Women's Health

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process controlled by hormones. A typical cycle lasts 21–35 days. Most people bleed for 2–7 days. Key signs: cramping (dysmenorrhea), bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness are common but shouldn't prevent daily activities.

When to see a doctor: Very heavy bleeding (soaking >1 pad/tampon per hour), pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, or sudden changes in your cycle.

Pregnancy involves significant physical, emotional, and metabolic changes over ~40 weeks. Early signs: missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue.

Critical care: Prenatal checkups monitor fetal health and maternal complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia). Nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management are vital. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and certain medications.

Labor & delivery options include vaginal, assisted, or cesarean delivery. Postpartum recovery takes weeks; seek help for mood changes (postpartum depression is real and treatable).

Menopause marks the end of menstruation (typically ages 45–55). Perimenopause (the transition) lasts 4–10 years with irregular periods and hot flushes.

Common symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, mood changes, weight gain. Symptoms vary widely.

Management options: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for moderate-to-severe symptoms; lifestyle (exercise, cooling clothes, stress); vaginal estrogen for dryness. Bone health screening (DEXA scan) is important post-menopause.

Breast tissue changes throughout life due to hormones, age, and other factors. Regular self-awareness is key: know what's normal for you.

Screening: Mammography at recommended ages (typically 40s–70s depending on risk). Clinical breast exams by providers.

Conditions: benign lumps (cysts, fibroadenomas) are common and usually harmless. Breast pain is usually not cancer but warrants evaluation if persistent. Consult a doctor about any new lumps, discharge, skin changes, or persistent pain.

Cervical cancer risk is linked to HPV infection. Pap smears detect precancerous changes; HPV vaccines prevent high-risk strains (most effective if given before sexual activity).

Ovarian cysts are often benign and found incidentally; large or persistent cysts need follow-up imaging. Ovarian cancer has no reliable early screening, so report persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms to your doctor.

PCOS affects ~1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It involves insulin resistance, androgen excess, and irregular periods.

Symptoms: irregular periods, infertility, acne, hirsutism (excess hair), weight gain. Metabolic risks: type 2 diabetes, heart disease.

Management: lifestyle (weight loss, exercise, diet); birth control to regulate periods; metformin for insulin resistance; androgen-lowering medications if needed. Fertility support if desired.

After menopause, bone loss accelerates due to lower estrogen. Osteoporosis increases fracture risk, especially hip, spine, and wrist.

Prevention: calcium (1000–1200 mg/day), vitamin D (600–800 IU/day), weight-bearing exercise, avoid excess alcohol, don't smoke.

Screening: DEXA scan for women 65+ and postmenopausal women with risk factors. Treatment: bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, or other agents if bone density is low.