Women's Health Archive

Itchiness of the breasts or nipples isn't common, but can signal conditions both harmless and serious. Minor reasons for itchiness across the bra area include eczema, psoriasis, exposure to soaps or detergents, trapped moisture, and pregnancy and breastfeeding. More serious causes include infections, breast surgery, radiation treatment, and certain rare forms of breast cancer. Any skin changes on the breast that don't improve over weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

An endometrial biopsy is the only way to rule out endometrial (or uterine) cancer. Any vaginal bleeding a year or more after a woman's final period raises the possibility of uterine cancer. The biopsy involves using a suction tube to gather cells from the uterine lining.

A 2025 study suggested that women with diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart disease. These women might especially benefit from early screening for problems in the small blood vessels of the heart.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, was once called vaginal atrophy. But experts changed the name to better reflect the full scope of symptoms, which include vaginal thinning and dryness; burning, irritation, and itching; pain during intercourse; urinary issues such as increased urgency and frequency; and higher risk of urinary tract infections. The majority of women with GSM symptoms don't discuss it with their doctors. But a Harvard expert says they should, since GSM is progressive and can lead to dangerous problems.

A 2025 study identified poor sleep along with high blood pressure, nicotine use, and high blood sugar levels as particularly important factors increasing the long-term risk of heart problems for women in midlife.

After an FDA panel was convened to review black box warnings on menopause hormone therapy, which includes both systemic and vaginal estrogen treatments, the FDA announced in November 2025 it would remove black box warnings from all hormone therapy products containing estrogen. Women considering hormone therapy should discuss their individual health risks with their doctor - such as a history of heart attack or stroke, a blood clot in the legs or lungs, hormone-sensitive cancer, active liver disease, and overall breast cancer and cardiovascular risks.

More than 10 million of the nation's 19 million cancer survivors are women, 80% of whom are 60 or older. Cancer survivors going through menopause may not be able to use systemic hormone therapy if their cancer was hormone-driven, but other measures can provide symptom relief. These include various medications and lifestyle modifications such as cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, acupuncture, and regular exercise. Some women who can't use systemic hormone therapy may still try vaginal estrogen to ease vaginal dryness, some urinary symptoms, or painful sex.

Women with unusual pelvic or vaginal symptoms should report them to their gynecologist. These symptoms include vaginal odor, itching, or burning; menstrual changes; pelvic pain or discomfort; or new bleeding.

Vaginal probiotics contain live microorganisms and come in oral and suppository forms. Some ads claim these products can prevent or treat infections. But the vagina regulates its own bacterial mix, so vaginal probiotics aren't necessary.