Latest news with #WellbeingofWomen
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Charities call for 'vital changes' as Lupita Nyong'o details decade-long health battle
Lupita Nyong'o speaks out about her uterine fibroids, urging women to not stay silent, whilst charities are calling for significant changes on women's reproductive health Lupita Nyong'o candidly shared the details of her decade-long journey with uterine fibroids since her diagnosis in March 2014. The US actor said she had been secretly battling the condition, which are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb, for a decade. In a post shared on her Instagram page, Lupita, 42, said she was "speaking up" about her story. Along with a series of snaps, she said she hoped her experience would "resonate with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused or alone". "And I hope to seek answers for the far too many women dealing with uterine fibroids (80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50!). We deserve better. It's time to demand it. Silence serves no one," she wrote. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths developing in and around the womb. Statistics show that 2 in 3 women, most commonly between the ages of 30-50, will get a fibroid in their lifetime. 80% of Black women and 70% of white women by the age of 50 will get a fibroid. The symptoms of the fibroids vary from; heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia, pelvic pain, pregnancy complications and frequent urination, whilst others may not have any symptoms. Women's health charity, Wellbeing of Women, revealed how "fantastic" it was for Lupita to have spoken out about her uterine fibroids as their Just a Period campaign has called for urgent change in this area. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. "We want to see an end to the shame, stigma and silence around heavy bleeding and pain," Marianne Sladowsky, head of communications and campaigns said. "[We want] more education for young people so that girls are able to know when they need to seek help for their periods, better education for GPs to end the dismissal that many women encounter when they seek help and more money to fund women's health research so that we are better able to diagnose and treat women's health problems." When asked about the state of women's health, head of communications at Endometriosis UK, Faye Farthing, said women's health has been "under-prioritised and under-funded for too long". "It's time the tide changed to ensure that everyone experiencing symptoms of a menstrual health condition receives the right care at the right time," she told The Mirror. "Without vital changes to education, health and employment - those with the disease [endometriosis] will continue to suffer. We hope that this [UK] Government prioritises women's health and ensures that there is the necessary funding, capacity and resources to meet the needs of patients so that everyone gets access to the right care at the right time." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Shock as UK drops down global women's health league for fourth year in a row
THE UK has dropped down a global women's health league for the fourth year in a row. Countries such as British women are more likely to experience poor emotional health and chronic pain than the EU average, it was revealed. The UK — the sixth richest nation in the world — ranks 41st out of 142 in the Hologic Global Women's Health Index. That is down from 37 last year and 30 in 2023. The annual league is based on polls of more than 78,000 women globally. It showed maternity care quality has declined and women here are less likely than in similar nations to be checked for conditions such as British women also report higher rates of sadness, Tim Simpson, of health tech firm Hologic, said: 'This is a four-year decline that no one can ignore.' Janet Lindsay, boss of charity Wellbeing of Women, said: 'These figures are unacceptable for one of the world's wealthier nations. They reflect long- standing under-investment.' Most read in Health The report scores countries out of 100 based on women's responses on issues such as illness, personal safety, medical care and mental health. Top of the table was Taiwan (68) and Kuwait (67). Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows The UK scored 59, behind USA (60), Kazakhstan (63), Saudi Arabia (63) and Kosovo (60). We placed 23rd out of 31 in Europe. The Department of Health said: 'We're on a mission to get the NHS working for women. Equality will be at the heart of our Ten-Year Health Plan.' 1 The UK has dropped down a global women's health league for the fourth year in a row
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Shock as UK drops down global women's health league for fourth year in a row
THE UK has dropped down a global women's health league for the fourth year in a row. Countries such as Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia ranked better. British women are more likely to experience poor emotional health and chronic pain than the EU average, it was revealed. The UK — the sixth richest nation in the world — ranks 41st out of 142 in the Hologic Global Women's Health Index. That is down from 37 last year and 30 in 2023. The annual league is based on polls of more than 78,000 women globally. It showed maternity care quality has declined and women here are less likely than in similar nations to be checked for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. British women also report higher rates of sadness, stress and anger than five years ago. Tim Simpson, of health tech firm Hologic, said: 'This is a four-year decline that no one can ignore.' Janet Lindsay, boss of charity Wellbeing of Women, said: 'These figures are unacceptable for one of the world's wealthier nations. They reflect long- standing under-investment.' The report scores countries out of 100 based on women's responses on issues such as illness, personal safety, medical care and mental health. Top of the table was Taiwan (68) and Kuwait (67). Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows The UK scored 59, behind USA (60), Kazakhstan (63), Saudi Arabia (63) and Kosovo (60). We placed 23rd out of 31 in Europe. The Department of Health said: 'We're on a mission to get the NHS working for women. Equality will be at the heart of our Ten-Year Health Plan.' 1
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 signs you need to see a doctor about your period
Periods are a routine – though often unwelcome – part of life for millions of women and people who menstruate. And for some, symptoms can affect everyday life. A recent study found more than a third (36%) of girls said they missed 1.7 days of school a year as a result of heavy or prolonged bleeding. And a survey by UK charity Wellbeing of Women found over half of women say periods are negatively impacting their lives. Yet, despite this, many of us are reluctant to see a doctor if we're struggling with our menstrual cycle. "The stigma and shame around periods mean many women delay seeking help for treatable symptoms," Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, tells Yahoo UK. "Our 'Just a Period' survey found that women wait nearly two years from the onset of issues like pain or heavy bleeding before speaking to a doctor," she adds. This wait can not only affect your daily life but may lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts or, in rare cases, some forms of cancer. Understanding what's normal – and what's not – is key to getting help sooner. Here are six signs it might be time to speak to your GP about your period. Mild cramping at the start of your period is common. But pain that leaves you curled up on the floor, vomiting, or unable to function isn't something to brush off. "A period that stops you from living is not normal," says Dr Aziza Sesay, a GP and ambassador for Wellbeing of Women. "Whether that's going to school, work, or even just walking around – that's a red flag." "There's this narrative that women are just made to suffer," she continues. "But just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal." Intense pain around your period could be a sign of conditions including endometriosis – where cells similar to the womb lining grow elsewhere in the body, causing inflammation, pain and scar tissue – and adenomyosis, where the womb lining grows into the muscle wall. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb, can also cause painful periods. Changing a pad or tampon every one to two hours is an indicator of heavy menstrual bleeding – what Dr Sesay calls 'flooding'. "That's where you're frequently changing products, wearing both [a tampon and a pad] together, or even needing to sleep on a towel,' she explains. 'And it's not normal. A tampon should not fill up every 60 minutes, for example." This level of bleeding can impact your iron levels, leading to anaemia, which may cause tiredness, dizziness, headaches or shortness of breath, she explains. She advises speaking to your GP if you need to change products frequently or are regularly passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (around the size of a 10p coin). While heavy periods can be normal for some people, they can also be caused by conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to the NHS. Unexpected bleeding can be a sign that something isn't right. This includes spotting between periods, after sex, or bleeding post-menopause. This type of bleeding might be linked to cervical polyps (small, usually benign tissue growths on the neck of the womb), infections, or more serious conditions such as endometrial or cervical cancer, Dr Sesay explains. While cancers are less common, she stresses early diagnosis is key. "Bleeding between periods, after sex, or post-menopause should always be investigated," Dr Sesay continues. "It could be a sign of something hormonal, but it might also indicate cervical or womb-related conditions. The sooner we know, the faster we can rule these out." Everyone's cycle is slightly different, but it's worth paying attention if yours changes noticeably or becomes unpredictable. Periods that suddenly become heavier, more painful, or arrive less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart could indicate an issue, according to Dr Sesay. "Conditions like thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work – or even early perimenopause can all affect your menstrual rhythm," she says. When your period starts skipping without an obvious reason, such as pregnancy, contraception or menopause, it might be time to investigate. One missed period isn't always a cause for alarm, but Dr Sesay says, "frequent irregularity without explanation" is a red flag. "Stress, excessive exercise, weight loss or PCOS are common culprits,' she explains. "Track your cycle and bring that information to your GP. It makes the appointment more effective, as your doctor will be able to see your patterns clearly." Thanks to hormonal shifts, feeling low, anxious, or irritable before your period is common. But when emotional symptoms become extreme, disruptive, or hard to manage, it could be more than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). "There's a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and it's far more serious than regular PMS," Dr Sesay explains. PMDD is a little-known hormone-based condition that affects around one in 20 people who have periods worldwide. Symptoms include depression, anxiety and irritability, as well as reduced motivation, focus and libido. It can also be life-threatening: 34% of women with PMDD have attempted suicide, according to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD). Dr Sesay stresses it's important to seek help and support as soon as possible if you're struggling with any of these symptoms. "Please don't delay visiting your doctor. We want to help support you; it's what we're here for. You don't have to suffer," she says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Doctor Aziza Sesay| MBChB DRCOG MRCGP DFSRH (@talkswithdrsesay) Tracking your cycle, checking your body and trusting your instincts are all important ways to catch any issues early, according to Dr Sesay. "It's about asking yourself, 'what's my normal?' so that you know when your body feels off," she says. She advises using a tracker like the Wellbeing of Women Period Symptom Checker if you've noticed any changes in symptoms, saying, 'it only takes a few minutes to use and can help prepare you for what to tell your doctor". She also advises being persistent when it comes to menstrual issues."If someone dismisses your concerns, ask again," she says. "See another GP. Don't give up." Beyond recognising red flags, looking after your general health can also help keep your cycle stable. "What we do in our lifestyle will have an impact on our overall health – and that includes our cycle," she says. She recommends avoiding smoking and vaping, keeping alcohol under 14 units a week, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress. Read more about periods: Locked Loos And Leaks At School: Students Are Facing Too Many Barriers On Their Periods (Huffpost, 4-min read) What you need to know about menstrual cups, as doctors issue warning (Yahoo Life, 8-min read) What is PMDD? Vicky Pattison diagnosed with condition after 'feeling insane' for years (Yahoo Life, 4-min read)
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How a new period checker could stop millions from ‘suffering in silence'
A charity has launched a new period symptom checker to help women and girls understand their menstrual cycle in more depth, as one of the UK's top women's health doctors warns women are "suffering in silence" with menstrual problems. Wellbeing of Women's period checker asks users various questions about health and reproductive symptoms and takes only four minutes to complete. At the end, it drafts a letter for women to give to their GP in order to open up discussions about their symptoms. The charity said that many women are "putting up with" debilitating pain and heavy bleeding, with those suffering from period problems waiting an average of two years before seeking help. In 2023, a survey of 3,000 women and girls for Wellbeing of Women found that 96% experienced period pain, with 59% describing their pain as severe. A huge majority (91%) said they experienced heavy periods, with nearly half (49%) saying their bleeding was severe. Despite their symptoms, the survey found that women and girls are often dismissed as "just having a period", with 51% saying they felt their doctors failed to take their pain seriously. But severe pain and heavy bleeding, as well as irregular cycles, may be a sign of conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The new tool comes after the Women and Equalities Committee of MPs published a report in December concluding that many girls are leaving school without knowing what a "normal" period looks like. The report added that the prevalence of "medical misogyny" is leading to women living with unnecessary pain for years. The MPs suggested there is a lack of medical research, treatment options and specialists, adding that the "de-prioritisation" of gynaecological care have led to waiting lists have grown faster than any other speciality. Professor Dame Lesley Regan, a leading gynaecologist and chairwoman of Wellbeing of Women, said: "It is shocking that women are still suffering severe period pain and heavy bleeding in silence. "A variety of medical treatments could be offered to girls and women with these distressing conditions. We hope that our new Period Symptom Checker will encourage women to speak up and seek help for their period problems. "It aims to promote better engagement with GPs and other community healthcare professionals by creating a letter that outlines how their symptoms are affecting their everyday lives." Watch: "I was told I had period pain - it was endometriosis, two uteruses and cervixes" The charity also commissioned a poll, conducted by Censuswide, that found only one in 10 women can identify all the signs of heavy menstrual bleeding. It called for better education about menstrual health and said this is urgent to encourage women to seek treatment, whether through an appointment with their GP or community healthcare professional, or by taking better care of themselves. Dr Michael Mulholland, honorary secretary at the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), said: "It's never easy to hear when any patient reports not feeling as though they have been listened to. "We want all women to feel confident about turning to their GP for timely and appropriate care. "Women's health is a key part of the RCGP curriculum that all GPs in training must demonstrate competence of before they are able to practise independently as a GP, and we will continue to support initiatives like Wellbeing of Women's Period Symptom Checker to raise awareness and challenge the normalisation of period problems." Additional reporting by PA Read more about women's health: How do period-tracking apps work, and should you use them for fertility? (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) 'Medical misogyny' means women endure years of gynaecological pain, new report says (Sky News, 3-min read) More than a million women keep period sick days a secret (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
