Seeking to understand what constitutes a healthy vaginal microbiome, a global research collaboration that includes a Rutgers-New Brunswick scientist has reported a series of findings, including identifying which bacteria thwart vaginal disease and determining that microbiomes vary significantly across human populations. Authors of the study, published in Trends in Microbiology, are part of a Belgium-based initiative called the Isala Sisterhood.
Tag: Women’s Health
Blair J. Wylie, MD, MPH, Named Chair of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Blair J. Wylie, MD, MPH, has joined Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and its physician organization, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP), as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Fertility tracking has increased in some states post-Dobbs
The use of fertility-tracking technology increased in some states after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade despite warnings that reproduction-related data might not be secure, a new study has found.
How cervical cancer screening with HPV testing is saving lives
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to review facts about cervical cancer, HPV-associated risks, and screening recommendations. We’ll also look at self-collected tests that have recently sparked interest.
Shorter, safer protocol effectively treats triple-negative breast cancer
A far shorter, simpler, and less toxic treatment protocol for patients with triple-negative breast cancer produced outcomes similar to the current standard of care, a clinical trial co-led by a UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher shows. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, could lead to new treatment regimens that are significantly safer and less detrimental to patients’ quality of life.
AI shaping the future of breast cancer risk prediction
A new publication by a national collective of researchers has highlighted the potential for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying women with increased breast cancer risk. The piece, published in Trends in Cancer, explores how AI can help clinicians to better identify features on a mammogram that indicate a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Battling breast cancer: new insights into angiogenesis and drug resistance
Breast cancer’s resistance to treatment is a major hurdle in improving patient outcomes. A recent study explores how tumor angiogenesis—the formation of abnormal blood vessels in tumors—plays a pivotal role in fostering drug resistance. The research highlights how these blood vessels hinder drug delivery and create a hostile tumor environment, reducing the effectiveness of therapies. It also investigates the potential of anti-angiogenic treatments to normalize these vessels, enhancing drug efficacy and offering new hope for patients.

Cedars-Sinai Pharmacists Attending Midyear Clinical Meeting 2024
Cedars-Sinai experts in pharmacy services attending the Dec. 8-12 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting 2024 in New Orleans are available for interviews about the latest developments in patient safety and pharmacy practice.

Case Western Reserve University awarded $1.5M to study vaginal bacterial linked to serious health risks
With a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine will study the dynamics of BV in hopes of identifying a more effective approach.
Study: Coronary Function Testing Improves Diagnosis of Heart Disease in Women
A Yale School of Medicine team finds that women who underwent a common procedure called coronary angiography (CA) were more likely to receive an accurate diagnosis with the use of coronary function testing (CFT), in a recent study published in the Journal…
Mayo Clinic researchers recommend alternatives to hysterectomy for uterine fibroids, according to study
Uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects up to 80% of women in their lifetime. Nearly half of those women will experience symptoms that affect their quality of life and fertility, including severe pain and anemia. Uterine fibroids are the major reason for the removal of the uterus by hysterectomy. However, Mayo Clinic researchers recommend minimally invasive treatment alternatives to hysterectomy, in an invited clinical practice paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Weight loss interventions associated with improvements in several symptoms of PCOS
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that weight-loss interventions were associated with improvements in some polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, including improvement in menstrual frequency, and could be considered a routine treatment option for patients with PCOS.

Only Two Weeks Remain Until the ASHG 2024 Annual Meeting
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting will bring together the largest gathering of human geneticists in the world in Denver, Colorado on November 5-9.
Menopause on the mind: how menopause changes our bodies and brains
Menopause still carries taboos despite it being such a common part of life, but discussing it helps inform people about their health and potential risks as they go through this stage of life. New research is pointing to how physical…
Bone Health Matters: Essential Tips for Women in Menopause
Strong bones and joints are essential for overall quality of life. They enable us to perform daily tasks, participate in activities we enjoy and maintain independence as we age. For women going through menopause, preserving bone and joint health is particularly important, as the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases significantly during this time.
Migrant Women and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
The number of people living in a different place from their place of birth is increasing year by year. Although women have always been involved in migratory movements, today they are increasingly doing so independently. Women are migrating from the Global South to higher-income countries.
Perimenopause, menopause and … weightlifting? Expert explains value for bone health
Menopause affects women all the way to their bones, and that is why building skeletal health is especially important during perimenopause and after menopause, says May Al-Araji, MBChB, a women’s health and family medicine expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.
Expert available: CDC releases new IUD pain management guidelines
Clinical expert available to speak about CDC’s new IUD pain management guidelines In light of the intrauterine device (IUD) insertion pain management guidelines just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nicole Ferschke, an assistant clinical professor in…
CDC updates guidelines on lidocaine use for IUD procedures
Quote from Monica Woll Rosen, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Michigan Health “Providers have always been able to use lidocaine for IUD procedures, but the new guidelines say there might be benefit to using this.…
Eating disorder risks elevated among women with PCOS
Women with the common reproductive and metabolic condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face a greater risk of developing bulimia, binge eating disorder and disordered eating, according to new research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
UC Irvine-led study examines the effect of restrictive immigration policies on women
Recent research has shown that immigration policies – often viewed as forms of structural racism – affect the social, economic, and health prospects for Latiné communities in the United States. In the past decade, there has been an increase in restrictive immigration policies from both political parties, which can substantially impact the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Menopause is having a moment: Debunking common myths
Many women approach menopause with anxiety about the future. You’ve probably heard about it being a stressful time full of hot flashes, weight gain, and plummeting sex drive. The good news? Menopause is having a moment. That means heightened awareness, more resources dedicated to improving women’s health, and open discussions to ensure you get the information you need.
Yale researcher available to discuss benefits & prevalence of pumps for breastfeeding
Deanna Nardella, MD, a National Clinical Scholar at Yale School of Medicine, is available during August (National Breastfeeding Month) to discuss the prevalence and benefits of breast pumps. In a recent study, Nardella and colleagues find women who had used…
Landmark Study Shows Elevated Cancer Risk for Women with Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis are four times more likely to develop ovarian cancer, and those with more severe cases are at an even greater risk.
Early detection of miRNAs in maternal blood may offer the potential for predicting preeclampsia
A new study by researchers at UCLA Health finds that early detection of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) packaged in vesicles may offer the opportunity to predict preeclampsia in pregnant people before clinical symptoms manifest.
New medication for stress urinary incontinence? Investigational drug shows promise
An investigational medication designated TAS-303 shows efficacy and safety in treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), reports a placebo-controlled clinical trial in the August issue of The Journal of Urology®, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
American Physiological Society Launches Women’s Health Research Initiative
The American Physiological Society announces the launch of the 2024–2025 Women’s Health Research Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative aims to advance women’s health research, addressing critical gaps in understanding conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women.
New Treatment for Uterine Cancer Receives FDA Approval
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved use of a new treatment option for patients with advanced or recurring uterine cancer. The news comes after completion of the first Phase III trial to statistically evaluate an anti-PD1 immunotherapy, called…
Drugs that kill “zombie” cells may benefit some older women, but not all, Mayo Clinic study finds
Drugs that selectively kill senescent cells may benefit otherwise healthy older women but are not a “one-size-fits-all” remedy, Mayo Clinic researchers have found. Specifically, these drugs may only benefit people with a high number of senescent cells, according to findings publishing July 2 in Nature Medicine.
Daily Sauna Time Might Help Prevent Menopause-Related Weight Gain
New research performed with mice suggests that daily time in a warm environment such as a sauna might help older adults, especially women, combat age-related obesity and insulin resistance. The study shows the potential of heat treatments as a simple way to promote healthier aging.
Bryan Pablo, M.D., of Innovative Women’s Health & Surgery, LLC, Joins Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Group
Pascack Valley Medical Group announces the addition of Bryan Pablo, M.D., a distinguished Obstetrician and Gynecologist, to their growing team of healthcare professionals. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Pablo brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to providing exemplary care to women.
Postpartum urinary incontinence linked to mental health
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study of hundreds of underserved women showed that depression and anxiety, in addition to physical factors such as a higher body mass index and previous births, are associated with lingering postpartum urinary incontinence.
UK study reveals concerning decline in cervical cancer screenings
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2024) — New University of Kentucky research published in JAMA Network Open reveals concerning declines in cervical cancer screening rates among women in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural areas. The study led by UK Markey Cancer Center researcher Ty Borders, Ph.D., analyzed nationally representative survey data from the National Cancer Institute to examine Pap test screening rates before and during the pandemic.
NUTRITION 2024 Press Materials Available Now
Press materials are now available for NUTRITION 2024, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). Top nutrition scientists and practitioners from around the world will gather to share the latest research findings on food and nutrition during the meeting in Chicago from June 29–July 2.
Removal of Ovaries Before Menopause Associated With Reduced White Matter in Brain
Women who have their ovaries removed before menopause, particularly before the age of 40, have reduced white matter integrity in multiple regions of the brain later in life.
Specialist scanning needed to help endo patients
A review of existing research shows there is a growing benefit to using specialist scanning to diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women and those assigned female at birth. However, it takes 6.4 years to diagnose using the conventional standard of surgical laparoscopy.
Early menopause linked to greater risk for breast, and possibly ovarian cancer
Some women who experience menopause early—before age 40—have an increased risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer, according to research being presented Monday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, Mass.
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Group welcomes Eva Macsai, WHNP-BC
Pascack Valley Medical Group announced the addition of Eva Macsai, WHNP-NP their team. With an appreciation for the intricacies of women’s health, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to her role, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
More women report hip fractures earlier in life
Older women with low bone density are more likely to experience their first hip fracture in their 60s compared to older ages, according to research being presented Sunday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, Mass.
Hot flashes in menopausal women may signal increased risk for heart and metabolic issues
Women experiencing moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms face a three times greater risk for metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) compared to those with mild symptom severity, according to research being presented Monday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, Mass.
‘Good’ Fat Metabolism Changes Tied to Estrogen Loss, Not Necessarily to Aging
Brown fat metabolism decreases in older men and women, but the decrease in women is not necessarily tied to age, according to new research. The first-of-its-kind study is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism and has been chosen as an APSselect article for May.
Cleveland Clinic Launches New Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center
Cleveland Clinic has announced the launch of its new Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center, an initiative dedicated to helping women during midlife and beyond thrive and easily receive the specialized care they need. The center is focused on four key areas: access, connectivity, education, and research and innovation to empower women to navigate their health journey with confidence and clarity.

Oral Contraceptive Use May Reduce Muscle-Tendon Injuries
Women who take oral contraceptives may be significantly less likely to experience certain musculoskeletal injuries than women who do not take the drugs or men, according to a study by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
A Third of Women Experience Migraines Associated with Menstruation, Most Commonly When Premenopausal
A third of the nearly 20 million women who participated in a national health survey reports migraines during menstruation, and of them, 11.8 million, or 52.5%, were premenopausal.
Study: Pregnancy accelerates biological aging
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine find in a new study that pregnancy accelerates aging. The good news: There appears to be a significant reversal of the effect in the first few months after childbirth. Using data from blood samples…
Biden Signs Order on Women’s Health Research — Expert Dr. Morgan Shane/University of Miami
Good afternoon – President Biden today signed an executive order to boost women’s health research. Dr. Morgan Shane, director of UHealth’s Women’s Health Alliance and a women’s health advocate, is available for interviews and can discuss gaps in care, disparities…
Biden Signing New Executive Order to Improve Women’s Health Research
Caitlin Murphy is a research scientist in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is an expert in maternal and child health, women’s health, reproductive health and disparities in health…
Mount Sinai Experts to Present New Research at 71th Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Investigation
Researchers available for interview about their new studies and other women’s health topics
Sedentary Behavior Increases Mortality Risk
According to new research from UC San Diego, sitting for long hours without breaks increases risk of death.
Postpartum heart risk: Tips for young moms who may be unaware of long-term dangers
Young women with healthy hearts may be unaware they face elevated risks of developing heart disorders after becoming pregnant. Even worse, the issue may go undetected for years after giving birth because symptoms may mimic those of pregnancy. Dr. Rina…