Over 50% of Scotland’s population are women and there are 32,344 women working for NHSGGC. Throughout her life course, women and girls experience various health needs and risks which are not the same as men
[While we have used the term ‘woman/women’, it is important to note that some transgender men, non-binary people, intersex people and those with variations in sex characteristics may also experience issues and require access to women’s health services]
The Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024) underpins actions to improve women’s health inequalities by raising awareness around women’s health, improving access to health care and reducing inequalities in health outcomes for girls and women, both for sex-specific conditions and in women’s general health.
To support the implementation of the plan, NHS Inform has a dedicated Women’s Health Platform, which sets out information on women’s health at key stages of life, from puberty to later years.
To explore the full range of topics covered visit:
Menstrual Health
Sometimes it can feel embarrassing talking about periods – but periods are normal. You are entitled to ask for the help that you need to experience good menstrual health and wellbeing.
Everyone experiences periods differently, but it’s important to know what isn’t ‘normal’. If you have any concerns, pain or discomfort during your period, there’s lots of help available. You don’t have to suffer.
Periods: What’s normal
What you need to know about irregular periods
How can you manage PMS symptoms?
Periods are normal – but what’s a normal period?
This webinar covers the basics of menstruation, focusing on what is ‘normal’ in terms of periods and examples of period stigma, as well as common symptoms such as heavy bleeding, irregularity and how to manage symptoms.
Panel: Dr Jackie Maybin (the University of Edinburgh)
Alice Brooks (Women’s Health Plan Lived Experience Group)
Everything you need to know about PMS
This webinar focuses on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and includes advice on managing both the physical and emotional symptoms that many experience on the run up to their period.
Panel: Dr Ellie Golightly (NHS Lothian),
Gill Meens (Mental Health Foundation Scotland)
PCOS mythbusting
This webinar busts some common myths about the condition Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), explains more about the common symptoms associated with the condition as well as when and how to discuss with healthcare professionals.
Panel: Professor Colin Duncan (the University of Edinburgh),
Professor Anna Glasier (Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion)
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body. It’s very common, affecting around 1 in 10 of those who menstruate. For some people, it can have a significant impact on their physical health, emotional well-being, and daily routine.
Endometriosis : A hidden condition
Endometriosis UK is the national charity committed to providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis
A recent webinar from EXPPECT Edinburgh on being newly diagnosed in Scotland, what is endometriosis, the diagnosis journey and pain management is available to view below:
Past webinars on a variety of topics are also available
Understanding endometriosis
This webinar offers the opportunity to learn more about endometriosis, the common symptoms associated with the condition, when and how to discuss with healthcare professional and how to manage symptoms.
Panel: Professor Andrew Horne (the University of Edinburgh),
Julie Burns (Endometriosis Support Group Ayrshire),
Vicky Chapman (Endometriosis Support Group Dundee)
Further resources from Endometriosis UK:
Conversation Café toolkit and Resource Hub
This Conversation Café toolkit provides resources to facilitate conversations, and encourage information sharing and peer support on areas within women’s health. The toolkit is a guide for delivery, which can be used flexibly by organisations, community groups, employee groups or with friends to set up, host and evaluate an independent Café.
For more information on how to access and use the toolkit, and the accompanying resource hub:
- Conversation Cafe toolkit for promoting positive discussion on women’s health – Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (alliance-scotland.org.uk)
- Conversation Cafe resource hub – Policy and research (alliance-scotland.org.uk)
For any questions about this or additional information on the Conversation Café toolkit please email: whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk
Heart Health
Mythbusting women’s heart health – Webinar recording
The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) in partnership with the Scottish Government, hosted a webinar exploring women’s heart health.
Heart disease is a major cause of ill health and death for women in Scotland, and certain risk factors may have more of an impact on women’s risk of heart disease than men’s. Despite this, the awareness of women’s experience of heart conditions is limited and heart disease in women is not commonly represented.
Menopause
Menopause is when a woman stops having periods. Menopause means ‘the last menstrual period’ and around 400,000 women in Scotland are of menopausal age. While it is a natural and inevitable part of the life course, the timing and symptoms are different for everyone.
NHS Inform has a range of information – including 7 ‘Menopause Myths’ videos – on perimenopause (the period leading up to menopause when women can also start to notice changes and experience symptoms), menopause and post menopause including what to expect, available treatments and where to get support and help.
For a quick overview please see the following short videos and recorded webinar produced by The Alliance:
Further Information on Menopause
Menopause at work
Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, so it’s important to be able to speak openly about menopause at work.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises that for some the menopause is not always an easy transition. Some employees may need additional considerations to support and improve their experience at work.
Some people find it hard to manage menopause symptoms at work. It’s important to remember that the menopause is a normal time in women’s lives and that support is available to help you feel comfortable at work.
Menopause and mental health and wellbeing
Changes in your hormones during menopause can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. You may experience feelings of anxiety, stress or even depression.
Further information and support is available from NHS Inform:
National Wellbeing Hub Menopause Resource
The National Wellbeing Hub Menopause resource provides you with guidance and support for managing your menopausal symptoms and helping your colleagues manage theirs.
NHSGGC Healthy Minds
Anyone can use the Healthy Minds sessions to raise awareness of mental health. Each session has a PowerPoint presentation and facilitator’s notes to guide you through delivering the session
Menopause and Mental Health is No.17.
Menopause cafes
Menopause Resources
Women’s Health Concern provide a range of detailed factsheets providing information and advice on menopause health.
Information for managers
The Faculty of Occupational Health offers practical guidance on how to improve workplace environments for menopausal women: