Women's Health

Hormone Therapy Studies May Reflect More Than Hormones

A large observational study found differences in diet, strength activity and sleep across menopause and hormone therapy groups, but the results do not show that hormone therapy caused healthier habits.

Birth Control Pills May Affect Emotional Eating for Some Women

A new study found higher emotional eating symptoms during active combined oral contraceptive pills, but the findings should not be read as a reason to stop birth control without medical guidance.

Probiotic Labels May Be Ahead of the Science

A new analysis of more than 350 over-the-counter probiotic supplements found little consistency between the bacteria inside the products and the health claims used to market them.

More Plant Protein May Support Weight Management After Menopause

A small secondary analysis found that postmenopausal women maintained their overall protein intake while shifting toward plant-based sources and losing weight.

Many Women Still Miss a Key Nutrient Before Pregnancy

A large U.S. study found that women without health insurance were less likely to report taking folic acid supplements, highlighting gaps in access to a proven birth-defect prevention strategy.

Protein-Rich Foods May Help Support Strength as Adults Age

In a large study of older adults, lower intake of protein-rich foods was linked with higher odds of reduced grip strength and difficulty with everyday activities.

Early Support May Help Women Reach Healthier Pregnancy Weight Gain

A systematic review of studies in low- and middle-income countries found that nutrition, counseling and physical activity programs may help reduce both too little and too much weight gain during pregnancy.

Could Guava Juice Help with Iron Levels? What the Evidence Shows

A new review suggests guava juice may boost hemoglobin when paired with iron supplements, but experts say it is not a replacement for anemia treatment.

Low Vitamin D Tied to More Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery

A prospective observational study found vitamin D deficiency was associated with more moderate postoperative pain and greater opioid use, but it cannot prove supplements would reduce pain.

Vitamin D During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Children’s Memory Years Later

A follow-up analysis of a Danish clinical trial found children whose mothers received higher-dose vitamin D3 during pregnancy performed better on some memory tests at age 10, but researchers say the findings should be interpreted carefully.

Study Links Abdominal Obesity to More Severe Menopause Symptoms

Research from a large U.S. women’s health dataset found women with more abdominal fat reported worse menopause symptoms, though the study does not prove belly fat directly caused them.

Can Cranberry Juice Help Fight UTIs?

A new lab study suggests cranberry juice compounds may help certain antibiotics work better against some UTI-causing bacteria, but researchers say human benefits remain unproven.

Why GLP-1 Weight Loss May Not Be Enough to Protect Muscle

A new JAMA perspective argues that while GLP-1 drugs can dramatically reduce appetite and body weight, exercise may still play a critical role in preserving muscle, supporting metabolic health and helping people maintain results long term.

Hidden Muscle Fat May Signal Heart and Metabolic Risk

A large MRI study found that fat stored inside muscle was linked to higher odds of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol problems, even in adults without known disease.

Breast Milk May Help Balance ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Bacteria in Babies’ Guts

New research shows how compounds in breast milk support a delicate microbial balance, including bacteria often seen as harmful.

Genetic Risk May Affect How Quickly Weight Comes Back

A long-term study finds that while weight loss may be similar, some people regain it faster and genetics could be one reason.

Starting Folic Acid Before Pregnancy May Cut Birth Defect Risk Nearly in Half

A large Nordic study finds timing matters for women taking antiseizure medications, with no benefit seen when supplements begin after pregnancy starts.

Study Links Plant-Based Diet to Lower Food Emissions

A short-term study found reduced greenhouse gas emissions among participants following a structured vegan diet, though results reflect a specific intervention and population.

Who Reaches for the Salt Shaker? Study Suggests Small Habit May Reflect Bigger Patterns

Research in older adults found that adding salt at the table varies by gender and lifestyle, highlighting a behavior that may contribute to overall sodium intake.

Can A More Plant-Forward Diet Meet Nutrition Needs During Pregnancy?

An observational study found that closer adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was linked to higher intake of several key nutrients in early pregnancy.

Lifestyle Changes May Help Ease Endometriosis Symptoms

Research suggests diet, exercise and stress management may support treatment but are not a cure.

Intermittent Fasting May Help Lower Testosterone in Women With PCOS

In a small clinical trial, time-restricted eating performed similarly to calorie counting for weight loss, with some added hormone changes.

Ultraprocessed Food Intake Linked to Fertility and Early Embryo Development

A new study finds that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods in both men and women is associated with reduced fertility and small differences in early pregnancy development.

Weight Loss Drugs and Pregnancy Risk: New Study Points to Diabetes as the Bigger Factor

A large study finds higher preterm birth risk only among women using GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, not for weight loss, raising new questions about what’s really driving complications

Higher Ultraprocessed Food Intake Linked to Lower Bone Density and Higher Hip Fracture Risk

A large study of more than 160,000 adults found that people who ate more ultraprocessed foods tended to have lower bone mineral density and a modestly higher risk of hip fractures.