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Yesterday, while I was in Parliament talking about the harms of synthetic “hormones” that were used as Primodos pregnancy test and are prescribed to millions of women, I asked some male MPs a simple question. “Would any of you take a medication that blocked your testosterone, is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, cancer, low mood and depression, reduces the absorption of some important nutrients and vitamins, and whose long-term effects in the body have never been properly studied?” They admitted they probably wouldn’t be keen to take it. Yet millions of women are prescribed synthetic “hormonal” contraceptives, often from a young age, without always receiving balanced information about their benefits, their risks and the alternatives that are available. Many are prescribed them for heavy periods, acne and endometriosis rather than for contraception. The problem is that too often women are not given enough information to make an informed decision for themselves. Taking these synthetic “hormones” should a choice based on adequate information. At the same time, decades of misinformation have left many women frightened of natural bioidentical hormone treatments, despite these being very different from the synthetic “hormones” used in contraception. It is an extraordinary contradiction that deserves far more discussion. Women deserve honest conversations, evidence-based information and much better research than we currently have. I’d be interested to hear your experience. Were you given enough information to make an informed choice about contraception or any hormone treatments?

Despite what many women are told, there isn’t a set order for starting hormone treatments. Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone all have different roles in the body, so they should each be considered individually. The right time to start testosterone treatment is when there are symptoms that suggest testosterone deficiency, often alongside a low blood testosterone level. Symptoms can include low energy, reduced motivation, poor concentration, low mood and a loss of libido, although every woman’s experience is different. The most important part of hormone treatment is that treatment is individualised. Some women benefit from estradiol and progesterone first, others may need testosterone first, and some may need all three from the outset. The decision should always be based on your symptoms, your medical history and your blood results, rather than following a fixed pathway.

Today is a really special day because my new book, The Power of Hormones, is officially out now ✨ This is the most personal and important book I’ve ever written. It’s shaped by years of listening to women who have been dismissed, unheard or misinformed about their health and hormones. In this book, I explore what has gone wrong, the truth about hormones and why better conversations, research and access to hormone treatments are urgently needed. More than anything, I want this book to empower people with knowledge and help drive real change. So don’t just buy one for yourself, make sure to also share it with others - even your healthcare provider! You can order now via the link in my bio.