Oxford Women's Health

16/09/2025

At Oxford Women’s Health, you’re in the safe hands of an experienced and highly skilled group of professionals.

Did you know our team includes:
- Gynaecologists
- An oncoplastic breast surgeon
- Clinical Psychologists
- Physiotherapists
- Menopause GPs
- Nutritionists/Dietitians and more!

To learn more about our team and their work, visit: https://www.oxfordwomenshealth.co.nz/about-us/our-team.html

15/09/2025

We love this message from Manatū Wāhine, Ministry for Women, New Zealand, to mark Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. It is an important reminder to keep up-to-date with cervical screening and to always speak with your GP about any changes or concerns you may have. Early detection saves lives.

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month!💜

It’s a powerful reminder to prioritise women’s health and deepen our understanding of gynaecological wellbeing🌿

By opening up conversations and raising awareness, we can help empower people to take proactive steps. Whether it’s through prevention, early detection, or simply knowing what to look out for🩺

A heartfelt thank you to the organisations, advocates, and healthcare professionals supporting those affected by gynaecological cancers - your work makes a real difference🫶⭐️

Stay tuned throughout September for helpful resources and stories 👀

Visit Talk Peach Gynaecological Foundation to learn more!

https://www.talkpeach.org.nz/september-is-gynaecological-cancer-awareness-month/

11/09/2025

Are heavy and painful periods affecting your physical, social, and emotional wellbeing?

While everyone’s experience will be different, periods are considered to be heavy (Menorrhagia) when bleeding lasts seven or more days per cycle; protection needs to be changed every one to two hours; and/or menstrual flow includes large blood clots.

Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea) are more difficult to define, but may include pain that causes you to be frequently absent from school or work during your menstrual cycle.

If your life is being restricted by heavy or painful periods, make an appointment to speak with a member of the Oxford Women’s Health team by calling 03 379 0555.

10/09/2025

Have you noticed that your digestion changes at different times of your menstrual cycle?

During perimenopause, these symptoms can become heightened, and women may experience increased food sensitivities due to a change in gut microbiome diversity.

Oxford Women’s Health Dietitian Sara Widdowson says the va**nal microbiome is also influenced by hormone changes and women may notice va**nal dryness, bacterial yeast infections, Urinary Tract Infections, and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) symptoms.

Ways to support digestion during perimenopause include identifying common triggers, chewing food well, sitting down to a meal, managing stress and anxiety, and incorporating probiotic-rich functional foods like sauerkraut, and kimchi into our diets. Probiotic supplements may also be an option. Always be aware of any red flag symptoms and talk with your GP.

Read more in our latest newsletter: https://www.oxfordwomenshealth.co.nz/news/winter-2025-newsletter.html

07/09/2025

Endometriosis can deeply impact your mental and emotional well-being, often bringing up difficult emotions. Here are a few steps to practice self-compassion and approach these challenges with empathy:

💭 Acknowledge Feelings: It’s okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Let yourself feel without judgment.
🌈 Recognise Emotions: Name what you're feeling to reduce their impact. You’re not alone.
🧘‍♀️ Differentiate or Connect: Understand how physical and emotional symptoms may be linked.
🌱 Focus on What You Can Control: Make small, positive changes where you can.
💖 Practice Self-Care: Prioritise simple acts of care — consistency over perfection.
💤 Rest & Recover: Give yourself permission to slow down and rest.

For practical tools and strategies to uplift your wellbeing, check out our free resource 'Managing your Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing with Endometriosis' here:https://nzendo.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EndoNZ_Managing-Emotional-Wellbeing_WEB.pdf

04/09/2025

Have you shared your experience of living with endometriosis in the surveys organised by Endometriosis New Zealand and University of Canterbury?

Women over the age of 18, who have suspected or confirmed endometriosis, are encouraged to take part in the monthly surveys to help researchers better understand how the condition affects New Zealanders. The latest one is about the impact of endometriosis on our working lives.

https://www.facebook.com/nzendo/posts/this-months-survey-is-live-the-aim-of-this-month-is-to-determine-the-impact-of-e/1156037526556889/

Endometriosis New Zealand chief executive Tanya Cooke said it was a "landmark study".

"This research will provide the information we need to push for meaningful change and inform the development of a future National Endometriosis Action Plan,” she said.

Read more, here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566074/nz-endometriosis-research-to-influence-local-policy-making

02/09/2025

Did you know that up to 40 per cent of women who have had children will experience some form of prolapse in their lifetime?

The condition occurs when the muscles and ligaments that hold up our pelvic organs weaken, causing one or more organs to move from their usual position down into the va**na.

Oxford Women’s Health urogynaecologist Dr Fiona Bach says there are many options available, for instance pelvic floor physiotherapy, doing nothing, va**nal pessaries, or surgery.

The best course of action is to discuss all options and risks with your specialist who will provide you with patient decision aids to help you work out which option suits you best.

Read more in our latest newsletter: https://www.oxfordwomenshealth.co.nz/news/winter-2025-newsletter.html

31/08/2025

Perimenopause doesn’t have to be a crisis. That’s the message from Dr Libby Weaver who discussed the need to shift a “fear-based narrative” with the Kiwi Yarns show.

“Right now, we mostly hear from women who find perimenopause very challenging - and that’s great, because it offers support to others who are struggling,” she said. “But 30-something women don’t realise there’s a whole group of women who are okay because they literally have nothing to say other than ‘I’m okay’.”

“There’s a message out there right now that life falls apart after menopause - and that’s simply inaccurate. The second half of life, which I’m now in, is absolutely extraordinary.”

Read more, here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/wellbeing/360702196/dr-libby-perimenopause-doesnt-have-be-crisis

28/08/2025

Today is Daffodil Day, the annual fundraiser for Cancer Society New Zealand, which supports people and their families experiencing cancer.

Many of us have a loved one who has faced a diagnosis and required the Cancer Society’s support at some part of their journey. To donate, visit: https://daffodilday.org.nz

22/08/2025

If you’ve been prescribed Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), make sure you pick up a copy of our information pamphlet.

It explains what you can expect while taking MHT with helpful answers to common queries about it.

The brochure has been prepared by Oxford Women’s Health’s menopause clinicians.

You’ll find the brochure here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxz25ur

14/08/2025

Did you know Oxford Women’s Health provides private colposcopy services for cervical screening in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Patients can usually be seen within a couple of weeks and receive their result relatively quickly. We strive to provide a fast turnaround for patients feeling anxious about a test result.

Colposcopies are available at our clinics in Blenheim, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Invercargill. If you have any questions about colposcopy services, give our friendly team a call on 03 379 0555.

12/08/2025

Do you ever find yourself nibbling away at the vegetables on the chopping board as you prepare them for dinner? This is called ‘rebound nutrition’.

It happens when people don’t eat enough until 3pm and then when they come home from work, they unconsciously snack on food before and after dinner. To overcome this, Oxford Women’s Health Dietitian Sara Widdowson encourages people to frontload their day with protein.

Good sources of protein include poultry, eggs, dairy products, tofu, tinned fish, bovine collagen supplements, grains such as millet, oats, brown rice, and some vegetables, such as protein-dense peas and edamame beans.

Read more, here: https://www.oxfordwomenshealth.co.nz/news/winter-2025-newsletter.html