As we approach two years of living in a pandemic, the focus is turning to COVID-19 boosters to ensure the nation stays protected. Whilst there are no known risks to women’s reproductive health of the COVID-19 vaccine, little is known about the effects on menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Throughout the pandemic, we have received countless questions from our community asking for information on the COVID vaccine and fertility, and…
Knowledge Center
Menopause 101: The Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Read moreApproximately 25 million people go through menopause every year. Despite it directly affecting half of the population, knowledge and understanding around menopause remains incredibly low. In light of World Menopause Day, we are here to help change that. Here’s all you need to know about the inevitable, yet natural transition. What is menopause? The word ‘menopause’ can be broken up into two segments – ‘Meno’ refers to your menstrual cycle…
Testosterone 101: Understanding Your Testosterone Levels
Read moreIt’s become a common misconception, that when it comes to sex hormones, those born female are driven by oestrogen and those born male are driven by testosterone. But the reality is, all sexes have these hormones running through their bodies, just in different quantities. So if testosterone isn’t just for testes-bearers, what does it do in your body? And what can the knock-on effects of an imbalance be? Welcome to…
Hormones and Smoking: How is it affecting your health?
Read moreIt is a well-known fact that smoking can have a negative impact on your health, with both active and passive smoking possessing the ability to wreak havoc. Being associated with health conditions such as emphysema, diabetes, multiple forms of cancer, heart disease and many more, you would assume that no one would pick up this habit. However, in 2019, health data showed, 28% of men and 22% of women aged…
What Do Your SHBG Levels Mean?
Read moreSex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is an important protein produced primarily by the liver but also in smaller quantities by the brain, uterus, placenta, breast and ovaries. Its role is to bind to your sex hormones including testosterone and oestradiol, and transports them around the body, but what can it mean if your levels are high or low? We’ve broken down all you need to know about SHBG levels. Why do…
Luteinising Hormone: What Do Your LH Levels Mean?
Read moreIf FSH and LH sound familiar, that’s because we talk about them a lot, especially when it comes to fertility and ovulation. Here, we’re going to talk all about LH in detail. You can read more about its partner in crime, FSH here. Let’s start with a whistle-stop tour of everything you need to know about luteinising hormone and LH levels. For more details, keep reading. What is LH? LH…
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: What Do Your FSH Levels Mean?
Read moreIf FSH and LH sound familiar, that’s because we talk about them a lot, especially when it comes to fertility and ovulation. Here, we’re putting the spotlight on FSH, so that you can understand it in detail. You can read more about its partner in crime, LH, here. Let’s start with a whistle-stop tour of everything you need to know about follicle-stimulating hormone and what your FSH levels mean. Read…
Alcohol and Hormones: What is the link?
Read moreWhen looking to conceive, cutting down on your drinking is often one of the first things on your preconception to-do list. The dangerous effects of alcohol on the developing foetus can range from physical to mental and generally disrupts their development in the womb (see foetal alcohol syndrome). But what is the link between alcohol and hormones? According to recent data, women and gender-diverse people assigned female at birth, are…
Stress and Your Menstrual Cycle: Is there a link?
Read moreMost of us recognise stress when it comes along. It can be triggered by an impending deadline or presentation. Maybe you are moving house next week or taking on extra shifts at work to afford a holiday this year. Either way, stress is a natural reaction to different life events. Often a very good motivator, it helps us work harder and achieve things, in small doses. But there is a…
Metformin and PCOS: A treatment right for you?
Read morePolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects around 1 in 10 people with ovaries (1). Despite being named as an “ovarian” syndrome, PCOS has both reproductive and metabolic characteristics. Your metabolism describes the chemical processes that take place to keep you alive and your organs functioning normally, such as breathing, repairing cells and digesting food. Many PCOS sufferers are prescribed a drug called metformin to help treat symptoms of the condition. Metformin…