Women’s health encompasses a huge range of conditions — from vaginal thrush and cystitis to period pain, hair loss and the transition through menopause. Many of these can be addressed effectively with OTC products, often without the need for a GP appointment. This guide covers the essentials.

Thrush

Vaginal thrush (candidal vulvovaginitis) affects around 75% of women at some point. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans — a yeast that lives naturally on the skin and in the vagina. Symptoms include itching, soreness and a white, cottage-cheese-like discharge. Treatment: clotrimazole (Canesten) pessary or cream for local symptoms, or fluconazole (Diflucan One) oral capsule for systemic treatment. See our detailed guide: Thrush Treatment.

Cystitis

Cystitis (bladder infection) affects more than half of all women at some point. Symptoms: burning on urination, frequent urge to go, cloudy or smelly urine. Mild cases can be managed with alkalising sachets (Cymalon, Cystopurin) and increased fluid intake. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, worsen, or include fever/back pain (possible kidney involvement), see a GP for antibiotics. See: Cystitis Relief.

Period Pain

Dysmenorrhoea is estimated to affect 80% of women at some point. Ibuprofen is the evidence-based first choice — NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, which drives uterine cramping. Heat therapy has comparable evidence. Severe or worsening period pain may indicate endometriosis. See: Period Pain Treatment.

Hair Loss in Women

Contrary to popular belief, female hair loss is very common — affecting around 40% of women by age 50. Causes include female pattern hair loss (FPHL), telogen effluvium (stress or illness-triggered shedding), iron deficiency, thyroid disorders and post-pregnancy hormone changes. Minoxidil 2% (Regaine for Women) has the strongest OTC evidence. See: Hair Loss in Women.

PMS and Hormonal Health

Premenstrual syndrome affects the majority of women to some degree. Evidence-backed supplements include calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Agnus Castus. See our detailed guide: Period Health and Supplements.

Pregnancy and Pre-Conception

Folic acid 400mcg and Vitamin D 10mcg are recommended for all women trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy. See: Vitamins for Pregnancy.

Menopause

The perimenopause and menopause bring a range of symptoms and increased long-term health risks (osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease). Calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium and Omega-3 all have a role to play. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a prescription treatment with strong evidence for menopausal symptoms — discuss with your GP.

Browse our full Women’s Health range at Chemist 2 Customer.