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
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?
This is a complicated question and involves both assessment of your actual risk, then consideration of how that should inform your screening process. Consult with your doctor to calculate your actual risk, base... continue reading about Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?
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?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
I underwent a total hysterectomy in February of last year. Is it normal that my stomach still feels swollen? I'm using topical Evamist (two sprays each day) that my doctor recommended.
After undergoing a hysterectomy where the ovaries are removed, a premenopausal woman may experience menopausal symptoms. These menopausal symptoms may include hot flashes which can have a detrimental effect on ... continue reading about I underwent a total hysterectomy in February of last year. Is it normal that my stomach still feels swollen? I'm using topical Evamist (two sprays each day) that my doctor recommended.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Does a history of mastitis increase my risk for breast cancer?
The factors that are known to increase a woman's risk for breast cancer are: Older age, a BRCA genetic mutation, mother or sister with breast cancer, beginning menstrual periods before age 12, periods stopping ... continue reading about Does a history of mastitis increase my risk for breast cancer?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Herpes simplex is a very common virus and can break out on any moist surface of the body. A person is contagious when there is an active herpetic lesion, and close contact must be avoided during these times. Th... continue reading about When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading about Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
Does menopause cause increased urinary tract infections? It seems like I'm getting more of them now that I'm older.
Women are most at risk for urinary tract infections after menopause because of the changes in hormones that occur after menopause. The tissues of the vagina and outer urethra are affected by the lack of estroge... continue reading about Does menopause cause increased urinary tract infections? It seems like I'm getting more of them now that I'm older.
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
How does menopause affect the joints and muscles in your body?
Many women experience joint and muscle pain and stiffness around the time of menopause that they hadn't experienced before. Because there are estrogen receptors all over the body, including the joints, declinin... continue reading about How does menopause affect the joints and muscles in your body?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?
Urinary incontinence can be very troubling and have a negative impact on quality of life. It should never be accepted as "just part of getting older". Developing urinary incontinence is not necessarily associat... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?