Women's Health Center

Fertility

If you’re hoping to get pregnant, it can feel like you have more questions than answers. How long should it take to get pregnant? And how can you improve your chances? What’s the science on fertility tracking and at-home fertility tests? And when is the best time to “try” to conceive? 

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Here are just a few of the resources we have to help you out:

• What to Do If You’re Having Trouble Getting Pregnant

• How Do Fertility Pills Work?

• What Is IVF, and Could It Be Right for You?

• How Much Does IVF Cost? 

We also know that some women might not want to get pregnant right now. Understanding your choices for egg freezing can help you keep your options open for the future. 

Pregnancy

No pregnancy is the same. That’s why it’s important to have evidence-based resources you can trust. We have lots of useful tips if you’re planning a pregnancy, dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, or experiencing your first pregnancy. We also have you covered if you’ve lost a pregnancy or if you’re a seasoned pro. 

Regardless of your situation and experience, we have a wealth of expert advice, including what to expect with:

• Morning sickness

• Prenatal care

• Miscarriage

• Terminating a pregnancy (abortion)

• Gestational diabetes 

• Preeclampsia

• Pregnancy in older women

We also have information to help you understand your options for labor and delivery as well as breastfeeding — so you can make choices that are the best fit for you and your baby. You’ll also find articles about common experiences women have after pregnancy, like postpartum depression and pelvic floor weakness.  

Menstrual disorders

Getting your period can be a real drag. And for some, it’s much worse than that. When dealing with periods, it can be hard to know what’s normal and what’s not. It can also be hard to know what to put up with — and when to see a doctor.

Many people get premenstrual syndrome (PMS) — that monthly discomfort that tends to come on a week before your period. But in some cases, the physical and emotional changes can be so severe that they interfere with your daily life. When this happens, it may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a type of mental health condition. 

Periods can sometimes be too close together or too far apart, or your bleeding can be very heavy or painful. When these things happen, it can help to check in with your provider. It’s possible that the cause of your symptoms is a health condition, like: 

• Endometriosis

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Thyroid problems

• Stress

• Eating disorders

• Fibroids  

None of this is “normal,” and there are common causes for this and treatments to help you feel better. 

Menopause

Modern women live longer lives than previous generations. This means that women will collectively spend more time living through menopause — and beyond — than we ever have before. Because of this, leading OB-GYNs are urging us to view menopause not as the end of the race, but as the victory lap. So with that in mind, it pays to prepare. 

But the truth is: Many women don’t know what to expect from perimenopause and menopause. You might have questions about menopause symptoms or wonder about the pros and cons of using hormone replacement therapy and dietary supplements. That’s why it’s helpful to know where to turn for honest, unbiased information about your changing body. 

Specific health concerns can also come up during perimenopause and menopause:

• Mental health

• Pelvic floor strength

• Sexual health

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort

• Bone health

• Heart health

Mental health

As women, we’re more likely than men to struggle with mental health at some point in our lives. Making time to practice “mental wellness” can help make the hard times easier to bear and give us the tools to cope with mental health struggles when they inevitably occur. These tools can include: 

• Making time for laughter and friendships

• Developing healthy ways to cope with stress

• Prioritizing sleep

• Mindful walking

• Practicing other types of exercise 

But in some cases, coping strategies aren’t enough. If you’re dealing with a mental health condition, it’s important to have the facts. Common conditions in women include:

• Racial trauma 

• Anxiety disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Depression

• Postpartum depression

• Eating disorders

• Gender dysphoria

Resources for healthy living 

Whatever your age, weight, or body shape, it’s a fact that eating well and exercising regularly are good for your mental health and physical health. 

Nutritious foods can give you energy and prevent disease. Like men, women should eat plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins like fish. 

But women also need different vitamins and minerals throughout their life, for healthy bones, healthy pregnancies, and more — like iron, folic acid, and calcium. We’ve got resources to help you get the nutrition you need, even if you’re on a tight budget. 

Women should also get at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise every week. Exercise can help protect your heart, prevent osteoporosis, keep your mood up, and even help you live longer. Exercise can also help you be strong and healthy at any weight. And it can help change your weight if you desire. 

And finally: Make sure you keep up with your regular health screenings. This means visiting your primary care provider on a regular basis as well as seeing a dentist and eye doctor for frequent checkups. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our handy list of health screenings women should have at every age, starting at age 13. 

Skin care

When it comes to your skin, it can be hard to know what trends are actually based on science. We’ve got you covered with skin care tips, from our very own team of dermatologists. 

Whether you’re just starting a skin care routine (at any age), want to work on wrinkles, or are hoping to reduce scars, we have evidence-based answers for you. We also have information about common skin conditions that affect women, like:

• Acne

• Hyperpigmentation

• Melasma

• Melanoma

• Eczema

• Skin tags

And finally: We know it can be hard to know where to begin. Our experts can help guide you toward choosing products that are affordable, worth using, and right for your skin type.