This page has details of where you can find information and support for women’s health. If you have a question about the services and support available, please get in touch.
NHS women’s health information
If you have a question about women’s health, the NHS website has reliable information and links to further support about a wide range of topics including periods, pregnancy, menopause, heart health, cancer and bone, joint and muscle health.
Reproductive health
Periods
Find all you need to know about periods and the menstrual cycle at the NHS website. Tips to ease period pain include taking a warm bath or shower, applying a heat pad or hot water bottle, doing some gentle exercise, and taking some paracetamol or ibuprofen.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
PMS is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. It can affect anyone who has periods. You can get help from your GP if it affects your daily life. Find out more
Infertility
Infertility is the term used when a couple has been unable to conceive after 12 months. 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving. You can speak to your GP about tests to diagnose any problems. More about infertility
Pregnancy
As soon as you find out you are pregnant you can register online for maternity care directly with Northumbria Healthcare Maternity Services instead of contacting your GP. You do this using a system called Badger Notes.
Visit the Northumbria Maternity website to choose where you can give birth in Northumberland, which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy, screening tests for you and your baby and other useful information to help keep you and your baby healthy.
Our Maternity and Parenting page has further advice and information for pregnancy and beyond.
Did you know?
Less than half of women with severe period pain get medical help.
Ask your GP if you’re concerned about period pain.
Sexual health
Contraception
Find information about contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the Northumbria Healthcare website.
If you think you might be pregnant or at risk of an STI you can call 0344 728 0554 for advice.
One-to-One Centres
You can make an appointment at a One-to-One Centre in Alnwick, Berwick, Blyth or Hexham for free and confidential sexual health services. The One-to-One Centres at Blyth Health Centre and North Tyneside General Hospital offer walk-in clinics. Walk-in clinics are available at Blyth on Wednesdays 8.45am to 4pm and on Thursdays 8.45am to 6.30pm, and at North Tyneside on Wednesdays and Thursdays 8.45am to 4pm. Call 0344 728 0554 to find out more about these services or book an appointment.
Menopause, perimenopause and HRT
Menopause and perimenopause
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped.
If you are going through the menopause or perimenopause there is plenty of support available to help you navigate the changes and symptoms. The links below are a good starting point.
Watch our online talk with Jenny Haskey of The Menopause Charity
Get in touch if you would like to know about local menopause support groups.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Speak to your GP if you’d like to find out more about HRT to help menopause symptoms. It replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as you approach the menopause.
Did you know?
You can track your menopause symptoms with this handy tracker from The Menopause Charity. If you notice any symptoms, mark them down to help when you speak to a healthcare professional.
Breast screening
Breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for signs of cancer that are too small to see or feel. Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.
If you are over 71 you can still make a breast screening appointment by calling your local breast screening service.
Gynaecological cancer
The Eve Appeal
The Eve Appeal is the leading gynaecological cancer charity. Visit their website to find lots of information and advice about the different types of cancer, symptoms to look out for and support after diagnosis.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64. You will get a letter inviting you. The test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Keeping active
Keeping active has many health benefits such as lowering risk of disease, improving bone and muscle health, reducing symptoms of PMS and menopause and improving our mental health. The key is to find an activity you enjoy, start small and build up. Try the websites below for inspiration.
Mental health support
Visit our mental health page to find support with your mental health. You are not alone and there is lots of support available. If you need help right now call 0800 652 2861 or call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.
Find free activities and courses to improve your mental health and wellbeing at Northumberland Recovery College. The following sessions are specifically for women in Northumberland. If a session is fully booked you will be able to join a waiting list. Email: nrc@everyturn.org to find out more.
- She Shares Cramlington – Tuesdays, 12pm – 1.30pm
- She Shares Berwick – Thursdays, 11am – 12.30pm
- She Shares Online – Second Wednesday of the month, 10am – 11.30am
- Women’s Soulful Circle Hexham – Fridays, 11am – 12.30pm
- Happiness and Meditation Club Ashington – Fridays, 11am – 1pm
For information and support for postnatal and antenatal depression visit the Mind website.
Domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse there is help available. Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS) can help anyone in Northumberland experiencing any type of abuse. Call 01434 60 80 30 (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or visit the website to self-refer.
Research and further reading
Thousands of women across the North East and North Cumbria shared their views about NHS healthcare in the Big Conversation survey and focus groups. The top five healthcare priorities chosen by women were:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Healthy ageing and long-term conditions
- Menopause, perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Screening services
- Menstrual and gynaecological health.
Read the full report and recommendations
Find out more about how the NHS in our area is working to improve women’s healthcare in the Women’s Health Programme. The first national plan for women’s health, published in 2022, sets out a 10-year ambition to boost the health and wellbeing of all women and girls. Change is already happening from new women’s health hubs, better menopause support to improve care for breast pain, fertility, and maternal health.
Have your say
We’d like to hear about your experiences of women’s health services. Perhaps you’d like to tell us about a screening appointment or your experience of accessing support with the menopause. Telling us about your care, good or bad, will help the NHS know what is working well and what needs to improve.
Useful links
Useful apps
- Balance – menopause and hormone app
- Flo – period and ovulation tracker
- Anya – support with a range of women’s health issues including breastfeeding and menopause
- NHS app – access a range of NHS services online
- Active10 – set walking goals and track your steps
- Couch to 5K – set a plan to get active and track your progress
- Connect Plus – health and wellbeing app
Healthwatch Northumberland
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
