In collaboration with Day Lewis Pharmacy
Being a teenager, and even a young adult, can be a hard time for anyone but I think girls have so much going on that isn’t adressed as well as it should be. I remember being in high school and no one really telling me about anything that was going to happen while I was growing up.
I realise now how much I didn’t know about women’s health; things that would have saved me confusion, worry, and sometimes pain. Health classes barely scratched the surface, and many conversations were hushed or avoided altogether. If I could go back and have an honest chat with my younger self, these are the things I wish I’d known.
Periods are more than just ‘that time of the month’
Before I got my first period, I knew that it was normal, natural, and just something girls deal with. What I wasn’t told is how varied the experience can be. I had a horrible time during high school with my periods, often leading to embaressment, missed PE lessons and not wanting to do swimming as a result. Other kids, especially boys then, were so mean when it came to things like periods and it wasn’t something that was just ‘normal’.
Periods can be painful, irregular, heavy, or barely noticeable and all of these can be ‘normal’ to a degree. But normal doesn’t always mean healthy. I wish someone had explained that severe cramps, very heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles aren’t just something to ‘put up with’. They can be signs of conditions like endometriosis or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) that deserve attention and support.
There are so many things now that would have helped when I was a teenager, such as a wider variety of products to use and even period underwear and swimwear.
UTIs are common!
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are something I wish I’d been taught about sooner. They’re incredibly common, particularly in women, yet rarely discussed. I remember experiencing that first UTI and feeling both confused and embarrassed about what was going on. Now, my 9 year old suffers quite badly with them but at that age, it’s not something I knew anything about.
UTIs occur when bacteria, usually from the bowel, enter the urinary tract. Women are more prone due to having a shorter urethra. Luckily, they are easily treatable and early treatment is important to stop the infection spreading to the kidneys or becoming a lot worse.
The good news is that you don’t always need to wait for a GP appointment. Women aged 16 to 64 can now access treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from participating pharmacies. For example, Day Lewis Pharmacy offers women aged 16-64 over the counter UTI treatment, without the need to see a GP. It’s a quick, accessible way to get the help you need.
Prevention tips I wish I’d known:
- Always wipe front to back.
- Go to the toilet after sex to flush out bacteria.
- Avoid holding in urine for too long.
- Stay hydrated to help flush out your urinary tract.
- Avoid harsh soaps or perfumed products in the intimate area.
Hormones affect everything
I used to think hormones only mattered during puberty and pregnancy. I didn’t realise they impact mood, energy, skin, sleep, appetite—you name it. Hormonal fluctuations are a constant part of a woman’s life, and understanding them earlier would have made so much sense of the emotional rollercoasters I often felt ashamed of. Knowledge is power, and tracking cycles or learning how your body reacts at different times of the month can be a real game changer.
Birth control is not one-size-fits-all
When it came to contraception, the message was simple: go on the Pill. What I wasn’t told was how different birth control methods can affect people differently. Some women thrive on hormonal contraception, while others struggle with side effects like anxiety, weight gain, or low libido.
Maybe back then the options weren’t as widely available as they are now. I’m lucky now that I know the difference between things like contraceptive injections, implants and the pill, among other things. You don’t have to stick with the first thing you try and it’s important to find something that is right for you.
Your body will change
Being in high school between 1997 and 2002, there was so much pressure to look a certain way. Magazines and pop culture had a big part to play in this, and celebrities were stick thin a lot of the time. There was never anything anywhere to say that you’re perfect as you are, and nowhere promoting body confidence and self-love. I wish that had been a thing when I was at school.
From puberty to pregnancy, and later, menopause, our bodies evolve and that is all completely normal. I wish I’d been able to learn to accept myself and my body as I grew up, and could have been happier in my own skin. Now, there is so much out there to help women, teenagers and even children to cope with pressures of growing up and I love that.
Mental health is part of women’s health
I didn’t always connect the dots between my physical and mental health. I wish I’d been told that anxiety, depression, and mood swings can be linked to hormones, life changes, or underlying health issues, and that asking for help isn’t weakness. Mental health deserves just as much care and attention as any physical illness. There are tools out there, and using them should be encouraged, not stigmatised.
Speak up and trust your instincts
Perhaps the biggest thing I wish I knew is that it’s OK to advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s period pain or an unexplained change don’t be afraid to ask questions. Too many women are dismissed or told “it’s just part of being a woman.” You know your body better than anyone else, and your concerns deserve to be heard.
Final thoughts
Women’s health is still surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and silencebut things are definitely better than when I was growing up as a teenager. By sharing our experiences and talking openly, we help break the cycle for the next generation.