Women's Health
Women have many unique health concerns — menstrual cycles, pregnancy, birth control, menopause — and that's just the beginning. A number of health issues affect only women and others are more common in women. What's more, men and women may have the same condition, but different symptoms. Many diseases affect women differently and may even require distinct treatment.
We tend to think of breast cancer and osteoporosis as women's health diseases, but they also occur in men. Heart disease in a serious concern to both men and women, but risk factors and approaches to prevention are different. Women may also have specific concerns about aging, caregiving, emotional health issues, and skin care.
Women's Health Articles
Measures to avoid constipation and ease bowel movements help prevent hemorrhoid flares. Over-the-counter preparations, prescription medications, and sitz baths can ease pain and shrink hemorrhoids.
(Locked)
More »
Denosumab (Prolia) is recommended for people at high risk for fractures for whom other bone-loss treatments were ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
(Locked)
More »
Research has found that only one in five seniors uses some sort of digital health technology, especially medical and health care websites. Even though access to more medical information can help seniors become more active in maintaining their health and well-being, the barrier of poor website design keeps many from getting what they need.
(Locked)
More »
The risk of developing stress incontinence or urge incontinence increases along with BMI and body fat percentage. Stress incontinence is also associated with declines in grip strength.
More »
Quinine, the best-established therapy for leg cramps, is associated with serious side effects. There is some evidence that vitamin B–complex capsules and diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR) may be effective, but insufficient evidence to recommend leg stretches.
(Locked)
More »
Research indicates that optimism is associated with a lower risk of death from several chronic conditions. Keeping a journal and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion may help people become more optimistic.
More »
Women with early cancer in one breast may opt to remove the other, healthy breast because they overestimate their risk of a second cancer.
More »
Data from more than 200,000 people indicates that the risk of developing melanoma increases by 13% for every glass of white wine consumed per day. Drinking beer, red wine, or liquor was not associated with increased risk.
More »
Sexual satisfaction often declines after menopause. Treating chronic health conditions, stimulating arousal, relieving pain during intercourse, and couples counseling may help to improve it.
More »
Although cardiovascular disease is diagnosed later in women than men, it can begin to develop in early adulthood. The disease is more likely to affect the heart’s network of microscopic vessels and to have more subtle symptoms in women.
(Locked)
More »
HEALTH TOPICS 