Hormone Wellness Clinic

18/06/2026

With summer holidays on the horizon, I always remind my patients that a little planning can help ensure their HRT doesn’t become an unexpected travel headache!

✈️ Pack enough medication
Take more than you think you’ll need in case of delays, and keep all medication in hand luggage. 

📋 Carry a copy of your prescription
This can be helpful if you’re questioned at security or need medical assistance while away.

🕒 Think about time zones
For most women, a small adjustment to the timing of HRT isn’t a problem, but if you’re travelling long-haul and are unsure, discuss it with your healthcare professional before departure.

🧴Using your transdermal HRT
If you are using Oestrogel then apply early in the morning and leave enough time before swimming or switch to night time.

Also good to remember to apply before sun cream application. Leave at least 2 hours before swimming or sun cream application. (one benefit of being on oral estradiol).

14/06/2026

In terms of everyday health and wellbeing, we think of oestrogen and testosterone helping energy, mood, and muscle strength, but what’s less widely appreciated is how powerfully they shape our immune system.

Both hormones are involved in regulating inflammation, coordinating immune cells, and ensuring our body can mount an appropriate response to infection.

As oestrogen and testosterone decline whether during the menopause transition in women, or the gradual fall of testosterone in men - the immune system becomes less efficient. This can mean more frequent infections, longer recovery times, and in some cases, an increased susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.

This is why supporting hormone health is not simply about managing symptoms such as hot flushes or low energy. It’s also about preserving long-term resilience, protecting the body’s ability to fight illness, and maintaining overall wellbeing.

25/05/2026

Polycystic ovarian syndrome has finally been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

This is hopefully a big step forward that should help more women get diagnosed and offered appropriate management for their symptoms.

PCOS was never just a gynaecological problem causing cysts on the ovaries, it goes much deeper. 

I have been treating PCOS as a metabolic disorder for years dealing with the root cause which is a multi endocrine approach rather than just offering women the contraceptive pill. 

PCOS is underpinned by endocrine disturbances in insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine and ovarian hormones.
Features can be: 

✔️Metabolic (ie, obesity, dysglycaemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnoea).
✔️Reproductive (ovulatory disturbances, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, pregnancy complications, and endometrial cancer).
✔️Psychological (depression, anxiety, poor quality of life, and eating disorders).
Dermatological (acne, alopecia, and hirsutism).

Hopefully with the new name and better understanding of the causes of PCOS/PMOS more women will be diagnosed and have access to the treatment and advice they need.

21/05/2026

Some of my patients  are surprised when they seem to develop hayfever symptoms for the first time overnight during perimenopause or menopause.

In fact, it’s not that usual. Sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and increased sensitivity to pollen can all become more noticeable during this stage of life - even in women with no previous history of allergies.

One of the reasons for this is the effect hormonal change has on the immune system.

Oestrogen plays an important role in regulating inflammatory and histamine responses within the body. As hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause and decline after menopause, some women become more sensitive to histamine - the chemical released during allergic reactions.

At the same time, reduced oestrogen can affect the mucous membranes lining the nose and airways, making them drier, more reactive and more vulnerable to environmental irritants such as pollen, dust and pollution.

We also know that poor sleep, stress, increased inflammation and changes in gut health - all common during this shift - may further influence immune function and allergy symptoms.
While antihistamines can help manage symptoms, it is important to look at the wider picture:

✔️ Hormonal balance
✔️ Sleep quality
✔️ Nutrition and gut health
✔️ Inflammation and managing stress levels
✔️ Environmental triggers

03/05/2026

I spent some much-needed time slowing down this time last weekend. After a busy week in clinic combined with tube strikes, I could literally feel the stress in my body. 

As a hormone doctor, I spend a lot of my time helping others rebalance - but this was a reminder that we all need to do it!

I joined my mum for a hormonal balance sound bath and reiki session at my local Pilates studio , and it was exactly what my nervous system needed. No pressure, no productivity - just stillness, breath, and space to reset.

We talk a lot about hormones in terms of nutrition, exercise, and treatment plans - but one of the most overlooked pieces is rest.

Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, and when cortisol is out of balance, it can disrupt everything from sleep and energy to menstrual cycles and mood. Sometimes, supporting your hormones isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing less.

Taking intentional time to pause, regulate your nervous system, and come back to baseline isn’t indulgent - it’s essential.

If you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or out of sync, consider this your reminder: Rest is productive. Slowing down is powerful. 🙏❤️

30/04/2026

Another common complaint I hear from patients in clinic is about changes to hair - whether it’s that it suddenly feels thinner and breaks, or general loss.

It can be extremely distressing to lose hair and can cause significant psychological strain.

It is important to diagnose what kind of hair loss is happening - such as telogen effluvium, Androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata.

There are many factors which can affect hair loss and quality of hair. First I would rule out any underlying cause like low iron (get a test for ferritin) or an under/overactive thyroid.

In younger women, polycystic ovarian syndrome can often present with hair loss at Menopause, as testosterone can become the more dominant hormone.

5 essential things i recommend:

✔️Put hormones back
✔️Viviscal hair supplement is helpful
✔️Vitamin C - I use Altrient liposomal
✔️Collagen - Marine or multi
✔️Zinc
✔️Vit D and K2 - have a blood test to determine baseline and guide dosage

27/04/2026

As we reach our mid-40s, many women notice stubborn belly fat creeping in – even if their diet and exercise habits haven’t changed.

This isn’t just frustrating; it’s largely driven by hormonal shifts, including fluctuating oestrogen and changes in insulin sensitivity. Stress and poor sleep can also make this extra fat cling around the midsection.

The good news? While we can’t stop aging, we can take steps to minimise and reduce belly fat:

✔️Focus on strength training: Muscle mass naturally declines with age, slowing metabolism. Building strength helps burn calories and shape your midsection.
✔️Prioritise protein and fibre: Balanced nutrition keeps blood sugar steady and reduces cravings.
✔️Manage stress & sleep: Cortisol, the stress hormone, encourages belly fat storage. Mindful practices and good sleep routines are key.
✔️Move consistently: Cardio, yoga, or even brisk walks support fat loss and overall health.

Remember too, every woman’s body is unique, and understanding your hormones can make all the difference. 

18/04/2026

As you may know, I am a big advocate of strength training for longevity. I tell all my patients that strength training has to be the non-negotiable exercise in your week - and ideally 2-3 times a week.

We all have busy lives and it is not always possible to get to the gym but we can all find 15-20 mins to work out at home.

In an ideal world I recommend getting a trainer to help start you lifting if you have never done strength training before. You don’t need to join a super expensive gym, I joined my local one as I could afford to have a PT there and it is 2 mins from my house.

As so many patients were asking, Josh and I have put together a 20 min workout to do at home. Just to show how doable it is.

Any work out should be personal to you of course - not all the exercises here will suit everybody.

13/04/2026

UTIS are common in elderly women with incidences exceeding 10% over 65 and 30% over 85. It is common reason for hospital admission and sepsis in older women and is completely preventable.

Which raises the question; should vaginal oestrogen be used, not just during menopause but across different stages of life?

Thank you Cassie Steer and HELLO! for bringing the case for vaginal oestrogen into the spotlight. As ever, I am very happy to have contributed to the conversation.

From UTI’s to postpartum recovery, this hormone therapy is doing more than you think