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Ten top tips for Women’s Health

To mark International Women’s Day, a GP and NHS England’s Perinatal Mental Health National Clinical Lead and Advisor looks at key issues found in primary care:

There seems no better medical way to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 than to reflect on some of the most important things to remember when managing women’s health in primary care.

With such a large range of conditions and experiences to consider, I have tried to include the latest guidelines for the issues which seem to cause most confusion amongst GPs, as well the things causing most difficulty for women that I speak to from all over the country.

  1. Continuous flexible pill taking for the COCP is the most efficacious way to prescribe according to the evidence: The 21/7 regimen is outdated, risks pregnancy and this method controls cyclical symptoms, both physical and psychological. If women wish to have a monthly period, only give a 4-day break. For more information download the Combined Hormonal Contraception guide.
  2. Menopause symptoms are hugely variable amongst women and cause huge distress: Mood disturbance, muscular and joint pains, itching and insomnia are all common. HRT is the most effective treatment and should be considered for women in the perimenopause and menopause with no risk factors. It is a clinical diagnosis for the majority and treatment should be started early and continued for as long as she needs it. For more information visit the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.
  3. Transdermal preparations are the safest form of HRT: This can be in combined preparations in the form of a patch, or oestrogen gel/patch alongside progestogens in the form of a Mirena IUS or oral utrogestan (micronized progesterone) For more information view the HRT Guide: Post NICE Guidance for Healthcare Professionals.
  4. Vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and oestrogen: These can be vital in helping women with vaginal symptoms of menopause and can be used alongside systemic HRT or instead of for women who don’t wish to have systemic treatment. For more information visit the Womens Health Concern website and the My Menopausal Vagina website.
  5. Perinatal Mental Illness is common. Suicide is the leading cause of death in women between 6 weeks and 1 year postnatally: We have a huge role to play in primary care in identifying the women who are suffering but there are huge barriers to women disclosing such as societal stigma, fear of social services, concerns about medication and feeling rushed. Ask these two questions and really listen to the answers. Look behind the smile.
  6. Do not stop psychotropic medication if a pregnant woman comes to see you: Women are at huge risk of relapse and need careful assessment of the risk and benefits before medication is stopped. The risks of stopping the medication may well outweigh the risks of continuing. Most areas of the country now have community perinatal psychiatry teams who you can ask for advice.
  7. Pelvic floor problems, including urinary but particularly faecal urgency and incontinence are underreported and therefore often go untreated: Remember to ask women specifically about these symptoms if you see them postnatally or even during appointments for other gynaecological issues. They often won’t disclose otherwise, as they may think it’s “normal after you’ve had a baby”. Refer for physiotherapy or specialist care and many women have found the Squeezy app very helpful.
  8. The experience of heavy menstrual bleeding will be very subjective and taking a good history with regards to the effects of the heavy bleeding on a woman’s life is vital: How many pads/tampons per hour or day? Is she having to get up in the night? Is she stuck at home or missing work or school? This shouldn’t be considered a fact of life that women have to deal with and further details of management are available.
  9. Approximately 60% of our female patients are now overweight or obese: This has health implications, including higher rates of gynaecological cancers but also means we need to know how to look after our patients with obesity properly. Things we need to do in primary care:
  10. Premenstrual syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are a significant cause of morbidity: A good history including effect on her everyday life and a symptom diary are the key to making the diagnosis. For further management, including the use of SSRI and hormonal contraception can be found one National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.

I would thank Dr Nikki Kanani for asking me to write the blog, to Dr Zoe Norris, my friend and co-presenter on my Women’s Health Teaching job and my NHS England job share friend Dr Carrie Ladd. What a wonderful, professional and knowledgeable group of doctors I am lucky enough to work with.

Dr Stephanie de Giorgio

• Portfolio GP in Kent with an interest in Women’s Health
• Perinatal Mental Health National Clinical Lead and Advisor to NHS England
• Works with Perinatal Mental Health Network to promote education via social media
• Writes and presents the Women’s Health course for NB Medical Education
• Is part of #obsmuk and works with EASO to promote education about and reduce stigma around obesity
• Working with NHS England and charities to help develop evidence based postnatal care in the community.
• Runs Resilient GP, an online peer support and educatino forum she co-founded to support primary care staff
• Likes a nap!