Dr Nana's Commitment to Improving Menstrual Health Across Aneurin Bevan

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is proud to highlight the work of Dr Nana, a doctor in her fifth year of training in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health, whose growing expertise is helping to advance care for people experiencing menstrual and hormonal mood disorders. 

Although she originally expected to pursue a career in general practice, Nana’s path changed after returning to her hometown of Doncaster and working in sexual health. There, she saw first-hand how many people were struggling with severe PMS and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) without adequate understanding, validation, or support. This experience shaped her commitment to women’s health and set the direction for her future career. 

Nana began specialist training in Wales in 2021, working across obstetrics, gynaecology, and sexual health in Cardiff before joining the Community Sexual and Reproductive Health team in Aneurin Bevan. Throughout her training, she has gained qualifications in reproductive healthcare, psychosexual medicine, and menopause care, and her clinical focus has increasingly centred on menstrual and hormonal mood disorders. 

Her day-to-day work is varied, spanning contraception, sexual health, psychosexual medicine, and abortion care. Alongside her clinical responsibilities, Nana is actively involved in national research and leads a local project dedicated to improving care for people with PMS and PMDD. 

Nana said: “PMDD has become a key passion of mine, its symptoms can be life‑changing, yet many people feel dismissed or alone when trying to access care. Helping to improve recognition and support is a big part of what drives me.” 

Education is another important part of her role. Recently, she attended a national conference on premenstrual disorders and delivered training to community pharmacists on menstrual health and contraception, helping to strengthen knowledge and confidence across the wider healthcare system. 

Nana said: “The most important part of my job is creating a space where people feel listened to and supported. Sexual and reproductive health is deeply personal, and every individual’s experience matters. 

“Women’s health, and especially PMS and PMDD, still needs far more awareness and understanding. I’m committed to helping close that gap through my clinical work, research, education, and by empowering people to understand their symptoms and be able to advocate for themselves.”