Let's talk womens health 💞

Here at Jean Jail, we are proud supporters of womens health and the Jean Hailes foundation.

We designed our exclusive Jean Jail Pyjama range with the hopes to spread awareness about various womens issues, such as endometriosis,

PCOS, infertility, breast cancer and more, all whilst donating $5 from each pyjama sale to Jean Hailes.

As we are passionate about spreading awareness and starting the conversation, we are chatting all things womens

health on our blog and social media channels over the next little bit. If you haven't come across Jean Hailes website before,

first of all lucky you, that means you're one of the lucky ones that haven't had to deal with any health issues that many women face everyday :)

Jean Hailes is a not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving the knowledge of womens health throughout the various stages of their lives,

providing a world-class health service for women. Now, let's talk WOMENS HEALTH and start spreading awareness and making a difference together.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

What is it? Endo is a condition that occurs when cells similar to those that line the uterus are found in other parts of the body.

It most commonly occurs in the pelvis and can affect a woman's reproductive organs.

Causes & Symptoms There are no real known causes for Endometriosis and causing factors can differ in different women.

Some of the main factors that have a role in causing endo include, family history, retrograde menstruation, metaplasia and

changes in the immune cells heavy bleeding periods. Symptoms can vary from woman to woman, with some women experiencing

and living in severe pain, whereas other woman have no symptoms. Some of the main symptoms that you may experience

include pain immediately before and during your period, painful sex, lower abdominal and pelvic pain, ovulation pain in the ovary area,

heavy bleeding, bladder and bowel pain and issues, tiredness and changes in mood.

Diagnosis If you think you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned above or are in severe pain, make sure to go and see your GP and gynaecologist.

The main standard for diagnosing endo is by having a laparoscopy, which is a procedure performed via keyhole surgery.

Endometriosis is usually classified in stages from minimal to severe.

Management & Treatment There are a few options for managing and treating endo; including a healthy lifestyle, pain-relief medications,

hormone therapy such as combined oral contraceptive pills and progestins. At home management to deal with

day to day living can include hot water bags, lots of rest and warm baths with calming oils.

The main thing to remember if you suffer from Endometriosis, is that you're not alone. 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years suffer from the condition.

Here are some inspiring and empowering women that we love, that also suffer from endo that help to spread awareness and positive vibes!

PCOS

What is it? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects 12-18% of women of reproductive age, affecting their hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce a

higher-than-normal amount of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and can cause fertility issues.

Causes & Symptoms Many of the symptoms of PCOS are caused by high levels of androgens circulating in your body, causing 'hyperandrogenism'.

Androgens are also called 'male' hormones, the main one being testosterone. All women produce small amounts of androgens in their tissues including the

ovaries but some can over produce, causing PCOS. The symptoms of PCOS include excess hair growth, scalp hair loss, acne, weight gain, difficulties

with fertility, increased anxiety and depression and irregular or infrequent periods.

Diagnosis It is best to consult your doctor if you have any struggles and suspect you may have signs of PCOS.

There are certain tests and medical examinations that your doctor can recommend to test for PCOS.

Management & Treatment There are a range of management and treatment options available to help with different cases of PCOS.

A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important aspects of managing PCOS day to day. Along with regular physical activity,

this helps to increase energy levels and helps with self confidence and self esteem.

BREAST HEALTH

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and will change from adolescence to menopause. Breast lumps, cysts, mastitis and painful breasts can occur in many

women. Knowing what is normal, how to conduct a breast check and when to see your doctor of you are worried about changes to your breasts is important.

Common Breast Conditions Breast pain is the most common breast symptom and reason to seek medical help. It is often linked to the menstrual cycle in

younger women. Both the contraceptive pill and menopause hormone therapy can cause breast discomfort in some women.

Fibroadenomas are common, non-painful, benign breast lumps that are made up of glands and fibrous tissue.

This type of lump feels quite smooth and firm. They can grow as large as a golf ball and become tender in the days before a cycle.

Make sure to have any lumps like this assessed by your doctor.

Breast Checks Being familiar with the look and feel of your breasts makes it easier to notice when changes occur.

From your 20s onwards you should do regular checks once a month; including looking in the mirror and checking the shape, size

and colour of your breasts, feeling your breasts whilst in the shower, feel around your breasts whilst lying down with your arm

bent at the elbow and resting above your head. You can find more information about breast checks at Jean Hailes.

Breast Cancer Breast Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast. There are various types of breast cancer, but they all start in the

milk ducts or the milk lobules (milk-producing glands). The cancer can grow into surrounding tissues and spread to other organs of the body.

Around one in every eight woman is diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.

The main risk factors for breast cancer are the ones you can't change; being a woman, getting older, having a strong family history of

breast cancer, inheriting a faulty gene that increases the risk. It is important to have regular checks with your doctor

if you are at a high risk and make sure to be self checking.