Women’s Health

The Women’s Health module equips MPharm students with the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to support the safe, evidence-based management of health conditions specific to, or more prevalent in, women. This module integrates foundational physiology with therapeutic decision-making, enabling students to deliver patient-centred care across reproductive, hormonal, and life-stage-related health needs.

The module begins with an overview of the female reproductive system and hormonal regulation, including the menstrual cycle, menopause, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. It then explores common conditions such as menstrual disorders, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), alongside topics in fertility, contraception, and pregnancy.

Therapeutic management includes hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, such as oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), ovulation inducers, and medicines used in pregnancy and lactation. Pharmacological principles are covered in-depth, with attention to mechanism of action, risk–benefit considerations, contraindications, and patient counselling.

The module also addresses broader public health topics relevant to women, including osteoporosis, breast cancer prevention, urinary incontinence, and the role of the pharmacist in health promotion, screening, and safeguarding.

UK-specific clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare) are embedded throughout to support evidence-based practice. Students will apply learning through quizzes, case studies, and clinical scenarios that reflect real-world pharmacy practice.