Top 5 women's health headlines you missed in September 2025

Top 5 women's health headlines you missed in September 2025 | Image Credit: © sebra- stock.adobe.com.

September 2025 brought a wave of important updates that continue to shape the care of women across all stages of life.

In the ever-evolving field of obstetrics and gynecology, noteworthy advancements emerged in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, oncology, and more.

In this monthly recap, Contemporary OB/GYN highlights the most impactful regulatory news, clinical research findings, and expert perspectives from September 2025.

Click on each title below for in-depth coverage of these key updates.

1. Hyperemesis gravidarum linked to mental health disorder risks

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is associated with substantially increased risks of neuropsychiatric and mental health disorders, according to a retrospective cohort study of 476,857 pregnant women using data from the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network across 18 countries. Researchers identified over a 50% increased risk for 13 outcomes, including postpartum psychosis, PTSD, and a twofold higher risk of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, eating disorders, and depression. Postpartum depression was especially elevated, with a 2.7-fold increased risk. Outcomes did not differ by HG severity based on metabolic disturbance, suggesting all patients with HG warrant early mental health support. Investigators emphasized the need for integrated care addressing both physical and psychiatric risks in affected patients.

2. OASIS-3 highlights safety and efficacy of elinzanetant against VMS

Elinzanetant significantly reduced vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in postmenopausal women, according to results of the phase 3 OASIS-3 trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Among 628 participants randomized to elinzanetant 120 mg or placebo for 52 weeks, elinzanetant achieved a 73.8% reduction in moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats by week 12 compared with 47% in the placebo group. Benefits included improved sleep and menopause-specific quality-of-life scores, with effects sustained through 50 weeks. Adverse events occurred in 70% of patients receiving elinzanetant and 61% on placebo, but were mostly mild or moderate, with no treatment-related serious events reported. Investigators concluded elinzanetant offers a safe and effective non-hormonal option for VMS management.

3. FDA pushes label change for acetaminophen in pregnancy, approves leucovorin calcium for CFD

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Prenatal acetaminophen exposure may be associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, according to evidence prompting the FDA to initiate a label change for Tylenol and related products. Large cohort studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II and Boston Birth Cohort, have linked chronic maternal use during pregnancy to a 20% to 30% increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in offspring, though causality remains unproven. In parallel, the FDA approved leucovorin calcium (Wellcovorin) for cerebral folate deficiency, a rare neurologic disorder presenting with developmental delay, seizures, and autistic features. The approval was supported by mechanistic studies and case reports published between 2009 and 2024.

4. Cervical cancer screening declines post-COVID

Non-adherence to cervical cancer screening increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a population-based cross-sectional study published in PLOS Global Public Health. Using data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey, investigators compared pre-pandemic (2019) and post-pandemic (2022) screening rates among women aged 21 to 65 years without a history of cervical cancer. Non-adherence, defined as ≥3 years since last Papanicolaou smear, rose from 19.2% to 25.8% (a 6.6% increase). Disparities were noted, with Black women experiencing a 13.9% increase in non-adherence and those with lower education having a 1.63-fold higher risk. HPV vaccine awareness also declined, particularly among Black women (–9.4%), underscoring widening inequities in preventive care. Investigators emphasized the need for targeted outreach and education to address these post-pandemic gaps.

5. Folic acid awareness influences supplement use before pregnancy

Intention to take folic acid supplements before pregnancy was strongly associated with education, awareness, and access to information, according to a study published in Cureus. Among 47 Japanese women surveyed, 51% reported plans to use folic acid prior to pregnancy. Graduating with a food and nutrition major was the strongest predictor (OR, 17.69), while awareness of neural tube defects (OR, 3.81), access to folic acid information (OR, 7.20), and prior education on folic acid in junior college (OR, 6.50) were also significantly associated with intent. Pregnancy experience showed only a weak, nonsignificant association (OR, 3.33). Investigators emphasized the need for greater educational outreach, particularly among women without formal training in nutrition.