New research out today reveals one in three (32 per cent) women feel unheard by friends, family or medical professionals when it comes to their health. Six in ten (60 per cent) believe there is a lack of understanding from people around them when they discuss women’s health issues.
The study of 2,000 UK women by Holland & Barrett found over a quarter (26 per cent) have had their symptoms attributed to stress or the pressures of a busy lifestyle by family, friends or colleagues. 23 per cent say their symptoms have been dismissed as simply stress or lifestyle pressure by their healthcare professional.
Almost six in ten women (59%) say that beyond visiting their GP, they do not know where to turn for trusted advice about managing non-acute symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems or hormonal changes.
According to the data, non-acute symptoms including disrupted sleep and chronic low energy emerge as the primary issues affecting women dealing with conditions such as menopause (65 per cent disrupted sleep / 67 per cent low energy), PMOS (38 per cent / 51 per cent), endometriosis (40 per cent / 41 per cent), or menstrual disorders (43 per cent / 58 per cent).
To bridge this gap, stop normalising chronic symptoms as just “stress” and take the guesswork out of women’s health, Holland & Barrett is stepping in with accessible and trusted, high-street solutions. The retailer has over 600 trained Women’s Health Coaches across its stores and is offering up to 300,000 free 15-minute Wellness Check-Ins every month, providing women with a dedicated space to discuss their individual health needs.
Dr Faye Bate, a women’s health specialist, comments: “Symptoms such as fatigue and disrupted sleep can have many possible causes, yet it’s easy to put them down to stress and move on. We want women to feel confident talking openly about what they’re experiencing, asking questions and seeking advice when something doesn’t feel right. Those conversations can help women make sense of what they’re experiencing and find the care and support that’s right for them.”
Lina Chan, Director of Women’s Health at Holland & Barrett comments: “Our mission is to replace guesswork with confidence when it comes to personal health. From early menstrual cycles and reproductive health right through to perimenopause and menopause, a woman’s body undergoes constant biological shifts. Yet at every stage, persistent symptoms are still far too often written off as ordinary burnout or everyday pressure, leading women to push through rather than seek help.
Through our speakHER installation, we are sharing women’s health struggles and encouraging others to keep listening to and backing their bodies by seeking the support they deserve – whether through our 600 trained Women’s Health Coaches, our free 15-minute Wellness Check-Ins, or our wide range of targeted holistic products.”
