women may experience a missed period, which can happen for many reasons, including a medical condition, medication or stress, and lifestyle factors. With an occasional missed period, we may not find out the cause, and hopefully, your cycle will return to normal. Persistent missed periods will need investigation by your doctor.

Hair is often seen as a significant part of a woman’s identity, and losing it can be deeply distressing. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of long, thick, and sleek hair, experiencing hair loss can cause significant anxiety and affect self-esteem. Hair loss in women is more common than many realize, and it can occur for various reasons, from natural aging to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the different types of hair loss, identifying the causes, and knowing when to seek help is key to managing the problem effectively. In this guide, we will explore the various reasons behind hair loss in women, such as genetic factors, hairstyling practices, and medical conditions. We will also look at treatment options available and offer practical advice on when to see a healthcare professional. By being informed, women can take steps to address hair loss and improve the health of their hair.

Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is a type of contraception for women. The COCP is sometimes referred to as just the pill. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. These hormones closely resemble the estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries. There are lots of different COCPs available. Some COCPs contain 21 pills which are followed by a seven-day break. Other COCPs contain 28 pills, with seven inactive (dummy) pills at the end of the pack. You should try to take your tablets at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill. Below we will look at steps you should take if you miss any pills. Remember, the advice only applies to missed active pills. If you miss any inactive pills, you can just disregard these pills.

Menopause is when you stop having periods. It can vary in how it occurs with some people experiencing gradually changing periods, or missed periods, and others finding a sudden end to their periods. Once you have had one year without a period it can be confirmed that you have gone through menopause. Natural menopause is due to increasing age, where over time your ovaries produce less of the hormone estrogen, which in turn means your ovaries don’t release an egg (so you can no longer conceive naturally) and your periods subsequently stop. It happens to all women; however, exactly when menopause occurs, and the symptoms people experience during this time, vastly differ. For most women menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, however, it can regularly occur earlier or later than this. One in 100 women will go through early menopause which is defined as occurring before they are 40. You may also experience menopause due to having had surgery to remove your ovaries, having radiotherapy around the area of your ovaries, some chemotherapy treatment, or certain medical conditions.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is either when you lose a lot of blood or you bleed for a longer period of time than normal. This can be associated with the passage of blood clots and pain and is known medically as menorrhagia. All in all, it can cause considerable disruption to everyday life and a toll on your mental well-being. It’s hard to know what’s “normal,” so signs that you are bleeding more heavily than others may include that you soak through a sanitary napkin or tampon at least every hour, that you need double protection (tampon and pad), or that you need to change in the middle of the night. It may also include bleeding for more than 7 days, passing large blood clots, and generally disturbing your daily activities, work, studies, or relationships.