Dial up the menstrual health hotline
Plus, a free women's health assessment and why we're now lifting weights
Hello, lovely reader!
This week, I got to see my name in print.
I finally got my hands on a copy of Kate Muir’s new book about the contraceptive pill. I’m in Chapter Two talking about the misinformation around pill breaks.
Spoiler alert, you do not need to have a seven-day break if you’re on the combined contraceptive pill. I share my (angry) thoughts on that here.
Three ways to help close the gender health gap this week
Access a free menstrual health helpline
I’ve historically been very sceptical of retailers and big brands entering the women’s health space. Often, they want all the rewards without the hard work. But, I am impressed by Holland & Barrett (H&B)’s efforts.
The key here is that the brand has brought in the expertise of a founder already in this space. Parla’s Lina Chan is the H&B Director of Women’s Health. As a result, everything from the brand feels strategic and closely linked to what women actually need. The cherry on top is its Women's Health Community Fund which invests up to £5,000 in grassroots organisations and community groups.
I’m particularly excited by the brand’s free menstrual health advice line. What a great way to help people share those little niggles which seem too trivial or difficult to take to the GP. This initial conversation with a menstrual nurse will give them the confidence to know all is ok or worth seeking more support on. It’s run in partnership with the Endometriosis Foundation and you can access it here.
Grab a free women’s health assessment
Glacie Health is a new women’s health membership platform that aims to support women through each stage of life. It’s co-founded by Dr Rumbi Mutenga and Kim Chimsasa.
Each month, the team provides a small number of free women’s health assessments. These are open internationally and, following a virtual discussion, people are directed to certain services or free online resources.
Dr Rumbi told me more about their aims for the platform:
“One of our biggest motivations is reducing the time between presenting with symptoms and getting a diagnosis - a lot of that is from hurdles not being listened to, needing help navigating the healthcare system and if we can help break down some of those barriers we would have done our little bit.”
Spaces go quickly so book here now!
Celebrate the freedom (!) of women’s weightlifting
I first got into lifting weights in my twenties. I was doing barbell classes but wanted to do more at the gym. I remember once tentatively entering the weight room before nervously dashing out, intimidated by all the men grunting and pumping iron.
Thankfully, times have changed, and women’s weightlifting is taking off. Data from 2023 says that women now regularly engage in strength training - 40% up from 10% in the early 00s.
This BBC article explores more about the sport and why lifting is so important for our health.
Bonus this week is a must-read for any female founders. Entrepreneur, Emma Rees, is sharing the raw data from her pitch and investment raise process. She plans to share tips on planning, outreach and pitching based on meticulous notes and data. Follow Emma here.
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When not curating this email, I help women’s health brands find their voice and stand out in a busy market. Find out more here about my tone of voice and brand positioning offer.
Thanks very much for reading,
Hannah