Heavy Periods are common. They are not normal
October 17, 2026
Many women assume that heavy periods are simply part of life. Perhaps they've always had them, or maybe their mother and sisters did too. Because heavy menstrual bleeding is so common, it's often accepted as something that just has to be endured.
But while heavy periods are common, they are not necessarily normal, and they can significantly affect your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
What Counts as a Heavy Period? Heavy menstrual bleeding is not just about the number of pads or tampons you use. It is about how your period affects your daily life. Signs your bleeding may be heavier than normal include: Soaking through pads or tampons every one to two hou...
Why Strength Training Is Essential for Women — At Every Age
August 30, 2026
Strength training isn’t just for athletes or gym‑regulars — it’s one of the most powerful health interventions available to women, no matter their age or fitness level. New research from 2025–2026 has made one thing clear: building and maintaining muscle is central...
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and New Zealand’s screening programme is designed to catch early changes long before they become dangerous. With the shift to primary HPV testing in 2023, many people are unsure whether they still need a smear, when screening starts, and when it stops. Here’s a clear guide to help you understand what’s recommended — and why.
When Cervical Screening Starts in New ZealandScreening begins at age 25 for anyone with a cervix. This applies regardless of sexual history, gender identity, or HPV vaccination status.Screening before age 25 is not recommended, even if someone became sexually active earlier....
What is a Well Woman Exam- and why it matters
July 23, 2026
Many New Zealanders are familiar with cervical screening and contraception checks, but not with the broader Well Woman Exam — a comprehensive women’s‑health assessment that gynaecologists routinely provide in the United States. I've brought this approach into my private practice because it fills an important gap in preventative care.
A Well Woman Exam is a holistic health check designed to pick up issues early, answer questions you may not know to ask, and give you clarity about your reproductive and general health.What a Well Woman Exam Includes-Health screening and risk assessment Many people don’t r...
It may not be too late to get your HPV vaccine
July 10, 2026
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, and it affects people of all genders and ages. Many women assume the HPV vaccine is “only for teenagers,” but that’s simply not true. The vaccine is Medsafe‑approved in New Zealand for a...