Black cohosh does not appear effective for relieving hot flashes, and there is not enough evidence to confirm its safety or effectiveness for other menopausal symptoms, according to a new review.
Some studies have linked migraine headaches to an increased risk of symptom-free or “silent” strokes, which can lead to memory loss and dementia. However, the Women’s Health Study did not find a higher risk cognitive decline in women with migraines.
There is no evidence that commercial screening tests for conditions such as carotid artery disease, aortic abdominal aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease are useful for women who aren’t at high risk for them.
Nearly 21 million women have neck pain. The problem is often caused by arthritis and disk disease, and worsened by poor posture, low muscle strength, and stress. The best treatment for neck pain is a combination of exercise and ergonomic improvements.
Aspirin, long used to treat pain, and more recently to prevent heart attack, may have a new job: preventing cancer.
Some topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve osteoarthritis pain as well as oral medicines, with less risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The best evidence is for diclofenac solution or gel.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has reaffirmed its 2004 recommendation that women at low risk not be routinely screened for ovarian cancer, because routine screening does not reduce ovarian cancer deaths.
Researchers have identified several effective fall prevention strategies, including home safety modifications, home-based exercise programs, tai chi, cataract surgery, changes to medication doses, and anti-slip shoes.
Breast calcifications are common, affecting about 50% of women over age 50. Most calcifications are noncancerous and do not need treatment. If they are clustered in one breast, they may require a biopsy.
Extra pounds are hard on the heart, but the fat located in the abdomen-called visceral fat-is particularly risky to heart health. Cutting portion sizes, eating less sugar and fat, and exercising are three of several effective ways to banish belly fat.