Feeling like a human furnace during your period? Your face flushes, sweat beads on your forehead, and you're suddenly wishing for a personal air conditioner. If this sounds familiar, especially around your period, you might be experiencing perimenopausal hot flashes. While hot flashes are typically linked to menopause, research shows they can also happen during your cycle — and for some, they’re a regular, unwelcome visitor. Let's dive into this often-confusing symptom and unravel the mystery of hot flashes during your period. What does a hormonal hot flash feel like? A hormonal hot flash is like...

On Tuesday evening, my phone started buzzing nonstop, with texts, emails, and messages all asking the same thing: What does this new Executive Order on IVF actually mean? President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) on “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)” directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to develop recommendations within 90 days on “protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.” That’s all we know for now. So, what does it actually mean? The order demonstrates that access to fertility treatment should be a bipartisan issue, but it...

You’ve probably heard that if you’ve given birth via C-section, you’ll never be able to have a vaginal delivery for subsequent pregnancies. “Once a C-section, always a C-section” is, after all, an old adage. The reality? VBAC — or vaginal birth after a cesarean — is a possibility (but not a certainty) for mothers who have delivered once via C-section and would like to deliver vaginally for subsequent pregnancies. Here’s what you need to consider about VBAC success rates, safety, and more. Your provider can help you determine whether you're a VBAC candidate Certain factors make...

Maybe you first heard about endometriosis because a loved one is living with the condition. Maybe you’re the one who is living with the symptoms day in and day out. No matter how you learned about the menstrual disorder, you probably have the basics down pat.  You know that endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body. You know it impacts as many as 200 million people worldwide and has certain trademark symptoms. But like most women’s health conditions, there’s more to it, which is regularly uncovered thanks...

If you’ve just had a successful embryo transfer, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, "How far along am I?" After all the ups and downs of IVF, you already know that nothing about this journey has been straightforward. Since IVF has its own unique timeline, pregnancy dating works a little differently than the typical method, which is based on your last menstrual period. Understanding how your due date is calculated can reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with IVF, allowing you to focus on the exciting moments ahead. Why IVF pregnancy...

Pregnancy can be a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring worries and uncertainties. One of the most common concerns for expectant mothers is the possibility of miscarriage. While it's a topic that's often whispered about, it's important to have open, honest conversations about miscarriage to help women feel less alone and more informed. Let's explore the signs and symptoms of miscarriage, and what steps to take if you're concerned. What are the first signs of having a miscarriage? Recognizing the early signs of miscarriage can be crucial for seeking timely medical attention....

You know those squishy globs of blood that sometimes appear when you have your period? The ones that make you wonder if you’ve shed way more than just your uterine lining? Those are period blood clots, and they're actually quite common during menstruation.“Period blood clots are basically a mass of blood mixed with the tissue of the uterine lining and other blood cells,” explains Jessica Ryniec, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in Boston. “They form when blood pools in the uterus or vagina and coagulates.” Coagulation (or blood clotting) is when...

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and, let's face it, a fair share of anxiety. As expectant mothers, we're often faced with numerous decisions, and one of the more significant ones involves prenatal testing. As OB-GYN and women's health expert, Dr. Caledonia Buckheit, explains: "When it comes to genetic testing, there are screening tests (like the quad screen or cell free DNA) that tell you the likelihood that your pregnancy is affected by a genetic condition, and there are diagnostic tests, which tell you if your pregnancy is affected with a condition, yes or...

Infertility can be a tough road, and for many people, IVF has become a lifeline. This revolutionary technology has helped countless families achieve their dreams of parenthood. If you've ever wondered how this groundbreaking treatment came to be, you’re not alone. The history of IVF is full of trial, error, and moments of hope that have changed countless lives. Let's take a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of IVF and how it has evolved to become the widely used fertility treatment we know today. When did IVF first begin? The story of IVF...

Pregnancy can be such a wonderful time. So much excitement, so much joy — and so much to do! As that due date inches closer, it can feel like a whirlwind trying to get everything ready.  Nesting parties are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're a fun new way for parents-to-be to prep for their little one's arrival. What exactly is a nesting party? A nesting party is like a baby shower meets a home makeover show, with a dash of Marie Kondo thrown in for good measure — instead of gifts, you get...