Her Health Network

“Start before you’re ready.”

Those words, spoken by Georgia Jasmin at a networking event I recently attended, planted a seed of thought. They’ve become a mantra, a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful things in life begin when you least expect them.

I’m Sam. I’m 23 years old, a copywriter by trade, and now the founder of Her Health Network. But to understand how this came to be, I need to take you back to 2022 – a year that changed my life.

At that time, I was at breaking point. My health was deteriorating, and I felt like I was screaming into a void. I was battling heavy periods, agonising acne, and chaotic hormones, all while being shuffled through various forms of birth control that never seemed to help. Eventually, after pushing and pushing, my GP referred me for further tests.

An internal ultrasound found something “cyst-like.” That led to an MRI, then a CT scan, and finally a laparoscopic surgery. Before the operation, I was told there was a chance they’d need to remove an ovary, depending on what they found. And that’s exactly what happened.

I woke up in excruciating pain. The hospital staff seemed eager to send me home as soon as I could manage a trip to the toilet, despite my surgeon saying I could stay overnight if needed. Every bump on the road home felt like a knife stabbing into me, and even the simplest movements – getting out of bed, walking, using the bathroom – felt like climbing a mountain.

Two weeks later, I got the news: the mass they removed was Stage 1 ovarian cancer.

It was surreal. I had cancer but was already in remission, so I felt I wasn’t “allowed” to process what had happened. When I told people, I was met with congratulations and relief.

“Isn’t that amazing news?!”

Deep down I wanted to grieve. My health had betrayed me, and I felt completely disconnected from my body.

The reality is, I was one of the lucky ones. I fought to be heard and it saved my life. But the experience left scars, both physical and emotional.

As a precaution, I now face ten years of regular blood tests and scans. And though I’m grateful to be here, I carry the weight of what might have been if I hadn’t advocated for myself.

The Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Spotting ovarian cancer is difficult because its symptoms often overlap with IBS or menstrual issues. According to the NHS and Ovarian Cancer Action, the signs include:

• Bloating or a swollen stomach

• Discomfort in the stomach or pelvic area

• Feeling full quickly

• Frequent need to urinate

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Back pain

• Persistent fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Irregular periods

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, please see your GP. And trust your instincts.

From Diagnosis to a Dream

Flash forward to 2024, and I’m navigating yet another health battle – fighting for an ADHD diagnosis. After years of frustration with the healthcare system, I felt an overwhelming urge to do something meaningful, to create a space where women could share their stories and feel less alone in their struggles.

That’s how Her Health Network was born. It’s a passion project that’s filled the void I felt after leaving university and falling into the vicious cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat. This is a space for women to speak openly about their health and mental health experiences, to advocate for each other, and to spread awareness.

If my story resonates with you, or if you’ve faced similar challenges, I hope you’ll join us. Her Health Network is about breaking the silence, challenging the stigma, and empowering women to take control of their health.

Because your health matters. And you’re never alone in this fight.