Women's Health Archive

Menstruation is a basic fact of human existence, yet millions of people in the US struggle to afford –– or can't afford –– products like tampons and pads, a problem known as period poverty. Menstrual hygiene products are necessities, not luxuries, and period equity addresses this.

The COVID-19 vaccine may cause a harmless temporary swelling of lymph nodes that could be mistaken for cancer on a mammogram or other imaging test.

This common problem is often ignored or misunderstood.

Roughly half of women over age 50 have pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the uterus, bladder, small intestine, or rectum bulges into the vaginal wall or drops down through the vagina. But unlike with other common health conditions, many women don't talk about it — even with their doctors. For some, this may stem from embarrassment, but in other instances, it's because they think it's just something they need to deal with as they age.

"Women will say to me, 'I thought this was normal because I had kids.' But it's not normal. Not everyone who has had a vaginal delivery or is over 65 has urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse," says Dr. Emily Von Bargen, a Harvard Medical School instructor in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. Pelvic organ prolapse is treatable, and it's not something women have to live with, says Von Bargen.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of infertility in women. In many cases, women with PCOS have skin and hair issues such as acne, hair loss, or excessive hair growth in places where they normally do not have hair. Treatment options vary depending on the symptoms and each woman's preferences.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of infertility in women. In many cases, women with PCOS have skin and hair issues such as acne, hair loss, or excessive hair growth in places where they normally do not have hair. Treatment options vary depending on the symptoms and each woman’s preferences.

Vaginal discharge can change with age. Here's how to spot signs of a problem that might warrant a trip to the doctor.

Vaginal discharge and bleeding can change during different stages of life, and what's typical for you might not be typical for your sister, your daughter, or your friend. "When it comes to vaginal discharge, a wide range of 'normal' can be considered," says Dr. Kristin Hung, instructor in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School.

Not only is there natural variation between women, but what's normal for your own body may also change over time. So how can you tell when something is wrong, or if the changes you're noticing are just the result of aging or hormonal shifts? "Typically, most women know their own bodies, and anything new, unusual, or persistent is a reason to seek evaluation," says Dr. Hung. That said, she adds, there are some changes that are pretty typical and others that might warrant a little more scrutiny through a visit to your doctor. Here's how to tell the difference.

Advances in breast cancer research have led to more personalized treatments, based on subtyping and more sophisticated testing. A risk assessment test can predict that some women do not need chemotherapy but will benefit from hormone therapy, and who might benefit more from both treatments.