Latest news with #ObGyn
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine to host Women's Health Conference in September
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host its annual Women's Health Conference (WHC 2025) from September 26 to 27, 2025 at the Sidra Medicine auditorium in Doha, Qatar. To be held under the theme 'Priorities in Women's Health: A Vision for the Future', the conference will provide a dedicated platform for clinical excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the entire spectrum of women's healthcare. It will bring together a distinguished lineup of experts and healthcare professionals to explore the most pressing and evolving topics in the field. WHC 2025 will focus on emerging trends and challenges across prenatal diagnosis, pregnancy and childbirth, fertility, reproductive health, and women's wellness. In particular, it will examine the critical role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping diagnostic tools, treatment pathways, and long-term care strategies for women. Prof. Johnny Awwad, chair of Women's Services at Sidra Medicine, said: 'This year's conference emphasises a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to women's health. From puberty to menopause and everything in between, we are proud to provide a platform for open dialogue and collaborative learning among specialists who are shaping the future of women's healthcare.' The two-day event will also explore how advances in digital health, predictive analytics, and minimally invasive treatments are transforming the care landscape for women in Qatar and globally. The conference is designed to encourage the adoption of best practices and empower institutions to embrace new tools and models of care. Dr. Hala Abdullahi, senior attending physician – ObGyn, at Sidra Medicine, and co-chair of WHC 2025, said: 'We understand that women's health is not limited to clinical care. It is influenced by continuous innovation, education, and equitable access throughout every stage of life. WHC 2025 reflects our dedication to advancing this vision by creating a space for meaningful dialogue around complex and often underrepresented issues.' Sidra Medicine invites healthcare professionals and stakeholders to join this event, which aims to advance the conversation on women's health in Qatar and beyond, foster meaningful collaborations,ultimately shaping a healthier future for women everywhere. Register to secure your place at the Women's Health Conference 2025 at: Women Health Conference 2025 - Online Single Registration.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hot Flashes Impact Heart And Brain Health. Why Aren't More Women Seeking Treatment For Them?
Welcome to the Perimenopause Playbook—your guide to navigating the most overlooked and misunderstood phase of the menopausal transition. Read the rest of the stories, from how to get a diagnosis to treatment options to where to actually find good care, here. Up to 80 percent of women experience hot flashes, otherwise known as vasomotor symptoms, at some point in the menopausal transition. Yet only about a quarter of women receive treatment for them. And, no, they're not just inconvenient—they can actually have a lasting impact on your health. Hot flashes are correlated with increased memory problems and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the blood. They're also associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly in perimenopausal women. Hot flashes that occur during REM sleep have greater ties to CVD. 'I envision that hot flashes are going to be [treated] like blood pressure changes,' says Pauline Maki, PhD, a professor of psychiatry, psychology, and ob-gyn at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 'Once you reach a certain threshold of hot flashes, I think we're going to find that you need to treat them to optimize your heart and brain health.' What Triggers a Hot Flash: There are neurons in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. These neurons are responsible for regulating body temperature and are influenced by estrogen. When estrogen declines in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, the neurons become overactive, dysregulating body temperature and triggering the hot flashes. The Threshold: NIH-funded clinical trials are underway to determine what frequency and intensity of hot flashes negatively impact the brain and heart. Dr. Maki notes that surges in stress hormones like cortisol could be a factor—especially if a woman is more exposed to this stress hormone than a woman with fewer symptoms—but more research is needed to determine the cause. We do know that Black and Native women experience more frequent and intense hot flashes than their white counterparts. The Role of Estrogen: It's the hot flashes that are affecting the brain and heart—not the estrogen. 'The idea is you treat the symptoms, you don't treat the loss of estrogen,' explains Dr. Maki. 'There's too much messaging about 'Oh, the loss of estrogen leads to dementia.' Well, we'd all be demented if that's the case, because all of us lose estrogen.' Hot Flash Relief Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes, but there are nonhormonal treatments available as well. The first NK3 receptor antagonist that's FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe hot flashes. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that's also FDA-approved to treat hot flashes. This medication used to treat epilepsy and chronic nerve pain is sometimes prescribed off-label. CBT is found to reduce the impact of hot flashes and improve quality of life. A small study shows acupuncture improves hot flashes, though researchers believe this is due to placebo effect rather than the treatment itself. This story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Women's Health. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feeling Exhausted During Your Period? Here's Why—And What To Do, According To Doctors
Even if you're not relying on a trusty cycle tracker, everyone has their sure-fire signs that their period is about to begin. Maybe you get a breakout or start to feel more sensitive. Me? I start to feel fatigue. I'm not alone; 71 percent of women report feeling tired during their period, according to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology—and that only makes up one part of fatigue. Feeling fatigue during your period actually isn't all that surprising if you think about it; your body is doing a lot of work. 'The energy required for menstruation—uterine contractions and shedding of the uterine lining—can contribute to fatigue,' says Kelly Culwell, MD, an ob-gyn and nationally renowned women's health expert. Plus, the very hormones that are changing in your body might cause increased exhaustion, as might those other symptoms you're feeling like cramping, headaches, or difficulty sleeping. Understanding the causes of your period fatigue and related symptoms can be helpful—especially if your low energy is interfering with your everyday life. And if your fatigue persists month after month, it could be worth a visit to your provider. Ahead, medical experts define the causes and symptoms of period fatigue, what to do about it, and when to see a doctor. Meet the experts: Kristin Markell, MD, is an ob-gyn based in Springdale, Arkansas. Kelly Culwell, MD, is an ob-gyn and former medical officer for the World Health Organization (WHO). Don't underestimate how tiring simply getting a period can be. All those symptoms you have to deal with month to month like cramps, headaches, or even just bleeding can all contribute to overall fatigue, says Dr. Culwell. What to do about it: Start by treating your period symptoms. That means using over-the-counter meds for pain management for cramps. Plus, although you may not feel super motivated to work out, staying active may actually help boost energy levels (and help you find relief) during your period, says Dr. Culwell. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduction in physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, per a review done by researchers at Ohio State University. 'Although it may sound counterintuitive, trying to get exercise and some time outside each day can help improve mood and sleep, both of which can help improve symptoms of fatigue,' she says. Fatigue during your period could also simply be due to the normal hormone changes that occur throughout a cycle, Dr. Culwell says. 'The drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation can lead to decreased energy and depressed mood,' she says. So, for some people, fatigue is a period symptom. What to do about it: Do what you can to support your hormone health, including getting a good night's rest, eating a healthy, varied diet, and staying active—even though it can be hard to do so when you're getting your period. 'It's almost like a loop where you're less active and so you are actually more fatigued, but then you don't want to be more active because you're fatigued,' Dr. Culwell says. But you don't have to do a full 60-minute HIIT workout. Going for a leisurely walk should do the trick. If you notice that any efforts you may take aren't improving your fatigue, it may be time to seek additional support from a doctor who can advise on next steps. It's completely normal to have a light period on some days and a heavy one on others. That said, people who consistently have a heavy flow may experience low energy and fatigue more often, says Kristin Markell, MD, an ob-gyn. That's because heavy bleeding means losing more iron. Fatigue and iron deficiency are more common for women who experience heavy bleeding, per a study published in Haemophilia. Though it's not necessarily always a cause for concern, heavy bleeding might be a sign of something more serious, Dr. Markell says. If you notice common symptoms of anemia like lethargy, weakness, chest pain, changes in your skin complexion, trouble regulating your temperature, or an irregular heartbeat, you might want to speak with your doctor, Dr. Markell says. What to do about it: If low iron is behind your period fatigue, the first step is talking to your doctor, who can order blood work to get to the bottom of your levels. While some level of iron loss is normal during menstruation, if you are losing a lot of blood—and experiencing symptoms like fatigue—you should get it checked out. After that point, you might be recommended dietary tweaks, an iron supplement, or an iron infusion to get you back to a good place. 'Lack of sleep—either due to other menstrual symptoms or hormonal changes—can also cause fatigue,' says Dr. Culwell. And, you guessed it: your period can totally mess with your sleep. The menstrual cycle can cause changes in your circadian rhythm, interrupt your sleep cycle and even give you bad dreams, according to a study in Sleep Medicine Research. One reason why? Your basal body temperature changes at different points in your cycle, affecting how well you catch those Zzzs, per a study in Physiological Reports. What to do about it: Getting proper rest may seem like an obvious way to combat period fatigue, but quality sleep isn't always possible for everyone—especially if your fatigue is consistent and lasts days on end. Small habit changes can help, though, like taking a power nap during your lunch or pulling back on high-intensity workouts while on your period. You can also go to your doctor to talk about other options, like cognitive behavioral therapy or medications. There are a few more serious conditions that might result in increased fatigue during your period—but it wouldn't be the only symptom you experience, says Dr. Culwell. Endometriosis and fibroids are two conditions that can cause fatigue because they cause pain and heavy bleeding. It's also common for women to experience thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism, which can impact fatigue too. What to do about it: If you experience heavy bleeding—as in, you go through a pad or tampon or pad in just an hour for multiple hours—go see your doctor. They can evaluate you for a number of conditions. When To See A Doctor Period fatigue isn't always a sign of something serious, but if your efforts to treat it with things like diet changes or pain management don't provide relief, it may be time to see a doctor. Consistently experiencing extreme exhaustion and very heavy bleeding may be signs of anemia, and both Dr. Markell and Dr. Culwell recommend that you see a doctor if you suspect this might be the case. 'If you have heavy menstrual bleeding or fatigue plus other symptoms like weakness, lightheadedness, headaches, or decreased exercise tolerance, you should see a healthcare provider to be evaluated for anemia,' Dr. Culwell says. The mental impact of period fatigue is worth noting, too. If you have extreme fatigue and worry you may have PMDD, tracking your symptoms can help since diagnosis requires a very specific set to be present, says Dr. Markell. Symptoms may include increased sensitivity to rejection, feeling tense or on edge, diminished interest in your usual activities, feeling overwhelmed or out of control, and sleeping too much (or not enough), among others. If you're concerned and noticing several of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doc for an evaluation. 'If fatigue symptoms are consistently affecting your quality of life and significantly changing your day to day activities, a visit with your healthcare provider is a good idea,' Dr. Markell says. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Capital Women's Care Announce Multi-Year Contract
RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia announced today a new, multi-year provider network agreement with Capital Women's Care, a large group of over 275 Obstetrician-Gynecologist providers. The agreement ensures long-term access to affordable healthcare for Capital Women's Care patients covered by Anthem health plans. 'By extending our strong partnership with Capital Women's Care, we are continuing to provide compassionate healthcare to women in a safe and professional environment,' said Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. Share As part of the agreement, the two organizations will continue their health care collaboration through 2028, providing access to quality care, ensuring more than 13,000 patients have continued access to their women's healthcare provider. As the premier center for women's healthcare in the mid-Atlantic region, Capital Women's Care is dedicated to giving comprehensive, compassionate care to all women. 'Our provider partnerships are vital to helping us achieve high-quality, results-driven healthcare,' said Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. 'By extending our strong partnership with Capital Women's Care, we are continuing to provide compassionate healthcare to women in a safe and professional environment.' 'Through this new multi-year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we ensure that our patients can access exceptional healthcare while staying mindful of the costs,' said Damon Hou, MD, Medical Director of Capital Women's Care and practicing ObGyn. 'We are eager to maintain this collaboration as we serve our community throughout northern Virginia.' About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at Also, follow us at @AnthemBCBS on X, on Facebook at and at LinkedIn on LinkedIn. About Capital Women's Care Capital Women's Care started in 1998 and is now the largest ObGyn practice in the region with over 75 locations and more than 275 providers throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Capital Women's Care is dedicated to giving comprehensive, compassionate, high-quality care to all women.
Medscape
21-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
ACOG 2025
May 16 - 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota Medscape Ob/Gyn© WebMD, LLC Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
