Women’s Health Category

September 16, 2009

Genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION — Many women feel anxious about their chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer, particularly if they have one or several close relatives with either condition. Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer often wish to know if they have inherited a tendency to develop these tumors, and if so, what their lifetime risk is of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

September 16, 2009

Endometriosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS OVERVIEW — The normal tissue that lines the uterus and bleeds during the menstrual period is called the endometrium (show figure 1 ). Endometriosis is a noncancerous disorder in which tissue that is similar to the endometrium develops outside of the uterus. Typically this occurs in the pelvis, but it may occur in virtually any part of the body.

September 16, 2009

Fibroids

FIBROIDS OVERVIEW — Fibroids are growths of the uterus, or womb (show figure 1 ). They are also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids grow from the muscle cells of the uterus and may protrude from the inside or outside surface of the uterus (show figure 2 ). Fibroids may also be found within the muscular wall of the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous or pre-cancerous.

September 16, 2009

Hypothyroidism

INTRODUCTION — Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is the most common thyroid disorder.

September 16, 2009

Hyperthyroidism

INTRODUCTION — Hyperthyroidism is the medical term for an overactive thyroid (hyper = excessive). In people with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When this occurs, the body’s metabolism is increased, which can cause a variety of symptoms.

September 16, 2009

Health Supplements

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm

September 15, 2009

Exercise

EXERCISE OVERVIEW — Physical activity is any activity that involves major muscle groups, including routine daily activities such as shopping or climbing stairs. Exercise includes any activity done with a goal of improving or maintaining physical fitness.

September 15, 2009

High blood pressure treatment in adults

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OVERVIEW — Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the strain on the heart and arteries, eventually causing organ damage. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Fortunately, treatments for hypertension are effective and usually easy to take.

September 15, 2009

High blood pressure treatment in adults

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OVERVIEW — Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the strain on the heart and arteries, eventually causing organ damage. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Fortunately, treatments for hypertension are effective and usually easy to take.

September 15, 2009

Osteoporosis prevention and treatment

OSTEOPOROSIS OVERVIEW — Osteoporosis is a common problem that causes bones to become abnormally thin (osteopenic), weakened, and easily broken (fractured). Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen, a female hormone that helps to maintain bone mass.