http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/women's_health/ Women's health and fitness. Information on women's health issues such as sexual health, birth control, pregnancy and healthy aging. Updated daily. en-us Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:05:01 EST Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/women's_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122161821.htm Scientists have uncovered new information about the mechanism by which brain cells die following a stroke, as well as a possible way to mitigate that damage. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122161821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119194142.htm A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the plates in the skull to fuse too soon. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119194142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116173153.htm Many biological processes are controlled by small molecules known as microRNAs. Researchers have now identified a previously unknown microRNA (miR-2861) as crucial to bone maintenance in mice and humans; significantly, expression of functional miR-2861 was absent in two related adolescents with primary osteoporosis. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116173153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101207.htm A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie. She explains snail is not only cheaper and more readily available than beef but contains more protein. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117124013.htm Convincing experimental evidence has finally been found for directed percolation, a phenomenon that turns up in computer models of the ways diseases spread through a population or how water soaks through loose soil. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117124013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027103111.htm At the end of a 10-year, coast-to-coast study of women with an unusual form of breast cancer, medical researchers are making the case for a particular combination of treatments to stop the tumors in their tracks. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027103111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111551.htm Short-term follow-up is a reasonable alternative to invasive biopsy of palpable (capable of being touched or felt) breast lesions with benign imaging features, particularly in younger women with probable fibroadenoma (non-cancerous tumors that often occur in women during their reproductive years), according to a new study. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111548.htm In women with lower urinary tract symptoms, a medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI allows clinicians to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse -- a condition that often goes undiagnosed on static MRI and at physical examination, according to a new study. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111546.htm A simple blood test corresponding to the follicular phase (days 3-14) of a normal menstrual cycle can aid in optimal scheduling of breast MRI exams in premenopausal women with irregular cycles -- possibly reducing the number of repeat scans and non-diagnostic tests patients experience and providing clearer images on which doctors make their recommendations, according to a new study. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112509.htm With there being a concern that mastectomy is excessively used as a treatment for breast cancer, a survey of nearly 2,000 women indicates that breast-conserving surgery was attempted as the initial therapy for about 75 percent of those surveyed, according to a new study. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116131723.htm A powerful new breast cancer treatment could result from packaging one of the newer drugs that inhibits cancer's hallmark wild growth with another that blocks a primordial survival technique in which the cancer cell eats part of itself, researchers say. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116131723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116094459.htm When a woman becomes infected with chlamydia, the first white blood cells that arrive at the scene to fight the infection are not the most effective. This discovery could pave the way for the relatively rapid development of a vaccine against chlamydia. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116094459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085038.htm Researchers found that patients with very low levels of Vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 78 percent were more likely to have a stroke than patients with normal levels. Patients with very low levels of Vitamin D were also twice as likely to develop heart failure than those with normal Vitamin D levels. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091115123715.htm Researchers are reporting what is believed to be the first conclusive evidence in men that the long-term ill effects of vitamin D deficiency are amplified by lower levels of the key sex hormone estrogen, but not testosterone. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091115123715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095036.htm A compound in coffee has been found to be estrogenic. Scientists say the compound, called trigonelline or "trig," may be a factor in estrogen-dependent breast cancer but beneficial against colon cancer development. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065913.htm Among postmenopausal women, the risk of hip fractures increases steeply with age and is seven times higher in 70-year-olds than in 50-year-olds, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112131840.htm The lipid that accumulates in brain cells of individuals with an inherited enzyme disorder also drives the cell death that is a hallmark of the disease, according to new research. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112131840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171630.htm Nearly 50 percent of women surveyed indicate they experience pain symptoms 2 to 3 years after breast cancer treatment, with women who were younger or who received supplemental radiation therapy more likely to have pain, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090425.htm The use of postmenopausal hormone therapy has decreased over time in the United States, which researchers suggest may play a key role in the declining rate of atypical ductal hyperplasia, a known risk factor for breast cancer. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132528.htm Despite being highly effective and beneficial for many patients, unexpected consequences are emerging in patients who are prescribed proton pump inhibitors for reflux diseases. Physicians are warned to monitor these effects and prescribe these medications carefully, according to a new commentary. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090905.htm The drug Sprycel, approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, a new study has found. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173608.htm Researchers have eliminated cervical cancer in mice with two FDA-approved drugs currently used to treat breast cancer and osteoporosis. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090427.htm A new study finds that women treated for breast cancer are at higher risk of cancer recurrence if they have dense breasts. The study's results indicate that breast cancer patients with dense breasts may benefit from additional therapies following surgery, such as radiation. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121330.htm New research has found that robotic surgery for vaginal prolapse dramatically reduces patient hospital stay and recovery time. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173604.htm Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing with cytology triage is more sensitive than conventional cytology screening for detecting cervical lesions, according to a new study. Cytology triage in HPV-positive women can improve specificity. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121129.htm Research carried out among thousands of people has shown a clear connection between depression and a loss of bone mass, leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm Personal lubricants have long been recommended to women to improve the comfort of intercourse and to reduce the risk of vaginal tearing, which can increase risks for STIs and HIV. Public health professionals also recommend the addition of lubricant to condoms during sexual activity. Despite this routine advice, strikingly little is known about situations in which lubricants are used or whether there are any associated vaginal symptoms. These studies provide insight into lubricant use. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121213.htm Most biopsies following mammograms reveal benign abnormalities, not cancer. But women may not have to endure the medical costs, stress and potential complications that accompany such invasive biopsies forever. A biomedical engineering researcher is making progress on an "optical biopsy" that has the potential to determine whether growths are cancerous without ever puncturing the skin. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132452.htm A new microsurgery by plastic surgeons called the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap procedure can offer women seeking breast reconstruction after a mastectomy some of the advantages of a more natural breast with the effects of a tummy tuck. Although it is more complex surgery, it preserves muscles for quicker recovery and less postoperative pain, researchers say. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105102718.htm Prevalence of lactose intolerance may be far lower than previously estimated, according to a new study. These new findings indicate that previous estimates of lactose intolerance incidence -- based on the incidence of lactose maldigestion -- may be overestimated by wide margins. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105102718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104191825.htm The ultimate goal in cancer research, a treatment that kills cancer cells whilst leaving healthy cells untouched, is brought nearer by the success of a new therapeutic approach. The potential therapy targets proliferation of cancer, but not normal, cells. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104191825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145415.htm Researchers have discovered that some elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men may be caused by a hormone normally occurring in the body, and are not necessarily a predictor of the need for a prostate biopsy. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106102548.htm What is the role of proteins called polycystins in patients with polycystic kidney disease? Scientists have elucidated the molecular and cellular mechanisms linked to polycystin malfunctions that cause this common hereditary disease. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106102548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144820.htm New research finds that a protein called ROCK is over-expressed in metastatic breast cancer and that inhibiting ROCK significantly reduces metastasis to bone. The in vitro and in vivo study suggests that ROCK may be a drug therapy target for breast cancer metastasis. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085821.htm Aggressively managing patients at risk for osteoporosis could reduce the hip fracture rate in the United States by 25 percent, according to a new study. The first step must be a more active role by orthopedic surgeons in osteoporosis disease management, researchers say. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172028.htm Early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller are at significant risk of recurrence of their disease, compared to those with early-stage disease who do not express the aggressive protein, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171715.htm A new study shows that a long period of estrogen deprivation can lead to loss of sensitivity and protective effects in the brain and weaken areas normally resistant to stroke damage. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132656.htm A new study shows that a shortened, more intensive course of radiation given to the whole breast, along with an extra dose of radiation given to the surgical bed of the tumor (concomitant boost), has been shown to result in excellent local control at a median follow up of two years after treatment with no significant sides effects. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132654.htm Researchers have found that radiation treatment for women who had a lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer can be safely reduced to four weeks, instead of the usual six to seven weeks, by delivering a higher daily dose -- greatly reducing the length of treatment time. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102242.htm Standard adjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, following primary surgery for their cancer, is trastuzumab (herceptin) -- typically used in combination with chemotherapy. However, a new study reports that it may be safe to treat these patients with both trastuzumab and adjuvant radiation therapy. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171425.htm Proton beam therapy can be safely delivered to men with prostate cancer and has minimal urinary and rectal side effects, according to a new study. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006161808.htm Among women with early stage breast cancer, genetic variation of a certain enzyme appears to be associated with clinical outcomes for women treated with tamoxifen, according to a new study. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006161808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028192609.htm Metastases are responsible for over 90 percent of cancer deaths. In a new study, researchers lend molecular insight into how microRNAs suppress tumor metastasis. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028192609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204421.htm By relying solely on a patient's clinical risk profile or the results of one imaging test when assessing patients with chest pain, physicians may be missing important, early signs of atherosclerotic disease and opportunities to intervene, according to new findings. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102103332.htm After mastectomy, breast cancer patients who receive radiation treatment to the lymph nodes located behind the breast bone do not live longer than those who do not receive radiation to this hard-to-treat area, according to a randomized 10-year study. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102103332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102430.htm Trophoblast stem cells, found in the layer of peripheral embryonic stem cells from which the placenta is formed, are thought to exhibit "immune privilege" that aids cell survivability and is potentially beneficial for cell and gene therapies. Survivability of TSCs has been thought to require the presence of ovarian hormones. This study, however, demonstrates that it is the absence of male hormones, rather than the presence of female hormones, that allows extended transplanted cell survivability. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090538.htm Researchers have discovered a potential new function for anti-epileptic drugs in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The study found that neurons in the brain were protected after treatment with T-type calcium-channel blockers, which are commonly used to treat epilepsy. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162632.htm Several observational studies over the years showed that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality. A major 2002 study indicated increased risk for certain outcomes in older women, without increasing mortality. This sparked debate regarding HRT. In a new study, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of available data using Bayesian methods and concluded that HRT almost certainly decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal women. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162632.htm