In 2023, the gender health gap is still alive and well, but small, incremental changes are leading the way for things to improve. And this weekend saw one of those changes come to fruition, with a guide to adenomyosis being published on the NHS website for the very first time.

The new guide, which is available to view now, has been introduced as part of the government’s ongoing Women’s Health Strategy, which was announced last year. Other changes which have been made this weekend include a new hormone replacement therapy (HRT) hub, as well as a dedicated ‘women’s health area’ which brings together pre-existing guides on conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

While information on adenomyosis had previously been available through select NHS trust websites, this is the first time an information page has existed on the main NHS website. 

The page includes information on what adenomyosis is, as well as the common symptoms, treatment options and when to see a GP. It also features suggestions on how to ease adenomyosis symptoms, and what you can expect while seeking an adenomyosis diagnosis.

The news has been welcomed by women’s health campaigners, who say having an official page for the condition will help those seeking a diagnosis to feel more informed about their health.

Rosy, who runs the Instagram account @acknowledgingadenomyosis, said that while the publication of an information page may seem like a small step, it’s a big leap when it comes to how adenomyosis is treated and discussed.  

“I honestly can’t believe it!” she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post celebrating the news. Going on to reference the only official mention of adenomyosis on the NHS website she could find when she was first diagnosed – a sub-heading on an article about the reasons to have a hysterectomy – Rosy said she was “thrilled” about the new information.

“I am so delighted they will have information to turn to from a trusted source. The psychological impact of this cannot be underestimated!!”

Speaking about the new information, Maria Caulfield, the minister for women’s health, said there was “much to celebrate” following the launch of the women’s health strategy last year.

“Over 300,000 more women have accessed cheaper HRT, new women’s health hubs are popping up across the country and we’re adding a dedicated women’s health area to the NHS website,” she said. “But there is plenty more to do.” 

The introduction of the new adenomyosis guide comes after BBC presenter Naga Munchetty revealed her struggles with the condition, triggering an increase in awareness.

Eight months on from her diagnosis, Munchetty shared how the condition had left her in “constant pain” and had been told by doctors that she was “just unlucky”.

Further changes being introduced as part of this latest stage of the women’s health strategy include the development of new artificial intelligence to identify early risks in maternity units, as well as £25 million in funding to be used across England to create local women’s health hubs where an integrated care board will be formed to meet women’s health and wellbeing needs.  

There will also be changes to the way miscarriage care is approached. In particular, a three-month pilot scheme carried out in partnership with the charity Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research at Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital will see women receive testing and advice following a first, second or third miscarriage, so they can identify any medical conditions they may have, help prevent further loss and inform other women. The outcome of this pilot will be evaluated at the end of the year. 

Images: Getty