If you’ve ever had a hot flash–red, flushed face; rapid heart rate; dripping sweat–you’re not alone. About 75 percent of menopausal and pre-menopausal women report being seized by these massive heat waves, and whether you’ve had one or witnessed one, you know they aren’t pleasant, especially when balmy weather exacerbates symptoms. Why You Get Hot…

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, involves a group of about 150 viruses that make up the most common sexually transmitted disease. Consequently, HPV can cause a wide range of symptoms, some harmless (that go away on their own), some dangerous. For example, some individuals with HPV can develop cervical, penile, mouth, throat, and rectal cancer, while…

By now, most women know the significance of a regular pap smear. Unpleasant but necessary, this vaginal swab collects cells from the cervix that doctors later examine under a microscope for atypical growths. What you might not know, however, are the current recommendations about scheduling. Once a year, once every five years, only during a…

Most people assume the birth of a baby should incite never-ending joy and fulfillment in the mother. Unfortunately, the reality of hormonal changes and lack of sleep can make the weeks and months after giving birth feel quite the opposite. Although medical professionals are still learning more about the complexities of postpartum depression, here are…

Everybody experiences chemotherapy differently, but one thing is for certain, treatment can have negative effects. For women, these symptoms can be particularly distressing during menstruation, when hormones can already elicit a rollercoaster of emotions and physical responses. While there’s no standard for how your periods and chemotherapy will interact, here are a few things to…