Skip to main content

Hysterectomy and surgical menopause Archive

Articles

Strong is the new skinny

Fitness ideals for women have evolved to prioritize a strong body rather than a slim figure. Strength training counteracts age-related muscle loss and offers a wide variety of additional health benefits. Cardio boosts heart health, but can't substitute for strength training.

Risk-based breast screenings as effective as annual mammograms

A 2025 study suggests that adjusting the intensity of breast cancer screening based on individual risk factors is as effective as annual mammograms.

Why do my lips seem thinner than they used to be?

People's lips may appear thinner with age due to several factors, including lower production of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide plumpness to skin. Genes also play a role, as do habits such as smoking and excessive sun exposure.

Reproductive factors may raise women's osteoporosis risk

A 2025 study suggested that women with a history of infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth or who have borne just one child or no children may be likelier to eventually develop osteoporosis.

Pelvic floor exercises: Help for incontinence, sexual health, and more

Pelvic floor exercises can involve strengthening or stretching the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and core. The exercises can lead to better bladder and bowel control. They can also help improve sexual function.

Antibiotic-free fixes for recurrent UTIs

About 60% of women will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) sometime during their lives, and more than a quarter of this group will cope with recurrent UTIs. Long-term antibiotic use for UTIs can lead to antibiotic resistance and make side effects more likely.

When can older women stop getting mammograms?

Mammogram screening guidelines for women 74 and older vary considerably. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not examined the implications of screening mammograms in women 70 and older, and treating tumors unlikely to reduce life expectancy can harm women.

Women gain heart protection with far less exercise than men

A 2025 study suggested that women are less likely to develop coronary artery disease even when engaging in less moderate-to-vigorous exercise than men.

Women face barriers to cardiac rehab despite proven benefits

A 2025 scientific statement from the American Heart Association indicated that women with cardiovascular disease are far less likely than men with the condition to take part in cardiac rehabilitation programs, despite the proven benefits.

What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?

Early signs of cervical cancer can include blood-tinged vaginal discharge, heavier discharge than usual, spotting or bleeding between periods, menstrual flow that’s heavier or lasts longer than usual, bleeding or pain during or after intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 32-page gift worth $29.95.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well.