VA Womens Health VA Womens Health
Hormones play a major role in everything from mood and energy to metabolism, sleep, and reproductive health. As you move through your 30s, 40s, and 50s, your body undergoes natural hormonal changes—and understanding what’s happening can help you feel more empowered and prepared.
When thinking about the main types of gynecologic cancers, the most important factor for women is to “know your normal.” Signs and symptoms can be different for each woman, so if you are aware of what is normal for you, it will be easier to spot any changes and catch problems early. With that thought in mind let’s discuss the five main types of gynecologic cancers and how they are treated.
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Urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine—can significantly affect a person’s daily life, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety. While medical treatments can help, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
The good news? From dietary adjustments to bladder training and weight management, simple changes can make a big difference. Below, we look at several practical tips to help you take control of urinary incontinence and regain confidence in everyday activities.
What all women should know about toxic shock syndrome is that it’s serious, and you can easily be infected without knowing what to do, or not to do. Young women, especially those in the early years of menstruation, should pay particular attention. Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a real risk if you aren’t careful to use feminine products safely.
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Breast exams are performed to check for any unusual changes to your breast tissue. These checks are an important way to be proactive with your breast health—early detection is the best protection. Do you know how to do a monthly breast self exam? Prioritizing breast health: your guide to breast exams.
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If you’re experiencing post-menopausal bleeding, you may be wondering if you should visit your gynecologist. In a word, yes, you should be concerned but not panicked. There is usually no pain with post-menopausal bleeding, but regardless of the color or amount of flow, you should ask to see your gynecologist. It’s normal to have irregular vaginal bleeding in the years leading up to menopause, but if you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, that is not normal. It could be the result of a simple infection or benign growths, but in rare cases, it could be something more serious. Let’s get more specific about post-menopausal bleeding.
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We’ve all been there. We know it’s time for our annual gynecology appointment, but we feel just fine. We have no issues, our period is right on time and seems normal. No complaints, so why take the time to go through another doctor appointment? Let’s explore the serious reasons of how annual well-woman exams help you live better and longer.
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If you are nearing menopause, there are many subtle and not-so-subtle changes that await you. If you also have PCOS, a hormonal disorder, you may wonder if it will end once you reach menopause or even perimenopause. PCOS and menopause: what you should know.
Is my pelvic pain due to a gynecologic condition? If you are asking this question, it is time to find answers. When you have the pain and other gynecologic symptoms, it’s always best to talk with a gynecologist like Virginia Women’s Health to get answers and discover the cause.
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For parents of adolescent girls, or if you are a young teenager yourself, you may wonder about when to schedule a first gynecological visit. You may be surprised by the answer including both when and why.
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