THE MALE PILL ISN’T WORTH IT

welcome

In spite of having been around for really quite a while

Healthy savings

Save with exclusive vouchers when you shop at Holland & Barrett. Plus, earn points when you spend with your rewards for life card. What’s not to love?

MEET OUR expert panel

Every issue we work with our leading experts in the fields of health, wellbeing, natural beauty, fitness and nutrition to review our magazine and ensure our content is balanced. Here they share their thoughts on how we can help women feel less embarrassed about intimate health

YOUR SAY

Write, email, tweet, Facebook or Instagram us – we love to hear from you!

My life in health

Maddie McMahon has been a doula and breast-feeding counsellor for 15 years, helping women to make their own birthing choices

CAN PORN BE HEALTHY FOR WOMEN?

Some say it’s always antifeminist and degrading, others argue it can be empowering – if done right. Our experts argue it out

Free Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak

Feel tension, tiredness and fatigue loat away as you

INTIMATE HEALTH

Vaginas have come a long way since Galen, the Romans’

Orgasm myths debunked

Sex therapist Cate Campbell cuts through the nonsense when it comes to the female climax, body part by body part

WHY DO WE GIVE OUR MOISTURISER MORE THOUGHT THAN OUR CONTRACEPTION?

See the doctor, get a prescription, take it till you want to get pregnant/hit menopause? Yes, us too. Yet our contraception needs to change through our lifetime. It’s time for a rethink

Finally, there may be good news about endometriosis

A new blood test could detect endometriosis in 90 per cent of women who have it. But can it change the problems around how we treat this debilitating illness?

What grows down below?

New research shows friendly bacteria aren’t just important for our digestion – they can benefit vaginal health, too

“I had a pelvic mesh implant without my knowledge”

After a devastating diagnosis, Candia McCullough resolved to help other women in the same situation

the CLINIC

the latest health advice from leading specialists, just for you

ARE MICROPLASTICS HARMING YOUR HEALTH?

We’re hearing a lot about microplastics these days – but what exactly are they and how do they affect us? Our expert explains

New term, no germs

Whether you’ve kids going back to school or not, autumn marks the start of coughs and colds season. We asked two experts how to fend them off

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T GET A DIAGNOSIS

You feel unwell, but don’t know the cause – and nor does your doctor. Here’s how to cope

NATURE’S ANTI - INFLAMMATORIES

Inflammation is the body’s first line of defence, but may have serious repercussions if left unchecked. Could an anti-inflammatory diet be the answer?

BIOMECHANICAL RUNNING ANALYSIS

Will it get me a PB and stop me getting injured?

A luxury escape for less

Treat yourself to a relaxing deluxe hotel break from £99, including dinner

FITNESS

the best in fitness inspo, trends and church hall classes

We love the church hall workout

Another month, another new fitness trend or boutique gym claiming to offer something different. But there’s a regular of the exercise scene that’s often overlooked – and it’s one that communities need more than ever

“You just have to keep going”

Jodie Moss battled depression for years, culminating in an overdose, aged 24 – but exercise helped her though, and this year she finished eighth in the world’s toughest foot race

The active commute

If you run or cycle to work, here’s the kit to take you there – all officeappropriate for those dash-straightinto- a-meeting mornings

FOOD

new, healthy and delicious twists on veggie and vegan food

‘Analogue’ burgers: the not-meat revolution

The name might be associated with old-school tech, but the new plantbased fast food is the stuff of the future

Gone bananas

Why aren’t we eating fruit any more?

A SENSE OF BALANCE

The unique, colourful corner of Portugal that’s Cascais provided Hattie Parish with the perfect mix of fresh, local food and physical activity

A luxury holiday in Bavaria

We’re giving away a fantastic seven-night stay for two, courtesy of award-winning travel brand Karma Group

The breakfast club

The end of summer is the perfect time to up your morning game, focusing on wholesome, nutritious ingredients that will keep you going until lunch

How can I have a really indulgent vegan dessert?

Cream, butter and eggs might be off the menu – but you can still have a showstopping pudding when the occasion demands it!

The balanced plate

Food is vital to hormone health. These plant-based recipes are designed to support your body through your monthly cycle and get you in tune with your natural rhythms

CINNAMON

This warming spice can potentially boost your metabolism, protect your brain and lower your cholesterol – and it tastes great in both savoury and sweet dishes

IN SEASON… figs

You’d be forgiven for thinking these delectable fruits are more indulgence than health food, but figs are a favourite of the wellness crew – and with good reason

My life in food

Following a food intolerance diagnosis, former neuroscientist Olivia Wollenberg launched free-from sweet snacks brand Livia’s in her parents’ kitchen. Now, it’s a £1 million empire

BEAUTY

inspiration to help you look your best, naturally

Meet the eco-beauty warriors

Want a regime that is more planet-friendly but still delivers results? These women have done the work so you don’t have to

Exfoliation 101

If you want to get the glow you’ll need to slough off skin cells. But how you’ll exfoliate depends on your skin type. Abigail James explains

Does your hair need an anti-pollution solution?

We know about anti-pollution skincare – now protective haircare is set to be the next big trend. But what can it do, and is it really necessary?

BALANCE

because self care is health care

BREAKING antidepressant THE HABIT

With prescriptions for antidepressants hitting record numbers, and patients suffering debilitating side-effects when they stop, healthy asks if it’s time to start looking more seriously at the alternatives

OWN YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

From Joe Biden to Louis Walsh, male invasions of female personal space have been in the headlines. Here’s how to ensure your boundaries are respected IRL

rewards for life

Inside this special section, you’ll discover the latest

What’s HOT NOW

From eco-friendly oferings to travel-friendly snacks, these products will help you care for yourself and the planet

HEALTHY HERO

Meet Hannah Ingham, store manager at Banbridge, Northern Ireland

HANNAH’S INTIMATE HEALTH PICKS

Support the vaginal microbiome by making sure you get

Prizes you’ll love

Fantastic gifts and offers, just for rewards for life members

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF healthy

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Dame Sarah Storey

Britain’s most successful female Paralympian has claimed multiple golds in swimming and cycling. Now 41, with two young children, she’s still winning world titles for Team GB