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She joined the MJH Life Sciences team in December 2019. She graduated from Youngstown State University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Prior to graduating, Morgan worked as the editor-in-chief of her college newspaper. She went on to work as an assignment editor at a broadcast news station in Youngstown, Ohio, before joining 

 You can reach her at mebert@mjhlifesciences.com.

A recent study highlighted a longer average pregnancy duration before abortion in states with bans, alongside increased travel time and costs.

Abortions reported later in pregnancy following statewide bans

A roundup of the most impactful FDA approvals in women’s health from January through June 2025, spanning diagnostics, therapeutics, and at-home care.


Key FDA approvals in women’s health: First half of 2025         

New research reveals that reduced Parabacteroides merdae and elevated branched-chain amino acids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may increase adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gut microbiota and metabolic imbalance linked to pregnancy risks in PCOS

A look back at the most important FDA approvals, clinical research, and expert perspectives shaping ob-gyn care in the first half of 2025.


Advancing women’s health: Key updates and clinical insights from the first half of 2025

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A Psychedelic to Treat Postpartum Depression?

CMV: In the Know

RSV Roundtable

STIs

Supplement: Closing the Gap in Cervical Cancer Screening

Vaginismus: Managing a Misunderstood and Underdiagnosed Condition

Why vNOTES Make Sense for My Patients

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Michael J. Asken, Ph.D. is the Director, Provider Well-being, and Vice-Chair, Physician THRIVE Wellness Committee, UPMC Central PA Region.

Do no harm, even though your patient might.

Anger, resentment and the unvaccinated COVID-19 patient

Saying "obstetrician-gynecologist" is a mouthful for most people, and it's probably the most abbreviated specialty in medicine, both spoken and written. However, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to pronounce OB-GYN. First, is it the two-syllable "O-B" or the monosyllabic "Ob"? Second, is it "gin" or "gyne" (like "Lyme")? I wonder if you have a preference. I know I do.

Almost nobody says "obstetrician-gynecologist" when speaking about these specialist physicians. But what's the "correct" way to pronounce OB/GYN?

Is It Ob-Gin or Ob-Gyne?

These images are from a middle-aged woman with abnormal vaginal bleeding. What’s your diagnosis?


Can you identify the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding in this middle-aged woman?

Clinical

Image IQ: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Breast cancer

, Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, addressed current trends, disparities, and preventive strategies in breast cancer care. 

A key concern remains the persistent racial disparities. Although Black women are 5% less likely to develop breast cancer than white women, they face a 38% higher mortality risk. Additionally, overall breast cancer incidence rates are gradually increasing, highlighting the need for more proactive and preventive approaches.

Barnard discussed a new policy from the American Medical Association (AMA) aimed at reducing breast cancer risk through lifestyle changes. The AMA encourages clinicians to educate patients and promote 4 main strategies: adopting a plant-based diet, engaging in regular physical activity, minimizing or avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight. 

He emphasized that plant-based diets can support weight control, making the first and fourth steps mutually reinforcing. These lifestyle adjustments not only reduce cancer risk but also improve outcomes after diagnosis, offering individuals a greater sense of control over their health.

Despite this, public awareness remains limited. A 2024 survey found that only 28% of women recognized diet as a cancer risk factor, with many prioritizing detection methods such as mammograms over prevention strategies. Barnard highlighted the urgent need to spread awareness about the role of nutrition and lifestyle in cancer prevention.

He elaborated further on specific dietary considerations. For example, soy products—once mistakenly believed to increase breast cancer risk—are now known to reduce it, potentially lowering the risk by 30%. Conversely, cow's milk may raise cancer risk because of the presence of estradiol, a hormone naturally found in milk from lactating cows. Substituting cow’s milk with soy milk offers a simple dietary change with significant benefits.

On alcohol, Barnard noted its well-established link not only to breast cancer but also to several other cancers. Reducing or eliminating alcohol is a key preventive measure.

Finally, Barnard addressed practical barriers in clinical settings. While time constraints and reimbursement issues limit many physicians' ability to offer in-depth lifestyle counseling, he recommended referring patients to registered dietitians. 

Barnard also promoted the “Let’s Beat Breast Cancer” campaign by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which aligns with the AMA’s guidelines, empowering women to take actionable steps to lower their cancer risk and improve long-term health outcomes.

American Medical Association adopts new policy to help women reduce risk of developing breast cancer. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. June 9, 2025. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1086869.

The American Medical Association urges plant-based diets, exercise, and reduced alcohol to lower breast cancer risk and address racial disparities.

Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, highlights AMA's new breast cancer prevention guidelines

What is your diagnosis in this woman who presents with right hemipelvis pain?

Daily Dx: Right Hemipelvis Pain

What is your diagnosis based on these images of the ovary?

Challenge your diagnostic skills with this image quiz: Is this ovarian lesion cystic in nature or something else?

Image IQ: Ovarian Cyst or Something Else?

Preterm birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the United States and internationally. How does the U.S. stack up? 

Put your knowledge to the test in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month. 

Michael J. Asken, PhD

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