Every October, on the 18th, the world marks World Menopause Day. The International Menopause Society chooses one theme each year to focus research and clinical attention, and for 2026 it has chosen something millions of women already live with every day: chronic pain at midlife. Aching knees on the stairs. Hands that feel stiff for […]
Night sweats are one of the most common reasons menopausal sleep falls apart, and a new analysis suggests that treating the flushes may repair the nights. Preliminary real-world results from the phase 4 OPTION-VMS study, presented at the International Menopause Society 20th World Congress on Menopause in October 2026, show that the non-hormonal medicine fezolinetant […]
Does menopause affect brain health? A landmark study published in Nature Medicine on 29 September 2026 has traced how the hormonal shifts of menopause ripple through the blood’s protein chemistry, and how those changes connect to cognitive ageing decades later. It is the most detailed molecular map yet of what menopause does to the body’s […]
Arthritis in Midlife: Early Signs and When to See Your GP Early signs of arthritis often appear before a diagnosis: Most people notice their joints changing long before they mention it to a doctor. A knee that stiffens after sitting through a long meeting. Fingers that ache when opening a jar in the morning. A […]
The short answer Why do heavy periods cause iron deficiency? Every millilitre of blood carries iron with it, and when menstrual loss outpaces what the body can replace from food, iron stores fall. If your periods regularly soak through protection, last longer than a week, or include large clots, you are losing blood faster than […]
Breast screening what to expect in the UK: who is invited aged 50 to 71, what happens at a mammogram, benefits and harms, and which breast changes mean you should see a GP.
Do you need a vitamin D supplement this autumn? UK guidance on the 10 microgram daily dose from October to March, who needs it all year, and how to take it safely.
Can perimenopause cause anxiety and low mood? Ahead of World Mental Health Day, a clinical guide to the signs, the evidence, and what good care looks like.
Who can get the flu vaccine this autumn? A GP explains free NHS flu vaccine eligibility in 2026/27, who is included, when each group can book, and why early vaccination matters.
Teesside University wants a new medical school for the North East. A junior doctor explains the bid, what it means for applicants, and the NHS doctor shortage.