Everything new and awesome in women's health for July 2022

Featuring: common HRT myths, Dr Lisa Misconi's TED talk about menopause and the brain, and the 28 Days Laterish Podcast covering all things menstrual!

Must Read: HRT: The Most Common Myths Uncovered

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not anti-HRT/menopausal hormone therapy. I think in the right circumstances, in the right format, for some women, it can be incredibly helpful.

In my practice, I would say 50% of my perimenopausal patients are not on HRT (just using herbs, nutrition and lifestyle to manage their symptoms/overall health) and 50% ARE on HRT which is helping from one degree to another, but is sadly not a magic bullet and they still need help with residual issues.

At the end of the day, modern day body-identical HRT is only 3 hormones and our body and mind are influenced by so many more! There are also SO many outdated HRT myths floating around which muddy the water and women often come to me completely overwhelmed not knowing which way to turn.

Hopefully this quick read compiled by five women's health specialists will help clear up a few grey areas for you and if you have any more questions, by all means DM me by responding to this email.

Must Watch: 'How Menopause Affects the Brain' a TED Talk by Dr Lisa Mosconi (13mins)

Menopause is a neurological as well as hormonal process. Common perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory lapses, depression and anxiety ALL start in the brain. Whilst our brains are structurally the same as men, women's brains are functionally different and age differently, in that they are MASSIVELY affected by dropping oestrogen levels at perimenopause.

A must watch for anyone who is feeling like they're losing their mind (!) this will provide understanding and a few easy pointers (like eat dark chocolate which gets my vote!) for you to put into practice. I love Dr Lisa and could listen to her all day!

Must Listen: 28-ish Days Later Podcast

What do you really know about the menstrual cycle? India Rakusen explores the whole bloody story, discovering facts that could change your life. Periods are just the beginning.

Believe it or not, my DAD (who is a Radio 4 fan) actually gave me the heads up on this new podcast, which busts taboos, covers the science, drama, history and politics on all things surrounding menstruation.

With each episodes lasting just 15 minutes there are loads of take away gems and you can cover a couple on each car journey or dog walk. There have been light bulb moments galore and some in-car high fives when you learn how women have been and still are fighting for equality across the

I've linked to 'Day Twenty Three: Exercycle as I know my community are movement lovers! For instance, did you know that oestrogen is anabolic, and so in the case of muscle, it helps generate lean mass. Whilst progesterone is catabolic, which in effect means it breaks muscle down. In practice, this means that women cannot gain as much muscle as men because for two weeks every cycle, the female body has high levels of progesterone (to counteract oestrogen). So tailoring your diet to your cycle is ESSENTIAL to maximise results and your promote hormone health. Listen on, you're going to get loads of ideas on how best to train and eat throughout your cycle

Do book in for a FREE Discovery Call via my website if you wish to discuss either of these options further in relation to your own libido and/or vaginal dryness issues.