Women's Health

Getting Started Women's Healthcare Guidelineschevron_right Heart Quiz for Women Onlychevron_right Mammogram Quizchevron_right Today in Health News Do Older Patients Need Radiation Rx After Breast Cancer Surgery? Read this Article More Health News Know Your Risks Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (other than skin cancer). The American Cancer Society reports the breast cancer death rate is declining, probably because of earlier detection and improved treatment. This short assessment will help you determine if you have major risk factors for breast cancer. A Woman's Journey See All Adolescence See All Childbearing Years See All Pregnancy See All Menopause & Living Well See All  Anatomy of the Breasts in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions A closer look at the structure of the breast....more  Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. ...more  Breast Conditions in Young Women in Gynecological Conditions Some breast changes or conditions are related to a young woman's menstrual cycle, but others may occur at any time. Most breast conditions are benign. ...more  Amenorrhea in Teens in Gynecological Conditions Amenorrhea is when a girl's menstrual bleeding (period) doesn't occur....more  Acne in Children in Adolescent Health Problems Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores. ...more  Major Depression in Teens in Adolescent Health Problems Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns. ...more  Female Teen Athletes: At Risk for Injury? in Adolescent Sports Injuries Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform. ...more  Knees Are Casualties of Women's Sports in Adolescent Sports Injuries Active women are at least twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men, but it's not just athletes who are at risk. ...more  Menstrual Cycle: An Overview in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions A woman is generally most fertile (able to become pregnant) a few days before, during, and after ovulation. ...more  Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Gynecological Conditions, Menstrual Health and Conditions Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of emotional and physical symptoms many women have in the days before their period starts. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms. ...more  Endometriosis in Pelvic Conditions and Care The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus.This can cause pain, heavy periods, and infertility. ...more  Pelvic Pain in Pelvic Conditions and Care Pelvic pain is a challenging condition that can be due to many possible causes....more  Contraception/Birth Control in Sexual Health & Infertility You have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't need a healthcare provider's visit. But others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription. ...more  Vasectomy in Sexual Health & Infertility Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose if he doesn't want to father any more children. It is permanent male birth control. ...more  Infertility in Infertility Infertility is a problem of the reproductive system. It impairs the body's ability to reproduce. Anyone can have infertility problems. Read on to learn more. ...more  Infertility Risk Factors for Women and Men in Infertility Age, chronic diseases, and endometriosis are common factors for women. For men, they are STDs, toxic substances at work, and cigarette smoking....more  Nutrition Before Pregnancy in Preparing for Pregnancy Pre-conception nutrition is a vital part of preparing for pregnancy. Read on to learn more about your nutritional needs before getting pregnant. ...more  Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Preparing for Pregnancy Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more  Signs of Pregnancy/The Pregnancy Test in Now That You're Pregnant The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, but the most obvious sign usually is a missed period. ...more  Calculating a Due Date in Now That You're Pregnant First, determine the first day of your last menstrual period. Next, count back 3 calendar months and add 1 year and 7 days to that date. ...more  Anatomy: Fetus in Utero in Your Growing Baby Definitions of terms related to the anatomy of a fetus in utero....more  First Trimester in Your Growing Baby A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming....more  Headaches in Early Pregnancy in Your Changing Body Managing headaches is especially tricky in the first trimester when you should avoid many medicines. ...more  Hormones During Pregnancy in Your Changing Body Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles. ...more  Amniocentesis in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures Amniocentesis is a procedure used to take out a small sample of the amniotic fluid for testing. ...more  Cesarean Section in Pregnancy Tests and Procedures Cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. ...more  Perimenopause in Menopause & Living Well Perimenopause is the time around menopause when your body begins to change. You become less fertile and hormone levels fluctuate. ...more  Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body in Menopause & Living Well In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain. ...more In Good Health See All Well Being See All Sexual Health and STD's See All Diet and Exercise See All Preventive Care See All You and Your Health Care Provider See All  Managing Work-Related Stress in Stress and Depression An overview of workplace stress, with helpful tips and exercises to help you relax and relieve some pressure....more  Managing Stress in Stress and Depression Emotional stress can have a serious effect on the body. But a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help. Read on for more tips. ...more  Finding the Best Daycare for Your Child in Moms and Family Life Finding good daycare for your child doesn't have to be difficult, if you follow this advice. ...more  Help Your Babysitter Prepare for Anything in Moms and Family Life When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective....more  How to Juggle Demands at Work and Home in Moms and Family Life, Women and the Workplace Juggling the demands of work and home can be quite stressful. For your health and well-being, it is important to find a good balance between work and home responsibilities ...more  6 Ways to Master Your Job Search in Women and the Workplace Being out of work is always a frustrating situation. There are some specific strategies to help you rise above other job candidates. ...more  Overview of Sleep Problems in Sleep Health There are many types of sleep disorders. They can interfere with health and quality of life. Sleep problems can range from insomnia to snoring. ...more  Insomnia in Sleep Health Insomnia is trouble falling to sleep or staying asleep. One in 3 adults has bouts of insomnia. ...more  Binge Eating Disorder in Eating Disorders Binge eating disorder is when someone often eats large amounts of food in a short time. It is also called compulsive overeating. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more  Anorexia Nervosa in Eating Disorders Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food. People who suffer with this behavior problem have a distorted body image. They see themselves as overweight even when their weight is dangerously low. ...more  Close the Door on Intimate Partner Violence in Personal Safety Read on to learn about the signs of an abusive relationship, and how to make a safety plan and get ready to leave....more  Domestic Violence in Personal Safety Abuse often begins with verbal behaviors, such as name-calling, threats, and hitting or throwing objects. It can become worse, including pushing, slapping, and holding against the victim's will. ...more  Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area in Sexual Health and STD's The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. ...more  Contraception/Birth Control in Sexual Health and STD's You have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't need a healthcare provider's visit. But others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription. ...more  Recognizing Gynecologic Problems in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. If you notice anything different or unusual, talk with your health care provider. ...more  Immune System in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) The immune system works to keep germs out of the body and destroy any that get in. It is made up of a complex network of cells and organs. ...more  Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Eating Well Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more  Why You Should Try Yoga in Being Active Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that you do with breathing techniques. It offers the powerful benefits of exercise. And since yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of your age or fitness level. ...more  Five Fresh Forms of Indoor Fitness in Being Active Cold weather doesn't have to put a chill on your fitness routine, even if the treadmill or stair-stepper seems boring compared with jogging or riding your bike outside. ...more  Women's Healthcare Guidelines in Preventive Care Get regular checkups, preventive exams, and immunizations. Learn about disease prevention and ask your healthcare provider for specific information regarding your needs....more  A Simple Way to Keep the Flu Away in Preventive Care You can prevent the flu this season by taking 1 simple step: Get a flu shot....more  Maintaining Your Personal Health Record in You and Your Health Care Provider A PHR can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to receive faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care. ...more  How to Take Part in Every Medical Decision in You and Your Health Care Provider Well-informed people who play a significant role in deciding how they're going to treat their health conditions are likely to feel better about the decision process. ...more Women's Health Issues See All Breast Health See All Gynecological Health See All Heart Disease and Stroke See All Obesity See All Osteoporosis See All Plastic Surgery See All Conditions of Concern to Women See All Sports Injuries See All  Anatomy of the Breasts in Understanding Breast Health A closer look at the structure of the breast....more  Normal Breast Development and Changes in Understanding Breast Health Breast development happens in certain stages during a woman's life: first before birth, and again at puberty and later during the childbearing years. Changes also happen to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause. ...more  Breast Biopsy in Breast Tests & Procedures A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present....more  Breast MRI in Breast Tests & Procedures Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the body using large magnets and a computer. For breast MRI, a woman will lie face down with her breasts positioned through holes in a table. ...more  Breast Pain (Mastalgia) in Common Breast Conditions There are 2 main types of breast pain. The most common type is linked to the menstrual cycle and is almost always hormonal. ...more  Common Benign Lumps in Common Breast Conditions The 2 most common types of benign breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are solid, smooth, firm, benign lumps that are most commonly found in women in their late teens and early 20s. ...more  Breast Cancer: Risk Factors in Understanding Breast Health, About Breast Cancer A look at specific things that may increase your chance of having breast cancer....more  Breast Cancer: Introduction in About Breast Cancer Breast cancer is 1 of the most common types of cancer in women in the U.S. Once breast cancer occurs, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it life-threatening. The good news is that breast cancer is often found early, before it has spread. ...more  Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome in Breast Cancer Genetics , Gynecological Cancer People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines. ...more  Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) in Breast Cancer Genetics A-T is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system and other body systems....more  Breast Cancer: Treatment Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment The good news is that breast cancer can be treated successfully. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or any combination of these. Here's a closer look at each. ...more  Breast Cancer: Surgery in Breast Cancer Treatment Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the main treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices. ...more  Endometriosis in Gynecological Conditions The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus.This can cause pain, heavy periods, and infertility. ...more  Pelvic Pain in Gynecological Conditions Pelvic pain is a challenging condition that can be due to many possible causes....more  Cervical Cancer: Introduction in Gynecological Cancer Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix that spread deeper or spread to other tissues or organs. ...more  Endometrial Cancer: Diagnosis in Gynecological Cancer Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early. ...more  Hysterectomy in Gynecological Conditions, Gynecology Tests & Procedures Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. Your healthcare provider may also remove one or both ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. In some cases, he or she may remove other parts of the reproductive system. ...more  Cervical Biopsy in Gynecology Tests & Procedures A cervical biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer. ...more  Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries in Heart Disease Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more  Coronary Heart Disease in Heart Disease A person with coronary heart disease has an accumulation of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart. ...more  Stroke in Stroke A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation. ...more  Tests to Diagnose a Stroke in Stroke Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram. ...more  Electrocardiogram in Cardiovascular Tests & Procedures An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out. ...more  Exercise Electrocardiogram in Cardiovascular Tests & Procedures An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. For this test, electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out. ...more  Overview of Obesity in Understanding Obesity Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects. ...more  Finding Out Your Body Mass Index (BMI) in Understanding Obesity Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat. ...more  Metabolic Syndrome in Obesity & Other Health Problems Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome greatly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or all three. ...more  Type 2 Diabetes in Obesity & Other Health Problems When your body can't make enough insulin or can't use insulin, it is called type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps the cells in the body absorb glucose, or sugar, for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood resulting in high blood sugar. ...more  Medical Treatment for Obesity in Treating Obesity Medical treatment can help with weight loss if your own efforts are unsuccessful—or if you have a medical condition that makes it crucial to lose weight. ...more  Maintaining Weight Loss in Treating Obesity Keeping extra weight off needs effort and commitment, just as losing weight does....more  Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Surgery in Deciding on Surgery Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a type of weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric surgery. It's often done as a laparoscopic surgery, with small incisions in the abdomen. ...more  Gastric Restrictive Surgery in Deciding on Surgery Gastric restrictive surgery is a type of bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery. It limits the amount of food you can eat. This surgery may be used to treat severe obesity when diet, exercise, and medicine have failed. ...more  Osteoporosis in Understanding Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. ...more  Bone Density Test in Understanding Osteoporosis A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. ...more  Bone Scan in Orthopedic Tests and Procedures A bone scan is an imaging test used to look at the skeleton. It is done to find areas of physical and chemical changes in bone. A bone scan may also be used to see if treatment of certain conditions is working. ...more  Bone Density Test in Orthopedic Tests and Procedures A bone density test is used to measure the bone mineral content and density. It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. ...more  Breast Augmentation Surgery in Breast Tests & Procedures, Plastic Surgery Breast augmentation surgery increases the size or the fullness of the breasts using sacs filled with fluid or gel. These sacs are called breast implants. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery. ...more  Breast Cancer: Breast Reconstruction After Breast Surgery in Breast Cancer Treatment, Plastic Surgery Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast. ...more  Anemia Overview in Conditions of Concern to Women Anemia is a common blood disorder. It occurs when you have fewer red blood cells than normal, or not enough hemoglobin in your blood. Here's what you need to know about this condition. ...more  Yeast Infection in Conditions of Concern to Women Yeast is a fungus normally found inside your body and on your skin. When too much yeast grows, it can cause an infection. Antifungal creams or medicines taken by mouth are used to treat it. ...more  Headache in Conditions of Concern to Women, Headache Nearly everyone has suffered from a headache. This article discusses several types of headache, how they are diagnosed and treated. ...more  How a Migraine Happens in Conditions of Concern to Women, Headache A look at what we know about how migraine pain starts....more  Cystocele in Conditions of Concern to Women, Urinary Problems When the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, the bladder may drop or sag into the vagina. This disorder in women is called cystocele. ...more  Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Conditions of Concern to Women, Urinary Problems Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections in any part of the urinary tract. They are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs. ...more  Exercise in Sports Injuries Physical activity is an important action that people can engage in to improve their health. Experts advise getting at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity, aerobic physical activity every week for major health benefits. ...more  Runner’s Knee in Sports Injuries Runner's knee means that you have dull pain around the front of the knee (patella). This is where the knee connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur). ...more Interactive Tools See All  Adult BMI Calculator Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more  Calorie Burn Rate Calculator The more active you are, the more calories you burn. Running or jogging, for instance, burns more calories than bowling....more  Due Date Calculator It is important to know your estimated due date in order to help plan for the baby's birth....more  PMS Quiz Answer this one: How many symptoms have been tied to PMS? If you guessed more than 100, you're right....more  Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (other than skin cancer). The American Cancer Society reports the breast cancer death rate is declining, probably because of earlier detection and improved treatment. This short assessment will help you determine if you have major risk factors for breast cancer. ...more  Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment This assessment is valid for women between the ages of 21 and 69 who have had sexual intercourse at least once and who have not had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix....more Multimedia See All  Abdominal Hysterectomy A hysterectomy is a common procedure that some women may need to help stop pain, bleeding, or other problems. It can be done in several ways, one of which is abdominally. In this video, you'll find out medical conditions that may require a hysterectomy and what to expect if you need this procedure....more  Exercise During Pregnancy Exercise during pregnancy helps keep your body strong and your baby healthy. But there are some exercises that you shouldn’t do. Learn about the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Find out what you can do to stay fit and healthy....more Newsletters See All