Women's health

For many women, having control over when they choose to have children is an important part of their overall health. And today, you have quite a few options when it comes to birth control methods. Each one comes with a list of pros and cons — including possible side effects. Having a conversation with your doctor about your health, family history, future plans and personal preference can help you decide which method may be best for you and your lifestyle.

Making sure your body is in good shape before you get pregnant (preconception) can help you and baby stay healthy during pregnancy. That includes pre-baby diet, exercise and lifestyle habits to help reduce your risk of possible complications. You may want to schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor to go over your current health and family history so you can get ahead of any current health conditions and possible medication swaps that might be a good idea — anything that might impact your future pregnancy.

If your path to becoming a mom includes pregnancy, you may want to learn how to best prepare for what’s ahead before your baby arrives. Having a baby may be exciting, but it’s also important to have support to take care of your health before, during and after your pregnancy. You can start by learning when to connect with a health care provider and what essential doctor appointments to make to take care of the health of both you and your baby.

Symptoms of heart disease (and heart attacks) can show up differently for men and women, so it’s important to know what warning signs to look for. For example, did you know heart attacks can happen without any chest pain? The good news is your lifestyle habits play a huge role in determining your risk of developing heart disease in the first place. Things like diet, smoking, exercise and blood pressure are all things you can control. Understanding the impacts of these factors and others can help you live a heart-healthy life.

Menopause is a natural shift in hormones all women go through. Did you know there are different stages of menopause? And while women might experience some not-so-fun symptoms, there’s also the risk of certain health conditions to be aware of. It’s important to listen to your body, manage symptoms and take good care of your health all throughout menopause and beyond. Learn what to expect and get tips for living a healthy life after menopause.

Osteoporosis is a condition that commonly affects women, especially post menopause. It happens when our bodies can’t keep up in replacing old bone cells with new bone cells. This leads to a decrease in bone mineral density that may cause bones to become weak and brittle. While family history may contribute to your risk of developing osteoporosis, there are many risk factors you can control. View the symptoms of osteoporosis, learn how it’s diagnosed and treated, and find tips to help with prevention.