Dr Radhika Vohra GP with 20+ years experience Based in Surrey

Antidepressant use in women in midlife is highest and most commonly for over 5 years. This is a hard read as there is so much hormonal change at this stage of life coupled with life load and challenges. For many, antidepressants are not the answer and the role of talking therapies and hormonal therapy (HRT) needs to be emphasised.

Women seek more help from health care, are prescribed more antidepressants and yet struggle more and and more likely to have relationship and/or profession break down.

It’s really important to think about the impact of psychological symptoms and peri/menopause on mental health. This real world retrospective cohort study shows us that a questionnaire (MENO-D) can be used to assess mood related symptoms and that hormonal therapy is associated with significant improvement in mood in peri/post menopausal women. Of course we need more prospective and randomised control trials with longer follow-up but in the meantime we mustn’t forget that the NICE guidance advocates hormonal therapy (HRT) because of its beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms including mood change.

Every day, I hear women share terrible experiences and often their includes antidepressants have not helped. Holistic individualised care needs to start now. I’m sure many of you will resonate with this.

#moodchange #anxiety #perimenopausesupport #perimenopausesymptoms #hrt #hirmonehealth #menopausalhormonaltherapy #mht #perimenopausehealth #menopause #menopausehelp #mentalhealth #depression #antidepressants #midlife #midlifementalhealth #antidepressantsnotworking ...

Happy #PrideMonth! 🏳️‍🌈 This month, we celebrate love, diversity, and the incredible strength of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and acknowledge the important work still ahead in fostering a truly inclusive world.

I thought I would share The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, designed by award-winning designer Manoj Malde. His garden celebrated how far is science and medicine have come in the treatment of HIV since it was discovered over 40 years ago. However, we cannot help recognise the challenges that stigma still presents both to those living with HIV and to the global HIV response.

It’s crucial to improve public awareness and understanding of HIV and break down the stigma around it. Huge advances in medicine mean that people living with HIV who are on effective medication, have a normal life expectancy and cannot pass HIV onto sexual partners. Despite this, stigma and discrimination persist and the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden aims to start conversations about HIV, dispel stigma, and highlight what living with HIV is like today.

This beautiful and educational exhibits play a crucial role in challenging misconceptions and promoting understanding. Can you see some of the detail? Such as, vibrant colours, flowing water, molecular drug shapes, red ribbon, the light sculptures?

The plan is for it to be moved to locations that allow it to continue to raise awareness. Just as a garden thrives with diverse plants and careful nurturing, our society flourishes when we embrace everyone, regardless of their background or health status. Let’s continue to support initiatives that break down barriers and cultivate a more compassionate and informed world for all.

#pride #LGBTQ+ #chelseaflowershow #HIVawareness #reducestigma #inclusion #diversity #lovewins #gardeningforchange ...

❤️ this from @jessiej last night at #capitalstb . Her positivity, role modelling and increasing awareness of breast cancer, especially in younger women. I found her incredibly brave to be so open and also to perform. I wish her treatment well.

Breast cancer is common and will affect one and seven women. Self examination and attending for screening mammogram if called is really important. As is taking steps to reduce risk with lifestyle change and reducing alcohol and smoking.

There is guidance on doing this here:

https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/

I wish Jessie J all the very best with her treatment.

#breastcancer #womenshealth #breastcancerawarness ...

It’s been a really unusual and busy week for me! But I really wanted to share a little snippet of filming educational videos with some wonderful like-minded colleagues on #genitourinarysyndromeofmenopause . Once again this pushed me out of my comfort zone! There is something quite humbling to realise how tiring talking and being filmed all day really is 😂 So much so I had to lie down in between takes!?! The camera team and production team were amazing.

The aim is these will be quick videos separately catering for public and healthcare professionals which can be accessed regarding the signs, symptoms, treatments and complex case studies for awareness and self development.

It was a packed day and although there was a playful approach with hair, make up and connections, the actual aim is something very necessary and important.

70% of women suffer from genital urinary syndrome of menopause and only about 7% currently get help in the form of treatment. The vast majority of women think it is normal to suffer and nothing can be done. It was wonderful to work with nurse consultant Nikki Noble, @drmichelleolver and Dr Julie Oliver. Between us we provided insight and awareness of current women’s health care in Surrey, Durham and South Wales.

There is such variation but the common thread is we need more awareness and less stigma. I’m excited to see the final videos! Are you?

#menopause #gsm #vaginalhealth #vaginaloestrogen #perimenopause #hrt #hormonehealth #womenshealthmatters #womensupportingwomen ...

Important: Weight Loss Injections, Contraception & HRT.

Support with weight loss and weight gain are a common struggle for women. If you’re on injectables like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Saxenda AND use oral contraception or HRT, please take advice.

CONTRACEPTION:
Mounjaro can affect how your contraceptive pill is absorbed, raising pregnancy risk. Use backup contraception (like condoms) for at least 4 weeks after starting/increasing Mounjaro. Other injectables (Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda) can also impact effectiveness due to side effects like vomiting/diarrhea. Always use effective contraception as these meds aren’t safe in pregnancy.

HRT:
Oral HRT and especially progesterone absorption can be affected, potentially leading to inadequate womb protection. Your doctor might recommend switching to a patch/gel/spray (transdermal) or vaginal progesterone. Or the dose can be altered but this is individual with no firm guidance as yet.

This matters as unintended pregnancies and ineffective HRT can have serious health impacts.

Please talk openly to your clinician. They can help you adjust contraception or HRT as needed. Don’t stop meds without advice. This is an area we are learning to navigate as we get the information so women can be supported in all areas.

Feel free to share and tag 👇🏼
For medical professionals @fsrh_uk @britishmenopausesociety @pcwhf have updates.

#weightlossinjections #contraception #HRT #womenshealth #medicationsafety #askyourdoctor #healthawareness #glp1analogues #drugalert ...