All blogs
- Adolescence
- Am I Perimenopausal?
- Complex cases
- Do I Have PMDD? (Recognition & Diagnosis)
- How Menopause Affects Your Life
- How PMDD Affects Your Life
- Lifestyle & self-management
- Lifestyle & self-management menopause
- Medical treatments
- Medical treatments menopause
- Menopause
- PMDD
- Therapeutic approaches
- Treatment & Management
- Treatment & Management Menopause
- Understanding Menopause (The Science Explained)
- Understanding PMDD (The Science Explained Simply)
- Women's Health
Medication Options for PMS and PMDD
Struggling with PMS or PMDD? Dr Georgina Standen explores all the effective treatments — from SSRIs and SNRIs to HRT, contraceptive pills, GnRH analogues, and more — with a focus on personalised, evidence-based care.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Understanding Your Options
Many women experience vaginal dryness, discomfort or urinary changes after menopause — but you don’t have to live with it. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is common and treatable. From moisturisers and lubricants to Gina®, Ovesse®, Imvaggis® and prasterone, discover safe and effective options to restore comfort and confidence.
Natural and Lifestyle Treatments for PMS and PMDD
Lifestyle and natural treatments can significantly reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms. From exercise and diet to supplements, herbs, and CBT, explore evidence-based strategies that support hormonal balance.
I Never Tolerated the Pill, So I Can’t Take HRT” – Busting a Common Menopause Myth
Many women worry that because they didn’t tolerate the pill in their 20s, they won’t tolerate HRT in menopause. In reality, the two treatments are very different — HRT uses lower doses of body-identical hormones tailored to your needs, and many women who struggled with the pill find they thrive on HRT.
Why Hormone Sensitivity — Not Hormone Levels — Causes PMS and PMDD
Normal hormone levels don’t mean no symptoms. PMS and PMDD often stem from hormone sensitivity—especially to progesterone—rather than “imbalances.” Learn what this means and what treatments can help.
Dydrogesterone for HRT: Safer Progestogen Choice?
Dydrogesterone is emerging as a progestogen with a gentler side effect and safety profile compared to others. Learn what the latest studies show and whether Estradiol + Dydrogesterone HRT might be the right choice for you.
The 200+ Symptoms of PMS You Might Not Know About
PMS can show up in over 200 different ways—from bloating and headaches to mood swings and fatigue. Some symptoms overlap with the diagnostic criteria for PMDD, which is often confused with bipolar disorder. Understanding your personal pattern is the first step to clarity and relief. Explore the full list of symptoms, learn what’s “normal,” and find out when to seek help.
Slynd®: The New Generation Progesterone-Only Pill Now Available in the UK
Slynd® (drospirenone 4 mg) is reshaping progesterone-only contraception in the UK: predictable dosing, improved tolerability, and effective protection for adults and adolescents
Do You Really Need an Estradiol Blood Test During Menopause?
Many women are told they need an estradiol blood test to confirm menopause or to monitor hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But the truth is, blood levels don’t always reflect what’s happening in your body. In most cases, your symptoms — not a single blood test result — are the most reliable guide. Learn why estradiol testing is rarely necessary, when it can be helpful, and how a personalised approach leads to better menopause care.
How PMS and PMDD Are Diagnosed
Wondering whether your symptoms are PMS or PMDD? Diagnosis relies on tracking cycles, using tools like the PSST and Mortola Calendar, and ruling out other causes. Here’s how doctors make the distinction and why symptom records are essential.
Menopause or Thyroid Disease? How to Tell the Difference
Feeling tired, foggy, or just not yourself in midlife? Menopause and thyroid disease share many of the same symptoms — from fatigue and mood swings to weight changes and poor sleep. At Sirona Health, our perimenopause blood panels include thyroid screening, with advanced testing available if needed. Find out how checking both can help you get answers and feel like yourself again.
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.
PMS vs PMDD: Understanding the Key Differences
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are often confused — but they’re not the same. PMS is common and can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, while PMDD is a severe, often disabling condition that affects mood, work, and relationships. In this post, we’ll explain the key differences, how doctors diagnose PMS and PMDD, and what treatments are available.
The Saliva Test Revolutionising Endometriosis Diagnosis
A breakthrough saliva test is transforming endometriosis diagnosis — no surgery, no long waits. Using microRNA profiling and AI, this non-invasive tool delivers up to 96% accuracy, helping patients get answers sooner and plan treatment with confidence.
Identifying Hormone Patterns — Progesterone Decline During the Menopausal Transition
As ovulation slows in midlife, progesterone production drops—often leaving estrogen unopposed. The result? Heavy periods, mood swings, and hormonal imbalance. Learn why progesterone matters in perimenopause and how tracking your hormones with Mira can help you take control.
Testosterone Cream for Postmenopausal Women Now Licensed in the UK
The MHRA has approved a testosterone cream for postmenopausal women in the UK. At Sirona Health, based in Bath, Stroud, Cirencester & Tetbury, you can access this treatment privately now — even before the official UK launch.
Zoely & PMDD: Could This Pill Help Ease Your Symptoms?
Discover how Zoely — a contraceptive pill containing nomegestrol acetate and bioidentical estradiol — may help ease PMDD symptoms. Learn the science, benefits, and how it compares with other pills, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
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.