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Women's Health

Your body goes through many changes as you age. Learn about common gynecologic issues and how to lower your risk for cancer.

Health Benefits of Exercise

Learn four reasons to get moving today, no matter what your age.

Hot Flashes: What You Need to Know

Nearly all women experience hot flashes during menopause. Here’s what you can do about them.

Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is all too common, but there are some easy steps you can take to lower your risk.

    Women's Health Topics

    • Breast Cancer
    • Gynecologic Health
    • Menopause

    Download Our Birth Control Guide

    Ask an Expert

    Deborah Quinn-Chen

    Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?

    Women commonly believe that after a certain age they cannot conceive because they are too old. That is not entirely true. As a woman ages her fertility declines. A 45-year-old woman is less likely to conceive t... continue reading  about  I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?

    Toni J. Brayer

    Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

    Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

    Why do some people lose height as they age? How much loss is too much?

    After age 40, the average person loses about 1/2" of their height per decade. It happens because of gravity and wear and tear on bones, muscles and joints. Think of your skeleton as being made up of your ankles... continue reading  about  Why do some people lose height as they age? How much loss is too much?

    Caroline Schreiber

    Caroline Schreiber, M.D.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    My fingernails curve deeply underneath as they grow. My doctor says "Don't worry about it, just keep cutting them short". I don't think this is a correct answer or approach, and that it could be a serious condition or lack of some element(s) in my body.

    Some serious and not-so-serious medical conditions have fingernail manifestations. Examples include psoriasis and endocarditis. The serious illnesses would have other symptoms that are not subtle. Things like p... continue reading  about  My fingernails curve deeply underneath as they grow. My doctor says "Don't worry about it, just keep cutting them short". I don't think this is a correct answer or approach, and that it could be a serious condition or lack of some element(s) in my body.

    Jane Varner

    Jane Varner, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?

    First of all, congratulations on getting all of that wonderful exercise! Exercise is so good for your physical AND mental health. Don't go calling yourself obese just yet. Technically, a BMI of 27 classifies yo... continue reading  about  I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?

    Susan Maayah

    Susan Maayah, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

    Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of fungal organisms, usually the Candida Albicans species. Symptoms are usually itching, burning, and white, cottage-cheese appearing discharge. They are caused... continue reading  about  What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

    Risa Kagan

    Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    I'm 63 and have had hot flashes for the last 20 years. I still have all my 'parts' and don't take hormones. I suffer from severe depression and take anti-depressants. Is there anything I can do? Can this be thyroid related? Should I move to Alaska?

    It is unusual for hot flashes to persist with this severity for 20 years. Older women can still have them but they usually get less intense. Many anti-depressants are being used as an alternative to estrogen fo... continue reading  about  I'm 63 and have had hot flashes for the last 20 years. I still have all my 'parts' and don't take hormones. I suffer from severe depression and take anti-depressants. Is there anything I can do? Can this be thyroid related? Should I move to Alaska?

    Ask the Expert Team

    Ask the Expert Team

    Sutter Health

    What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?

    Recovery from hysterectomy is a highly personal and unique experience that is both physical and emotional. For many women, the absolute finality of childbearing can be very saddening. The amount of postoperativ... continue reading  about  What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?

    Nobl Barazangi

    Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.

    Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

    What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase the risk of ischemic stroke (lacunar stroke is a subtype of ischemic stroke). Although the absolute risk of complications such as stroke is relativel... continue reading  about  What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?

    Jill D. Foley

    Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG

    Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation

    I've taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It's been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex, but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?

    Yours is a good question. First, I want to help you understand hormone production in a normal menstrual cycle. After that, we can talk about how the pill works to prevent pregnancy and why, in some women, it re... continue reading  about  I've taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It's been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex, but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?

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