Women's Health News
The headlines that matter, decoded for women. Stay informed, empowered, and ready to take action.
By 2036, 80 million women over 35 could face infertility. What's driving the rise?
A Growing Public Health Crisis
Female infertility among women over 35 is rapidly becoming a major public health issue rather than just a personal medical problem. According to a recent global study published in The Lancet, nearly 80 million women aged 35 to 49 could be living with infertility by 2036, compared to 53.6 million in 2023. This represents a significant increase over just 13 years.
What's Driving the Crisis
The rise in infertility is not simply due to biological aging, but rather caused by broader societal changes. Key factors include demographic shifts, women delaying motherhood to later ages, and changing lifestyles. As populations age and societies develop economically, more women are exposed to the risks of advanced-age infertility. Fertility doctors say these projections align with trends they have already been observing in their clinics.
Why This Matters
The study, which analyzed data from 204 countries and territories, emphasizes that infertility should now be viewed as a population-level health concern requiring public attention and action, not just as an individual couple's challenge. As women continue to delay having children due to career and lifestyle choices, addressing reproductive health at a societal level has become increasingly important.
Herbicide may be causing pregnant women to give birth prematurely
A new study from NYU Langone has found that pregnant women who have glyphosate in their bodies during mid-pregnancy may be at higher risk of giving birth prematurely. Glyphosate is a chemical found in many widely-used herbicides, particularly Roundup. Researchers discovered that women with detectable glyphosate in their urine between 18-25 weeks of pregnancy were 37% more likely to have a preterm birth, and twice as likely to have a spontaneous preterm birth.
Premature birth is a significant health concern, as it is a leading cause of illness and death in children under five. Babies born early often require intensive medical care and may face long-term physical and developmental challenges. This new research adds to existing concerns about glyphosate, which has long been criticized by the Make America Healthy Again movement for potential cancer risks. Bayer, the manufacturer of Roundup, has already proposed a $7.25 billion settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits linking the chemical to non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Glyphosate exposure is widespread in the United States. The chemical is the most commonly used herbicide in the world and is found in many food products including fruits, nuts, cereals, honey, and olive oil. Since the 1990s, major crops like soy, corn, and cotton have been genetically modified to resist glyphosate, allowing farmers to use it extensively. As a result, over 80% of Americans over age six have detectable glyphosate in their systems.
Interestingly, researchers found that glyphosate detected early in pregnancy was not associated with preterm birth—only exposure during mid-pregnancy showed increased risk. The exact mechanism of how glyphosate affects pregnancy remains unclear, though researchers theorize it may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, or hormonal disruption in the body.
Most women wait until their 40s to think about bone health; experts explain how a daily glass of milk in 20s and 30s could make a big difference
Many women neglect their health during their busy 20s and 30s, skipping meals and prioritizing work over nutrition. This can lead to long-term health problems including weak bones, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. However, one simple habit can make a significant difference: drinking a daily glass of milk.
Milk is one of the most complete nutritional foods available, providing calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients in a single serving. For women with busy lifestyles, it offers an easy way to maintain overall health without requiring major lifestyle changes. Importantly, women build most of their peak bone mass in their late twenties, making proper nutrition during this period crucial. Many women wait until their 40s or 50s to think about bone health, but by then it may be too late to prevent problems like osteoporosis, which affects approximately 46 million women over 50 in India.
Milk is particularly valuable for bone health because the calcium it contains is highly absorbable compared to other food sources. A single 250ml glass of cow's milk provides about 8 grams of complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, supporting muscle growth and strength. Milk also contains vitamin D, B vitamins, phosphorus, and iodine—all supporting energy, nerve function, and overall health. Medical guidelines from both Indian and international health organizations recommend milk and dairy products as essential parts of a balanced diet, making it a practical investment in lifelong health.
NCW sets up three expert panels to safeguard women's reproductive rights in ART and IVF
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has established three specialized expert groups to review and protect women's reproductive rights in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) services. The initiative was launched at a meeting led by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and includes experts from the judiciary, medical field, law, public administration, and social sector.
The three expert panels have been given different focus areas. The Ethical Group will examine issues like informed consent, reproductive autonomy, privacy, donor management, and prevention of exploitation. The Legislative and Regulatory Group will review existing laws and regulations governing ART and IVF services, identify gaps, and recommend reforms. The Medical and Preventive Group will study clinical practices, patient safety, quality standards, and international best practices.
The formation of these panels reflects growing concerns about the need for a balanced, rights-based regulatory framework in India's expanding ART and IVF sector. The expert groups aim to conduct a comprehensive review of the ethical, legal, regulatory, and medical dimensions of these reproductive services to better protect women's rights and safety.
MONDAY HEALTH REPORT: Conflicting mammogram guidelines may delay breast cancer screening for US women, doctor says
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Are Conflicting
Nearly 322,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2026. However, doctors say that conflicting mammogram guidelines are causing some women to delay getting screened. Different medical organizations recommend different ages to start screening, which can confuse both patients and doctors about when screening should begin.
Different Organizations Have Different Recommendations
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women start mammograms at age 40 and screen every other year. The American Cancer Society suggests women at average risk can start at age 40 with annual screening, move to age 45 for yearly mammograms, and switch to every other year at age 55. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend starting at age 40 with annual screenings. This confusion may lead to delayed screenings and cancers being detected at later, harder-to-treat stages.
Risk Assessment Can Help
Dr. Alyssa Cubbison from Ohio State University emphasizes that most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease, so screening should not be skipped based on family background. She recommends that women take a risk assessment survey with their doctor around age 25 to determine the most appropriate age to begin screening.
Oncologist rates popular women’s period products on comfort, hygiene, safety: Sanitary pads get 5 and menstrual cup…
An oncologist has evaluated popular women's period products based on their safety, comfort, and hygiene to help women make informed choices. Dr. Arrjun Sankaran, a surgical oncologist from Hyderabad, emphasizes that since women use menstrual products for thousands of hours throughout their lives, it's crucial to consider product quality and ingredients.
Key factors to consider when choosing period products include: the quality of materials used, whether products contain unnecessary fragrances or additives, how breathable the product is, and the risk of irritation or infections. The doctor stresses that women should be aware of what they're putting against the most sensitive skin on their body.
According to the doctor's ranking, scented wipes and panty liners receive the lowest score (2/10). These products rank poorly because fragrances and preservatives can disrupt the body's natural pH balance and cause irritation. The evaluation continues up the scale to better options, with sanitary pads and menstrual cups receiving higher safety ratings. This assessment aims to help women understand which products are safest and most appropriate for regular use.
PMOS or PCOS isn't just about hormones: Here are the lifestyle factors experts want women to know
Understanding PMOS/PCOS Beyond Hormones
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is increasingly recognized as more than just a hormonal disorder. While it traditionally affects menstrual cycles, fertility, and skin health, experts now understand it as a broader reproductive and metabolic condition involving multiple hormones and lifestyle factors.
The Bigger Picture: Lifestyle and Metabolic Health
According to medical experts, PCOS should not be viewed solely through irregular periods or ovarian cysts. The condition is closely linked to insulin resistance, unhealthy weight gain, poor sleep, stress, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary imbalances. Modern lifestyle patterns—including late nights, excessive screen time, irregular meals, processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity—are contributing to how the condition presents in young women today.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early medical diagnosis is important not only for managing menstrual symptoms but also for reducing future health risks. Women with PCOS face increased risk of diabetes, fertility problems, and other long-term health complications. Doctors are increasingly diagnosing this condition in younger women and adolescent girls, making awareness of both hormonal and lifestyle factors essential for prevention and management.
Most IVF add-ons lack evidence of fertility benefits
Most IVF add-ons lack scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. A comprehensive review published in The Lancet examined ten commonly used add-on treatments designed to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. The study found that the majority of these expensive extra procedures and treatments have no proven benefit for patients trying to conceive, even though more than 70% of IVF patients in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK use at least one add-on during treatment.
The research evaluated add-ons with weak or no evidence of benefit. Out of 157 potential studies reviewed, researchers analyzed 85 high-quality trials and found no effect or inconclusive results for seven popular add-ons, including acupuncture, corticosteroids, genetic testing, and various plasma injections. Only three treatments showed weak evidence of possible benefit: EmbryoGlue (an embryo transfer medium), endometrial scratching (a minor uterine procedure), and PICSI (a sperm selection technique).
Unproven add-ons can harm patients financially and emotionally. According to the researchers, offering unproven treatments can create false hope, increase financial burden, and lead to unnecessary medical procedures during an already difficult time. Since many IVF clinics are privately operated and these add-ons are expensive, the lack of evidence is particularly concerning. Researchers recommend that clinics carefully reconsider whether offering unproven add-ons is appropriate, as patients often interpret their availability as a sign that they actually work.
Menopause and the Failure of Women’s Health Care
Melinda French Gates called for better menopause care in America, highlighting a significant gap in women's health. Her article sparked several responses from readers who agreed with the core problem but offered different perspectives on its causes and solutions.
One reader emphasized that the crisis is not just medical but also cultural. Historically, postmenopausal women played important roles in their communities, yet menopause is often framed as decline. Rhode Island recently passed the nation's first law requiring workplace accommodations for women experiencing menopause, showing that policy changes can help address this issue as both a health and dignity concern.
A physician argued that the problem isn't a lack of caring from doctors, but rather insufficient scientific research on menopause treatments. She cautioned that blaming the medical profession could push patients toward unregulated alternatives and undermine trust in evidence-based care. Another reader expanded the discussion beyond menopause alone, noting that women's hormonal health issues—including endometriosis and premenstrual disorders—have historically been understudied and undertreated across the entire lifespan.
A final concern raised by a Boston reader warned that while workplace accommodations are important in theory, openly discussing specific menopause symptoms at work could backfire, providing ammunition for employers to justify pushing out experienced older women rather than supporting them.