The uterus is a muscular female reproductive organ that protects and nourishes the developing fetus before birth. Ovaries are almond-shaped glands responsible for producing female hormones, and also contain the eggs before fertilization. Several...
Many women experience uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, during their childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are benign fibrous growths that develop in the uterus, and ovarian cysts are fluid-filled...
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the body and integral to the maintenance and health of the female reproductive system, says the Mayo Clinic. When estrogen decreases, such as during menopause, it can cause a variety of unpleasant and...
Soybeans are rich in protein and can be made into many different products, including soy milk. Soy milk is commonly consumed by vegans and the lactose intolerant. Products made with soy may also have an effect on hormonal levels within the body,...
Soybeans can be consumed whole or eaten in processed form in a variety of products. For example, it can be made into soy milk, tofu and soy protein isolate, which can be added to food products. Supplements containing chemicals from soy can also be...
Used properly, the herb milk thistle is an excellent proponent of liver function and health. However, milk thistle can have adverse reactions in the body when combined with other supplements, herbs, medications or if you are allergic to it. It is...
For those who suffer from uterine or ovarian cancer, a hysterectomy may be unavoidable. According to Dr. Michael Toaff, those patients only account for 10 percent of hysterectomies performed. In the past, female gynecological conditions like...
Oral contraceptives are medications that women can take to help prevent pregnancy, and Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo is one of these medications. The generic name of this drug is norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (pdrhealth.com; see References below).
Overview
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of women in the United States have taken birth control pills at one time in their lives. It is the most frequently used method of
Soy milk is a beverage made from soybeans. Soy contains a number of different chemicals that may play a role in your risk of getting cancer, though it is unclear if increasing your soy intake increases or reduces your risk of certain cancers. You...
The amount of blood loss in a menstrual cycle may be different from woman to woman. Some women have a light to medium flow and others have a heavy flow. It is not uncommon for women to have a heavy flow at some point in their reproductive years....
Wild yam, or dioscorea villosa, is different from the yams found in grocery stores in that it is used for medicinal purposes, and it is possible to have side effects. For example, wild yam has been used to treat high cholesterol, inflammation,...
Spotting is a form of abnormal vaginal bleeding. It can occur at almost any time in a woman's life, including menopause. Most of the time, spotting is associated with a change in hormones. When spotting after menopause is associated with exercise,...
Licorice is an herb that lends flavor to many foods and beverages. The plant's roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of disorders, including gastrointestinal complaints, bronchitis, tuberculosis, malaria, osteoarthritis,...
Milk thistle is used for many conditions including liver disease, gallbladder disease, heartburn, diabetes, cancer and depression. Since milk thistle is an herb, its safety, preparation and use is not fully regulated. Milk thistle, like all herbs,...
Black cohosh is an herbal remedy that women sometimes use to treat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. They use the roots of the plant to make teas or powder or extract them to make standardized capsules for use as supplements....
Soy milk isn't really a milk at all -- it's the by-product of making tofu. Soybeans are soaked, finely ground, then strained. The solids are compressed into tofu, and the liquid is fortified with calcium and vitamins A, B, D and E to give it...
Summer is the most active season because with the warm weather brings outdoor activity and sports. The sun and heat can also bring sunburns, heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat cramps. Avoiding these common problems takes only a little...
Colon cancer is a silent killer. This disease claims the lives of more than 50,000 individuals per year and is curable if discovered early. Often, the symptoms bring the individual into the clinic too late, when options and survival rates are...
Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogens that may act much like the estrogen women produce naturally in their bodies. Many women prefer to use herbal supplements with phytoestrogens to treat their menopause instead of taking synthetic estrogen...
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling of the joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, however, there are many other types of arthritis including gout, fibromyalgia...
Fennel use dates back to several ancient civilizations for conditions that included enhancing eyesight. It was brought to the United States by early settlers and is now used medicinally for a variety of ailments. However, the efficacy of fennel...
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens found primarily in soy. The three main types of isoflavones are genistein, daidzein and glycitein, which mimic estrogen in the body and may be used to treat certain types of cancers, reduce or prevent symptoms in...
Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial plant that's native to North America. Black cohosh is sometimes used in place of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal hot flashes. The Office...
Spotting can occur in any woman of any age and can stem from vaginal, uterine or ovarian causes. Women who are pregnant may experience spotting in early pregnancy and may experience this spotting during the normal time a period would occur.
Soy milk is made from soy beans that have been cooked, ground and mixed with sweeteners. Soy milk is perishable and should be kept in the refrigerator after it's opened. Soy milk is a nutritious alternative to dairy for those with food allergies...
The medicinal properties of red raspberry leaf have been known since ancient Roman times. The leaf continues to be used today to make raspberry leaf tea, which is used to treat a variety of health problems. However, there is no scientific proof of...
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is naturally produced in the body and converted into the hormones estrogen and androgen, which affect sexual development and function. DHEA has a broad range of uses and has been tested for various conditions...
Iodine is a trace mineral that your body needs to function properly. Your thyroid uses iodine to synthesize a hormone called thyroxine. The thyroid helps regulate your body's energy production, metabolism, growth and excess fat. It also affects...
