Women's Health Package
Over 300,000 words, organized under six main topic areas. The selection of materials
compiled by the editors of Harvard Health Publications, focuses on health and wellness
issues specific to women including: reproductive health and pregnancy, nutrition,
exercise and management of diseases most-common to women.
BREAST HEALTH
GYNECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
SEXUALITY AND REPRODUCTION
MENTAL HEALTH IN WOMEN
EXERCISE, NUTRITION, AND WEIGHT LOSS
JUST FOR WOMEN: COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS
GYNECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Premenstrual Mood Disturbance
It is important to distinguish symptoms of PMS and PMDD from
major depression, anxiety disorders, bulimia, and stress caused
by family conflict, domestic violence, or sexual abuse.
HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH
- Dealing with PMS
- Cramps: What They Are, What They Do
- What Does it Mean to Be Anovulatory?
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- I have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and have noticed that my blood glucose levels run particularly high and are more difficult to bring down in the week before my period. Is this common?
- I develop a yeast infection and a bacterial infection almost every month prior to my period. Why would this be? Is it anything to worry about?
- Can Trivora be used to suppress menstruation? If so, how should it be done?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Mid-Menstrual Cycle Pain
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Amenorrhea
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CERVICAL CANCER AND DYSPLASIA
By the Way, Doctor: My Pap Tests Show Insufficient Cells. What Does That Mean?
A report of insufficient cells from a Pap smear does not indicate a health condition, only that a sample is inadequate for thorough evaluation.
Gynecology: When A Pap Smear Is Abnormal
Being told your Pap test results are abnormal can create tremendous anxiety and stress. But an abnormal Pap rarely means cancer. Find out what else might be going on and what to do about it.
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- How soon after being exposed to HPV can symptoms of dysplasia appear?
- I am currently almost 63 years old. I have been married for over 35 years, and I have had three Pap smear tests in the last three years that have shown no cancer cells. Is it necessary to continue to get a yearly Pap smear? My mother died of cervical cancer.
- How long after cervical laser surgery do you have to wait before using tampons or having sex?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Cervical Cancer
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Pap Test
- Cervical Polyps
- Colposcopy
- Genital Warts
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ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis at Midlife and Beyond
Diagnosing and treating endometriosis, a disorder that affects as many as one in 10 women.
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- I have dealt with intense pain during my menstrual cycles since around age 16. I have had Pap smears done regularly and they find nothing wrong. My mother had endometriosis. Is there another test I should have done to determine whether I too suffer from endometriosis?
- What are the possible effects of being on Danocrine for 18 years. Can it affect your bones?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
Endometriosis
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CONDITIONS OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBE
ASK-THE-EXPERT
Is there any way that someone could contract Pelvic Inflammatory Disease other than from a sexually transmitted disease?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
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HYSTERECTOMY
By the Way, Doctor: Do I Need a Pap Test After Hysterectomy?
I had a hysterectomy in my 50s. Do I still need to have Pap
tests?
Heart Beat: Hysterectomy and the Heart: Any Connection?
Women who have had a hysterectomy may be at higher risk of heart disease and stroke than those who have not.
Study Questions Ovary Removal During Hysterectomy
A new study finds that removal of the ovaries during hysterectomy may put women at greater risk for health problems, including heart disease and premature death.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Hysterectomies are sometimes necessary, but for the most part, less invasive alternatives exist and should probably be considered first. Find out how to treat fibroids, endometriosis and other conditions without major surgery.
By the Way, Doctor: Vaginal vs. Abdominal Hysterectomy
What are the differences between vaginal and abdominal
hysterectomy? What are the advantages of each? Also, what are
the reasons to have the ovaries removed at the same time?
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- I had a hysterectomy at the beginning of May. Now I'm having a lot of discharge. Doe this mean there is an infection, or does it just mean that I'm healing?
- Is it preferable to leave your ovaries in if you are having a hysterectomy and do not have cancer?
- I had a hysterectomy eight months ago. Only my uterus was removed. I am now spotting. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
Hysterectomy
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OVARIAN CONDITIONS
A Doctor Talks About: Screening for Ovarian Cancer
A Harvard Medical School doctor discusses whether ovarian cancer screening is worthwhile for women at average risk.
Ovarian Disorders: Benign Cysts
Abnormal types of ovarian cyst can arise. How they are
treated usually depends on the symptoms they produce, the size
and nature of the cyst, and the age of the woman who has it.
HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH
- Unraveling the Mysteries of PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome
- A Hairy Situation
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- I was just recently diagnosed with PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome and my doctor gave me a prescription for Glucophage. How is Glucophage going to help, especially since I am trying to get pregnant?
- What can happen when an ovarian cyst ruptures and begins to hemorrhage?
- What is the approximate recovery time for an oophorectomy of one ovary and its fallopian tube?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Ovarian Cancer
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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URINARY CONDITIONS
What to do About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Discusses types of organ prolapse—relaxation of supporting structures of the pelvic region—and an overview of treatment and surgery options.
Diagnosing and Treating Interstitial Cystitis
Covers the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder).
In Brief: Cranberry Juice and Urinary Tract Infections
New research shows cranberry juice might help prevent urinary tract infections, but taking cranberry juice extract pills may be better in the long run.
Coping with Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a bigger threat to women now than they were 10 years ago. Learn the signs and symptoms, how they're diagnosed, and the treatments now available. In addition, we report on surprising new information about calcium intake and kidney stones.
Bladder Control Training for Urinary Incontinence
Women dealing with urinary incontinence problems may be able to regain control by retraining their bladders.
Urinary Incontinence: Keeping Track
A bladder diary can help you and your doctor detect underlying incontinence problems.
Incontinence: Help for the Other Incontinence
Though an estimated 7-10 million people suffer from fecal incontinence, most don't talk about it. Learn why this problem occurs, what can be done to solve it and how to cope with it.
HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH
- The Postpartum Period: Your "Fourth" Trimester
- Interstitial Cystitis: Taming Persistent Bladder Pain
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- How can I reduce the pain of a rectocele? Is there any way to get rid of it altogether?
- I am a 26-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I was given the drug Flomax. I thought that drug was just for men with prostate problems. Is it commonly prescribed for women, too?
- Is it possible to contract a bladder infection from drinking unsanitary water?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
Urinary Tract Infection in women
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UTERINE CONDITIONS
In Brief: Hysterectomy vs. Medication for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Researchers have examined two alternatives to hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding: hormonal medication and a hormone-releasing intrauterine device.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding After Age 40
Unusual or excessive bleeding can simply mean the occasional heavy menstrual period, or may signal that a visit to the doctor is in order. Find out the potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and when you should seek your physician's advice.
How to Treat Troublesome Fibroids
Discussion of the many treatment options for fibroid cysts, and how to choose what's right for you.
What to do About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Discusses types of organ prolapse—relaxation of supporting structures of the pelvic region—and an overview of treatment and surgery options.
HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH
What You Need To Know About Fibroids
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- Can fibroids return after a complete hysterectomy and removal of previous fibroids?
- Which procedure is better for the removal of uterine fibroids, endometrial ablation or hysterectomy? I do not plan on having any more children.
- Can uterine cancers return after a hysterectomy is performed if the ovaries are still intact?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Uterine Cancer
- Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
- Uterine and Bladder Prolapse
- Fibroid Tumors
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VAGINAL AND VULVAR CONDITIONS
By the Way, Doctor: Is Vaginal Estrogen Safe?
Discusses the use of topical estrogen for vaginal dryness and vaginitis.
By the Way, Doctor: Why am I Still Getting Yeast Infections?
Yeast infections, less common after menopause, can still occur in later years. Reviewing the causes and risk factors for yeast infections.
By the Way, Doctor: Atrophic Vaginitis
My gynecologist says that I have atrophic vaginitis and that
it’s a common problem for menopausal women. In all my reading
about menopause, I’ve never come across this condition. What can
you tell me about it?
By the Way, Doctor: What Can I do About Lichen Sclerosus?
A brief explanation of the rare progressive skin condition termed lichen sclerosus, how it develops, and how it can be treated.
By the Way, Doctor: What Can I do About Vulvodynia?
What this painful syndrome is, and what you can do to reduce the pain.
HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH
The Itch That Won't Go Away: How to Deal with Recurrent Vaginal Infections
ASK-THE-EXPERT
- What types of foods should you avoid when dealing with a yeast infection?
- After I had an emergency hysterectomy, I have had recurring vaginal infections. Why might this be? Could it have anything to do with the surgery?
- Can chronic bacterial vaginosis cause infertility? I have not been on birth control for 10 years and have had one pregnancy eight years ago. Over the past two years I have had bacterial vaginosis off and on. Can this contribute to my infertility problem?
HEALTH A-TO-Z
- Vaginitis
- Bacterial (Gardnerella) vaginosis
- Yeast Infection
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vaginal Discharge
- Bartholin's Gland Cyst