The Journal
Egg & Sperm Quality: The Hidden Key to Fertility Health
Fertility isn’t just about timing it’s about quality. During National Fertility Awareness Week, we’re shining a light on one of the most overlooked aspects of conception: egg and sperm health. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or planning for the future, understanding how lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation affect reproductive cells can make a big difference. Why Egg Quality Matters A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have around one to two million. Over time, that number and quality naturally decline. By the mid-30s, fewer eggs are released, and the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities increases, which can affect conception and pregnancy outcomes. The good news? Egg quality can be supported with lifestyle changes and fertility-focused supplements. Tips to Support Egg Health Nourish your body: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and CoQ10 protect eggs from oxidative stress. Balance blood sugar: Whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats stabilise hormones and support ovulation. Reduce toxins: Limit alcohol, smoking, and environmental toxins like BPA. Prioritise rest & stress management: Chronic stress can impact ovulation and hormonal balance. Supplements like Ovum are designed to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support egg quality and reproductive health. Femme Health Pre-Conception & Ovulation Support Supplement, formulated to nourish your body for conception. Sperm Health: More Than Just Count Sperm quality isn’t only about quantity it’s about motility (movement), morphology (shape), and DNA integrity. Research shows that sperm health can change within about three months, as that’s how long new sperm take to develop. Ways to Boost Sperm Quality Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat can affect testosterone and sperm production. Fuel up: Zinc, folate, vitamin D, and omega-3s support sperm quality. Stay cool: Avoid excessive heat from laptops or saunas on the lap area. Cut back on toxins: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and recreational drugs can harm sperm DNA. The Power of Preconception Care Preconception health isn’t just for those ready to conceive today it’s a form of body literacy. Understanding your fertility empowers you to make informed choices about your health, family planning, and overall wellbeing. Consider fertility testing or consultations to learn more about: Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, FSH, AFC) Semen analysis Hormone balance panels Nutritional and lifestyle assessments Supplements like Ovum Femme Health Pre-Conception & Ovulation Support can complement these lifestyle and testing strategies, providing targeted nutrients to support both egg and sperm quality. Key Takeaway Both Egg & Sperm Quality are vital to conception, and both can be nourished through lifestyle, diet, and supplementation. Nutrition, stress management, and targeted vitamins play powerful roles in protecting reproductive health. This National Fertility Awareness Week, let’s normalise conversations around fertility because awareness is the first step to empowerment. Because fertility health is whole-body health.
Learn more
Show Notes: The Thyroid–Cycle Connection: Missed Ovulation, Lost Periods, and Hashimoto’s Health
In this insightful 60-minute episode of Know Your Flow, host Stef Meachin speaks with Rocsi, Founder of Her Aligned Hub, about the crucial link between thyroid health and menstrual cycles. They dive into how thyroid dysfunction, including autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, can cause missed ovulation, irregular or lost periods, and fertility challenges.
Learn more
Show Notes: Know Your Normal - Breaking the Silence on Women's Intimate Health
Know Your Normal - Breaking the Silence on Women's Intimate Health Title: Know Your Normal - Breaking the Silence on Women's Intimate Health Host: Stef Meachin Guest: Dr Shirin Lakhani, GP, cosmetic doctor & founder of Elite Aesthetics Length: ~24 minutes In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Know Your Flow, Stef Meachin sits down with Dr Shirin Lakhani to explore the stigma and silence surrounding women’s intimate health. Together, they unpack why so many women suffer quietly with issues like dryness, discomfort, and conditions such as Lichen Sclerosus - and how open, informed conversations can change everything. Dr Shirin shares her experience as both a GP and women’s health advocate, explaining how innovative treatments such as Morpheus8V and the O-Shot are transforming care and confidence. This honest conversation reminds us that empowerment comes from knowledge, community, and the courage to know your normal. “So many women think pain or dryness is something they just have to live with — but that’s not true, and it’s not normal.” Dr Shirin Lakhani In This Episode, We Discuss: 💬 Why intimate health is still surrounded by stigma — and how to start the conversation 🌸 Understanding “knowing your normal” and recognising when something isn’t right 🩺 How emerging treatments like Morpheus8V and the O-Shot are supporting women’s wellbeing 💪 The importance of self-advocacy and building confidence in your body ❤️🔥 How openness and science can replace silence and shame “When women start talking openly, it shifts the whole conversation from embarrassment to empowerment.” Stef Meachin Episode Takeaways Pain, dryness, or discomfort are common, but not normal and shouldn't be endured in silence. Awareness is a form of self-care and early intervention. Modern Treatments Are Transforming Women's Intimate Health. You are the authority on your own body - and your concerns deserve to be heard. Conversation is a catalyst for culture change. “Science and support should go hand in hand — because every woman deserves to feel comfortable and confident in her body.” Dr Shirin Lakhani Timestamps 00:00 – IntroductionStef introduces Dr Shirin Lakhani and opens the discussion on why intimate health still carries so much stigma. 04:15 – Why Women Suffer in SilenceDr Shirin shares the cultural and emotional reasons women often avoid seeking help for intimate concerns. 09:40 – Knowing Your NormalThe pair discuss what “knowing your normal” really means and why early awareness is key to long-term health. 14:30 – Innovative TreatmentsDr Shirin explains how technologies like Morpheus8V and the O-Shot are changing the landscape of women’s intimate care. 20:45 – Empowerment Through AwarenessA conversation on how education, openness, and empathy can transform women’s experiences and confidence. 26:00 – Final ThoughtsDr Shirin encourages women to speak up, seek help, and take ownership of their wellbeing. Listen & Subscribe Listen to Know Your Flow by femme on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to catch the next episode in Season 3.
Learn more
Show Notes: Women, Pleasure & Taboo: Redefining Intimacy Through Fertility and Menopause
Women, Pleasure & Taboo: Redefining Intimacy Through Fertility and Menopause Title: Women, Pleasure & Taboo: Redefining Intimacy Through Fertility and Menopause Host: Stef Meachin Guest: Cecilie Hjelmager, Co-Founder of Sitre Length: ~30 minutes In the first episode of Season 3, Know Your Flow returns with a bold and important conversation about intimacy, female pleasure, and wellness. Host Stef Meachin, co-founder of femme, is joined by Cecilie Hjelmager, co-founder of the Danish intimacy brand Sitre, to explore why intimacy and pleasure are still treated as taboo topics - even among women - and how this conversation is finally beginning to change. Cecilie shares how her own experiences, alongside her co-founder Julie’s, inspired the creation of Sitre - a brand redefining intimacy with products designed to support fertility, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause, all while promoting inclusivity and education. Together, Stef and Cecilie discuss how communication, emotional connection, and self-awareness can transform how we think about sex and intimacy at every life stage. “We wouldn’t even be on this planet without intimacy, so why is it still so taboo?” Stef Meachin In This Episode, We Discuss: The story behind Sitre and its mission to make intimacy part of overall wellness Why conversations about female pleasure are still surrounded by stigma The impact of fertility journeys, hormonal changes, and menopause on intimacy How small acts of connection — from touch to setting a mood — can nurture relationships The importance of fertility-safe and body-friendly products for women’s health How Sitre is building an inclusive storytelling platform to educate and empower Why teaching intimacy as part of wellbeing (not just sex education) should start earlier Listen here “Intimacy isn’t a luxury - it’s a key part of our wellbeing.” Cecilie Hjelmager Episode Takeaways Intimacy should be seen as wellness, not shame. Open communication between partners is vital through life’s changes. Pleasure and emotional connection support mental and physical health. Safe, inclusive products can empower women through every stage of life. Sitre products containing CBD and Vitamin E, could really help those with endometriosis and adenomyosis with intimacy as it often causes muscle spasms and tension “A good orgasm can be one of the best stress relievers - yet no one teaches that.” Cecilie Hjelmager Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Season 3 of Know Your Flow Stef opens the new season with excitement and introduces today’s theme: intimacy — a subject many women still find difficult to talk about. 01:00 – Introducing Cecilie and Sitre Meet Cecilie Hjelmager, co-founder of the Copenhagen-based intimacy brand Sitre, redefining how we think about pleasure, wellness, and women’s health. 02:00 – The Story Behind Sitre Cecilie shares how her and her co-founder Julie’s personal experiences led to creating Sitre — a brand inspired by the need for safe, empowering products that treat intimacy as part of overall wellbeing. 04:20 – Why Is Female Pleasure Still Taboo? A powerful discussion on why women’s pleasure has been ignored for centuries, the influence of media and male-centric narratives, and why open conversations are the key to change. 07:00 – The Importance of Representation and Storytelling Cecilie explains how sharing real stories from women helps break shame and normalise female desire, pleasure, and connection. 08:50 – Intimacy During Fertility and Menopause Stef and Cecilie explore how intimacy often suffers during fertility struggles and menopause, and how communication can strengthen relationships during these vulnerable stages. 10:45 – Redefining Intimacy Beyond Sex Cecilie shares how intimacy isn’t just about penetration — it’s about connection, touch, and acts of care like massages or lighting a candle to build closeness without pressure. 13:30 – The Pressure of Performance and Communication in Relationships Stef reflects on her own experience attending an intimacy masterclass, highlighting the importance of communication, honesty, and learning to adapt with your partner. 14:30 – Fertility-Safe Lubricants & Product Safety Cecilie explains why not all lubricants are fertility-safe and how Sitre prioritises natural ingredients, pH balance, and skin health to ensure safety during fertility treatment and menopause. 17:30 – Ingredients That Support Women’s Wellness Discover how Sitre uses Vitamin E for healing and CBD for relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits — designed to nurture the body and reduce tension. 19:20 – Education, Inclusivity & Changing the Conversation Cecilie discusses why Sitre built a storytelling platform (feelSitre.com) to share honest, diverse experiences from women of all ages and backgrounds. 22:30 – Intimacy Education and Schools Stef and Cecilie reflect on how sex education in schools focuses on biology and contraception, not pleasure or wellbeing — and why this needs to change. 24:00 – Intimacy as Wellness and Stress Relief They discuss the mental and physical benefits of pleasure — from stress relief and better sleep to improved self-connection. 25:00 – Redefining the Language of Intimacy Cecilie talks about moving away from “kinky” or “dirty” language to embrace intimacy as something mindful, soft, and emotional — not performative. 27:00 – What’s Next for Sitre Cecilie reveals what’s coming next for the brand — from new products inspired by daily wellness rituals to expanding Sitre’s storytelling and educational platform. 29:00 – Where to Find Sitre Cecilie invites listeners to connect on Instagram @feelSitre Sitre products are also available here. 30:00 – Closing Thoughts Stef wraps up with a heartfelt thank you, reflecting on the importance of open conversations about intimacy, connection, and women’s wellbeing. “It’s about redefining intimacy as connection, not performance.” Cecilie Hjelmager Episode Summary In this episode, Stef and Cecilie challenge the taboos around female pleasure and redefine intimacy as a vital part of wellness. They discuss fertility, menopause, communication in relationships, and the power of safe, inclusive products and education. It’s an honest, empowering conversation for every woman learning to connect with her body, her partner, and herself. Listen & Subscribe Listen to Know Your Flow by femme on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to catch the next episode in Season 3.
Learn more
Baby Loss: Emotional Challenges, Grief, and Support After Miscarriage
“Grieving after baby loss or miscarriage is deeply challenging. Learn expert insights on coping with grief, supporting parents, and navigating the emotions of trying to conceive again.”
Learn more
Coffee and Hormones: Brewing a Hormone-Smart Coffee Routine
Love coffee? Let’s make it cycle-smart Love coffee but not always the jitters, sleep dips, or hot flushes that can tag along? Your caffeine sensitivity can shift across your menstrual cycle and again in perimenopause and menopause. Here’s a friendly, science-savvy guide to timing, dosing, and swapping your brew so it works with your body, not against it. This International Coffee Day, we’re sharing all our tips for enjoying your coffee while nuturing your body and hormones throughout your cycle. Key things to note… Sensitivity to caffeine can vary across your cycle. Keep coffee to the morning, after food, and avoid for up to 6–8 hours before bed. In PMS/luteal and during peri/menopause, try smaller cups, half-caff/decaf, and iced options. Track what changes for you (sleep, mood, hot flushes, anxiety, digestion). Bean Basics Caffeine can hang around for 6–8 hours; late cups can nudge anxiety and sleep issues. Try coffee 60–90 minutes after waking to avoid stacking on your natural morning cortisol spike. Eat first (protein + fibre) and drink water alongside to reduce jitters. Everyone’s sensitivity is different - and it can change across your cycle and through midlife. Brewed Awakening: Time Your Caffeine to Your Cycle Menstrual Phase (period days) Lower energy and cramps are common. Try: gentler brew, smaller cup, after a protein-rich breakfast. If cramps/IBS flare: switch to half-caff, decaf, cacao, or herbal options. Follicular Phase (energy rising) Many feel more caffeine tolerant here. Try: 1–2 small cups AM only; pair with water. If you tend to feel anxious: keep it to one. Ovulatory Phase (peak energy, sometimes “wired”) Great vibes… or buzzy. Try: one cup mid-morning, skip the second. If edgy: half-caff or matcha. Luteal/PMS (often more sensitive) Sleep and mood can dip; caffeine may amplify both. Try:half-caff/decaf, stop by early afternoon, hydrate well. Support: steady meals (protein + fibre) to keep blood sugar calm. Perimenopause & Menopause Hot flushes, fragmented sleep, and anxiety can be more caffeine-reactive. Try: iced or decaf, smaller cups, always after food, avoid late-PM. Track: notice patterns between caffeine and symptoms (more on that below). How Much Caffeine Is in My Cup? Typical ranges (brands and brews vary - use these as guides only): Espresso (1 shot / 30–40 ml): 60–75 mg Brewed coffee (240 ml): 80–100 mg Cold brew (350 ml): 150–240 mg Instant (240 ml): 60–80 mg Decaf (240 ml): 2–15 mg Black tea (240 ml): 40–60 mg Green tea (240 ml): 20–45 mg Matcha (1 tsp): 50–70 mg Cacao (1 tbsp): 10–25 mg Sleep tip: Many people sleep better when their last caffeine is 6–8 hours before bedtime (earlier for those of us who are sensitive to caffeine). Smart Swaps & Helpful Add-Ons Swaps: half-caff, decaf, matcha, cacao, chicory/dandelion “coffee.”Add-ons: cinnamon, milk/protein, ice (for hot flushes), and a water chaser. Two calmer-caffeine recipes to try: Cool Calm Latte (decaf, iced) 1 shot decaf espresso (or strong decaf coffee) Ice + milk of choice Pinch cinnamon, Drop of vanilla extract Optional: a scoop of collagen or protein if it suits you Cacao Chill (mocha-style, optional decaf) 1 tbsp cacao powder Milk of choice + ice 1 shot espresso (or decaf espresso) Whisk or shake until smooth Our simple cycle & coffee recommendations Follicular: 10:00 small latte → water → skip any coffee after 14:00. Luteal: 09:30 half-caff flat white after breakfast; herbal tea later. Peri/Meno: 11:00 iced decaf with lunch; protect sleep window. Track Your Response (Simple Check-In) Pick a week (or two) and jot a quick daily note on: Sleep: time to fall asleep, night wakings Mood/Anxiety: calm ↔ jittery Hot Flushes: frequency/intensity Digestion: comfy ↔ crampy/urgent Caffeine: what/when/how much Patterns beat guesswork. If something feels off, scale back, shift timing earlier, or try a swap. FAQs How many cups are “okay”? It depends on your sensitivity and goals. Many feel best at ≤ 1 small cup in luteal/PMS and peri/menopause. In more tolerant phases, 1–2 small AM cups can be fine. Is decaf “caffeine-free”? Not entirely - decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine (often 2–15 mg per cup). What about matcha? Matcha can feel smoother for some due to L-theanine, but it still contains caffeine (roughly 50–70 mg per teaspoon). Coffee and Hormones Round-Up So that's it, there are our tips of coffee and hormones. Coffee can absolutely be part of a hormone-friendly routine - especially when you time it, size it, and tailor it to your current phase. Start with morning-only, after food, wrap by early afternoon, and keep an eye on sleep and symptoms. Your kinder-caffeine sweet spot is personal—and worth finding.
Learn more
Natural Contraception Methods: Rethinking Our Choices on World Contraception Day
Contraception has always been about freedom, choice, and control. But as we celebrate World Contraception Day, it’s clear the conversation needs to evolve. For decades, women have shouldered the responsibility of birth control, often through hormonal methods that impact not just fertility, but mood, energy, and long-term health. Now, more women are asking: what about natural contraception methods? And why are we only just seeing alternatives for men? Let’s explore hormonal vs. natural contraception, the realities of the pill, why many are delaying or opting out of motherhood (and why that means we need a long-term solution), and what the future of contraception could look like. Hormonal Contraception: Effective but at What Cost? The most common methods of contraception in the UK remain hormonal: The Pill – taken daily, effective when used correctly, but linked to side effects including weight gain, mood swings, and reduced libido. The Coil (IUD/IUS) – highly effective, but can cause cramping, heavier or irregular bleeding, or hormonal side effects. The Implant, Patch, or Injection – convenient and long-lasting, but again, side effects vary and often include irregular cycles, acne, or hormonal imbalances. Hormonal contraception revolutionised women’s lives. But it also means taking artificial hormones for years - sometimes decades - without always being told the full story. In fact, the combined oral contraceptive pill has now been placed in the same risk category as certain cancers. Yet generations of women weren’t fully educated about those risks, leaving many to feel frustrated and misinformed. Not only that, but hormonal contraception can also have an impact on your brain and mood, here is what the science says: 1. Altered Mood, Anxiety & Depression RiskThere’s good evidence that starting or using hormonal contraceptives (especially combined pills, or ones with certain progestins) can increase the risk of mood changes, anxiety, or depressive symptoms — particularly in people already sensitive to hormonal shifts.For example, a large Danish study found users of hormonal contraception had a higher chance of depression requiring medical treatment. 2. Changed Brain Reactivity & ConnectivityNeuroimaging research shows that the pill can affect how different brain regions respond to emotional stimuli, stress, and fear: Some studies report lower amygdala reactivity to negative emotional images in pill users compared to non-users. There are also changes in connectivity across brain networks: one study tracking a single woman through her natural cycle and then on pill showed changes in ‘network modularity’ and typical connectivity patterns. 3. Stress & Inflammation Responses Hormonal contraceptive use seems to modify the stress response: both psychological (how you feel under stress) and biological (measures like inflammation markers, cortisol). Some research suggests users may have a more negative emotional response to stressors. 4. Emotion Recognition, Reward Processing & Fear ResponseOther brain functions appear to shift: How people recognise fear or negative emotions may differ. Some studies show changes in reward sensitivity (how much pleasure or motivation from positive stimuli) tied to hormonal status. Key Caveats & What Science Doesn’t (Yet) Say Effects are very individual. Some people feel fine; some feel noticeably different; others even feel positive mood changes. It depends a lot on personal hormone sensitivity, type of pill or progesterone used, prior mental health, lifestyle, etc. Many studies are short-term, have varying design quality, small sample sizes, or focus on specific formulations. That means generalising to “the pill causes X” for everyone is risky. Because hormonal contraceptives suppress natural cycles of oestradiol and progesterone, some brain functions that follow those cycles (emotion, stress response) are being flattened or altered. But how much this matters day-to-day is still under study. Natural Contraception Methods: Body Literacy and Hormone-Free For women who want to avoid synthetic hormones, natural contraception methods offer a different approach. These include: Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) – tracking basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus, and cycle length to predict fertile and infertile days. Cycle Tracking with Tech – devices like Tempdrop make BBT tracking easier, even with irregular cycles or disrupted sleep. Barrier Methods – condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, often combined with fertility awareness for extra protection. Withdrawal & Abstinence During Fertile Window – higher risk, but still part of the natural methods spectrum. ✨ While these methods require more education and consistency, they give women something hormonal methods don’t: body literacy. You learn how your body works, spot patterns, and connect symptoms with your hormonal phases. Why Some Women Are Saying “Not Now” or “Not Ever” to Children Beyond methods, there’s another shift happening: more women are choosing to delay having children, or not to have them at all. Reasons include: Cost of Living Crisis – raising children is expensive, and financial security is harder to achieve. Career & Independence – many women prioritise career growth, travel, or personal goals. Health & Environment – with rising awareness of climate change and personal wellbeing, some women are rethinking parenthood altogether. Contraception, in this context, isn’t just about preventing pregnancy - it’s about preserving choice in a world where the stakes feel higher than ever. And with this in mind, we need to find a long-term solution for women that is reliable, effective and risk-free. For us, this starts with education, we know that body literacy is risk-free in terms of the impact on our health, but if women are not education how to use natural methods effectively, it comes with human-error risks. It’s time we all got to know our body’s better. The Male Contraceptive Pill: Finally Sharing the Load? For decades, the burden of contraception has largely fallen on women. But a breakthrough could be on the horizon: the male contraceptive pill. Recent studies suggest safe, reversible hormonal pills for men may soon be available. This could rebalance responsibility and create a real cultural shift in how society views contraception. But the question remains: will men embrace it? And will women trust them to? Why Education Matters More Than Ever One of the biggest challenges is the lack of education. Too many women start the pill as teenagers without being told about alternatives, risks, or how their cycles actually work. World Contraception Day is about changing that. It’s about: Educating people on natural contraception methods alongside hormonal ones. Highlighting the risks and realities of the pill. Opening conversations about male contraception. Giving women the tools to make informed, empowered decisions. The Bottom Line Contraception is not one-size-fits-all. Hormonal methods remain effective and convenient for many, but natural contraception methods are rising in popularity for women seeking hormone-free, body-led choices. As more women delay or opt out of motherhood due to cost of living, health, or personal preference, contraception becomes less about just preventing pregnancy - and more about empowerment, education, and equality. This World Contraception Day, the real conversation is this:✨ What would contraception look like if it truly supported everyone’s health, choices, and futures?
Learn more
Reflexology & Women’s Health: An Interview with Gaynor, a Clinical Reflexologist
At femme, we love exploring holistic approaches that support women’s health alongside traditional medicine. This month, we sat down with Gaynor, a clinical reflexologist based at the Juniper Clinic in Stockton, to talk about reflexology & women's health and the surprising ways this gentle therapy can support fertility and wellbeing. Q: For anyone new to reflexology, how would you explain what it is and how it works? Gaynor: Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic treatment that’s usually carried out on the feet, though it can also be done on the hands, face, or upper legs. It works by stimulating reflex points on the feet that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. By applying pressure to these points, we aim to encourage balance — what we call homeostasis — and support the body’s natural ability to heal. Reflexology is essentially a form of therapeutic touch. Because our mental health and physiology are so closely linked, balancing one can have a positive effect on the other. Q: How can reflexology help couples trying to conceive? Gaynor: I’ve specialised in fertility reflexology for over 11 years, and while we can’t make guarantees, I’ve seen reflexology make a real difference for people struggling with conditions like PCOS, or they don't have regular cycles, or unexplained infertility. A lot of the time, couples who come to me have been trying to conceive for a long time, sometimes years and they come across reflexology often by recommendation and principally I just say to them, "I'm here to support you and to help you to relax." The main way reflexology helps is by encouraging relaxation. Because we know high cortisol and adrenaline levels can negatively impact reproductive health. By reducing stress, supporting deeper sleep, and calming the nervous system, reflexology can create a more supportive environment for ovulation, hormone balance, and overall fertility. At the very least, it helps people feel calmer and more in control. And yes - many clients have gone on to conceive. Q: Beyond fertility, what other health concerns do clients seek reflexology for? Gaynor: Quite a wide range. Some of the most common include: Migraines: By working the toe reflexes (linked to the head), I’ve seen clients with debilitating migraines experience significant relief. By working these reflexes we incorporate lymphatic drainage just to get things moving and shifting. Stress and anxiety: Reflexology can calm the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for fight-or-flight responses), reducing the ripple effects stress has on digestion, immunity, and sleep. Menopause: Many clients come for support with hot flushes, mood changes, or sleep disruption. IBS and digestive issues: Stress often worsens gut symptoms, so by calming the nervous system, reflexology can help digestion too. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced after a session. I had one client who had really debilitating migraines to the point where they were not able to do what they love, she was retired and loved to go on walks, but she couldn't due to these debilitating migraines, and of course that has an impact on your mental health and wellbeing. So we started working together and she came back and said, "I just can't believe how different I feel.". Q: It must be so rewarding being able to help with so many area's of women's health. Do you get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the impacts of reflexology? Gaynor: Yes, especially with my area of expertise being fertility. It's all rewarding, but of course if I do get someone coming in who's been trying to conceive and they say, "I've for a positive pregnancy test" or "Here's a picture of my baby." or you know the baby has arrived safely, that's absolutely lovely to hear. Q: Is there research that supports reflexology, particularly in women’s health? Gaynor: There is research, though we need more. Some key studies include: 2021 study: Reflexology showed promising results in reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. 2010 trial: Reflexology was found to be more effective than ibuprofen in reducing menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), with effects lasting beyond treatment. 2002 trial: Reflexology was shown to ease menopausal symptoms. 2025 study: Reflexology improved sexual function in lactating women, which reflects its impact on regulating the nervous system and hormone balance. While more large-scale research is needed, these studies highlight the potential benefits in reproductive health, menstrual wellbeing, and beyond. Q: Can people try safe reflexology techniques at home? Gaynor: Absolutely! Reflexology is safe at all life stages - preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Anyone can give it a try. Start with a chart: Search online for a reflexology foot, hand, or ear chart. Work reflex points: Use your thumbs or fingers to gently press and massage points linked to areas of concern (for example, ovaries for reproductive health, toes for headaches, or ears for overall balance). Partner practice: Ask a partner to work on your feet or hands - it’s a lovely way to receive support. The key is consistency. Even small amounts of self-reflexology can promote relaxation and support your body’s natural rhythms. Q: What’s your favourite part of being a reflexologist? Gaynor: Honestly, it’s the transformation I see in clients. Whether it’s someone finally finding relief from migraines, or a couple conceiving after years of struggle, it’s incredibly rewarding. Every client’s story is different, but helping them find balance, calm, and renewed hope is what makes this work so special. Final Thoughts on Women's Health & Reflexology Reflexology is more than just a foot massage - it’s a holistic therapy that supports the body, mind, and emotions. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges, hormonal changes, or everyday stress, reflexology can help bring your body back into balance. Gaynor Almond Gaynor Almond is an accredited Clinical reflexologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and registered with the CNHC (Complimentary and Natural Healthcare council). Gaynor is also part of the team at the Juniper Clinic in Stockton Heath. She has been practicing within the field of fertility for over 11 years, supporting individuals and couples dealing with the emotional impact of sub-fertility, secondary infertility, IVF, and miscarriage. Her focus has been on supporting individuals in their journey towards physical, mental, and emotional well-being, to make positive changes in their life to optimise their chances of carrying a healthy baby to term.
Learn more
Navigating Menopause Naturally: An Interview with Nutritional Therapist Julie Gough
Julie Gough shares expert tips for navigating menopause naturally. Improve hormone balance, manage symptoms, and feel your best through diet and lifestyle.
Learn more
In The Press
Simplify Your Fertility Tracking with Tempdrop
Take the guesswork out of cycle tracking with Tempdrop, the smart wearable thermometer that fits seamlessly into your routine. Designed to learn your unique patterns, it provides accurate, reliable insights without the hassle of early wake-ups or daily charts.
