Although nearly 40% of women have metabolic syndrome and the incidence is rising, the condition remains underdiagnosed. Clinicians who treat postmenopausal women should increase their awareness of the metabolic derangements associated with the syndrome and consider them when weighing hormone therapy options.
Why do some women have debilitating symptoms while others don't even realize they have the disease? In light of unanswered questions on the effectiveness of medical versus surgical treatment, an expert proposes a conservative strategy that begins with medical therapy and proceeds to laparoscopy.
Simplex(differentiated) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia--probably the immediate precursor of most HPV-negative invasive squamous-cell vulvar carcinomas--is easily missed or misdiagnosed. The women who are most at risk are those with vulvar dystrophy or a prior cancer.
With so many baby boomers seeking the fountain of youth, demand for cosmetic procedures is booming too. A dermatologist shares her expertise on microdermabrasion, Botox injections, and augmentation with collagen.
A proactive, stepwise approach to management of asthma in pregnancy can help ensure a good perinatal outcome. Focus on preventing acute asthma attacks because they can leave both mother and fetus vulnerable to progressive hypoxia and potentially disastrous consequences.
Providing patients with the basic information they need to lose weight may not be as challenging as performing an intricate surgical procedure. But the clinical results can be just as rewarding.
Two experts in the field of pelvic pain debate the merits of uterine suspension surgery and share their own clinical experience in managing this controversial condition.
A less invasive transcervical approach to permanent birth control is making something of a comeback--with one new method already FDA-approved and others waiting in the wings.
New, noninvasive treatments are always welcomed by women with fibroids and their clinicians. MRI-guided focused U/S holds promise as a nonsurgical way to accurately target fibroids with no damage to adjacent tissue and minimal side effects.
What caused this woman's tumor and what was the origin of her periodic pain? A more in-depth analysis of the case will offer additional clues and help determine the correct diagnosis.
While metformin is certainly no miracle cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, a wide range of studies supports its role in lowering serum androgens, restoring normal menstrual cycles and ovulation, and--perhaps--even improving pregnancy rates.
Although you can't always anticipate a potentially catastrophic obstetric hemorrhage, rapid diagnosis and intervention can make all the difference in the world. The authors review interventions--new and old--and tell clinicians what to have on hand to implement them.
The latest government recommendations on syphilis discuss some special considerations for pregnant women and for those who are coping with HIV infection.
A dermatologist shares her expertise on the role of lasers and other increasingly popular ways to remove unsightly spider veins and unwanted hair.
Many adolescents and young adult women experience physical or sexual violence perpetrated by someone close. Knowledge of risk factors and sequelae associated with interpersonal violence and of screening methods to detect it can help the ob/gyn identify potential victims of assault. Careful management and referral of victims is critical and anticipatory guidance also is advised.
A group of leading clinicians who are familiar with the new transdermal contraceptive discuss how and why its use as a first-line option can make a dent in unintended pregnancy rates.
In January the March of Dimes launched a 5-year, $75 million national campaign targeting the complex problem of prematurity. Since we don't know what causes approximately half of all spontaneous preterm births, impacting prematurity is a formidable challenge. Obstetrical providers have a pivotal role in meeting this challenge.
Childbearing is no longer precluded for eligible women with stage IB cervical cancer who undergo this procedure. At some institutions, this alternative has already become standard of care.
Many adolescents and young adult women experience physical or sexual violence perpetrated by someone close. Knowledge of risk factors and sequelae associated with interpersonal violence and of screening methods to detect it can help the ob/gyn identify potential victims of assault. Careful management and referral of victims is critical and anticipatory guidance also is advised.
While experts continue to debate the exact causes of PCOS, there's little doubt that insulin resistance plays an important role in its pathophysiology. In the first installment of our series on PCOS, two authorities offer a detailed yet practical discussion on how to evaluate insulin sensitivity.