MENSTRUATION

Once the hormonal connection between the brain and ovaries are fully mature, a woman enters her reproductive years.

If all is well, this stage should be characterised by a monthly sequence of hormonal changes, that results in a single egg maturing and being released from an ovary each month; and at the same time, growth and eventually shedding of the endometrial lining before the cycle starts again.

For many women, these monthly transitions are predictable in timing and symptoms but for some, the irregularities, mood disturbances, pain and heaviness of the bleeding reveal underlying health conditions that can have an enormous impact on a woman’s ability to live well.

Vaginal Probiotics: What Does the Science Say?

We talk a lot about balance when it comes to our bodies and in the vagina, that balance is maintained by a complex ecosystem of microbes called the vaginal microbiome. When that balance is disrupted, the symptoms can be hard to ignore: unusual discharge, odour, irritation, or recurring infections like thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV). In recent years, researchers have started to explore the potential of vaginal probiotics; live, beneficial bacteria that restore a healthy v

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

Dr Natalie Hutchins

Jun 239 min read

what is a vaginal microbiome image of bottles in lab conditions

The Vaginal Microbiome: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

When we talk about women’s health, there’s an important player that often goes unmentioned: the vaginal microbiome. It might not be something you think about every day, but it plays a major role in everything from period health to pregnancy, infections and immunity. Understanding what your vaginal microbiome is (and how to support it) can help you take better care of your body across every life stage.

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

Dr Natalie Hutchins

Jun 186 min read

Connection as Medicine: How Social Relationships Shape our Health

When we think about living a long and healthy life, we tend to focus on things like food, sleep, and exercise. But the science is clear: our relationships matter just as much. Social connection isn’t just “nice to have”; it’s a biological necessity, hardwired into our nervous systems. Growing research shows that friendships, community, and emotional closeness have a profound impact on our health and life, for women in particular.

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

Dr Natalie Hutchins

May 197 min read