Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn) Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Menopause Menopause Definition Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. Alternative Names Perimenopause; Postmenopause Causes, incidence, and risk factors Menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Once menopause is complete (called postmenopause) and you have not had a period for 1 year, you are no longer at risk of becoming pregnant. The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. The ovaries make less of these hormones over time. The specific symptoms and how significant (mild, moderate, or severe) they are varies from woman to woman. A gradual decrease of estrogen generally allows your body to slowly adjust to the hormonal changes. Hot flashes and sweats are at their worst for the first 1 - 2 years. Menopause may last 5 or more years. Estrogen levels may drop suddenly after some medical treatments, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause). Chemotherapy and anti-estrogen treatment for breast cancer are other examples. Symptoms can be more severe and start more suddenly in these circumstances. As a result of the fall in hormone levels, changes occur in the entire female reproductive system. The vaginal walls become less elastic and thinner. The vagina becomes shorter. Continue reading this article

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Cervicitis (3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix.Reviewer: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/19/2008
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Uterine fibroids (6 Videos, 6 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb), a female reproductive organ.Reviewer: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 09/02/2009
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Urinary tract infection - adults (6 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections have different names, depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. Bladder - an infection in the bladder is a...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 10/06/2009
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Reflections on How I Became an Obstetrician in Fruit of the Womb - 3 years 198 days ago

My graduate research had been in herpes virus immunology, I was interested in a career in medical research, and that seemed like dermatology was the most l... Email  |  Save