Author: Zoya Ali

14 Posts

  • This one is for my cysters

    PCOS 101- This One Is For Our Cysters!

    September 22, 2022Zoya Ali

    Key Takeaways: PCOS is a very common hormone imbalance disorder affecting that assigned female-at-birth of reproductive age. PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, issues with ovulation, increased levels of androgens, excess hair growth, skin issues and weight issues.  The main treatment for PCOS is symptom management and may depend on whether or not someone is trying to actively become pregnant.  Being diagnosed with PCOS does not necessarily mean…

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  • why test hormones

    Why should you test your hormones?

    July 5, 2022Zoya Ali

    First, let’s get back to basics… What even are hormones? Put simply, hormones are small chemical messengers that travel through the blood to different parts of your body. They help control many different functions from growth and development to metabolism (how your body gets energy from the food you eat), menstrual cycles,  fertility and mood, just to name a few!  Hormones are made by special cells in a network of…

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  • support employees going through fertility treatment

    How to support employees going through fertility treatment in the workplace?

    May 20, 2022Zoya Ali

    Still, a hushed and taboo topic – almost 1 in every 6 couples have fertility issues in the UK-that’s about 3.5 million. The global infertility rate is increasing as people choose to have children later in their lives, with the average age to have a first child now 30.7 years in the UK. This means that fertility treatment is becoming more and more common. Infertility and the fertility treatment journey…

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  • period pain

    How can period pain impact your employees?

    May 20, 2022Zoya Ali

    A 2019 BMJ study found that up to 14% of women took time off work during their menstrual periods due to symptoms such as heavy bleeding and period pain, with 3.4% reporting absenteeism almost every monthly menstrual cycle. Furthermore, over 80% found themselves less productive due to their period symptoms for 23.2 days a year on average. Unfortunately, period pain is incredibly common. Many might manage it with home remedies…

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  • health benefits

    Why should reproductive health be a part of your mental health benefits?

    May 20, 2022Zoya Ali

    COVID-19 and the shift to remote working has catalysed the demand for mental health benefits – it is now a “must have” for employers in 2021. In fact, in a recent survey, 91% of respondents stated that a company’s culture should support mental health. It is no coincidence that mental well-being is included in how reproductive health is defined by the World Health Organisation, stating that “Reproductive health is a…

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  • How to support LGBTQ+ employees

    How to support LGBTQ+ employees

    May 20, 2022Zoya Ali

    Deciding to start a family is never an easy process, but for some employees who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, their journey to parenthood might need some more support.  Being a 21st-century employer means establishing an inclusive, progressive and supportive work environment to attract and retain employees. A 2017 study by Mercer found that 33% of UK respondents do not offer equal benefits to LGBTQ+  employees because they…

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  • menopause 101 signs symptoms and treatments

    Menopause 101: The Signs, Symptoms and Treatments

    October 18, 2021Zoya Ali

    Key takeaways: Menopause is confirmed after someone experiences no periods after 12 months in people who are over 45 years old and not using hormonal contraception. Menopause is a natural phenomenon; however, it can also occur as a result of surgical removal or damage to the ovaries. The average age of menopause is between 45 and 55, but a small number of people may experience it before this age. If…

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  • Testosterone Levels

    Testosterone 101: Understanding Your Testosterone Levels

    October 6, 2021Zoya Ali

    It’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…

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  • The culprits behind your skin stress

    Hormonal Acne: The Culprits Behind Your Skin Stress

    August 31, 2020Zoya Ali

    Maintaining healthy skin isn’t always as simple as skinsperts and bloggers may make it sound. Sometimes no matter how much money you spend in the lotion aisle, or how many fads you try, your dreams of perfect skin don’t come true. Often the culprits behind your skin complaints are your hormones which can cause hormonal acne and other skin stresses. The hormones in our body are balanced very meticulously, so even…

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  • Cervical Screening

    Cervical Screening: Have No Fear, Get Your Smear!

    August 30, 2020Zoya Ali

    Turning 25 not only marks the end of your first quarter of a century on earth, but it also calls for a (rather mundane) birthday card from the NHS, reminding you to book in for your cervical screening.   Now you’re ‘of age’, this is going to become something of a routine for you every few years, but just because it’s routine, doesn’t mean we fully understand the ins and outs…

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