Understanding cervical screening is vital for every woman’s health. Learn the importance of Pap tests, symptoms to watch, and how regular screenings play a crucial role in cervical cancer prevention. Empower yourself to take charge of your well-being!

Dr. Denise Millstine discusses how books can transform difficult health conversations. Through the Mayo Clinic Read.Talk.Grow podcast, she explorres menopause through powerful novels and memoirs, creating a new way to understand this natural transition. From supernatural thrillers to honest memoirs, these books offer a fresh perspective on the menopause journey.

Cold weather can significantly impact women's heart health, with heart attacks being more common during winter months. As temperatures drop, the body works harder to maintain core temperature, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Learn essential prevention strategies and practical tips to protect your heart health during the cold season.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month highlights the connection between menopause and cognitive health. Hormonal changes during menopause can impact brain function and increase Alzheimer's risk in women. Maintaining cognitive health involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. By understanding these risks and adopting proactive strategies, women can support their brain health during and after menopause.

National Diabetes Month shines a spotlight on women's unique challenges with diabetes. From increased heart disease risk to pregnancy complications, diabetes affects women differently. Prevention strategies include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups. Ms.Medicine offers personalized care plans to help women take charge of their health. By understanding these risks and adopting proactive measures, women can effectively manage diabetes and lead fulfilling lives.

Navigating the world of mammograms can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with terms like "breast density" and "dense breast tissue." Understanding what these terms mean is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. As of September 2024, mammography facilities are required to provide you with a breast density notification, letting you know if your breast tissue is dense or not. But what exactly does having dense breast tissue imply, and how does it affect your breast cancer risk? Join us as we unravel these questions and empower you with knowledge, so you can confidently approach your mammogram, armed with understanding and optimism.

Preparing for your first mammogram? Don't worry - it's quicker and less uncomfortable than you might think. The procedure takes just minutes, with skilled technologists guiding you through each step. Consider 3D mammograms for more detailed imaging. Remember, this simple screening provides invaluable peace of mind and is a crucial step in maintaining your breast health.

In an age where we are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in our personal care products, a recent study has uncovered a concerning revelation - many popular tampon brands may contain traces of toxic metals. This discovery has left many menstruating individuals questioning the safety and integrity of one of the most commonly used feminine hygiene products. As we delve deeper into this issue, it's crucial to understand the implications, the potential health risks, and what steps can be taken to address this pressing concern. Let’s explore the hidden dangers in your tampons and what you need to know about toxic metal contamination, empowering you to make informed decisions for your health and well-being.

While most people couldn’t imagine getting a sexually transmitted disease, it is much more likely than you think. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be transmitted due to a long-standing infection that was never diagnosed or one that is symptom-free.  At least 70% of women with chlamydia don't notice any symptoms.  Because of the lack of symptoms, the prevalence is quite high with the CDC approximating in 2018 that were around four million cases of chlamydial infections alone.  And the incidence among you people is shocking with two-thirds of new infections occurring in individuals aged 15-24, resulting in an estimated 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 are affected by chlamydia.  Sadly, without even knowing this disease left untreated could result in these women having permanent damage to their reproductive system, pelvic inflammatory disease or even infertility.

As Ms.Medicine continues to push for enhanced recognition and comprehensive management of women's health, we join millions around the globe in marking Women's Health Week 2024. This week is a vital reminder of the importance of prioritizing women’s health and serves as an opportunity to bring attention to the unique health challenges women face.

We often find ourselves caught up in the never-ending cycle of responsibilities and commitments. We juggle multiple roles, constantly putting others' needs before our own. But here's the truth: neglecting self-care is a recipe for disaster. Without taking the time to recharge and prioritize our well-being, we risk burnout, exhaustion, and a negative impact on our mental and physical health.

With the days getting longer and the first signs of warmth returning to the air, we know spring is coming. Spring is typically associated with new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s the perfect time to tidy up, physically and mentally. Spring cleaning isn’t just about sprucing up your living space, it’s also about rejuvenating your body & mind.

Access to quality reproductive and sexual health care and education is crucial for fostering happier and healthier lives, yet reproductive and sexual health justice face significant challenges in today's landscape. With over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced and 43 states heavily restricting access to safe abortions in 2023, destigmatization efforts are more crucial than ever. From cancer screenings and STI tests to practicing safe sex and supporting comprehensive sex education in schools, every individual can play a vital role in empowering communities and promoting reproductive health awareness. Join the movement to donate menstrual products, advocate for comprehensive sex education programs, deprioritize health care restrictions, and expand access to reproductive health services at a local and national level, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

While sharing her journey with breast cancer, Olivia Munn has sparked a crucial conversation about the significance of breast cancer risk assessment. Understanding why Olivia Munn's breast cancer reveal emphasizes the need for risk assessment is vital, as this evaluation can provide essential insights into one's individual risk factors and empower informed decision-making regarding preventive measures. Exploring what a breast cancer risk assessment can and can't reveal is key to demystifying this process, guiding women over 40 towards proactive healthcare. In this piece, we delve into the importance of this tool, highlighting the specialized support Ms.Medicine providers offer in conducting risk assessments and providing personalized guidance. Dr. Lisa Larkin's personal experience as a breast cancer survivor further underscores the importance and value of this assessment, demonstrating the necessity of proactive healthcare in promoting women's well-being. 

Menopause is a big transition in every woman’s life. During the menopausal transition, a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular and eventually ceases. This happens because your ovaries are making less estrogen, a female sex hormone. How does this change in hormones impact women with hormone imbalances? If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a health issue related to an excess production of male sex hormones, this may be a question that you’ve asked yourself. It’s an important question and one that women deserve answers to. So, let’s do some digging to find out.

The Holidays are right around the corner, and many of our joyous celebrations are often associated with a plethora of alcoholic beverages. While we have traditionally heard and even recommended that alcohol in moderation is ok, or that red wine has heart health benefits, more recent research says otherwise, especially for women. Over a decade ago, alcohol earned the classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a “Class 1 Carcinogen.” Other substances that are in this class, the absolute highest risk class of carcinogen, include tobacco, asbestos, Human Papillomavirus, radiation, and plutonium.

October 20 marks World Osteoporosis Day. The day is all about making noise about a disease that silently weakens your bones over time. As you get older, your bones naturally become less dense, making them more susceptible to break. For people with osteoporosis, their bones lose density and mass to a greater degree and become especially prone to fractures. Osteoporosis can result in bone fractures from seemingly minor injuries, like “a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement’” according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Let’s talk about sex, baby. September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education and openness around sex. Here at Ms. Medicine, we care about our clients’ overall wellness, including sexual health. So, to celebrate this September, let’s get (busy) talking. We all deserve to feel empowered to do so.

Do you have missed periods or heavy bleeding during menstruation? Do you have excess hair growth or acne? Have you been struggling to get pregnant for more than 12 months? You may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) if you struggle with any of these issues.  

This blog is just more than words on a screen; it is a movement fueled by a burning desire to empower women with knowledge and change the healthcare dynamic. Together we can ensure that every woman receives the care and attention she rightfully deserves. So, whether you are a female patient seeking answers or a medical professional eager to enhance your understanding, I invite you to continue reading so that we can shape a healthier, more informed future for all.