Childbirth can be one of the most painful events in a woman’s life. Coupled with the social, hormonal, and physical changes that accompany birth, it is no wonder that women feel emotionally overwhelmed following the delivery of their baby. This feeling is so common that it is often referred to as ‘baby blues’, which shockingly…
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)? HT is a thyroid autoimmune disease, whereby the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, responsible for producing hormones that play a vital role in regulating metabolism. HT disproportionally affects women, estimated to be diagnosed 10 times more…
What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a condition where the blood flow between the mother and the baby is disrupted because the placenta does not receive enough blood from the mother’s body. It can occur in, or soon after, pregnancy, and although the exact causes are unclear, it is thought to be caused by problems with…
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed glaring social, economic, political, and health inequalities, and has further widened the gap between the most privileged and most vulnerable communities across the globe. Women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and all gender-diverse individuals are subject to unique healthcare disparities that this pandemic has exacerbated (1). Healthcare…
My story and experience with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) For me, as a first-time mother, I had never heard of HG before, and when the dreaded “morning sickness” began around Week 5, I thought this was normal and it would pass. The constant nausea and sickness at the back of my throat never ceased. I was…
Definitive evidence continues to demonstrate how climate change is devastating human and planetary health in low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income country contexts across the globe.[1] It remains the greatest global public health challenge of the 21st century, and despite the output of COP26, it is certain that climate change will continue to be an ever-intensifying existential…
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)? TSS is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria entering the body and releasing harmful toxins. Almost all cases of menstrual TSS (mTSS) are caused by TSS‑toxin type‑1, produced by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are usually harmless, often found on the skin or in the nose and…
What is endometriosis? In the United Kingdom (UK), 1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffers from endometriosis[1]. This amounts to approximately 1.5 million women, which is similar to the number of women with diabetes[2]. Endometriosis can affect women of any age and is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK (after fibroids)[3],…
Background Most women spend almost a third of their lives living with a hidden, unaddressed, yet regular experience, known as menopause. At least 60% of women have mild symptoms, 20% have severe symptoms, and 20% have none. However, with a lack of awareness into what menopause truly entails and how to help reduce its impact,…
Having a week off as I approached my one-year anniversary of working at Bham Pharma Ltd. provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my progression and what I have learnt so far. Although I have only been in the industry a year, it already feels a lot longer having progressed from an Intern to a…