women's health

Glass bottles with a blue lid and label are lined up in a drug production factory.

Aug 04, 2023|2 min read

What the mifepristone fight means for drug development

A recent court case targeting the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory authority sets a worrying precedent for the future of drug development.

A woman wearing grey holds a pink diagram of the female reproductive system.

Jun 15, 2023|13 min read

By Hannah Thomasy, PhD

The vaginal microbiome is finally getting recognized

Vaginal dysbiosis has long been a taboo subject, but studying and optimizing the vaginal microbiome could be a game changer for women’s health.

A woman in a pink shirt sits on an examination table and talks to a doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope.

Nov 16, 2022|4 min read

By Sarah Anderson, PhD

Addressing sex differences in autoimmune diseases

Susan Kovats explores the role of sex hormones in autoimmunity to guide the development of therapeutics for lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other diseases that preferentially affect women.

Three menstrual pads are shown against a pink background with three hands clasping the pads. A pink callout is shown coming from the pad on the left. Three drops of blood are shown on the center pad, and the pad on the right has a large red circle on it.

Jul 12, 2022|13 min read

By Stephanie DeMarco, PhD

Menstrual blood holds the key to better diagnostics

Usually thrown away as waste, menstrual blood may help clinicians non-invasively monitor and diagnose a multitude of health conditions from diabetes and endometriosis to cancer.

Cartoon drawings of multiple birth control methods such as hormone pills, IUD, spermicide, the patch, condoms, vaginal ring, contraceptive injection, and diaphragms, among other methods, are shown over a dark blue background.

Jun 24, 2022|4 min read

By Stephanie DeMarco, PhD

A “morning-of” pill for on-demand contraception

Researchers discovered that combining two FDA-approved drugs prevents ovulation over the entire fertile window, leading to a potential new option for on-demand birth control.

Feb 27, 2022|12 min read

By Stephanie DeMarco, PhD

Scientists investigate the COVID-19 vaccine-menstruation mystery

As reports of disrupted menstrual cycles after COVID-19 vaccinations rose, researchers investigated the connection. Their reports revealed that while vaccine-associated menstrual changes may be small and temporary, knowledge of these potential side effects is vital for public trust.