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What you should know about uterine fibroids

 Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Despite how common they are, many women do not fully understand what fibroids are, why they develop, or how they can impact health. This post will break it all down for you in simple and relatable terms. What Are Uterine Fibroids? Uterine fibroids also called leiomyomas or myomas are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size: from tiny seedlings to large masses that can distort the uterus. How Common Are They? Fibroids are incredibly common in African women and often appear between the ages of 30 and 50years. It is estimated that up to 70% of women will develop them at some point in their lives. Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but several factors may increase a woman’s risk: Hormones – Oestrogen and progesterone promote fibroid gr...
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The not so talked about struggle: Endometriosis

  Grace’s Story: “I thought the pain was normal…” Grace, a 28-year-old teacher, spent over a decade living with unbearable menstrual pain. “I thought it was normal. Every month, I’d take sick days, curl up in bed, and cry through my periods,” she shared. “Doctors told me it was just part of being a woman.” It wasn’t until she struggled with infertility and finally saw a specialist that she was diagnosed with endometriosis through laparoscopy. “Getting a name for what I was going through changed everything.”  There are a lot of women in Grace's situation who thought that heavy bleeding and pain was normal with menstruation.  Endometriosis is a word many women hear, but only few fully understand: until they or someone close to them is affected by it. It remains underdiagnosed and surrounded by myths. So, what exactly is endometriosis, and why should you care? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called the endometrium) grows o...
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  Nourishing Women’s Health: The Role of Nutrition in PCOS and Endometriosis Introduction When we talk about women’s health, especially in relation to gynaecological conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or even others like: fibroids, and even menopause, hormonal medications and other clinical care are usually the primary approaches used. However, what we eat plays an equally powerful role in managing these conditions, their symptoms, improving quality of life, and supporting overall reproductive health. Nutrition is not just the fuel that enables you to walk around and carry out daily activities, it’s medicine. Today, I will focus only on PCOS and endometriosis. Understanding the Link Between Nutrition and Gynaecological Health Gynaecological conditions are often influenced by hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. These underlying issues can be directly affected by diet. A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet helps regulate ho...
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PCOS 101: Symptoms, Solutions, and Support"

  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries of females during their reproductive years. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms and impacts various aspects of health, including menstrual regularity, fertility, and metabolic function. Causes  and Risk Factors The exact cause remains unclear, but factors like genetics and insulin resistance are believed to be contributing factors. However, one of the most established cause is an overproduction o f androgens  (which is a male hormone). This hormone then causes the disruptions in the normal circulating female hormones which leads to symptoms  such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity. Risk factors for PCOS include: Insulin resistance : The body's inability to effectively use insulin, leading to increased insulin production and higher androgen levels. Genetics : PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component. H...
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The Silent Struggle: Understanding Hormonal Imbalance in Women

  For the next couple of weeks, I will be taking a break from Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer talk. Th e next few post s  would explore how hormonal imbalances affect women at different stages of life : from puberty to menopause. Hormones  are chemical messengers in our bodies . These chemicals play a lot of roles in our body and not just the monthly menstrual period . Hormones impact our  energy, mood, weight, skin, sleep, fertility, and even mental clarity. Many signs of hormonal imbalance are subtle, misdiagnosed or brushed off as stress in those affected. In this post, we’ll explore the often silent struggle of hormonal imbalances in women and how to take control of your hormonal health. What Is Hormonal Imbalance? A hormonal imbalance occurs when there  is  too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. The key hormones for  women include estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones . Common Signs You Shoul...
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What you need to know about the HPV vaccine

  What does HPV Vaccine do? The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts  and cervical  cancer. It can also offer some form of protection against vagina, vulva, pen ile, mouth, throat, head, neck   and  an al cancers caused by HPV. How does the vaccine work? It stimulates the body to build immunity for fighting against strains of Human Papilloma Virus. What does it involve? An injection into the upper arm. How many times do I need to take it? 2 or 3 times. Depending on the age at which the first dose was taken. Who is it for? Male and females between the age of 9 and 14 years who are yet to be sexually active. Although, people who are still younger than 27 can still be vaccinated. What if I am sexually active, over 26 years and desire to take the vaccine? The goal of the vaccine is to prevent new infection. Therefore, people who have been sexually active may have contracted the virus which the vaccine can not work for. You can get tested for HPV and discuss w...
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