Monday: Every Check Matters (Because They Seriously Do)

We all have that “thing” we’ve been putting off. That test. That conversation. That weird pain you keep Googling at 11pm.

This week? We do the things.

Your non-negotiables:

1. Cervical Screening Test (CST)
   Still calling it a Pap smear? Cute. But outdated. The modern CST is more accurate, less frequent (only every 5 years if all’s well), and essential if you’re aged between 25–74 and have a cervix. Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. Even if you feel fine. Just. Do. It.

2. Breast Awareness
   Mammograms might start at age 50, but breast awareness starts now. Get to know your girls—feel for lumps, look for skin changes, or any pain that seems out of place. If something feels off? Call your GP. Or better yet, call them even if it doesn’t.

3. Menstrual & Hormonal Health
   Heavy periods? Painful periods? Irregular cycles? Mood swings that have you weeping over a burnt toast? These aren’t just “part of being a woman.” Could be endometriosis, PCOS, hormonal imbalance, or just your body waving a red flag. Dr Kelly Hankins can help decode the chaos and create a plan that actually works.

4. Fertility Frustrations? You’re Not Alone
   If you’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months and it’s all crickets—it’s not your fault. And you’re not broken. Let Dr Hankins do a fertility assessment and talk options tailored to you. No cookie-cutter care here.

Tuesday: Be the Boss of Your Own Health

Let’s play a game. You’ve got a GP appointment. You’ve waited three weeks. You’ve got eight minutes. And…your mind goes blank.

Be prepared. Ask the good stuff.

Here’s a cheat sheet of questions to ask your GP:

• What does my CST result mean?
• Are my heavy periods normal?
• Could my period pain be endo pain?
• Should I track my menstrual cycle?
• How do my hormones affect my mental health?
• What can I do if I’m struggling to conceive?

Asking the right questions makes you a partner in your own care—not just a passenger. And if your GP gives you the “it’s probably nothing” line? Feel free to ask for a referral to someone who will listen—like Dr Kelly Hankins.

Wednesday: The Heart of the Matter

Would you be surprised to hear that heart disease is the number one killer of women in Australia. Yeah, didn’t see that coming either. But it’s true—and often missed because symptoms in women can look a lot like…anxiety. Or stress. Or just general tired mum vibes.

Your heart matters. And during pregnancy? It works overtime—literally growing bigger to pump more blood. Which is cool…until it’s not.

So if you feel shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations? That’s not just “being unfit.” Get it checked.

Friendly reminder:

• Move your body daily—walking counts
• Eat stuff that grew from the ground
• Sleep, hydrate, repeat

You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just be a little nicer to your ticker.

Thursday: Pain Isn’t a Punchline

“You’re just being dramatic.”

“Cramps are normal.”

“You’ll feel better after a hot water bottle.”

Cue internal screaming.

Pain—especially the kind that shows up monthly (or, fun twist, randomly)—is not something you have to “tough out.”

If you’re living with:

• Debilitating cramps
• Constant pelvic pressure or pain
• Pain with sex or going to the loo
• Bloating that makes you look 6 months pregnant
• Fatigue that hits like a brick wall

It could be endometriosis. And no, it’s not “all in your head.”

Dr Hankins offers advanced, evidence-based diagnostics and treatments, from medication and hormone therapy to robotic gynaecology surgery (which sounds futuristic and fancy—because it is). Think less downtime, more precision, and way better outcomes than the old-school methods.

So if you’ve been quietly suffering? You don’t have to anymore.

Friday: Be Kind to Your Mind (Seriously)

Hormones and moods are like siblings—tangled, noisy, and always showing up at the worst possible moment. But periods and mental health are absolutely connected.

Periods and mental health are not always separate topics. From PMS to PMDD, postpartum depression to menopause-related mood swings—your hormones can seriously mess with your head.

So…what do you do?

Start here:

• Say yes to you: Prioritise rest, hobbies, and saying “no” when needed.
• Practise mental self-care: Journalling, mindfulness, exercise, and reaching out to trusted friends or professionals.
• Track symptoms: Note changes in mood, energy, and focus throughout your cycle to help identify any patterns related to hormonal shifts or fertility concerns.

And hey—fertility struggles, miscarriage grief, hormone chaos—none of that makes you weak. It makes you human. And Dr Hankins gets it.

Let’s Wrap This Up (But Not Before You Book)

You’ve just read a whole article about you. And hopefully, you’re walking away with one simple thought:

You’re allowed to prioritise your health. In fact, you should.

Whether it’s booking your regular CST, asking your GP about endo pain, or finally getting answers about those heavy periods, this is the week to do it.

Dr Kelly Hankins is here with real talk, real care, and real expertise. Because women’s health shouldn’t be a mystery, a luxury, or something to push to “next month.”

Book your appointment and make Women’s Health Week the week to finally put yourself first.