Endometriosis is more than a narrowly defined menstrual disorder. It exists outside of someone’s period and has a range of symptoms beyond only pelvic pain. Anyone living with it will tell you that, more often than not, it’s defined by a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that are actually really, really related.  One symptom that often comes up in someone’s “Is this connected to endometriosis?” search is excessive hair loss.  In conversation with Dr. Ryniec, who focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she explained that the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with hair...

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, curiosity, and, let’s be honest, its fair share of worries. Growing a tiny human is no small task, so it’s only natural to have concerns along the way. One topic that often raises alarm is preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication. Marked by dangerously high blood pressure, left untreated preeclampsia can pose significant risks to both mother and baby. Amid all of the advice and internet searches, one question seems to surface repeatedly: Can stress trigger preeclampsia? Let’s unpack this topic together, bust some myths, and provide you...

Have you ever heard of the gut-brain connection? It’s actually pretty cool. There’s something in your digestive system called the enteric nervous system (ENS) — two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract (aka the stomach and intestines) from the esophagus to the rectum. If you’re experiencing something like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), research has shown that the irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals via the ENS to the central nervous system. This can ultimately trigger mood changes like anxiety and depression. For those unfamiliar, IBS is a...

If you’re familiar with endometriosis, you already know it’s no picnic. Pain and infertility are the most common signs of this condition, which affects at least 7-15% of women worldwide. Aside from potential fertility issues, endometriosis can also cause severe menstrual cramps that extend into the abdomen or lower back, pain during or after sex, and heavy or irregular periods. Other symptoms include pain during urination or bowel movement, and stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, aka “endo belly.” So, what is endometriosis, exactly? Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the...

PCOS is a common condition that is not well understood, which isn’t terribly surprising. The frustrating reality of many women’s health conditions is that there’s not enough information available to the public…and an absolute abundance of false claims. As we know by now, when women don’t have the answers they need about their own bodies, they’re vulnerable to the trap of medical misinformation. And in the case of PCOS, that misinformation is all over the internet. Our goal, as always, is to cut through the noise and give women the accurate information they need to advocate...

Imagine enduring years of unexplained pain, uncertainty, and frustration while searching for answers about your health. This is the reality for many women living with endometriosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide but often taking years to diagnose.  Traditionally, confirming endometriosis has required laparoscopic surgery — an invasive and daunting prospect. But what if getting answers didn’t have to mean going under the knife? Thanks to advancements in medical science, new non-surgical methods are offering hope and transforming the diagnostic journey for endometriosis. But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar (but not identical) to...

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most magical milestones, but for new moms, it’s also a whirlwind of sleepless nights, big emotions, and endless adjustments. While baby clothes and toys are undeniably adorable, new moms often need a little extra care and support as well. A thoughtful gift that puts her first can make all the difference. After all, a happy, cared-for mom is better equipped to care for her baby. Keep reading for meaningful and practical gift ideas to celebrate and support new moms in ways that truly resonate.  Gifts for new moms...

Just when you think you've gotten past the physical (and emotional) discomforts of regularly scheduled PMS, bam! — perimenopause hits you like a ton of bricks. This transitional phase, which typically begins in a woman’s 40s, can, for some, begin as early as their mid-30s and last anywhere from a few months to several years as the body prepares for its next chapter: menopause. So, how do you know when perimenopause is beginning to wind down? Let's get into it.  Perimenopause to menopause: Understanding the transition While it can certainly bring with it a rollercoaster of...

After the whirlwind of pregnancy, labor, and those intense postpartum weeks, it's natural to wonder when your body will "go back to normal." For many people, this includes waiting for their period to return. But what happens when it doesn’t? The absence of a menstrual cycle after having a baby can be surprising and even concerning for some. Let’s unpack why this happens, what it means for your health, and when to consider seeking medical advice. What’s happening in your body after pregnancy? Pregnancy transforms your body in countless ways, and postpartum recovery is no less...

Ready to turn up the heat? Whether you're coupled-up, single and ready to mingle, or somewhere in between, it’s totally normal for that spark to fizzle out sometimes. But don't worry, you’re not alone! So many women go through periods where their desire takes a dip. The good news? You can absolutely get it back. We’ve got some fun tips and spicy advice to ignite your libido and get you back to having that mind-blowing sex you’ve been craving. How to boost your mood: Get down with your sexy self First things first: confidence is your...