Menopause is a reproductive life stage for any woman when they can no longer conceive and stop having periods. This period (and perimenopause that comes before) is associated with different symptoms, such as hot flushes, trouble sleeping, low mood and anxiety, which can often be disruptive to their daily lives. Why should employers care about menopause? Over 12 million women and gender diverse people at the workplace in the UK…
Why should reproductive health be a part of your mental health benefits?
Read moreCOVID-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…
How to support LGBTQ+ employees
Read moreDeciding 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…
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…
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…
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…
Menstrual Cycle Basics: What You Need To Know
Read moreIf you’re anything like us, your memories of sex ed probably revolve around cringing, as your science teacher put a condom on a banana, rather than actually understanding the ins and outs of the amazing process that women go through every month. You aren’t alone if your only knowledge of the menstrual cycle is that it exists, involves blood, and can cause PMS. If you wish that a text message…