SkinEvidence check
Does Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiency? What Studies Show
Earlier lower-SPF studies and newer SPF50+ research need to be read together. Here is how the evidence developed.
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Menopause & HormonesEvidence check
Does Walking Strengthen Your Bones After Menopause?
Walking is the exercise most women are told to do for their bones. A 2013 review of 10 trials found walking alone didn't change spine bone density, though the hip improved after six months or more. Programs that mixed walking with jogging, stair climbing or strength work did better. Here is what the reviews found and how to build a routine your bones notice.
HairEvidence check
Does Washing Your Hair Often Cause Hair Loss? What Studies Show
Seeing hair in the drain makes many women wash less. But a study of Asian adults found daily washing beat once-a-week washing on every measure, with no damage to hair, though the shampoo maker paid for it. A Saudi survey of 4,796 people also linked more frequent shampooing with better hair and scalp. Dermatologists say to wash based on how oily your scalp gets. Here is what the studies show.
Bladder & Pelvic FloorEvidence check
Does Yoga Help Bladder Leaks? What a Pelvic Yoga Trial Found
Pelvic floor yoga is often suggested for bladder leaks. In a 2024 trial of 240 women aged 45 to 90 with daily leaks, 12 weeks of pelvic yoga cut leaks by about 2.3 a day, but a general stretching and strengthening program cut them by 1.9, about the same. Both groups improved a lot. Here is what that means, what the trial didn't test, and how to use movement alongside proven treatments.
Bladder & Pelvic FloorEvidence check
Can Drinking More Water Prevent Repeat UTIs? What a Yearlong Trial Found
In a trial of women with frequent bladder infections who drank little, adding about 1.5 liters of water a day nearly halved infections over a year and cut antibiotic courses. The women were younger, before menopause, so ask how it fits you, especially if you have leaks, night-time peeing or a fluid limit.
Odor & SweatExplainer
Dry Earwax and Less Underarm Odor: The ABCC11 Gene Explained
A single letter of DNA in a gene called ABCC11 decides whether your earwax is wet or dry, and it also shapes how much underarm odor you make. People with two copies of the dry-earwax version produce far fewer odor building blocks, and the variant is most common in East Asia. But they still have some odor, and most low-odor Britons in one study used deodorant anyway. Here is what the gene does and doesn't tell you.
SkinEvidence check
Dry, Itchy Skin After 50: How Common It Is and What Helps
Flaky shins and tight skin are among the most common skin complaints of midlife and later. In a Dutch study of 5,547 middle-aged and older adults, 60% had dry skin, with women more affected. A review of 28 studies found about half of older adults have it. Hot showers, some medicines and an underactive thyroid can play a part. Here is what the studies show and what helps.
Breath & MouthEvidence check
Dry Mouth in Menopause: How Common It Is and What Helps
The lining of the mouth responds to estrogen, and many women notice a dry or uncomfortable mouth around menopause. In a survey of 3,211 women aged 40 to 90, 71% reported dry mouth. In a 1989 study, 43% of women around and after menopause reported mouth discomfort, against 6% before it. Medicines and age play a part too. Here is what the studies show and how to protect your teeth.
Bladder & Pelvic FloorEvidence check
A Pill for Stress Leaks? What the Data on Duloxetine Show About Benefits and Side Effects
Duloxetine, an antidepressant, is approved in Europe for leaking with coughs and sneezes. An independent analysis of the full trial reports found it reduced leaks only modestly: about 1 in 8 women felt much better because of it, while about 1 in 7 stopped because of side effects. The reviewers concluded the harms outweighed the benefits.
DXA Booked After a Contrast Scan? Tell the Team
Report a recent barium examination or injected contrast before your bone density scan.
SkinExplainer
Does an Extra Laundry Rinse Help Eczema?
An allergy academy suggests trying an extra rinse when clothes still irritate your skin. That is different from proving double rinsing treats eczema. What to change, record and discuss.
Bladder & Pelvic FloorEvidence check
Electrical Stimulation for Stress Leaks: What the Evidence Shows
Home and clinic devices that stimulate the pelvic floor with mild electrical pulses are sold for leaks with coughs and sneezes. A Cochrane review of 56 trials found stimulation probably beats doing nothing, but couldn't say whether it matches pelvic floor exercises. UK guidance reserves it mainly for women who can't squeeze those muscles on their own. Here is who it suits.
