Category Archives: Women’s Health

In most states in the US women have the choice to birth in a hospital and that is it. This simple fact can explain why nationally 99% of all babies are born in the hospital. Where are the other 1% … Continue reading →

Over the last few years increasing evidence has emerged that soy products are beneficial for our health. Soy contains high amounts of protein of non-animal origin, it contains compounds that modulate sex hormone metabolism in the body, it is protective … Continue reading →

…

Obviously dietary and lifestyle choices make a huge impact on health. However, women should also take time to visit their family physicians for annual exams to screen for the major causes of death, which if detected early, can be prevented. 1. … Continue reading →

The launch of marketing ads for a new vaccine to prevent HPV infection which can cause cervical cancer has reintroduced the Pap test to the popular media. Unfortunately, a survey unveiled at the last annual meeting of the American College … Continue reading →

HPV is an abbreviation for a virus called human papilloma virus which is commonly transferred through sexual contact. There are many subtypes of HPV and in the majority of cases, patients are unaware of infection which usually resolves without treatment … Continue reading →

Women diagnosed with environmental sensitivity (ES) often are limited in terms of dietary choices. Researchers in Halifax Nova Scotia surveyed the dietary habits of 12 women with environmental sensitivity to determine if the diet was adequate in terms of nutrient intake.
Continue reading →

A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women with a fear of childbirth may be more likely to have a caesarean section if they received counseling during the pregnancy. Researchers in Sweden had … Continue reading →

Previous research has shown that a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can effectively prevent infection with the HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers. HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted disease in the US and cervical cancer is the second most … Continue reading →

Elective cesarean section (C-section) has become an increasing trend. In the US more than 1/4 women or 25% deliver via a C-section even though the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that percentage be closer to 10%. In some countries in … Continue reading →

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of symptoms that occurs near the onset of menses. Many women describe changes in mood, abdominal and pelvic, pain, bloating and food cravings as some of their primary complaints. They often take over the … Continue reading →

In a 3-month placebo-controlled study women were given green tea extract in conjunction with a low energy diet to determine effect on weight loss, lean body mass, and total fat mass. The study was conducted in the Netherlands at Maastricht University. Results were published this December in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Continue reading →

Can lactation protect a woman from the development of Type 2 Diabetes? It would seem a plausible hypothesis, based on previous studies.
Continue reading →

Mothers with pre-existing Type I or Type II diabetes are at increased risk of having an infant with diabetes. Infants born to mothers with diabetes are also at an increased risk for developing obesity later in life.
Continue reading →

Women taking antidepressants (specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) like fluoxetine and paroxetine) during pregnancy have need to worry about the effects to their baby. Although, to date, these drugs have not produced birth defects in infants, an article published in … Continue reading →

Hair loss, or alopecia, in women is a psychologically disturbing condition. Our society deems luscious locks a part of female beauty, so when a woman loses her hair it has a serious impact on self-esteem.
Continue reading →

A report at the American Association for Cancer Research states Vitamin D may lower risk for developing breast cancer. The report, presented by Julia Knight from Mount Sinai Hospital, outlined relationship between cancer risk and exposure to Vitamin D.
Continue reading →

Approximately 75 percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes and night sweats. Although hot flashes are an uncomfortable nuisance for millions of women, there may be a benefit. Now research reports that hot flashes and night sweats are linked with … Continue reading →

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurring condition marked by specific physical and emotional symptoms occurring during the second half of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms generally resolve with the onset of menstrual flow. Now research reports that B vitamins can … Continue reading →

Fatty acids are the building blocks for all cells and are necessary for the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like regulatory compounds that are involved in vital body functions. Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega 6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids are considered essential … Continue reading →

It has been recommended to increase the intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, two antioxidant vitamins, in order to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia.
Continue reading →

In 1998 the Federal Drug Administration mandated that bread and cereal products be enriched with folic acid to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Folic acid is a necessary nutrient during development of the fetus, and … Continue reading →

A study was published in June 2005 that examined the relationship between the primary antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium and breast cancer risk in women in India.
Continue reading →

A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association in November 2005 reviewed several characteristics associated with pregnancy and the incidence of breast cancer, including placenta weight.
Continue reading →

After a thorough analysis, the reviews concluded that the effect of breastfeeding on BMI in adulthood is small, and may be related to other factors.
Continue reading →

Sulforaphane (SUL), derived from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to have anticancer benefits. Now research reports that SUL blocks cell growth in late stage human breast cancer cells.
Continue reading →

Marginal levels of folic acid are still common in many childbearing women, reflecting poor dietary choices.
Continue reading →

This October, designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has brought new warnings about hormone therapy’s link to breast cancer. In 2002, a landmark study investigating the effects of hormone therapy was stopped after 5 1/2 years when researchers found it was … Continue reading →

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved  a new birth control pill that also contains folate. The oral contraceptive (OC) called Beyez is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Deficiency of the B-complex vitamin folate (also called folic acid) … Continue reading →

The debate over the benefit of mammograms continues. Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) warned that the risks of mammography may outweigh the benefit for many women. Screening carries significant risks and potential harm, including radiation exposure, … Continue reading →

The Peruvian plant maca (Lepidium meyenii) was used by the ancient Incans to increase libido and improve stamina. Maca has been found to have favorable antioxidant, antimicrobial and sexual function effects. Now research reports that maca can help relieve menopausal … Continue reading →

Researchers in Israel tested the efficacy of Arnica Montana and Bellis perennis at halting blood loss after childbirth in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Continue reading →

A recent study from the George Washington School of Medicine in Washington DC compared the effects of a vegan diet to the nationally recommended diet for cholesterol control. The study participants were all overweight postmenopausal women.
Continue reading →