Weekly review: Preserving fertility in patients with cancer; GSL, and high stroke risk in pregnancy

Thank you for visiting the Contemporary OB/GYN website. Take a look at some of our top stories from the past week (Monday, March 8, to Friday, March 13, 2026) and click on each link to read and watch anything you may have missed.

Alessandro Santin, MD, on defining molecular basis of endometrial stromal sarcoma

A genomic analysis published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that low-grade and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) are genetically distinct diseases, rather than part of a progression along the same pathway. The findings highlight important molecular differences that may guide precision therapies, including identifying a subset of tumors with hypermutation signatures that could respond to immunotherapy.

Click here for our full interview with Santin.

Cycle Syncing Method demonstrates reductions in premenstrual syndrome symptoms

Results from the first clinical study evaluating FLO Living’s Cycle Syncing Method suggest that aligning diet, exercise, and lifestyle behaviors with menstrual cycle phases may reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms within a relatively short timeframe. According to findings announced March 10, 2026, most participants reported measurable improvements in symptom burden and severity within 2 months, supporting further investigation into nonpharmacologic approaches to menstrual health.

Click here for full details.

Sara Perelmuter on genitourinary syndrome of lactation in the postpartum period

Survey findings presented at the 2026 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Annual Meeting highlight the emerging concept of Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), a cluster of genitourinary symptoms linked to the hypoestrogenic hormonal state during breastfeeding. Investigators reported that many postpartum individuals experience significant symptoms that often go unrecognized in clinical care, underscoring the need for greater awareness and proactive screening in postpartum management.

Click here to watch our interview with Perelmuter.

FAQs: ASCO guideline on fertility preservation in people with cancer

• Clinicians should discuss infertility risks and preservation options with all oncology patients as early as possible before treatment begins.
• Cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes, and embryos remains the evidence-based standard for preserving reproductive potential in pubertal and adult patients.
• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation serves as a primary, immediate alternative for female patients who cannot delay cancer treatment for hormonal stimulation.

Click here for more FAQs on fertility in patients with cancer.

Adnan Qureshi, MD: Higher recurring stroke risk in pregnancy

Data presented this year at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference revealed that women with a history of previous ischemic stroke face significantly elevated risks during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Adnan I. Qureshi, MD, Professor of Neurology, University of Missouri; Founder, Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institutes, presented on the analysis of 220,479 pregnancies.

He reported that women with a history of stroke have 2-fold higher odds of recurrence during pregnancy and the 6-week postpartum period.

Click here to watch our interview with Qureshi.