Empowering Women's Health: Navigating Hormones, Back Care, and Mental Wellness This October

Kelly Singh
Sep 30
7 min read

October stands out as a pivotal month for women's health, spotlighting essential well-being issues through various awareness campaigns. Menopause Awareness Month highlights the experiences of women undergoing menopause, promoting education, support, and empowerment. This month-long observance is dedicated to raising awareness about the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges women may face during menopause, while offering resources for a healthy and informed transition. Additionally, we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Back Care Awareness Week, and World Mental Health Day.

This month encourages women to prioritise their health. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of hormonal health, back care, breast cancer awareness, and mental health, while also promoting my upcoming women's wellbeing workshop that aims to tackle these critical topics.

Understanding Hormonal Health

Hormonal health is crucial to women’s well-being, particularly during various life stages. Hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolic processes, mood, and reproductive functions. An imbalance can lead to several health issues, including anxiety and chronic diseases.

For example, studies indicate that about 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms that affect their daily lives. Menopause typically occurs in women’s late 40s to early 50s and causes significant hormonal changes. These shifts can lead to symptoms like hot flashes and anxiety. Understanding these changes can help women manage their health better during this transition.

For example, numerous studies and research findings indicate that approximately 75% of women experience a variety of menopausal symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives and overall well-being.

This transition is characterised by a profound decline in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which play crucial roles in regulating various bodily functions.

Furthermore, menopause can also contribute to other health issues such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular problems. The reduction in estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Similarly, changes in hormonal balance can impact cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, making it essential for women to closely monitor their health during this time.

Understanding these changes and their implications can empower women to take proactive steps in managing their health during this transition. This may include seeking professional advice or adopting lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques. By being informed and prepared, women can navigate the challenges of menopause more effectively, ultimately enhancing their quality of life during this significant phase.

This October marks Menopause Awareness Month, a month-long initiative that culminates in World Menopause Day on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This year's theme is Lifestyle Medicine, focusing on the impact of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management on menopause symptoms and overall well-being. The month aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and highlight the support and resources available to those navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Back Care Awareness

Back care is another often neglected aspect of women's health, but it deserves attention. Many women suffer from back pain, influenced by hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, and everyday activities. During Back Care Awareness Week from October 6th to 10th, it is essential to recognise the importance of proper posture, everyday ergonomics, regular exercise and regular massage to help maintain a healthy back.

Incorporating exercises that strengthen the back, such as bridges and planks, along with simple stretches, can substantially relieve pain. For instance, a 2019 study found that women who practised daily stretches saw a 40% reduction in back pain. Being mindful of posture while sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects can also help prevent future injuries.

Check out my most recent blog post on Massage and how it can be so effective at reducing back pain, and my new ebook called "lower back pain", which is a big issue for many of the clients that I see on a daily basis and how it can help you with my 28 years of experience in massage therapy and good back care. You can check the post here and my new book here.

Lower Back Pain - Empowering You To Live Pain Free

Additionally, from Monday, 6th October, to 10th October, I will be recommending regular massages, especially back massages, for my clients and providing some helpful tips to maintain their back health. So, book your massage with me during this time. Still, hurry, spaces are limited as my diary is filling up quickly! However, if you're not lucky enough to see me that week, don't worry, as I will be sharing my back wellness tips throughout the week, so keep an eye out for more information coming up soon.

Breast Cancer Awareness

October highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, a concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Each of us likely knows someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.

This disease has affected the lives of my family, close friends, and clients.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women, which makes early detection crucial. Routine screenings, such as mammograms, can identify the disease at an early stage when treatment is most effective—when it is limited to the breast, the 5-year survival rates are over 90%.

During this month, take time to learn about the risk factors—such as family history, age, and genetics—as well as symptoms and preventive measures. Encourage the women in your life to schedule screenings and foster open conversations about breast health. Remember, increased awareness can lead to timely action and save lives.

As you may already know, I will be hosting a workshop on women’s health on Sunday, 19th October in Henley-on-Thames, and this is one of the subjects that is particularly important to mention in women’s health, primarily as it affects many of my female clients. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about preventing breast cancer through research-backed measures and the guidance of qualified nutritionist Ravi on this insightful day. I hope you can make it.

Mental Health Matters

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, serves as a crucial reminder that mental wellness is essential to overall health. Women often balance numerous responsibilities, from caring for families to building careers, which can lead to heightened stress levels. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can negatively affect mental and physical health, leading to issues like hypertension and heart disease.

Simple self-care practices can significantly alleviate stress. Activities such as mindfulness and regular exercise can help decrease cortisol levels. For example, research shows that engaging in physical activity for just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve mood and energy levels.

This October, prioritise your mental health by setting aside time for activities that bring you relaxation and joy.

Menopause Awareness Month And Day

As I mentioned, we observe Menopause Awareness Month from October 1st to 31st, and Menopause Day on October 18th, which emphasises the importance of understanding and managing menopause symptoms. Many women face symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances that can disrupt their lives.

Education about menopause is essential. Seeking help from healthcare professionals can ease this transition with various approaches. Hormonal therapies and lifestyle modifications can alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life.

It plays a crucial role in understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur during this significant life stage. Menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is characterised by a decline in hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone. This transition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns. Therefore, having access to comprehensive information about menopause empowers women to navigate this phase with confidence and clarity. Finding a community of women to share experiences and anxieties they may be facing can be a great lifeline and source of support during this transition.

Join Our Women's Wellbeing Workshop

To support women on their health journeys, we are excited to host a women's wellbeing workshop centred on hormonal health and stress management. This event will provide insights into reducing cortisol, the stress hormone linked to various health concerns, including cancer and heart disease.

Come join us for a fun and informative day on Sunday, 19th October in Henley-On-Thames from 10.30 am till 3.30 pm

Participants will gain practical strategies to manage stress and promote hormonal balance, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being. This workshop not only offers valuable information but also presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with other women, share experiences, and empower one another on the path to better health.

This workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how stress affects our bodies, particularly in relation to hormonal fluctuations that can lead to various health issues. The workshop will feature interactive sessions where participants can practice mindfulness techniques, such as guided meditation and breathing exercises, which have been shown to significantly reduce stress levels.

This workshop also features feminine healing and somatic healing, sound healing, gentle heart-opening stretches, and crystal healing throughout the day.

We hope that you can make it. Scan the QR code in the image below to learn more and purchase tickets. There is limited availability, so buy your tickets today to avoid disappointment.

Prioritising Our Health

As we move through October, let's remember to prioritise women's health by focusing on hormonal health, back care, breast cancer awareness, and mental wellness. By educating ourselves and supporting each other, we can pave the way for a healthier future for ourselves and the women we care about.

Never forget, self-care is a necessity—not a luxury. We invite you to join our upcoming women's wellbeing workshop this October to learn more about managing stress and improving your health. Together, we can empower ourselves to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

We hope to see you at our workshop or for a relaxing treatment in my therapy room soon.

Kelly

From Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies