Women's Health News & Features
FDA OKs New Drug for Urinary Tract Infections
- FDA Investigates Tampons for Potential Lead and Metal Risks
September 11, 2024 — The FDA has launched an investigation of the potential exposure to heavy metals when using tampons, the agency announced Tuesday.
- Your Time Is Now
At 59, Brooke Shields wants women over 40 to know they’re only just beginning.
- Why We Can’t Stop Talking About Barbie’s Gynecologist Visit
July 26, 2024 — The final scene of the blockbuster film sparked a massive surge in online searches for information on gynecology and women’s health – and doctors couldn’t be happier.
- Are Female Doctors Better? Here's What to Know
May 1, 2024 — A new study suggests female doctors may provide patients better care, especially when those patients are women. Here's what to know.
- What Are Vaginal Gummies? Debunking the Latest Health Craze
March 7, 2024 — Vaginal health gummies are all the rage for their supposed ability to get your vagina in optimal shape by improving its pH balance, taste, odor, and freshness. But experts say the vagina is naturally self-cleaning.
- Study: Counseling, Other Therapies Can Treat Menopause Symptoms
February 28, 2024 — Therapies such as group counseling, marital support and mindfulness can treat some symptoms of menopause like anxiety and poor mood, according to a new analysis.
- Women With PCOS at Higher Risk of Suicide Attempts
February 6, 2024 — A PCOS diagnosis should alert doctors that their patient may need a mental health screening and referrals to further care.
- Researchers Find Link Between PCOS and Midlife Cognitive Decline
February 1, 2024 — A common condition called polycystic ovary syndrome that causes irregular menstrual cycles has been linked to signs of early cognitive decline.
- More Plant-Based Protein Linked to Healthy Aging in Women
January 18, 2024 — Getting just a little more protein from plant sources than from animal sources was associated with higher odds of healthy aging among women, according to a large new study that spanned the decades from middle to older age.
- Women Pay Billions More in Out-of-Pocket Health Costs a Year
October 3, 2023 — The report focused on working women, who analysts found pay as much as $15.4 billion more a year than men in out-of-pocket health care expenses. This spans age brackets, holding true for women 19 to 64.
- Menstrual Discs Better Than Tampons, Pads for Heavy Periods: Study
August 8, 2023 — A new study shows that innovative new period products like discs can hold more than two times as much as the most absorbent tampon, while period underwear holds just a fraction of what a pad can absorb.
- Women Increasingly Dying of Alcohol-Related Causes
July 28, 2023 — Researchers have known for several years that the sex gap related to alcohol use and complications is narrowing. Women are drinking more, engaging in more high-risk drinking, and increasingly developing alcohol use disorder.
- U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Grows, Yet Deaths Seem Preventable
July 25, 2023 — Heart conditions are on a long list of reasons why the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country. But death rates are three times higher in Black women. And the troubling irony: An estimated 80% of these deaths are preventable.
- Young Girls, Women Are at High Risk of Iron Deficiency: Study
June 28, 2023 — Nearly 40% of girls and young women in the U.S. may have iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of many health problems.
- After Tragedy of Stillbirth, She Set Out to Help Others
May 26, 2023 — Every year at least 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. That’s about one in every 175 births, according to the CDC. Elizabeth O'Donnell wants to see that number fall.
- How Doctors Can Care for Women Better
February 27, 2023 — A recent movement in medicine is pushing doctors to better understand how female patients are different from male patients.
- What's Behind Rise in Girls' Report of Sadness, Sexual Violence?
February 14, 2023 — Minority youth, as well as teens identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning also frequently reported sadness, suicide risk, and sexual assault.
- Gifts for a Healthy Mother’s Day
Skip the flowers. Experts offer 10 picks designed for a healthy, happy Mother’s Day.
- Even Women Doctors Find Their Symptoms Aren’t Taken Seriously
Female doctors-turned-patients share their insights about why women’s symptoms are so often dismissed – and how to fix it.
- Eco-Friendly Options for Menstrual Products
Learn about different products to make your menstrual period more environmentally friendly.
- Pregnancy Discharge: Color and Texture Changes
Pregnancy brings all kinds of changes to your body, including an increase in vaginal discharge. Learn more about this unexpected pregnancy change.
- What to Expect from Periods After 40
Before your periods end, your body goes into a phase called perimenopause, which could last 2 to 10 years. During this time, there can be all kinds of changes in your cycle.
- Cancer Screenings You Might Be Missing
Most women know about mammograms and physical exams to check for early signs of breast cancer, but many may not be getting recommended screening exams to help detect and prevent other types of cancer.
- A Guide to ‘Female Viagra’
Medicines for low sex drive in women are often called “female Viagra.” Find out what they are and whether they might work to boost your sex drive.
- Health Risks After Hysterectomies
New research shows that hysterectomies can raise your odds of having other health problems later in life. So if your doctor recommends one, consider your options.
- Build Your Psoriasis Support System
Get support and connect with others by joining psoriasis communities and networks.
- These Doctors Save Lives Around the World
Doctors who volunteer for charity groups are making a difference in countries where treatable health problems can turn deadly without surgery.
- What Hypothyroidism Can Do to Your Body
Untreated hypothyroidism can cause problems throughout your body. Learn what can happen and how to prevent it.
- 10 Questions for Selenis Leyva
We chat with the Orange Is the New Black star about work, family, and her advocacy for the transgender community.
- Better Sleep, Less Stress
Life with hypothyroidism gets much easier if you get good sleep and manage stress, but how do you do those?
- Exercises for an Underactive Thyroid
Getting moving can make you feel better if you have hypothyroidism. Here’s how to get started and which workouts are best.
- Tips to Manage Hypothyroidism
Top ways to control the most common thyroid disorder.
- Why Am I So Tired?
Learn about conditions that might cause you to feel sluggish during the day, such as anemia, thyroid trouble, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and menopause.
- 7 Things Your Gynecologist Wants You to Know
Does your gyno notice if you wax? WebMD shares seven secrets and tips from female doctors.
- Mariska Hargitay Protects and Serves
'Law & Order: SVU' actor works to help abuse victims –- on the screen and off.
- Always Tired? Your Thyroid May Be to Blame
The thyroid is a small gland with a big job. Here's what you need to know about it.
- Top 10 Health Tips for Women
Want a cheat sheet for healthy living? Our expert serves up her top tips for a lifetime of wellness.
- 5 Fibs Your Doctor Is Fed Up Hearing
One in four patients lies to their doctor. But they’re not exactly getting away with it. What fibs are doctors tired of hearing? And why is it best to fess up?
- Q&A With Mariel Hemingway
The actress and author opens up about her family and how she stays happy and healthy.
- 10 Questions With Marcia Gay Harden
The actor opens up about parenting, perfectionism, and her role in 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'
- Do Natural Treatments Work for Hypothyroidism?
Will alternative treatments for hypothyroidism work for you? Get the answers you’re looking for.
- Queen Latifah Balances Career and Family
Caring for her mother, who struggles with a rare autoimmune disorder, keeps the multi-talented entertainer grounded.
- Q&A With Mira Sorvino
WebMD Magazine talks to 'Intruders' star Mira Sorvino, a mother of 4, about how she balances work, life, and parenthood.
- Egg Freezing: Is It for You?
You think you want to have a baby -- someday. What can you do today to make sure your eggs are ready when you are? One option is to have your eggs harvested and fertilized, but instead of having them implanted, resulting embryos are frozen and stored.
- Zoe Saldana's New Role: Galaxy Goddess
Zoe Saldana plays an alien in her newest film, but she's no stranger to putting the "her" in superhero. Taking it easy, though, is foreign to the actor, who opens up about learning to listen to her body.
- Personal Best: Q&A With Kim Raver
The '24' star shares her diet, exercise, and beauty secrets.
- Should I Have a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy can often relieve pelvic pain and bleeding, but it’s not the answer for everyone. Learn when removing your uterus can help.
- Personal Best: Q&A With Alison Sweeney
The busy actress prepares for some time off and the release of her book, 'Scared Scriptless.'
- Q&A With Regina Hall
The actress, who had two movies come out last fall and stars in 'Think Like a Man Too' this month, talks about her best and worst health habits.