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Women's Health, Your Way

February 16, 2026

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Women's Health Research

Updates on women’s health studies and discoveries — stay in the know with the latest science.

Survey of the relationship between spiritual health and self-regulation with exercise behavior among infertile women: a cross-sectional study.

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A recent study investigated the connection between spiritual health, self-regulation, and exercise behavior among infertile women. The research aimed to explore how these factors influence each other and the overall health of the participants.

The study found that higher levels of spiritual health correlated with better self-regulation and increased levels of physical activity. This indicates that spiritual well-being may play a supportive role in motivating individuals to engage in regular exercise, which is essential for physical and mental health.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that enhancing spiritual health and self-regulatory skills can be beneficial for encouraging exercise behavior among infertile women, potentially improving their overall well-being during a challenging time.

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Prevalence of migraine subtypes in women with endometriosis and/or dysmenorrhea: results from a cross-sectional multicenter trial.

This study investigates the prevalence of different migraine subtypes in women suffering from endometriosis and/or dysmenorrhea. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional trial involving multiple centers to gather data on these conditions.

The findings indicate that women with endometriosis and dysmenorrhea experience higher rates of various migraine types compared to the general population. The study highlights the need for more awareness and understanding of the connection between these chronic pain conditions and migraines.

Overall, the research underscores the importance of targeted treatment approaches for women experiencing both endometriosis or dysmenorrhea and migraine, as these health issues can significantly impact their quality of life.

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Prevention and Treatment of Maternal Stroke in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

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Stroke is a rare but serious risk associated with pregnancy, affecting both mothers and their unborn children. Current guidelines for preventing and treating strokes in pregnant and postpartum women are limited, leading to challenges such as delayed diagnosis and inadequate management strategies.

This scientific statement from the American Heart Association aims to consolidate existing knowledge about stroke risks and causes during pregnancy. It focuses on providing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and acute care, as well as guidance for recovery after a stroke.

Key strategies for preventing strokes include managing risk factors, controlling high blood pressure, and ensuring quick treatment for severe hypertension during and after pregnancy. By addressing these issues, the goal is to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the incidence of pregnancy-associated strokes.

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International survey on enteral nutrition, supplementation and probiotic practices for preterm infants.

International Practices in Nutrition for Preterm Infants

An international survey was conducted to examine practices related to enteral nutrition, supplementation, and probiotics for preterm infants. The study involved multiple countries and aimed to understand how different healthcare systems manage the nutritional needs of these vulnerable infants.

The survey revealed a diversity of practices concerning how preterm infants receive nutrition and supplementation. This includes variations in the types of enteral nutrition used, which can impact the health outcomes of infants born prematurely. The need for standardized guidelines is emphasized to ensure that all preterm infants receive optimal nutrition, which is crucial for their growth and development.

Additionally, the study highlighted the role of probiotics in the care of preterm infants. While some healthcare providers incorporate probiotics into their nutrition plans, practices differ significantly across various regions. This inconsistency reflects a lack of consensus on the best approaches to using probiotics in neonatal care.

The findings of the survey underscore the importance of sharing knowledge and standardizing practices internationally to improve the nutritional care of preterm infants. Enhanced cooperation among healthcare professionals can lead to better outcomes for this high-risk population.

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CIMT as a sensitive indicator of cardiovascular risk in PCOS: a case-control study of sortilin and sclerostin.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to various health issues, including increased risk of cardiovascular problems. This study explored the use of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a marker for cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.

The research involved a case-control study that measured CIMT, along with levels of sortilin and sclerostin, proteins that may influence metabolic conditions. The findings suggest that PCOS patients have higher CIMT values, indicating heightened cardiovascular risk compared to women without PCOS.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of using CIMT as a sensitive indicator for assessing cardiovascular health in women with PCOS. Understanding these relationships can lead to better management and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases in this population.

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"My heart was in my stomach": Texas-based obstetricians' and gynecologists' experiences post anti-abortion legislation.

This study examines the experiences of 11 obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) in Texas following the implementation of anti-abortion legislation. The healthcare professionals shared their feelings and concerns about how these laws impact their ability to provide care.

Three main issues emerged from the interviews. Firstly, many OBGYNs expressed feelings of conflict, as they sought support from colleagues but often felt frustrated and distrustful of the healthcare environment. Secondly, they noted that patients with wanted pregnancies might receive inadequate medical care because doctors were hesitant to perform necessary life-saving procedures due to the legal risks associated with the anti-abortion laws.

Lastly, the participants voiced concerns that these restrictive laws could lead to a shortage of healthcare providers in Texas. They fear that current doctors may leave the state and that potential new doctors might be discouraged from training there, ultimately making it harder for patients to access quality reproductive care.

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Prenatal maternal selenium plasma concentration and motor development in early infancy.

The study investigates how maternal selenium (Se) levels during pregnancy affect motor development in infants. Selenium is a vital micronutrient that plays an essential role in brain development. Previous research indicated that a significant portion (36%) of pregnant women in Nepal had selenium levels below the recommended threshold of 71.1 µg/L in early pregnancy.

This cohort study specifically looked at the link between maternal plasma selenium concentrations and the motor skills of infants assessed at 8 to 12 weeks of age. The findings suggest that higher maternal selenium levels may be associated with better motor development outcomes in infants.

Overall, the research underscores the importance of adequate selenium levels during pregnancy for the optimal motor development of infants, raising awareness about maternal nutrition and its implications for child health.

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Dairy Intake and Risk of Incident Inflammatory Bowel Disease in US Men and Women.

This study investigated the relationship between dairy intake and the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a large group of men and women in the United States. Dairy consumption has previously been associated with autoimmune diseases, so researchers aimed to see if a similar link existed with IBD.

The research involved a prospective cohort study that included 197,763 participants who were initially free of IBD. Data was collected from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII), covering their dietary habits and health outcomes over time.

Findings from the study indicated that higher dairy intake could potentially be linked to a greater risk of developing IBD. These results suggest that dietary choices, particularly concerning dairy, may play a significant role in the onset of this chronic condition.

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Comparative cardiometabolic effects of high, moderate, and low intensity exercise in PCOS: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study reviews the effects of different exercise intensities—high, moderate, and low—on cardiometabolic health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common condition that can lead to various health issues, including obesity and insulin resistance, making exercise an important aspect of management.

The researchers conducted a systematic review and a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare how these exercise intensities impact health markers such as body weight, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels in PCOS patients. The results reveal that all exercise intensities can be beneficial, but there are variations in effectiveness based on intensity.

The findings emphasize that individualized exercise programs could lead to better health outcomes for women with PCOS. This suggests that healthcare providers should consider varying exercise regimens based on intensity to optimize cardiometabolic health in their patients.

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The effect of prenatal education on the fear of childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The study evaluated how prenatal education impacts pregnant women's fear of childbirth. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous research, specifically looking at randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, to gather comprehensive data.

In total, the review included 28 studies with over 3,000 participants. The findings indicated that prenatal education significantly reduced fear of childbirth both before and after the birth. The statistical analysis showed a strong, positive effect of education on alleviating this fear.

Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis revealed that various factors, such as the type of study design, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tools used for data collection, and the characteristics of the educational content, did not significantly influence the outcomes of the studies included in the review.

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