Women's Health

In England, approximately one in five women is currently experiencing a common mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Symptoms of these conditions, along with other mental health concerns, can worsen during major life events, including pregnancy, menopause, and various stages of the menstrual cycle.

Additionally, differences in how women and men process information can influence susceptibility to mental health disorders and how symptoms present. However, much of the existing research has historically been conducted on male subjects, leading to gaps in understanding women’s mental health. As a result, women may be at risk of misdiagnosis or a lack of diagnosis when one is needed. For example, women tend to have a stronger recall of emotional experiences, making them more prone to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women with PTSD are also more likely to experience intrusive emotional memories, meaning this symptom may be particularly relevant to consider in female patients.

At the Sloane Court Clinic, we are highly attuned to the unique challenges women face when seeking mental health support. Our clinicians and administrative team understand the difficulties that many women encounter, including workplace inequality, harassment, and the struggle to obtain a proper diagnosis for conditions that are less widely discussed.

PMS, PMDD, and Menstrual Health

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an endocrine condition that causes a combination of physical and emotional symptoms in the week leading up to menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, changes in appetite, greasy skin and hair, stomach disturbances, and fluctuations in sex drive. If these symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, various treatments are available, including talking therapies, hormone profiling and management, as well as dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS that has recently gained greater recognition. Those with PMDD experience extreme symptoms that can severely impact daily functioning. Even though these symptoms may be temporary, they can be debilitating. Read more about PMDD here.

Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health refers to conditions that arise during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. Managing mental health before, during, and after pregnancy is a crucial aspect of perinatal care.

Our team has extensive experience in assessing and supporting women with postnatal depression and other postpartum mental health challenges, as well as helping manage pre-existing conditions throughout pregnancy and beyond. You can find more about our Perinatal service here.

Eating Disorders

While eating disorders can affect people of all genders, women are up to three times more likely to develop one in their lifetime.

Research consistently shows that early intervention is the most significant predictor of successful recovery. If you have any concerns about your relationship with food, we encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

Everyday Challenges Faced by Women

Women often encounter challenges that are not always openly discussed, including gender pay gaps, workplace inequality, harassment, and difficulties in being taken seriously when seeking healthcare.

While these issues do not affect all women, and they are not exclusive to women, they can trigger a range of emotional responses. At Sloane Court Clinic, we are here to support you with tailored mental health care to help you navigate these challenges.