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 flashes, 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
Dr. Katie is a clinical advisor to Stella and has been a general practitioner 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 Gynecologists, 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
Meera is the founder of Meera’s Made From Scratch, offering dairy, gluten, and refined sugar-free products, a fitness instructor, and a recipe creator. You may recognize 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
Dr. Michelle trained as a doctor at the University of Cambridge and worked in the NHS for over a decade, and is a gynecologist. She specialized in urogynecology, diagnosing and managing many women who had problems related to their pelvic floor. She has also worked at Public Health England, the Department of Health, and the 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), a 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
Dr. Rebecca is a behavioral Scientist and founder of Stella. She specializes in preventative medicine and how lifestyle behavior 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
Baz is a Women’s Health and Fitness Coach. Sheis a World Championship medal-winning rower, and since been a personal trainer, and now specializes 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.
Dr. Nick Morse MD MBA
Dr. Nick is Stella’s Vice President of Clinical Affairs. He is a gynecologist and expert in pelvic floor medicine. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and a fellowship in urogynecology at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Nick has been taking care of women aged between 40-70 for more than two decades. He is passionate about the clear communication of medical information and that patients are partners in shared decision-making when it comes to their bodies and health.
Janet Padfield MBANT CNHC
Janet is a registered nutritional therapist and women’s health expert at Apples to Zinc Nutrition. She specializes in nutrition support for hormonal health and helps women with maximizing fertility and managing PCOS, menopause, blood glucose balancing, and energy levels. Website.
Becky Potts CSP HCPC
Becky is a women’s health physiotherapist and 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
Lee is a psychotherapist who started her career as a high-profile makeup artist working with A-list talent and creating makeover events in vulnerable sectors. Fascinated by human behavior, she trained as a psychotherapist and helps people with mental health, self-image, and wellbeing. Website.
Zoe Sever
Zoe is a sexologist, researcher, clinical advisor/consultant, and women’s health advocate. Since training as a nurse, Zoe has completed a Masters in 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
Dr. Emily is a general practitioner 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 gynecology service managing 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 the 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
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
Dr. Lucy is a general practitioner 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, gynecology, and sexual health. She is a member of the British Menopause Society and a clinical advisor at Stella.
Our plans
Stella offers plans for seven key symptom 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’s plans can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment approaches (including HT).
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
- Dr. Nick Morse
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
- Dr. Nick Morse
Hot flashes & night sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are common problems during menopause, and this Stella plan provides a guided program to understand and help minimize your symptoms.
Content includes:
- Using science to understand hot flashes and night sweats
- The impact of lifestyle choices
- What can make flashes and sweats worse
- Stress management techniques
- Strategies to cope when flashes and hot sweats strike
Clinicians involved in the content and review:
- Dr. Beverley Taylor
- Dr. Rebecca Love
- Dr. Nick Morse
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
- Dr. Nick Morse
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
- Dr. Nick Morse
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 program 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
- Dr. Nick Morse
Brain fog
Brain fog is another commonly-reported symptom of 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
- Dr. Nick Morse
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 the menopause community 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 healthcare provider.
For example:
- Sleep scheduling. We recommend sleep compression for shift workers
- Depression. We signpost to external organizations for depression or for an emergency
- Vulvovaginal warning signs. We advise seeing a healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider.
Read more about menopause on our blog or in our symptoms library.