Women's Health Archive

A 2025 study suggests that adjusting the intensity of breast cancer screening based on individual risk factors is as effective as annual mammograms.

Pelvic floor exercises can involve strengthening or stretching the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and core. The exercises can lead to better bladder and bowel control. They can also help improve sexual function.

Mammogram screening guidelines for women 74 and older vary considerably. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not examined the implications of screening mammograms in women 70 and older, and treating tumors unlikely to reduce life expectancy can harm women.

About 60% of women will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) sometime during their lives, and more than a quarter of this group will cope with recurrent UTIs. Long-term antibiotic use for UTIs can lead to antibiotic resistance and make side effects more likely.

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is a newly recognized condition that links falling estrogen levels to widespread joint and muscle pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms. Estrogen loss at midlife can also reduce muscle mass and bone density.

People's voices can change due to age-related vocal cord changes. Women's voices can also get deeper due to a decline in estrogen. Other factors that contribute to voice changes in older adults include weakening muscles in the lungs, which dampen the ability to speak loudly.

A 2025 scientific statement from the American Heart Association indicated that women with cardiovascular disease are far less likely than men with the condition to take part in cardiac rehabilitation programs, despite the proven benefits.

Early signs of cervical cancer can include blood-tinged vaginal discharge, heavier discharge than usual, spotting or bleeding between periods, menstrual flow that's heavier or lasts longer than usual, bleeding or pain during or after intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

A 2025 study suggested that women are less likely to develop coronary artery disease even when engaging in less moderate-to-vigorous exercise than men.

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.