The Journal
Fertility Awareness Week: Embracing Passion and Hobbies to Support Your Mental Wellbeing
Fertility Awareness Week is an important time to acknowledge and bring attention to the journey of those trying to conceive. For many, the road to parenthood can be long and emotionally challenging, with numerous ups and downs. It’s during these times that prioritising mental wellbeing becomes crucial, and one powerful way to support emotional health is by finding joy, comfort, and release through passions and hobbies. Having an interest to dive into beyond fertility can be a life-enriching addition, helping ease stress, foster resilience, and bring balance to the journey. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of Fertility Awareness Week and discuss how hobbies can provide an emotional lifeline for anyone navigating the complexities of fertility challenges. What is Fertility Awareness Week? Fertility Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and offering support to those dealing with infertility or struggling to conceive. It’s a time for educating the public, providing resources, and fostering a supportive community. With around one in six couples worldwide experiencing fertility issues, this week sheds light on a topic that can feel isolating for those going through it. By promoting conversation, sharing resources, and encouraging openness, Fertility Awareness Week aims to bring hope and understanding to a topic often shrouded in silence. Why Mental Wellbeing is Essential on the Fertility Journey The fertility journey can be emotionally taxing, filled with highs and lows, waiting periods, and a lot of uncertainty. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and sometimes even isolation are common. Studies have shown that those facing infertility often experience stress levels comparable to those dealing with chronic illness. Therefore, it’s essential to nurture mental and emotional health throughout this process. One effective way to do so is by finding fulfilling activities that provide a sense of joy, distraction, and accomplishment. The Power of Hobbies and Passions During the Fertility Journey Engaging in hobbies or passions can be a wonderful, transformative way to find peace amidst the storm of fertility struggles. Here’s why hobbies can be so beneficial: 1. A Healthy Distraction Hobbies offer a break from the constant focus on fertility. When trying to conceive, it can be easy to become consumed by tracking cycles, managing appointments, and reading every piece of advice. A hobby creates a “time out” space, allowing you to shift your focus to something unrelated to fertility. Whether it’s painting, gardening, knitting, or hiking, engaging in a hobby helps bring moments of mental relief and respite. 2. A Way to Connect with Yourself and Others Infertility can sometimes feel like it defines you, but pursuing a hobby reminds you of the person you are beyond the journey. Finding joy in creative or physical outlets reconnects you with your strengths, talents, and sense of self-worth. Many hobbies, such as yoga or a book club, can also open up opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Social support is essential for mental wellbeing, and a hobby-centered community can provide meaningful connections and friendships outside of fertility-related concerns. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Engaging in hobbies has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boost endorphins, the brain’s natural mood enhancers. Physical activities like running, dancing, or swimming can be excellent for stress relief, as can more meditative pursuits like painting, pottery, or journaling. These outlets provide a healthy way to channel emotions, reducing anxiety and offering a sense of calm and control. 4. Promotes Mindfulness and Presence Many hobbies, especially those involving art or nature, encourage mindfulness, a practice that promotes living in the present moment. Mindfulness can be especially beneficial during the fertility journey, as it helps reduce rumination and anxiety about the future. Practicing mindfulness through hobbies like cooking, gardening, or drawing can help you feel grounded and remind you to appreciate life beyond the realm of fertility. 5. Enhances Self-Esteem and Resilience Fertility challenges can take a toll on self-esteem, especially when faced with disappointment. A hobby provides an area where you can set goals, make progress, and experience success. Completing a piece of art, learning a new skill, or mastering a recipe can bring a sense of accomplishment and boost self-worth. These wins, no matter how small, reinforce resilience and confidence, reminding you of your capability to achieve things outside of the fertility journey. 6. Provides a Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment The journey to parenthood often brings up questions of purpose, and waiting or struggling with fertility can feel like time is passing without progress. Pursuing a passion brings purpose back into daily life, filling days with meaningful activities that feel enriching. This sense of fulfillment can help balance feelings of frustration or impatience. Ideas for Hobbies to Support Mental Wellbeing If you’re considering taking up a new hobby or reigniting a previous passion, here are some ideas that can provide relaxation, fulfillment, and joy during the fertility journey: Creative Outlets: Painting, drawing, crafting, photography, or music can offer an emotional release and let you express yourself. Gardening: Tending to plants and watching them grow is incredibly grounding and can bring feelings of accomplishment. Cooking or Baking: Experimenting in the kitchen can be a fun way to nurture yourself with nutritious foods while enjoying the creative process. Yoga or Meditation: Physical movement combined with mindfulness is beneficial for stress reduction and emotional balance. Reading or Writing: Reading can be an escape from reality, while journaling helps to process and release emotions in a safe space. Physical Activities: Running, dancing, swimming, or hiking release endorphins and provide a natural mood boost. Community Involvement: Volunteering or joining a local club can foster social connections and give a sense of purpose. Tips for Staying Motivated with Hobbies Maintaining a hobby can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with stress. Here are some tips to stay motivated and committed: Set Small Goals: Whether it’s finishing a book or completing a small art project, small goals make progress achievable and rewarding. Create a Schedule: Set aside dedicated time each week for your hobby. It doesn’t have to be long—just a regular commitment. Celebrate Progress: Even small achievements deserve recognition. Celebrate each step forward and enjoy the journey. Try New Things: If one hobby isn’t quite working, don’t be afraid to try something else! You may discover a passion for something you never considered. Final Thoughts on Fertility Awareness and Mental Wellbeing During Fertility Awareness Week, we honor the resilience and strength of those on the fertility journey. Remember that while your journey may be challenging, it’s okay to seek comfort and joy in other areas of life. Hobbies can provide that much-needed space to breathe, reconnect, and find happiness outside of fertility concerns. Embrace this time as an opportunity to explore interests that fulfill you and bring a sense of peace. By investing in your mental and emotional wellbeing, you are strengthening yourself for whatever the future holds. Through finding balance and moments of joy, you can bring positivity and resilience into every part of your journey. Let’s use Fertility Awareness Week as a reminder to support one another, raise awareness, and celebrate the power of passion, hobbies, and mental wellbeing.
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Irregular Periods During Perimenopause: Recognising Symptoms and Using Cycle Tracking for Support
Learn how irregular periods are a common symptom of perimenopause, what to expect from your cycle, and how tracking your symptoms can help manage this life transition.
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Perimenopause: A New Beginning, Not an Ending
Perimenopause doesn’t have to be feared or dreaded. By reframing it as a period of reset rather than an ending, you can approach it with a sense of empowerment and optimism.
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The Link Between the Japanese Diet and Reduced Menopause Symptoms
Incorporating elements of the Japanese diet into your meals can be a natural way to reduce menopause symptoms. Adding soy-based foods, fatty fish, and green tea can help support hormonal balance and overall wellness.
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Understanding Vaginal Dryness in Perimenopause and Menopause: Breaking the Silence
Many women feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about vaginal dryness, even with their doctors. However, open discussions can reduce stigma and encourage more women to seek help. Vaginal dryness affects not just physical comfort, but emotional and sexual well-being as well. It’s a natural part of life for many women during perimenopause and menopause, yet it’s still often under-discussed, leading to unnecessary suffering.
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Navigating Baby Loss: Focusing on Healing and Caring for Yourselves as a Couple
Baby loss is one of the most devastating experiences a couple can endure. Amid the pain, it's important to centre your attention on the well-being of yourself and your partner. Though the journey is filled with grief, prioritising self-care and mutual support can help you both heal.
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Embracing Menopause Positively: Small Lifestyle Changes for Big Benefits
Menopause marks a new chapter, and while it comes with challenges, it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-care. By making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle, such as eating healthier, focusing on mental well-being, and staying active, you can embrace this transition with confidence and positivity.
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Living with PCOS
To mark World PCOS Day, we had the opportunity to sit down with Katherine and delve into her personal journey with PCOS. She shared her experiences from the initial diagnosis through the ongoing challenges of managing the condition. Katherine also offered valuable insights into the changes she believes are necessary to enhance support and care for women with PCOS, highlighting how the healthcare system could better address their needs. This day is crucial for raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and providing support to those affected by PCOS. Here at Femme Health, we are proud to share Katherine's story and extend our gratitude to her for her time and openness. When were you first diagnosed with PCOS, and how did you initially feel about the diagnosis? I was officially diagnosed with PCOS a couple of years ago, around age 27, but I was first tested for it when I was 16. At that time, I was told I didn't have PCOS, so I was surprised when the diagnosis came later. Initially, I wasn’t concerned because my GP didn't provide much information or guidance about the condition, so I just carried on with my life as usual. It wasn't until I started doing my own research that I began to understand the implications of my diagnosis and how PCOS has affected my life – past, present, and future. What symptoms have been the most challenging for you to manage, and how do they impact your daily life? Weight management and mental health have been the most challenging symptoms for me to manage. I've struggled with weight fluctuations my entire life, and, as is common with PCOS, my other symptoms tend to worsen as my weight increases. This often leads to a vicious cycle where worsening symptoms contribute to further weight gain, making it a difficult pattern to break.My mental health has also been a significant challenge, to the point where it was totally disabling for many years. While my mental health issues aren’t solely due to PCOS, I’ve noticed that hormonal changes often trigger sudden bouts of deep depression and anxiety, particularly around my period. This makes it even more challenging to manage day-to-day. Are there any lifestyle changes or treatments that have been particularly helpful in managing your PCOS symptoms? Absolutely. For me, the key has been weight management and building a lifestyle that accommodates my needs rather than adds stress or tension. Recently, I’ve been using a GLP-1 medication (often referred to as weight loss injections) for weight management. This has been particularly effective in managing my PCOS symptoms, especially insulin resistance, and has helped me break the cycle of weight gain and worsening symptoms.Stress management has also been crucial. I’ve made several changes in my life, such as prioritising positive and supportive relationships, changing jobs to have a more flexible schedule, engaging in talk therapy, and being more compassionate toward myself when my health feels like a burden. These adjustments have significantly helped me manage my symptoms and improve my overall well-being. How has PCOS affected your mental and emotional well-being over time? PCOS has definitely impacted my mental and emotional well-being, though it's hard to quantify exactly how, since it's often difficult to determine when hormones are playing a role in a difficult period of mental health. Generally, it's overwhelming to know that PCOS is something I'll always have to manage.The lack of understanding and support from medical professionals can also be frustrating and disheartening. There's a stigma around hormonal effects on mental health, and I often feel like mental health struggles are not taken as seriously if they're perceived to be hormone-related, as if that somehow makes them less significant. This can be really challenging to deal with, but that's a whole other conversation. What do you wish more people understood about living with PCOS? I wish more people understood that PCOS is so much more than just a fertility issue. While I completely acknowledge how devastating fertility challenges can be, PCOS affects many other aspects of health and well-being. It’s important to recognise the wide range of symptoms and risks that come with a PCOS diagnosis, including metabolic issues, mental health struggles, and long-term risks like diabetes and heart disease. Understanding the broader impact of PCOS would help foster greater empathy and support for those living with it. Have you found a support system, whether online or in person, that has helped you navigate living with PCOS? Building a support system has been work in progress for me. I’m trying to get more involved with PCOS-related charities and work to connect with like-minded people, which has already led me to meet some great individuals - femme health included! Online, I tend to gravitate towards forum-style content for support and advice. I find Reddit to be a good starting point, although the experience can be hit or miss. Aside from these communities, I have to give credit to my fantastic partner, who is incredibly understanding and supportive and always helps me navigate through difficult times. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with PCOS? Take your time. Do your research, but don’t feel like you have to completely change your life overnight. Give yourself the space to come to terms with what PCOS means for you personally, and take the time to understand how it affects your life on an individual level. Everyone's experience with PCOS is different, so focus on finding what works best for you. What would you like to see change in the UK and NHS when it comes to PCOS? I would like to see better education for GPs about PCOS because it's a common experience for patients to receive little to no support from doctors. It’s concerning that many people, whether they have a diagnosis or not, are unaware of the full impact and potential risks associated with PCOS. Improved education and awareness among healthcare professionals could lead to more comprehensive care and support for those affected, ensuring that patients are better informed and more effectively managed. Thank you Katherine for sharing your personal journey and experience of living with PCOS this will be helpful for so many people. Stefanie Meachin - femme founder
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The Importance of Sleep for Women's Health
September is National Sleep Month, so let's investigate the importance of sleep for our health. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, sleep often takes a backseat to other priorities.1 in 5 people in the UK aren't getting enough sleep, and women and other minorities are more likely to be affected. Yet, sleep is a cornerstone of health, particularly for women, who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Understanding the importance of sleep and how to prioritise it can lead to significant improvements in overall wellbeing, productivity, and quality of life. Why Sleep Matters for Women's Health Hormonal Balance Women experience various hormonal changes throughout their lives, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Quality sleep plays a critical role in regulating these hormones. Lack of sleep can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance, leading to issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, increased premenstrual symptoms, and complications during pregnancy and menopause. Mental Health Adequate sleep is essential for mental health. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, conditions that can be exacerbated by sleep deprivation. Restful sleep helps regulate mood, improve cognitive function, and enhance emotional resilience. It is during sleep that the brain processes emotions and memories, which is crucial for maintaining mental health. Physical Health Sleep is vital for physical health. It allows the body to repair and regenerate. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a higher risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. For women, who are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, sleep is particularly important in maintaining a robust immune system. Reproductive Health Quality sleep can positively impact reproductive health. It supports healthy fertility and pregnancy. During pregnancy, adequate sleep is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing baby. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Aging and Longevity Sleep affects how women age. Poor sleep quality accelerates the aging process, contributing to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and decreased skin elasticity. Moreover, consistent, quality sleep can enhance longevity, ensuring that women not only live longer but also enjoy a higher quality of life in their later years. Top 5 Tips for Prioritising Good Sleep Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle helps regulate your body's internal clock. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency can improve the quality of your sleep. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary for sleep. Ensure that it is dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. Remove electronic devices that can emit blue light and disrupt your sleep. Practice Relaxation Techniques Incorporate relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine to unwind and prepare your body for sleep. Activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, meditating, or practicing deep-breathing exercises can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Be Mindful of Your Diet and Exercise What you eat and drink, as well as your level of physical activity, can significantly impact your sleep. Avoid caffeine and large meals close to bedtime. Engage in regular physical activity, but try to finish exercising at least a few hours before bed to avoid being too energized to sleep. Limit Screen Time Before Bed Exposure to screens before bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep. Aim to turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime and engage in calming activities instead. Conclusion Sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity, particularly for women's health. Prioritising sleep can lead to profound benefits, from hormonal balance and mental health to physical wellbeing and longevity. By following these tips and making sleep a priority, women can improve their overall health and enjoy a more vibrant, balanced life. So tonight, turn off your screens, unwind with a good book, and embrace the restorative power of sleep. References: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/sleep/
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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.
