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 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 EST Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 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/2012/02/120216094917.htm The trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) protein protects and maintains the integrity of the epithelial surface in the normal breast. New research has found that while TFF3 protein expression is higher in well-differentiated low grade tumors and therefore associated with features of a good prognosis, it has a more sinister role in breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216094917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185645.htm Researchers have revealed, for the first time, one of the molecular mechanisms that regulates the beating of heart cells by controlling the movement of sodium in out of the cells -- and what calcium has to do with it. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185127.htm Summary of the first prospective study to provide strong evidence of increased breast and pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with Lynch syndrome, who carry certain inherited genetic mutations in DNA repair genes. The study is also the first to show that relatives of people with Lynch syndrome who do not carry these mutations have no increased risk of cancer. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm Breast cancer stem cells are thought to be the sole source of tumor recurrence and are known to be resistant to radiation therapy and don’t respond well to chemotherapy. Researchers report for the first time that radiation treatment -- despite killing half of all tumor cells during every treatment -- transforms other cancer cells into treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells. Researchers stressed that breast cancer patients should not be alarmed by the study findings and should continue to undergo radiation if recommended by their oncologists. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131412.htm Researchers have again shown that injecting multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into tumors and heating them with a quick, 30-second laser treatment can kill them. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm New research has found that 77 percent of trauma patients had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143956.htm Researchers are revealing how molecular imaging can be used to solve mysteries about difficult cases of breast cancer. One recent article focuses on an imaging agent that targets estrogen receptors in estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer patients with formerly inconclusive assessments, and the second highlights a different imaging agent's ability to help predict the prognosis for patients undergoing chemotherapy for a very aggressive type of breast cancer. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092631.htm Scientists have developed a novel technique to enhance bone growth by using a molecule which, when injected into the bloodstream, directs the body's stem cells to travel to the surface of bones. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm Newly divorced middle aged women are more vulnerable to contract HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to new research, because they tend to let their guard down with new sexual partners and avoid using protection since they are not afraid of getting pregnant. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151033.htm Researchers have shown that growth in early childhood can affect bone density in adult life, which could lead to an increased risk of developing bone diseases like Osteoporosis. The study is part of ongoing work in assessing the causes of common diseases at different stages of life from before conception through to old age, and the ways in which environmental influences affect gene expression to produce disease. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135805.htm Researchers have identified a genetic variation that raises the risk of developing serious necrotic jaw bone lesions in patients who take bisphosphonates, a common class of osteoclastic inhibitors. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101335.htm Cancer treatments designed to block the growth of blood vessels were found to increase the number of cancer stem cells in breast tumors in mice, suggesting a possible explanation for why these drugs don’t lead to longer survival, according to a new study. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123140.htm Targeting a single protein can help fight both breast cancers and leukemias, according to two new reports. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123094751.htm Researchers have discovered 13 new regions of the genome associated with the timing of menopause. These genes shed light on the biological pathways involved in reproductive lifespan and will provide insights into conditions connected to menopause, such as breast cancer and heart disease. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123094751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112162417.htm Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening genetic muscle disorder, most commonly triggered in those at risk by certain types of drugs used during anesthesia. Heat stroke, on the other hand, most commonly occurs in individuals in response to physical exertion in hot/humid environments. While their common triggers may differ, the signs associated with MH and heat stroke are remarkably similar – uncontrolled muscle contractions, dangerous increases in body temperature, and muscle breakdown leading to the release of toxins in the blood which may cause cardiac arrhythmias and death. A new medication may be effective in preventing certain forms of heat stroke. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112162417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223348.htm New research into the potential link between parabens and breast cancer has found traces of the chemicals in breast tissue samples from all of the women in the study. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals. As the research shows that parabens are measurable in the tissue of women who do not use underarm cosmetics the parabens must enter the breast from other sources. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155717.htm A combination of drugs that target estrogen production significantly reduced the number of tobacco carcinogen-induced lung tumors in mice, according to results from a preclinical study. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102905.htm A new study has found that when parents get tested for breast cancer genes, many of them share their results with their children, even with those who are very young. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143547.htm A newly identified molecule may reduce the threat of heat-induced death in people with a genetic sensitivity to the ill effects of high temperatures. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105925.htm Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce one of the risk factors for breast cancer, providing a natural weapon to combat a major cause of death among U.S. women, new research shows. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161748.htm Pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding aren’t the only signs of gynecologic cancer. Researchers share other symptoms that often are overlooked. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115124.htm Women with breast cancer who take antiestrogen supplements may be decreasing their risk for melanoma, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135450.htm Brain metastasis remains an unconquered challenge in cancer treatment. Pigment epithelium-derived factor suppressed brain damage. Agent is already being studied for macular degeneration. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103134915.htm The loss of manganese could mean that calcium does not stick to bones and could cause osteoporosis. This is the new theory put forward after studying deer antlers. The hypothesis still needs to be confirmed by the scientific community. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103134915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229203000.htm Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer have higher survival rates than those diagnosed in previous decades, according to new research. However, survivors continue to face health challenges after their treatments end. Previous research reports as many as 50 percent of breast cancer survivors are depressed. Now, researchers say a meditation technique can help breast cancer survivors improve their emotional and physical well-being. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229203000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105831.htm Ironically, despite excessive caloric intake, many obese women are deficient in vitamins vital to a healthy pregnancy. This and other startling statistics abound when obesity and pregnancy collide. Together, they present a unique set of challenges that women and their doctors must tackle in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mom and baby. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105724.htm New research may explain premature births and failed inductions of labor. The study suggests a new mechanism by which the level of myosin phosphorylation is regulated in the pregnant uterus. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220154047.htm Women who are at risk for breast cancer may also be at greater risk for heart disease, new research has found. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220154047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135219.htm As a woman ages, her chances of being diagnosed with a lower-risk breast tumor increase, according to a novel study which found that for women over 50, a substantial number of cancers detected by mammograms have good prognoses. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112806.htm Scientists have discovered a tiny RNA molecule, called miR-520, which at once blocks two important pathways in the development of cancer in cells. In estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, the production of this microRNA is often reduced and this is correlated with malignant behavior of tumor cells. The team has found out that tumors with low levels of miR-520 have a particularly strong tendency to metastasize. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135924.htm A new study has found that applying vaginal progesterone to women who are at a high risk of preterm birth significantly decreased the odds of a premature delivery. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094956.htm A student has developed a potential breakthrough test for predicting the likelihood of the spread or return of breast cancer. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212093738.htm A new analysis has found that breast cancer survivors may experience problems with certain mental abilities several years after treatment, regardless of whether they were treated with chemotherapy plus radiation or radiation only. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212093738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171936.htm Why do so many postmenopausal women who are treated for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer quit using drugs that help prevent the disease from recurring? The first study to ask the women themselves reports 36 percent of women quit early because of the medications' side effects, which are more severe and widespread than previously known. The research also reveals a big gap between what women tell their doctors about side effects and what they actually experience. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208184648.htm Researchers have linked increased starch intake to a greater risk for breast cancer recurrence, according to new results. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208184648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092246.htm Women who use bust-enhancing dietary supplements containing the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN), a naturally occurring toxin that widely contaminates agricultural products, could be increasing their risk of breast cancer. No clinical trials have been published on the use of potent oestrogens like ZEN in bust-enhancing products and their use should be discouraged because of the lack of evidence of their long-term safety, says a breast cancer expert. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207201747.htm In an international Phase III randomized study, everolimus, when combined with the hormonal therapy exemestane, has been shown to dramatically improve progression-free survival, according to research. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207201747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131934.htm A new study sought to determine if breast reconstruction after mastectomy is safe for older women. The answer is yes. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102523.htm Researchers have found that the strength of uterine contractions in diabetic pregnant women is significantly weaker than in non-diabetic women, increasing the risk of emergency caesarean birth. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185923.htm It looks like bone. It feels like bone. For the most part, it acts like bone. And it came off an inkjet printer. Researchers have used a 3-D printer to create a bone-like material that can be used in orthopedic procedures, dental work, and to deliver medicine for treating osteoporosis. Paired with actual bone, it acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on and ultimately dissolves with no apparent ill effects. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129092422.htm Women in their 40s with no family history of breast cancer are just as likely to develop invasive breast cancer as are women with a family history of the disease, according to a new study. These findings indicate that women in this age group would benefit from annual screening mammography. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129092422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129092413.htm In a new study, growth hormone replacement for six months was found to increase bone formation in abdominally obese women. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129092413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171218.htm A recent clinical research study by breast cancer specialists has again proven that comparing a new biopsy of progressing or recurring cancer with that of the original cancer can dictate a change in treatment. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111127194338.htm Potential clues to how autism miswires the brain are emerging from a study of a rare, purely genetic form of the disorders that affects fewer than 20 people worldwide. Using cutting-edge "disease-in a-dish" technology, researchers have grown patients' skin cells into neurons to discover what goes wrong in the brain in Timothy syndrome. Abnormalities included changes in the cortex, the largest brain structure in humans, and in neurons that secrete two key chemical messengers. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111127194338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123190358.htm An inexpensive drug that treats Type 2 diabetes has been shown to prevent a number of natural and human-made chemicals from stimulating the growth of breast cancer cells, according to a new study. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123190358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193935.htm Death rates have declined among US patients with cancer of the mouth and pharynx from 1993 to 2007, with the greatest decreases seen among men and women with at least 12 years of education, according to a new study. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140302.htm The lowly and simple roundworm may be the ideal laboratory model to learn more about the complex processes involved in repairing wounds and could eventually allow scientists to improve the body's response to healing skin wounds, a serious problem in diabetics and the elderly. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175637.htm About 10 percent of breast cancers are due to mutations in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, the molecular mechanism by which alteration of these genes greatly increases the risk of cancer is not fully understood. In a new study, an international team has made an important step towards revealing the underlying pathways. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115094612.htm In human coronary arteries, atherosclerotic plaques tend to spread downstream because of the changes in blood flow patterns the plaque causes, researchers have found. This insight comes from a study of fluid dynamics in the arteries of people being treated for coronary artery disease. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115094612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173955.htm Women who survive breast cancer show significant neurological impairment, and outcomes appear to be significantly poorer for those treated with chemotherapy, according to a new report. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114112311.htm In a finding that confirms what many obstetricians and gynecologists suspected, researchers report that younger women who undergo hysterectomies face a nearly two-fold increased risk for developing menopause early. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114112311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093635.htm Breast cancer patients often wonder what their daughters might do to reduce their risk of also developing cancer. Are there dietary intakes or behaviors that can be modified by their daughters to lower their own chances of getting the disease? A new study sought information relevant to this question. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141409.htm In the last three decades, thousands of women with breast cancer have taken the drug tamoxifen, only to discover that the therapy doesn't work, either because their tumors do not respond to the treatment at all, or because they develop resistance to it over time. Now researchers have discovered the molecular basis for tamoxifen resistance and found a potential way to defeat it. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141403.htm Amplification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase, which has been reported in other cancers such as non-small cell lung cancers, may be a primary driver of the rapid metastasis that patients with inflammatory breast cancer experience. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141308.htm Researchers have shown how estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer tumors become resistant to tamoxifen, the only approved hormonal therapy for premenopausal patients with this type of breast cancer. They also found that introducing a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor in hormone therapy treatment can overcome resistance to hormonal therapy. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111095515.htm Researchers exploring why some women who take a common breast cancer drug develop serious joint pain have eliminated two possible causes: Inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. Because of these findings, researchers say women should be encouraged to continue taking the medication to gain its full benefit. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111095515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125959.htm A new potential target to slow breast cancer tumor progression and metastasis has been identified. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093850.htm A recent study found that consumption of dairy foods and higher protein resulted in improvements in markers of bone formation and reductions in markers of bone degradation in overweight and obese young women over 16 weeks of diet- and exercise-induced weight loss. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132245.htm Biologists report that melanocyte skin cells detect ultraviolet light using a photosensitive receptor previously thought to exist only in the eye. This eye-like ability of skin to sense light triggers the production of melanin within hours, more quickly than previously thought, in an apparent rush to protect against damage to DNA. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132245.htm