Pregnancy Archive

Early signs of cervical cancer can include blood-tinged vaginal discharge, heavier discharge than usual, spotting or bleeding between periods, menstrual flow that’s heavier or lasts longer than usual, bleeding or pain during or after intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

People's voices can change due to age-related vocal cord changes. Women's voices can also get deeper due to a decline in estrogen. Other factors that contribute to voice changes in older adults include weakening muscles in the lungs, which dampen the ability to speak loudly.

A 2025 study suggested that women are less likely to develop coronary artery disease even when engaging in less moderate-to-vigorous exercise than men.

A 2025 scientific statement from the American Heart Association indicated that women with cardiovascular disease are far less likely than men with the condition to take part in cardiac rehabilitation programs, despite the proven benefits.

Itchiness of the breasts or nipples isn't common, but can signal conditions both harmless and serious. Minor reasons for itchiness across the bra area include eczema, psoriasis, exposure to soaps or detergents, trapped moisture, and pregnancy and breastfeeding. More serious causes include infections, breast surgery, radiation treatment, and certain rare forms of breast cancer. Any skin changes on the breast that don't improve over weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

An endometrial biopsy is the only way to rule out endometrial (or uterine) cancer. Any vaginal bleeding a year or more after a woman's final period raises the possibility of uterine cancer. The biopsy involves using a suction tube to gather cells from the uterine lining.

A 2025 study identified poor sleep along with high blood pressure, nicotine use, and high blood sugar levels as particularly important factors increasing the long-term risk of heart problems for women in midlife.

A 2025 study suggested that women with diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart disease. These women might especially benefit from early screening for problems in the small blood vessels of the heart.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, was once called vaginal atrophy. But experts changed the name to better reflect the full scope of symptoms, which include vaginal thinning and dryness; burning, irritation, and itching; pain during intercourse; urinary issues such as increased urgency and frequency; and higher risk of urinary tract infections. The majority of women with GSM symptoms don't discuss it with their doctors. But a Harvard expert says they should, since GSM is progressive and can lead to dangerous problems.

After an FDA panel was convened to review black box warnings on menopause hormone therapy, which includes both systemic and vaginal estrogen treatments, the FDA announced in November 2025 it would remove black box warnings from all hormone therapy products containing estrogen. Women considering hormone therapy should discuss their individual health risks with their doctor - such as a history of heart attack or stroke, a blood clot in the legs or lungs, hormone-sensitive cancer, active liver disease, and overall breast cancer and cardiovascular risks.