Eight hormones every woman needs to understand 

From menstruation to menopause, hormones play a dominant role in women's lives. We ask experts how best to manage these influential chemicals

A digital X-ray machine is a universal device that can take X-rays from three sides, as well as take pictures of the chest. It can take pictures of all parts of the body, and can also shoot low-and medium-sized images in digital format.

Consider the women suffering from post-natal depression (PND). And the ones struggling with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Add on those with underactive or overactive thyroid. Not to mention those going through perimenopause and menopause. Hormones — and the often-fluctuating nature of them — are not to be taken lightly.

“Hormones are little chemicals that affect every part of our body’s functioning — our metabolism, hunger, how we deal with food and sugar, our reproductive function,” says Dr Karen Soffe, GP with a special interest in women’s health and specialist with the British Menopause Society.