Women's Health

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 AllAdolescence See AllChildbearing Years See AllPregnancy See AllMenopause & Living Well See All

Anatomy of the Breasts in Growth and Development, Menstrual Health and Conditions

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections (lobes), which are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules, which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk....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 a menstrual condition in which a woman's menstrual periods are absent for more than three monthly cycles. Pregnancy is one possible cause of amenorrhea....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 options when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't require a doctor'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 does not want to father any more children. It's permanent male birth control....more

Infertility in Infertility

Infertility is a problem of the reproductive system. It impairs the body's ability to reproduce. It could be caused by a problem with the man’s system, the woman’s system, or both....more

Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women 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

You need about 300 extra calories a day after the first trimester to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains....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 AllWell Being See AllSexual Health and STD's See AllDiet and Exercise See AllPreventive Care See AllYou and Your Health Care Provider See All

Managing Work-Related Stress in Stress and Depression

It’s not the job that creates stress, it’s the way a person responds to the urgencies and demands of each workplace environment that makes them stressed or energized....more

Managing Stress in Stress and Depression

Emotional stress can have a serious effect on the body. But a nutritious, 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

Is it almost time to go back to work? The idea of leaving your baby with strangers might be hard to swallow. But finding good daycare 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 an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food....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 and see themselves as overweight even when their weight is dangerously low. ...more

Close the Door on Intimate Partner Violence in Personal Safety

CDC defines intimate partner violence as actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological and emotional abuse, directed at a spouse, former spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, or dating partner....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 options when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't require a doctor'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 avoid the flu this season by taking one 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 AllBreast Health See AllGynecological Health See AllHeart Disease and Stroke See AllObesity See AllOsteoporosis See AllPlastic Surgery See AllConditions of Concern to Women See AllSports Injuries See All

Anatomy of the Breasts in Understanding Breast Health

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections (lobes), which are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules, which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk....more

Normal Breast Development and Changes in Understanding Breast Health

Breast development happens in distinct stages, first before birth, and again at puberty and 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

Mastalgia (Breast Pain) in Common Breast Conditions

The most common type of breast pain is associated with the menstrual cycle and is nearly always hormonal....more

Common Benign Lumps in Common Breast Conditions

The two 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

Breast Cancer: Introduction in About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one 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 primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices....more

Endometriosis in Gynecological Conditions

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 to other tissues or organs. This type of cancer occurs most often in women older than 40....more

Endometrial Cancer: Diagnosis in Gynecological Cancer

Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancerous 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

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. There are two main coronary arteries: the right and the left....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

Evaluation Procedures for 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

Determining Your Body Mass Index 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 a radiology procedure 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....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. When you have anemia, your blood can’t carry enough oxygen to your body. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well as it should....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 infection. Antifungal creams or oral medicines 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

One theory says that migraine pain occurs because of waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells, which trigger chemicals, such as serotonin to constrict blood vessels....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

Exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to offer health benefits. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, or on most days of the week....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

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

Amniocentesis Podcast

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy....more

Cesarean Delivery Podcast

Cesarean delivery (also called a cesarean section or C-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus....more

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure in which the uterus and possibly the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed. Fibroids in the uterus are a common reason for a hysterectomy. In this video, you'll find out other medical conditions that may require a hysterectomy and what to expect if you need this procedure....more

Exercise During Pregnancy

There are benefits to getting regular exercise during pregnancy for most women. Work with your health care provider to develop a safe exercise program you can do throughout your pregnancy. This video discusses the benefits of exercise, as well as recommendations on how to exercise....more

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Online Resources - Women's Health in Online Resources

List of online resources to find additional information on women's health...more