In the third trimester, your provider will probably test you for Group B Strep, or GBS, as part of routine prenatal care. It is a common part of late pregnancy care, but it can raise questions, especially if your test comes back positive. Many patients worry that it means something is wrong or that they…
If you are a woman in your late 30s or 40s and noticing changes you cannot explain, you are not imagining them. Lighter sleep, mood shifts, irregular periods, and hot flashes are often early signs of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, and it can last several years. It is a normal…
What causes morning sickness? Several hormonal and physical changes contribute to pregnancy nausea. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen play a major role. New research shows that morning sickness may also be linked to GDF15, a hormone produced in the placenta that increases substantially during pregnancy. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle tissue,…
Hormones do much more than regulate your menstrual cycle. They influence your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, skin, weight, fertility, and how your body responds to stress. When hormones are working well, most women feel steady. When they shift or fall out of balance, symptoms can show up in subtle ways that are easy to blame…
Stress is part of life, but when it becomes constant, you may experience signs that something is off. You might notice changes in your sleep, appetite, energy, mood, or menstrual cycle. For some women, stress shows up as headaches or stomach issues. For others, it looks like a late period, low libido, or feeling “wired…
Pregnancy changes your body in major ways, including how your heart and blood vessels work. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, your heart works harder, and your blood pressure can shift from trimester to trimester. For many people, blood pressure stays in a healthy range. For others, it rises and needs close attention. High blood pressure…
The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting milestone. You are nearing the finish line, and soon you will meet your baby. At the same time, the last weeks of pregnancy often bring a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Between doctor’s appointments, physical changes, and planning for labor, it can feel like there is a…
Your annual gynecology visit is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Often called a well-woman exam, this appointment is about much more than Pap smears or birth control refills. It is a time to focus on prevention, screening, and education while helping you stay healthy at every stage…
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common infections in women. They can happen at any age, but risk increases during pregnancy, after menopause, and for women with certain chronic illnesses. If you have ever had one, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive they can be. Burning, urgency, and pelvic discomfort can make…
The start of a new year often inspires reflection and change. It is a natural time to think about what worked well in the past year and what you want to improve in the year ahead. For many women, this means focusing on health. By centering your goals on nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and preventive…