Womens Health UK – November 2025

Summary

Vicky Pattison anchors Women's Health UK Issue T132 (November 2025) — the "Mind Issue" — opening up about her PMDD diagnosis, five years of medical misogyny, and her plan to take the issue to health secretary Wes Streeting. Editor Claire Sanderson looks back eight years to when the brand first themed November as the Mind Issue, back when Instagram still had filters and TikTok hadn't reached the UK. The cover lines tackle psychedelics in midlife ("Midlife, menopausal + on mushrooms"), ADHD accountability ("Are you using your ADHD to excuse bad behaviour?"), and a dietitian-designed HRT eating plate.

The issue's most immediately useful piece is "How to Eat on HRT" — a dietitian designs the perfect plate for women on hormone replacement therapy. "The training style sweeping studies this autumn" promises fat burn, muscle building and endurance boosts. The Just As Well podcast with Gemma Atkinson continues alongside editor's picks including Bam wide leg joggers (£75) and a £113 HydroPeptide Vitamin C Booster. The Defender OCTA advertisement claims a one-metre wading depth with full fuel and CO₂ data.

—————

Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

p.— · Vicky Pattison — The Power and Persistence
The TV personality on her PMDD diagnosis, five years of being dismissed by doctors, and bringing the issue to Wes Streeting. She says "I'm riddled with anxiety" and urges readers not to suffer in silence. If you suspect PMDD, track your symptoms daily for 3 months using a mood-and-cycle app before seeking a specialist referral.

▸ Mental Health

p.— · Midlife, Menopausal + On Mushrooms: What Psychedelics Did Next
Explores the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy for menopause-related depression and anxiety. The article examines clinical trials using psilocybin for midlife mental health. Only consider psychedelic therapy through licensed clinical trial pathways.

p.— · Are You Using Your ADHD to Excuse Bad Behaviour?
A provocative piece asking whether self-diagnosed ADHD is being used as a blanket justification for hurtful actions. The author speaks to psychologists about accountability and neurodivergence. Use the article as a conversation starter with your therapist if this question resonates.

▸ Nutrition & HRT

p.— · How to Eat on HRT — A Dietitian Designs the Perfect Plate
Practical guidance on what to eat while on hormone replacement therapy to maximise benefits and minimise side effects. The dietitian recommends a plate ratio of 50% vegetables, 25% protein, 25% complex carbs. Photograph your plate for one week and compare to the ratio.

▸ Fitness

p.— · Burn Fat / Build Muscle / Boost Endurance — The Training Style Sweeping Studies This Autumn
The evidence-backed training method that delivers across three goals simultaneously. The article cites autumn 2025 research on concurrent training. Try 2 strength sessions and 2 cardio sessions per week for 6 weeks and measure changes in all three metrics.

▸ Regulars

p.— · Editor's Letter — Claire Sanderson
Reflects on eight years of Mind Issues, from the first one when mental health was still stigmatised. Positions Vicky Pattison as the embodiment of the brand's commitment to honest mental health conversation.

p.— · This Month, I'm Loving
Editor's picks: Bam wide leg joggers (£75), Essen moccasin (£260), HydroPeptide Firma-Bright Vitamin C Booster (£113), Maaree crew neck sports bra (£45). The Maaree bra at £45 offers the best value-to-quality ratio.

—————

Editor's Take

The Vicky Pattison cover is the most politically impactful choice WH UK has made this year — taking PMDD and medical misogyny to the health secretary gives the issue genuine news value. The HRT eating plate is practical and overdue. However, the psychedelics feature remains speculative; the research is too early for the actionable guidance WH readers expect. The ADHD accountability piece (based on title alone) risks alienating readers without careful handling. Best suited for women 30-55 navigating perimenopause, mental health stigma and HRT questions. The political weight of the cover story elevates this above a standard issue.

Strengths
• Vicky Pattison's PMDD advocacy with government-level reach
• Dietitian-designed HRT plate with measurable ratios
• Eight-year Mind Issue legacy with consistent editorial voice

Weaknesses
• Psychedelics feature over-promises on emerging research
• ADHD accountability piece may polarise readers

Verdict: Recommended — The PMDD-advocacy cover story gives this Mind Issue real political teeth; the HRT plate is a bonus.