Birth Control Pills May Protect Against Most Serious Ovarian Cancer: Study

WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 -- The protection that birth control pills offer against ovarian cancer is strongest with the most aggressive forms of the disease, a new study says.

For several years, researchers have noted that women who have used oral contraceptives are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. This study took a closer look at that link.

Male-Hormone Gene May Help Cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019 -- Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of infertility and type 2 diabetes, but little is known about its origins. Now, new research suggests a gene involved in male hormone production plays a big role in the disorder's development.

"We're starting to make headway on what causes PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome]. It's very frustrating for patients because it's poorly understood," said Dr. Andrea Dunaif, lead author of a new study on the syndrome.

How to Know If Your PMS Is Something More Serious

FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 -- A severe and potentially disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age, an expert says.

Like PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue and changes in sleep and eating habits. In PMDD, at least one of these symptoms also occurs: sadness or hopelessness; anxiety or tension; extreme moodiness; irritability or anger.

More Evidence HPV Vaccine Cuts Cervical Cancer Rate

MONDAY, April 8, 2019 -- Scotland is already seeing a payoff for vaccinating adolescent girls for human papillomavirus (HPV).

Since the vaccine became routine about a decade ago, cervical cancer cases in young Scottish women have plummeted, a new study reports.

When Do Women Need a Mammogram? New Guideline Tries to Clarify

MONDAY, April 8, 2019 -- A group representing U.S. family doctors issued updated mammography guidelines Monday, adding to an ongoing debate over how early and how often women should be screened.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) now recommends a mammogram every other year for women ages 50 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer and have no symptoms.

Less Invasive Fibroid Treatment May Work as Well as Surgery

TUESDAY, March 26, 2019 -- A minimally invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) was as effective as the recommended surgery for treating fibroids in the uterus, a new study says.

In UFE, the fibroid growths' blood supply is cut off using a small tube. The new research found that this approach also led to fewer complications compared to myomectomy, a surgery that removes individual fibroids from the uterus.