Women's Reproductive Health Justice: a talk with Katy Bradbury

Overprescription of hormonal therapy and antibiotics, under-researched health concerns that affect 5-10% of women in the world, never-ending gaslighting and dismissal of women trying to get to the root cause of their debilitating reproductive health concerns. The stigmatisation of women trying to get pregnant, and the medical view of pregnancy and motherhood as a panacea for any physical or mental issue a woman may be experiencing, ultimately undermining a woman's autonomy and reducing motherhood to a mere prescription. All of this stems from the patriarchal roots that medical research is currently functioning in. Current health research is labelling women as “little men” because there aren’t enough studies available. It wasn’t until 2023 that women’s period products started being tested with actual blood and not water, and the speculum hasn’t changed in design since the 19th century (some may argue that even since the Roman times). I say no more. In the long-awaited conversation, we bring up the women’s health concerns that aren’t talked about enough in the global setting. The more we talk about it, the less stigmatised it will be. It is so important to spread this message to raise awareness and highlight the strength of those who advocate for women’s health research. For this, I am joined by Katy Bradbury. She is a fertility and women’s health specialist. She is a registered nurse, health visitor, nutritional therapist, hypnotist and integrative change coach. She keeps busy with her private online practice and group programmes as well as student support, practitioner mentorship and clinical leadership. After a journey with infertility, Katy now has two young daughters and takes pleasure from educating and empowering women with their health. Katy shared her fertility journey, and the effect it has on her mental health. We discussed common reproductive healthcare issues like overprescription of hormonal therapy and antibiotics. How in modern medicine a woman’s health is not viewed as a whole, but instead making decisions only based on her reproductive organs. We explore how the patriarchal roots affect how women perceive themselves. How “there is something wrong with you” is heard more often than “let’s solve this together”. Katy and I want a better future for the women’s health. We highlight the advances in the latest research, and discuss often-met topics like endometriosis & adenomiosis, PCOS, UTIs, the vaginal and uterine microbiome and lots more. The more we talk about these stigmatised topics, the more women will be making their own informed decisions based on a holistic 360 approach, something that Katy is offering to her patients as well. This is a perspective I share through my reproductive health research and an approach to my own health overall. It was so important for me to hear Katy’s professional opinion on these pressing matters and be able to pose questions on behalf of my listeners. We both embrace the connection of mind and body, thanking our moon cycles and always breaking down the stigma surrounding women’s health. Katy and I are dedicated to using our platforms to continue educating and sharing knowledge. You can follow Katy Bradbury on Instagram @katybradburyhealth and learn more about her meaningful work! P.S.: Mention of women throughout also includes AFAB individuals.