Amenorrhea Amenorrhea What is amenorrhea? Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea may be classified as primary or s...
Anatomy of the Breasts Anatomy of the Breasts Click Image to Enlarge Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes , that are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules , which end in dozens o...
Anatomy of the Urinary System Anatomy of the Urinary System Click Image to Enlarge How do the kidneys and urinary system work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has taken the food comp...
Bone Density Test Bone Density Test Some women are at greater risk for osteoporosis—the decrease of bone mass and density as a result of the depletion of bone calcium and protein—than others. Your doctor can help you ...
Breast Health Breast Health Breast development occurs in distinct stages throughout a woman's life, first before birth, and again at puberty and during the childbearing years. Changes also occur to the breasts dur...
Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care The thought of having breast cancer is frightening to everyone, and especially devastating to women. However, ignoring the possibility that you may ...
Breast Infections and Inflammations Breast Infections and Inflammations What is lactational mastitis? Click Image to Enlarge The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis. With this condition, which occurs when a wom...
Cervicitis Cervicitis What is cervicitis? Click Image to Enlarge Cervicitis is an irritation of the cervix caused by a number of different organisms. Cervicitis is generally classified as either acute, meaning ...
Colorectal Cancer Colorectal Cancer What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is malignant cells found in the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is part of the digesti...
Common Benign Lumps Common Benign Lumps What are some common types of benign breast lumps? Click Image to Enlarge Two of the most common causes of benign single breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas. In addition, the...
Common Breast Conditions Common Breast Conditions A woman can and probably will experience a number of benign (noncancerous) breast conditions during her lifetime. In the directory below, you will find additional information...
Components of Food Components of Food If you are trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition, starting with the components of food. Facts about cal...
Contraception / Birth Control Contraception / Birth Control What is birth control? Birth control refers to any activity, medication, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for wome...
Depression Depression What is depression? A depressive disorder is a whole-body illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and...
Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational) Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational) What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) Juven...
Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions How are benign breast conditions and infections diagnosed? In addition to obtaining a complete medical history, your health care provider, in diagno...
Domestic Violence Domestic Violence What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is a term used to describe violence and abuse by family members or intimate partners such as a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend or girlf...
Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may be classified as...
Endometriosis Endometriosis Statistics related to endometriosis Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, particularly among women of childbearing age, affecting an estimated 2 to 10 percent of American w...
Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body Click Image to Enlarge What is estrogen? Estrogen is a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. ...
Exercise Exercise Finding the right exercise program and the right preparation To be physically fit, you do not have to exercise intensely for long periods of time. Experts agree that physical activity does n...
Exercise and the Aging Person Exercise and the Aging Person Exercise benefits persons of all ages There are numerous benefits of following a regular exercise program - even for individuals who are challenged by such conditions as...
Fibrocystic Breast Changes Fibrocystic Breast Changes What are some common fibrocystic breast changes? Generalized breast lumpiness is known under many different names, such as "fibrocystic disease" and "fibroid breasts." Many...
Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms What are the benefits of screening mammography? Today's high-quality screening mammogram is the most effective tool available to detect breast cancer before lum...
Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery (Malabsorptive Procedure, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Biliopancreatic Diversion) What is gastric bypass surgery? Gastric bypass surgery, a type of bariatric surge...
Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery (Gastric Banding Surgery, Adjustable Gastric Banding, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) What is gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery? Gastric stapling (restrictiv...
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Gynecologic Inflammations and Infections Gynecologic Inflammations and Infections There are many different gynecological inflammations and infections that require the clinical care of a physician or another healthcare professional. It is ve...
Gynecological Anatomy Gynecological Anatomy Click Image to Enlarge Endometrium— the lining of the uterus Uterus— also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between ...
Gynecological Concerns Gynecological Concerns Many gynecological conditions require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief...
Health Promotion and Prevention Health Promotion and Prevention At each stage of a woman's development and maturation, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices and find ways to prevent problems. Getting regular healthcare ...
Heart Attack Heart Attack What is a heart attack (myocardial infarction)? A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged lack of oxy...
Home Page - Women's Health Topic Index Breast Health Colorectal Cancer Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational) Gynecological Concerns Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Hysterectomy Infertility Menopause Mental Health Osteopor...
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination What is a breast self-examination (BSE)? Breast self-examination (BSE) is a procedure a woman can do to physically and visually examine her breasts and undera...
Hysterectomy Hysterectomy What is hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time. Facts about hysterec...
Infertility Infertility What is infertility? Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the...
Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women For women. General factors that can affect the ability to ovulate, conceive, or deliver a child successfully include the following: Age. Women in their late...
Interstitial Cystitis Interstitial Cystitis What is interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis (IC) is complex, chronic disorder characterized by an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffe...
Introduction to Menopause Introduction to Menopause What is menopause? When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. Often called the "change of life," this stage...
Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) What is a lumbar strain? A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore. What causes a lumb...
Maintaining Weight Loss Maintaining Weight Loss Benefits of maintaining weight loss While losing weight is difficult for many people, it is even more challenging to keep weight off. Most individuals who lose a large amount ...
Mammogram Mammogram What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems, such as a lump, pain, or nipple discha...
Manage Your Medications Manage Your Medications Managing medication can be complicated, particularly if you are taking several, and treating different conditions. Suggestions for managing medications: It is important that y...
Managing Stress Managing Stress The effects of emotional stress on the body Many women face difficult challenges and responsibilities that may overlap or conflict, causing stress that can affect their health. Stress...
Mastalgia (Breast Pain) Mastalgia (Breast Pain) What is mastalgia (breast pain)? Mastalgia is breast pain and is generally classified as either cyclical (associated with menstrual periods) or noncyclic. Noncyclic pain may c...
Medical Treatment for Obesity Medical Treatment for Obesity Medical treatment overview Treatment by a doctor may be necessary when an individual's own efforts to lose weight have failed and/or when coexisting medical conditions m...
Menopausal Hormone Therapy Hormone Therapy The use of estrogen to supplement that which is no longer being produced by the body, and hormone therapy (HT), in which estrogen and progestin (a synthetic progesterone) are used in ...
Menorrhagia Menorrhagia What is menorrhagia? Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe and...
Mental Health Mental Health There are many mental health conditions that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a ...
Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic Syndrome What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. According to the National...
Nipple Problems and Discharge Nipple Problems and Discharge What are some common nipple problems? Click Image to Enlarge Nipple conditions are a common benign (non-cancerous) breast condition affecting many women. Some problems a...
Normal Breast Development and Changes Normal Breast Development and Changes What is normal breast development? Breast development is a vital part of reproduction in the human female. Unlike other mammals, however, human females develop f...
Obesity Obesity Obesity has a far-ranging negative effect on health. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for developing many different health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 ...
Obesity Treatment Overview Obesity Treatment Overview Treatment goals Regardless of the type or combination of obesity treatment, goal setting is an important part of any obesity treatment plan. While a person may want to lose...
Online Resources - Women's Health Online Resources - Women's Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical ad...
Osteoporosis Index Osteoporosis Index Many factors involving osteoporosis require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the factors, for which we have...
Overview of Obesity Overview of Obesity Facts about obesity Overweight and obesity together make up a leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. Obesity is a chronic disease that can seriously affect your health. Ov...
Overview of Sports Injuries Overview of Sports Injuries Facts about sports injuries Sports injuries are common daily occurrences in the U.S. Most sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or joint...
Pap Test Pap Test What is a Pap test? Click Image to Enlarge A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix, or the opening of the womb (located at the top of th...
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) What is jumper's knee? Click Image to Enlarge Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon...
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) What is runner's knee? Click Image to Enlarge Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition characterized by dull pain around ...
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) What is pelvic inflammatory disease? Click Image to Enlarge Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by bacteria, often the same type of bacteria that is responsi...
Pelvic Pain Pelvic Pain What is pelvic pain? Pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure. In some cases, no disease is evident. Pelvic pa...
Perimenopause Perimenopause What is perimenopause? Perimenopause refers to the transitional period of time before menstruation actually stops, which is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other ph...
Plan and Prepare for Pregnancy Plan and Prepare for Pregnancy If you are planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic ovary syndrome (also called PCOS or Stein Leventhal syndrome) is the most common hormonal and reproductive proble...
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? A much more severe form of the collective symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric ...
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome? Most women experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle. For some women, the symptoms are significant, ...
Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases Primary risk factors for chronic disease At the top of the CDC's list of primary risk factors for all chronic diseases are: smoking, poor nutrition, and sedentary l...
Preventing Obesity Preventing Obesity in Children and Teens Facts about prevention Obesity is a chronic disease affecting increasing numbers of children and adolescents as well as adults. Obesity rates among children i...
Preventing Sports Injuries Preventing Sports Injuries Most sports injuries are the result of inadequate training in certain sports, structural defects in the body, and weaknesses in the body. Many people who start exercisi...
Recognizing Gynecological Symptoms Recognizing Gynecological Symptoms Gynecological signs and symptoms that may require medical attention Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle prior to menopause. How...
Safer Sex Guidelines Safer Sex Guidelines What is "safe" sex? Sex in a monogamous relationship where neither party is infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is believed to be "safe." However, many health care...
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually Transmitted Diseases What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. The CDC estimates that 19...
Shin Splints Shin Splints What are shin splints? Shin splints refers to pain and tenderness along or just behind the large bone in the lower leg (the tibia). Shin splints, also called medial tibia stress syndrome...
Skin Cancer Skin Cancer What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells. In the US alone, more than 2 million Americans were expected to be diagnosed in 2010 with nonmelanoma s...
Sports and Fractures Sports and Fractures Fractures are breaks in the bone that are often caused by a blow or a fall. A fracture may be classified as a simple fracture (a thin fracture that may not run through the entire...
Sports Injuries Sports Injuries Many sports injuries require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Sports Inj...
Staying Healthy After Menopause Staying Healthy After Menopause While this "change of life" called menopause was once a life stage dreaded by many women, today's woman has an abundance of medical knowledge and resources available t...
Surgical Treatment for Obesity Surgical Treatment for Obesity Weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is the only option today that may effectively treat morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures suc...
The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview Click Image to Enlarge What is ovulation? When a young woman reaches puberty, she begins to ovulate - a process in which a mature egg cell (also called an ovum), read...
Topic Index - Women's Health Topic Index - Women's Health Women's Health Home Breast Health Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination Mammograph...
Treatment of Obesity Treatment of Obesity Because obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person's health, treatment is very important. A variety of methods are used to treat obesity....
Urinary Conditions Urinary Conditions Many disorders of the urinary system require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a br...
Urinary Incontinence Urinary Incontinence What is urinary incontinence (UI)? Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of urine control, or the inability to hold your urine until you can reach a restroom. According to the Na...
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Click Image to Enlarge What are urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Urinary tract infections are a serious, but common, health problem that affects millions of people eac...
Vaginitis Vaginitis What is vaginitis? Click Image to Enlarge Vaginitis refers to any inflammation or infection of the vagina. This is a common gynecological problem found in women of all ages, with one-third ...
Vulvitis Vulvitis What is vulvitis? Click Image to Enlarge Vulvitis is simply an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. This is not a condition, but rather a symptom that result...
Watch Your Weight Watch Your Weight When is watching your weight necessary? According to the CDC, more than 68 percent of U.S. adults older than 20 are either overweight or obese. Extra weight is a concern because it ...
Women's Health Care Guidelines Women's Health Care Guidelines The National Women's Health Information Center offers the following 10 things you can do to help live longer, live better, and live happier: Be informed. Learn about he...