AHA News: Is It Fatigue -- Or a Stroke? Women Shouldn't Ignore These Warning Signs

FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., and women make up nearly 60% of all stroke deaths.

Why?

Bedroom Light at Night Might Boost Women's Weight

MONDAY, June 10, 2019 -- Women, beware: Sleeping with a light on or the TV going in your bedroom could make you put on weight.

That's the finding of new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. While the study doesn't prove that sleeping with a light on causes weight gain, it suggests the two may be linked, the researchers said.

COPD May Strike Women Harder Than Men

WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2019 -- Women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appear to have a harder time than men with the progressive lung disorder, a new study suggests.

Smoking is its leading cause, and while women report smoking less than men, those with COPD have more trouble breathing, more frequent flare-ups and a poorer quality of life, researchers found.

Birth Control Pills May Protect Against Most Serious Ovarian Cancer: Study

WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 -- The protection that birth control pills offer against ovarian cancer is strongest with the most aggressive forms of the disease, a new study says.

For several years, researchers have noted that women who have used oral contraceptives are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. This study took a closer look at that link.

Male-Hormone Gene May Help Cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019 -- Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of infertility and type 2 diabetes, but little is known about its origins. Now, new research suggests a gene involved in male hormone production plays a big role in the disorder's development.

"We're starting to make headway on what causes PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome]. It's very frustrating for patients because it's poorly understood," said Dr. Andrea Dunaif, lead author of a new study on the syndrome.

How to Know If Your PMS Is Something More Serious

FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 -- A severe and potentially disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age, an expert says.

Like PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue and changes in sleep and eating habits. In PMDD, at least one of these symptoms also occurs: sadness or hopelessness; anxiety or tension; extreme moodiness; irritability or anger.