At our practice, we care for women through every stage of life.
From adolescence to the post-menopausal years, we see a wide range of health concerns that affect women’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
This guide highlights some of the most common women’s health issues we regularly support our patients with.
Knowing what to look out for can help you stay informed, recognise early signs, and feel more confident about when to seek help.
1. Reproductive and Gynaecological Health
Many women come to see us with symptoms related to their reproductive health. Common conditions include:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and difficulties with fertility. It’s also linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. It can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and, in some cases, problems getting pregnant.
Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in or around the womb. They can lead to heavy bleeding, discomfort, or pressure symptoms depending on their size and location.
Ovarian Cysts: These can range from small cysts that can be part of your cycle to larger cysts that may represent an underlying health concern.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Caused by an infection that has travelled to the pelvis, causing pain that is often worse during sex. If left untreated, this can cause scarring and problems with fertility.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, changes to your menstrual cycle, or any unusual symptoms, it’s always worth booking an appointment.
We also offer sexual health screening and contraception appointments.
2. Breast and Gynaecological Cancers
We encourage all women to stay up to date with routine cancer screening, as early detection can make a significant difference to outcomes.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK women. Checking your breasts regularly and attending mammograms when invited is important at every age.
If you are unsure of the correct way to check your breasts or just need some reassurance, our clinicians are here to help.
Cervical cancer risk can be significantly reduced through HPV vaccination and regular smear tests.
Screening helps detect early cell changes in the cervix, which can be treated before cancer has a chance to develop.
Ovarian cancer can be harder to detect early, but symptoms such as bloating, feeling full quickly, or lower abdominal discomfort should always be checked.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t delay in contacting us. We can carry out individualised examinations, smear tests, and referrals for scanning.
3. Mental Health
Mental health is a key part of overall wellbeing. Many women experience mental health challenges linked to hormonal changes, life transitions, or ongoing pressures at home or work.
Conditions we often help with include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Postnatal depression
- Perimenopausal and menopausal mood changes
- PMS and PMDD
- Eating disorders
Mental health is just as important as physical health. We’re here to listen and help you access the right support, whether that’s talking therapies, medication, or lifestyle advice.
4. Heart Health
Heart disease is sometimes thought of as a men’s health issue, but it remains the leading cause of death in women worldwide.
Many risk factors are the same for men and women, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. But symptoms in women can be more subtle.
You might feel short of breath, unusually tired, or have pain in your jaw or back rather than classic chest pain.
5. Menopause and Perimenopause
The years leading up to menopause and the time after it can bring significant physical and emotional changes.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Low mood or anxiety
- Brain fog
- Vaginal dryness
- Poor sleep
- Aches and pains
Some women experience relatively mild symptoms during the menopause, while others find it has a significant impact on their daily life.
If you’re finding this stage challenging, you’re not alone. There are effective treatment options available, from evidence-based supplements to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and we’re here to talk through what might be right for you.
Supporting Your Health with a Well Woman Check
If you’re looking for a more in-depth review of your health, we offer a dedicated Well Woman Health Check at the practice.
This is a comprehensive assessment designed to look at the key aspects of women’s health, tailored to your age, lifestyle, and personal risk factors.
The check includes:
- Blood pressure and BMI measurement
- Cervical screening (at additional cost)
- Breast health review
- Menstrual and reproductive health discussion
- Menopause and HRT advice
- Review of bone health
- Blood tests including cardiovascular screening bloods and, where appropriate, thyroid and hormone levels.
- Lifestyle advice to support long-term wellbeing
It’s an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, even if you’re currently feeling well.
Preventative care is an important part of what we do, and a Well Woman Check can help identify early signs of common conditions so they can be managed effectively.
You can find out more or book an appointment by visiting our Well Woman Health Check page.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your health isn’t just about dealing with problems as they arise. It’s also about checking in, asking questions, and getting the right support when you need it.
If you’ve noticed any changes, have concerns, or simply want to talk something through, we’re here to help.
Just get in touch with the practice and we’ll guide you from there.