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- Understanding Menopause (The Science Explained)
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The Future of PMDD Treatment: tDCS, Brain Stimulation & the Nettle Device
A new class of treatment is emerging for PMDD that doesn’t involve hormones or standard antidepressants: non-invasive brain stimulation. This blog explains how tDCS works, why it’s being explored for PMDD, what the UK trial of the Nettle device is aiming to show, and what this could mean for women in the UK.
Antidepressants vs Hormone Treatment for PMS and PMDD: Breaking the Stigma
Many women accept hormone treatments for PMS and PMDD but hesitate to use antidepressants—even though SSRIs are proven effective. Learn why stigma persists, how this leads to under-treatment in PME, and what evidence-based options exist.
Understanding Testosterone vs Oestrogen in Midlife: What This New Study Reveals
A new 2025 study has redefined how we understand women’s hormones at midlife. While oestrogen falls sharply around menopause, testosterone declines slowly — influencing energy, libido and wellbeing. Discover what this means for treatment and natural hormone balance.
When Your Health Fluctuates with Your Cycle: Understanding Premenstrual Exacerbation
Many women notice their health feels different in the days before their period. For some, existing conditions like migraines, asthma, or depression become more intense—a phenomenon known as premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Unlike PMS or PMDD, PME doesn’t cause new symptoms, but it amplifies what’s already there. Understanding PME can help you take control of your health and manage symptoms more effectively.
HRT and Heart Health: Rethinking the ‘Window of Opportunity’ Theory
For years, women were told there was a limited “window of opportunity” to start HRT safely for heart health. New evidence shows this isn’t true. Modern studies reveal that the timing of HRT matters far less than the type, route, and overall cardiovascular profile. Dr Georgina Standen explains why HRT remains safe and beneficial well beyond ten years after menopause when used appropriately.
Progesterone Sensitivity: When Your Hormones Own the Mood
Some women react strongly to progesterone, triggering mood swings, anxiety, or skin changes. Learn which progestins are best tolerated, with evidence-based advice from Dr Georgina Standen at Sirona Health.
Mast Cells, Histamine and Female Hormones: Why Some Women React Differently
If your skin flares up, your gut feels reactive, or you find yourself flushed, itchy, or anxious around your period or during perimenopause, you’re not imagining it. There’s growing evidence that female hormones can directly influence immune cells called mast cells, changing how much histamine your body releases. These hormone–immune interactions may explain why some women experience cyclical symptoms that cross several systems — skin, digestion, mood, and energy — yet have never been fully explained by hormones alone.
What Is “Reproductive Depression”?
Many women notice that their mood changes around times of hormonal fluctuation — before a period, after having a baby, or during the perimenopause. For some, these changes are mild; for others, they can be life-altering. This pattern is increasingly recognised as a distinct form of depression known as reproductive depression. Here, I explain what that means, why hormones can influence the brain so profoundly, and how this understanding is helping us shape more effective, personalised treatments.
The Future of PMDD Treatment: Neuroactive Steroids
New research is changing how we understand and treat PMDD. Instead of suppressing hormones, emerging treatments known as neuroactive steroids work by calming the brain’s response to hormonal change. Here, Dr Georgina Standen explains how brexanolone and zuranolone work, what current evidence shows, and what this could mean for women in the UK.
The Best Birth Control Pills for PMS and PMDD (and Which to Avoid)
Can the pill help PMS or PMDD? For many women, yes — but the type, dose, and how you take it all matter. Dr Georgina Standen explains which contraceptive pills may improve premenstrual symptoms, which can make them worse, and how to choose the right approach for you.
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.