The Experts Behind the Content in the Stella App | Stella
Long-term health
11 mins

The experts behind the content within the Stella app

byDr. Kate Bunyan

Stella is designed by doctors, clinicians and experts in women’s health and menopause. The Stella app works across a range of symptoms, including sleep problems, mood changes, bladder issues, weight gain, hot flushes, night sweats, low libido and brain fog. Let’s get to know the people behind the plans and content within the Stella app…

Our expert team

Dr Katie Armstrong MBBS MRCGP DFFP DCH, GP and clinical advisor to Stella.

Dr Katie has been a GP in the NHS for over 20 years and is a menopause specialist. She trained at St Mary’s, London and did her specialist training in menopause with Louise Newson, the British Society of Menopause, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproductive Medicine. She is the founder of Clinic51 a women’s health and hormone clinic in West Sussex.

Meera Bhogal, Founder of health and wellness website Meera’s Made From Scratch.

Meera is the founder of Meera’s Made From Scratch, offering dairy, gluten and refined sugar-free products, a fitness instructor and recipe creator. You may recognise Meera as the face of some of our exercise demonstrations within the Stella app and on our blog.

Dr Michelle Griffin MB BChir MRCOG DFSRH PGCert Medical management and leadership, Doctor and Women’s Health Expert.

Dr Michelle trained as a doctor at the University of Cambridge, worked in the NHS for over a decade and is a gynaecologist. She specialised in urogynaecology, diagnosing and managing many women who had problems related to their pelvic floor. She has also worked at Public Health England, Department of Health and World Health Organisation on women’s health initiatives. Website.

Dr Nicole Jaff PhD NCMP

Dr Nicole is a North American Menopause Society certified menopause practitioner (NCMP), member of the Professional Board of Psychology (South Africa) and the Staging Reproductive Aging collaborative group (STRAW+10). She has authored four books for women on understanding menopause. ResearchGate.

Dr Liz Kaltman ND MPH NCM

Dr Liz is a sexual and reproductive health specialist, epidemiologist, national clinician educator, and public health leader. She is a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Certified Menopause Provider and enjoys supporting women through all stages of perimenopause with individualized care.

Dr Rebecca Love BSc MSc PhD, Behavioural Scientist (PhD) and founder of Stella.

Dr Rebecca specialises in preventative medicine and how lifestyle behaviour can reduce later life chronic disease. She completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge, and has led work for Public Health England, World Health Organisation and UNICEF.

Baz Moffat BSc MSc, Women’s Health and Fitness Coach.

Baz is a World Championship medal-winning rower, and since been a personal trainer and now specialises as a health and fitness coach for women. She focuses on the female pelvic floor, core strength and women’s fitness. She is the co-founder of The Well HQ and co-author of the book Train Like a Woman. Website.

Janet Padfield MBANT CNHC, Registered nutritional therapist.

Janet is a registered nutritional therapist and women’s health expert at Apples to Zinc Nutrition. She specialises in nutrition support for hormonal health and helps women with maximising fertility and managing PCOS, menopause, blood glucose balancing, and energy levels. Website.

Becky Potts CSP HCPC, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, is co-founder of Perfect Motion Physio.

Becky is passionate about female pelvic health at all stages of a woman’s life. She works with women on issues such as urinary incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Becky feels strongly about the importance of re-setting the balance of a woman’s body, to restore health, function and quality of life. Website.

Lee Pycroft HG Dip, P; MHGI, Psychotherapist.

Lee started her career as a high-profile makeup artist working with A-list talent and creating makeover events in vulnerable sectors. Fascinated by human behaviour, she trained as a psychotherapist and helps people with mental health, self-image and wellbeing. Website.

Zoe Sever, Sexologist.

Zoe is a sexologist, researcher, clinical advisor/consultant and women’s health advocate. Since training as a nurse, Zoe has completed a Masters of Sexual and Reproductive Health and is a member of the Society of Australian Sexologists Ltd. She is pursuing a DPhil in Women’s and Reproductive Health and is passionate about empowerment through knowledge and demystifying women’s health.

Dr Emily Simon MBChB, GP with experience  in women’s health and sexual health.

Dr Emily is a GP with experience in women’s health and sexual health, and has worked as a clinical advisor for Vira Health. In the NHS, she works for a community Gynaecology service where she manages patients with complex menopause needs. She is a member of The Royal College of GPs, The British Menopause Society and the Institute of Psychosexual medicine and has recently been elected to council for the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health. She trains and teaches in medical schools, at GP training schemes and in the community at large on all matters relating to women’s health and wellbeing.

Dr Beverley Taylor BSc MSc DHealthPsych, Chartered Psychologist.

Dr Beverley Taylor is a specialist trainer in menopause and is a health researcher and chartered psychologist (DHealthPsych). She is passionate about the patient experience, menopause, women’s health, empowerment and supporting people to be the very best they can be through training, education and research.

Dr Lucy Wilkinson BSc MBChB DFSRH DRCOG MRCGP MA SFHEA, GP with special interests in women’s health and digital health.

Dr Lucy is a GP with special interests in women’s health and digital health. She trained at the universities of St Andrews, Manchester, and the Autonoma University of Madrid, and holds postgraduate qualifications in obstetrics, gynaecology and sexual health. She is a member of the British Menopause Society and clinical advisor at Stella.

Our plans

Stella offers plans for seven key treatment areas. Each plan provides users with a guided approach to tackling menopause symptoms. Strategies include psychological approaches, physical training and dietary changes among others.

Stella treatment plans can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment approaches (including HRT).

Sleep

The Stella sleep plan is a holistic way to tackle menopause-related sleep problems, including feeling tired, difficulty getting to sleep, or staying asleep. 

Content includes:

  • Why menopause can affect sleep
  • Tips on using a sleep diary and understanding sleep and wake drive
  • The impact of lifestyle choices on sleep and tips for improving sleep
  • Sleep scheduling and compression techniques
  • Techniques to manage stress

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Rebecca Love
  • Dr Lucy Wilkinson

Body plan

The Stella body plan focuses on the bladder, core and pelvic floor. It is an ideal companion for users who are struggling with incontinence and other pelvic floor issues.

Content includes:

  • Why menopause weakens the pelvic floor
  • Tips to manage leaks
  • How lifestyle choices can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms
  • A guide to pelvic floor exercises, including the ‘quicks and slows’ technique
  • Exercises to strengthen core muscles and the pelvic floor

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Baz Moffat 
  • Becky Potts
  • Dr Michelle Griffin
  • Hayley Fig Barber

Hot flushes & night sweats

Hot flushes and night sweats are a common problem during menopause, and this Stella plan provides a guided programme to understand and help minimise your symptoms.

Content includes:

  • Using science to understand hot flushes and night sweats
  • The impact of lifestyle choices 
  • What can make flushes and sweats worse 
  • Stress management techniques 
  • Strategies to cope when flushes and hot sweats strike

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Beverley Taylor 
  • Dr Rebecca Love

Sex & intimacy

Menopause can present a number of challenges when it comes to sex and intimacy. This Stella plan helps you to understand the changes you are experiencing and address any problems you encounter.

Content includes:

  • The impact of hormonal changes on sexual desire and the body
  • Understanding turn ons and turn offs
  • Techniques to manage stress and feel comfortable during sex and masturbation
  • Tips to increase sexual confidence, communication and emotional connection
  • Techniques to build self-esteem and be more present during sex

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Emily Simon 
  • Dr Michelle Griffin
  • Zoe Sever
  • Dr Liz Kaltman
  • Hayley Fig Barber

Mood

It’s common to notice mood swings and other changes in your mood at menopause, with common symptoms including feeling low, anxious or angry. The Stella mood plan is designed to help you to understand and manage these symptoms.

Content includes:

  • How hormonal changes can impact your mood and symptoms
  • Stress management and techniques to regulate emotions
  • The impact of lifestyle changes on mood
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Tips to build emotional resilience

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Beverely Taylor 
  • Dr Michelle Griffin 
  • Dr Liz Kaltman

Weight

Weight gain is a common complaint around the time of menopause, and it can become more difficult to lose any extra pounds. The Stella weight plan is a guided programme that helps you to understand and address the way menopausal changes can contribute to this.

Content includes:

  • The changes to the body during menopause 
  • How to balance blood sugar 
  • When to eat and how often 
  • Meal preparation and recipe tips
  • The importance of building muscle and tips to increase exercise
  • Keeping motivated and how to get back on track

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Rebecca Love 
  • Dr Liz Kaltman 
  • Janet Padfield 

Brain fog

Brain fog is another commonly-reported symptom at menopause. Stella’s brain fog plan contains information and guidance designed to help tackle your symptoms.

Content includes:

  • The science behind brain fog symptoms and how to manage
  • The impact of lifestyle choices on brain function 
  • Tips on exercise, nutrition and sleep hygiene
  • Cognitive techniques
  • Strategies to improve social connection and stress management

Clinicians involved in the content and review:

  • Dr Nicole Jaff 

Who recommends Stella?

Stella is recommended by menopause specialists, such as Dr Katie Armstrong at Clinic 51, and other clinics, such as Lisa Punt at Maggie’s Centres, Day Lewis Pharmacy and menopause community The Latte Lounge.

Risks of using the app

The Stella app was created with and reviewed by clinical experts. Throughout our plans and article content, we flag where advice is needed from your own doctor.

For example:

  • Sleep scheduling. We recommend sleep compression for shift workers 
  • Depression. We signpost to external organisations for depression or for an emergency 
  • Vulvovagainal warning signs. We advise seeing a doctor if bleeding, discharge or pain, is noted

Coaching

Our coaches do not provide medical advice. They provide motivational and technical support. They will flag if advice is needed from your own doctor.

Try our menopause clinic

  • Online doctor’s appointments
  • Personalised treatment recommendations
  • Fast HRT delivery, if right for you