How Common Are PMS and PMDD?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects nearly half of women worldwide, while the more severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is less common but often underdiagnosed. This blog explores how common PMS and PMDD really are, why prevalence rates vary, and the challenges researchers face in understanding these conditions.
Clinical Insights on Hormonal Monitoring with Mira and Its Role in Perimenopause Management
Discover how Mira hormonal monitoring provides real-time insights into the fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause. Learn how this advanced tool helps personalise treatment plans, improve symptom management, and guide effective hormone replacement therapy.
Is HRT Right for Me? How Mira Helps Make That Decision Easier
Navigating hormone therapy decisions can be complex. Mira's hormone tracking technology offers personalised insights into your hormonal patterns, helping identify whether estrogen, progesterone, or other factors are contributing to your symptoms. This data empowers you and your healthcare provider to make informed, tailored decisions about HRT, ensuring a treatment plan that aligns with your unique hormonal profile. Discover how Mira can guide you through this important decision-making process.
How the Mira Monitor Can Help You Understand Your Hormone Chaos
Experiencing fatigue, bloating, or mood swings despite normal blood tests? The Mira monitor tracks key hormones—LH, E3G, PdG, and FSH—through daily urine samples, revealing patterns like estrogen dominance or low progesterone. This data helps pinpoint ovulatory cycles and hormonal imbalances, offering clarity during perimenopause. At Sirona Health, we interpret your Mira results in the context of your symptoms, guiding decisions on HRT, supplements, and lifestyle interventions.
Why Perimenopause Feels So Confusing and What You Can Do About It
Are your periods suddenly unpredictable? Mood swings or brain fog creeping in? You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a hormonal rollercoaster, with fluctuating cycles, sleep issues, anxiety, fatigue, and weight changes—yet a single blood test often misses the bigger picture. At Sirona Health, we use the Mira hormone monitor to track estrogen, LH, FSH, and progesterone levels over time. That way, we can decode how your hormones relate to your symptoms and tailor personalised advice—so you stop guessing and start understanding what’s happening in your body.
Navigating the Decision to Stop HRT: What We Know — and What We Still Don’t
Thinking about stopping HRT? At Sirona Health, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While HRT offers relief from symptoms like hot flushes and brain fog, the decision to stop depends on your age, symptom severity, and health risks. And with up to 40% of women experiencing a return of symptoms—some restarting HRT later—making the timing and method right is key. Learn what current guidelines say, why research gaps remain, and how we can support you in making a confident, personalised choice.
Understanding Progesterone and Progestogens: What You Need to Know
Progesterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the body for implantation, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. During perimenopause, progesterone levels fluctuate, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Understanding these changes and how to manage them is crucial for women's health during this transitional phase. Explore how monitoring progesterone levels can provide insights into your health and guide effective treatment strategies.
HRT & Weight Loss Injections: What You Need to Know
Combining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with weight loss injections like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is increasingly common. However, recent guidance from the British Menopause Society highlights potential interactions: these medications can slow digestion, possibly reducing the absorption of oral progesterone, a key component of HRT. This may compromise endometrial protection, especially for women with a uterus. Alternative progesterone delivery methods, such as the Mirena coil or combined HRT patches, are recommended. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Brain Fog in Women: What’s Happening During Pregnancy and Menopause?
Experiencing forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fatigue? These are common symptoms of brain fog, particularly during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can impact brain function, leading to cognitive challenges. While these symptoms are often temporary, they can be managed through lifestyle adjustments, including adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may offer relief. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Feeling Constantly Tired? Let’s Talk About Fatigue
Fatigue is a common yet often overlooked symptom among women, particularly in their 40s and 50s. It's more than just feeling tired—it's a persistent, overwhelming exhaustion that isn't relieved by sleep. This chronic fatigue can significantly impact daily life and may be linked to various factors such as hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, psychological stress, sleep disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective management and treatment. Explore how addressing these factors can help restore your energy and well-being.
The Non-Contraceptive Benefits of Zoely: What Women in the UK Should Know
Zoely isn’t just a reliable contraceptive — it’s a powerful ally for your overall health. From lighter, more manageable periods to clearer skin and relief from PMS symptoms, this unique estradiol and nomegestrol pill offers benefits far beyond pregnancy prevention. Discover how Zoely can support your menstrual health, boost your well-being during perimenopause, and help you feel more in control of your cycle.
Contraception Choices During Perimenopause
Navigating contraception during perimenopause can be complex, as fertility can persist even with irregular periods. It's essential to continue using reliable contraception until you've been without a period for 12 consecutive months, marking the onset of menopause. Options like hormonal contraceptives—such as combined oral contraceptives, the mini-pill, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)—not only prevent pregnancy but can also alleviate perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes and menstrual irregularities. However, considerations regarding age, health history, and potential risks are crucial. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures the chosen method aligns with your individual health needs and lifestyle.
Periods during the perimenopause … what can happen?
Perimenopause involves complex hormonal fluctuations that impact menstrual cycles. Initially, shorter cycles and heavier periods may occur due to higher FSH and oestrogen levels. As follicle numbers decline further, cycles become more irregular, with missed periods becoming more common.
Progesterone for perimenopausal symptoms
Progesterone plays a crucial role in managing perimenopausal symptoms by balancing estrogen levels and supporting overall hormonal harmony. It helps regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate mood swings, and reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Incorporating natural progesterone, such as micronized progesterone, can be an effective strategy for women seeking to manage perimenopausal symptoms without synthetic hormones. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Bleeding on HRT - information for women who still have a womb
Experiencing vaginal bleeding while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is common, especially for women who still have a uterus. The type and timing of bleeding can vary depending on the HRT regimen—continuous or sequential. While light, short-duration bleeding is often considered normal, especially with sequential HRT, unscheduled or prolonged bleeding may indicate underlying issues such as endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. It's crucial to monitor bleeding patterns and consult with a healthcare provider if irregularities occur. Early detection and appropriate adjustments to HRT can help manage symptoms and reduce risks.
Long term safety of HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) remains a cornerstone in managing menopausal symptoms, offering relief from hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. While HRT is generally safe for women under 60, especially when initiated close to menopause onset, long-term use carries certain risks. These include a slightly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as potential cardiovascular concerns if started many years post-menopause. However, for many women, the benefits—such as reduced risk of osteoporosis and improved quality of life—outweigh the risks. It's crucial to have a personalised discussion with a healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons based on individual health profiles.
Diagnosing the perimenopause
Diagnosing perimenopause can be complex due to the absence of a definitive test. According to the British Menopause Society, perimenopause is characterized by changes in menstrual cycle patterns, such as infrequent periods and cycles becoming slightly longer, e.g., 6–7 weeks apart. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, cognitive changes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and urogenital symptoms like vaginal dryness. In some cases, a trial of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used to assess symptom improvement. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate symptoms and consider appropriate treatment options.
The role of the microbiome in phytoestrogens
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolising phytoestrogens—plant-derived compounds found in foods like soy, flaxseeds, and legumes. These compounds can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially alleviating menopausal symptoms and supporting hormonal balance. However, their effectiveness depends on the composition of an individual's gut bacteria. Certain gut microbes are better equipped to convert phytoestrogens into bioactive forms that the body can utilise. A diverse and healthy microbiome enhances this conversion, while an imbalanced microbiome may reduce efficacy. Factors such as diet, antibiotic use, and lifestyle choices can influence gut health and, consequently, the benefits derived from phytoestrogens. Maintaining a balanced microbiome through a fiber-rich diet, probiotics, and prebiotics may optimise the health benefits of phytoestrogens.