Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a female sex hormone with many roles, including controlling puberty and strengthening bones. But too much or too little can cause medical problems.

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Oestrogen blood test

Oestrogen blood tests help us to understand hormone balance. Read more if you are planning pregnancy, are pregnant or your menstrual cycle is unusual.

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Diethylstilboestrol (DES)

Follow the links below to find out more about diethylstilboestrol (DES), a synthetic form of oestrogen.

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Menopause medication

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is medication to treat troublesome symptoms of menopause. Find out about types of MHT and their risks.

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the name for a number of hormone therapies that can be used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

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Testosterone blood test

A testosterone blood test can show us how much of the sex hormone testosterone is in your body. Males usually have more testosterone than females.

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Breast cysts

Breast cysts are benign bubbles of fluid in the breast. It’s important to know how to recognise them and what to look for if you suspect a lump is not benign.

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Vaginal dryness

Although it can affect any woman, vaginal dryness is most common in women who have experienced menopause.

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Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition that affects the uterus and can cause heavy periods. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Menopause

Find out about menopause, common symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment and support.

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Post menopause

Some health conditions and problems are more common after menopause, including osteoporosisand cardiovascular disease.

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Uterine fibroids

A uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous tumour that grows in and around the uterus. Find out more about fibroids in the uterus, including the symptoms and treatment options.

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Hormonal medicines and periods

Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) may affect your menstrual cycle.

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Blood tests A-Z

From the fasting blood glucose test to the prostate (PSA) test, there are many kinds of blood tests. Browse the index and learn how to prepare for your test.

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Mini pill (progestogen-only pill)

The 'mini pill' is a type of contraceptive. It contains only one hormone and you can use it while breastfeeding.

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Bladder prolapse

A prolapsed bladder (cystocoele) develops when the bladder bulges into your vaginal wall. This may cause problems, but can be treated.

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Early menopause

Menopause that happens earlier than the expected age of around 50 years is called premature or early menopause.

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Osteopaenia

If you have osteopaenia, your bones are weaker than normal. Osteopaenia is less severe than osteoporosis but you need to take care if you're at risk.

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Contraceptive vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is an effective hormonal contraceptive method that works in the same way as the pill. It can also help control your periods.

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Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands sitting on top of each kidney. They form part of the body's hormonal system. They produce several hormones that are involved in controlling your blood pressure, metabolism and your body's response to stress.

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Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system involves organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina, as well as hormones.

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Breast cancer

Breast cancer often shows as a lump in the breast tissue, although most breast lumps are not cancerous. If detected early on, recovery is more likely.

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Bleeding between periods

Vaginal bleeding between periods is not unusual, but should be checked by your doctor if it happens more than once or twice.

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Vaginal discharge

Every woman has some vaginal discharge. It's usually healthy and serves a purpose. Here's how to know what's normal, and what's a sign of infection.

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Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition where males develop enlarged breasts – often called ‘man boobs’. It's very common and usually not serious. Learn here about the treatments available and where to seek help.

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Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein. Find out about DVT symptoms and treatment, and how to prevent it.

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Irregular periods

If your period stops or changes in any way, you should see your doctor.

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Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a missing or partially missing X chromosome. Find out more about its symptoms and treatments here.

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Prolapsed uterus

Prolapsed uterus is when your uterus falls down towards the vaginal opening. Read about its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

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Endocrine glands and their hormones

The hormone system is the way in which one part of the body tells another part of the body to do something important. Find out more about different parts of the hormonal system.

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