The doctors treating women’s health needs with a tailored approach

We meet Dr. Olivia Hum and Dr. Zoe Schaedel, founders of Myla Health.

Dr. Olivia Hum and Dr. Zoe Schaedel, both NHS GPs with a collective experience of 32 years, founded Myla Health in response to the unmet needs of their female patients within the NHS. Specialising in women’s health, they further honed their expertise by undergoing advanced menopause training at Guy’s Hospital in London in 2019 and becoming British Menopause Society specialists. Disheartened by the NHS’s inability to provide the necessary time and care for their female patients, they established Myla Health to offer comprehensive healthcare services tailored specifically to women.

Myla Health operates across five bases in Sussex and Kent, offering appointments to women seeking specialist care. They collaborate with a team of associate doctors who provide appointments in Sheffield, Exeter, and through online consultations. This strategic expansion ensures accessibility to quality healthcare services for women across the whole of the UK, and payment plans make the prices more accessible to reach as many women as possible. Myla Health’s doctors also contribute to enhancing knowledge within the medical profession, teaching thousands of doctors throughout the country over the last three years.

In recent years, there has been a surge in national interest in women’s health, with a growing emphasis on the responsibility of workplaces to support and care for their employees. The average person in the UK spends a significant portion of their life at work, and there is now a heightened awareness of the importance of investing in employee wellbeing. Studies have shown that prioritising employee health and wellness can lead to reduced sickness absence, increased performance, and higher productivity levels. Fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises health not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to organisational success and sustainability.

The ‘menopause revolution’ of the past few years, catalysed by groundbreaking documentaries like the one featuring Davina McCall in May 2021, has brought significant attention to the impact of menopause on women’s lives, particularly in the workplace. Previously shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, menopause is now being openly discussed, leading to a better understanding of its symptoms and their implications. It is now recognised that hormonal changes during perimenopause can manifest in various cognitive and psychological symptoms, often affecting work performance and productivity.

In their clinic, Dr. Hum and Dr. Schaedel frequently encounter women grappling with cognitive and psychological symptoms such as “brain fog,” characterised by difficulties in concentration, memory, and mental sharpness. Many women describe feeling like they are “wading through treacle’. They describe struggling to articulate thoughts and find words, especially in professional settings such as business meetings or presentations. These symptoms are often accompanied by anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates the challenges women face at work.

The consequences of untreated menopausal symptoms are significant, leading to a decline in performance, loss of confidence, and withdrawal from workplace participation. Many women, particularly older ones who experienced menopause before the recent surge in awareness, have faced job loss or abandonment of career aspirations due to untreated symptoms. The statistic that one in ten women has left a job due to menopause underscores the urgent need for workplace policies and support systems that address women’s health issues.

It’s not just menopausal women who face challenges in the workplace due to health issues. Younger women also encounter obstacles related to menstrual health and fertility treatment. Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) revealed that over two-thirds of women experience negative impacts at work due to menstrual symptoms, with a significant portion taking sickness absence as a result. Despite these widespread challenges, many employees feel unable to discuss their health concerns with their managers, perpetuating a culture of silence and stigma surrounding women’s health issues in the workplace.

Fertility treatment presents another area of concern for women in the workforce, with only a quarter of employers having policies addressing this issue. The demanding nature of fertility treatment, both physically and emotionally, requires flexibility and understanding from employers. However, many women feel compelled to keep their struggles hidden from their managers, fearing judgement or repercussions. This lack of support can lead to increased stress, and ultimately impact their ability to perform effectively at work.

As women’s health experts, Dr. Hum and Dr. Schaedel are frequently invited to workplaces to educate employers and employees about women’s health and its implications for the workplace. They have collaborated with multiple organisations – ranging from large corporations to local businesses, schools, and universities – offering seminars on various health topics, including menopause, mental health, and breast cancer. By sharing their expertise, they aim to foster a culture of understanding, support, and inclusivity in the workplace, where women feel empowered to prioritise their health without fear of stigma or discrimination.

With 72% of women aged 16-64 in the UK actively participating in the workforce, the impact of women’s health issues on workplace performance and happiness cannot be ignored. It is imperative for organisations to proactively address these issues by implementing supportive policies, fostering a culture of open communication, and providing resources for employee wellbeing.

By partnering with Myla Health, employers can access tailored healthcare solutions and educational resources to support their female employees and create a workplace environment where all individuals can thrive. To request a workplace seminar, or employee consultations with Myla Health, employers can contact them via email at info@mylahealth.co.uk or through their website’s online form.