The hottest Women's Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

The ‘Wild, Wild West’ of the American Egg Donor Industry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Fertility Medical Ethics Women's Health Healthcare access
  1. The egg donation industry is often seen as an easy way to make money, but it comes with hidden long-term risks that many donors don't fully understand.
  2. Donors like Kaylene Breeding can experience serious health issues after donating, such as fertility problems and chronic pain.
  3. There is a lack of research on the long-term effects of egg donation, leaving many donors unaware of the potential consequences to their health.

Extreme Pain, Extreme Joy

Culture Study • 2090 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Documentary Photography Women's Health Storytelling
  1. Photographer Maggie Shannon explores women's health, focusing on childbirth and midwifery, to share stories often left untold. She wants to reveal the care and love that happen during this crucial time.
  2. Shannon emphasizes the importance of consent and building relationships with her subjects. She believes that creating trust leads to better, more authentic photographs.
  3. Her work captures the complex emotions surrounding childbirth, showing both the pain and joy involved. Shannon aims to highlight the gray areas of these experiences, rather than just viewing them in black and white.

Chartbook 334 Triumph and tragedy: trends in maternal mortality worldwide.

Chartbook • 1130 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Maternal health Global Health Women's Health Public Health
  1. Global maternal mortality in childbirth has decreased from 446,000 in 2000 to 287,000 in 2020, showing some progress over time. However, it's a mix of good news and bad news.
  2. While areas like Central and South Asia have seen significant drops in maternal deaths, Sub-Saharan Africa still faces high rates, with Nigeria alone accounting for a large percentage of global maternal mortality.
  3. Some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, like Rwanda and Ethiopia, have shown that progress in maternal health is possible, even under difficult conditions, by reducing maternal deaths significantly.

Expiration Dates

The Audacity. • 8726 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Self-Acceptance Women's Health
  1. The article discusses the impact of aging on women and appreciating one's skin as they grow older.
  2. The post is by writer and illustrator Aubrey Hirsch, living in New York, with work featured in various publications like The New York Times and TIME.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with options to subscribe and sign in for access.
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The Catholic Hospital System Killing Women

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 4913 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Patient Advocacy
  1. Catholic hospital system like Ascension is fueling the U.S. maternal mortality crisis with closures, affecting patients disproportionately.
  2. Ascension has a pattern of cutting obstetrics services, pushing pregnant patients to travel farther for care, especially in low-income neighborhoods.
  3. Ascension prioritizes cost-cutting over patient safety, leading to dangerous consequences like increased wait times, overworked staff, and ignored alarms.

Study: Abortion Bans Creating OBGYN Crisis

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3911 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights State Legislation Women's Health
  1. Abortion bans in anti-choice states have created an occupational health crisis for OBGYNs.
  2. OBGYNs struggle to provide adequate care due to legal restrictions, impacting both patient outcomes and physician well-being.
  3. There is a significant need for institutional support for OBGYNs in anti-choice states, including mental health resources and guidance prioritizing patient health over conservative interpretations of abortion laws.

Arresting Women to 'Protect' Their Fetuses

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Women's Health Incarceration Medical care
  1. Pregnancy Justice defends pregnant people's rights and works against criminalization.
  2. Cases like Ashley Caswell's highlight the mistreatment faced by pregnant individuals, especially in Etowah County, Alabama.
  3. Alabama's use of 'chemical endangerment' charges demonstrates the prioritization of fetuses over pregnant individuals, leading to increased criminalization.

The GOP is Betting on Crisis Pregnancy Centers

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3400 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Republicans Legislation Anti-Abortion Movement Women's Health
  1. The GOP is heavily investing in Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) for their anti-abortion agenda.
  2. CPCs are key in the GOP's plan to limit access to birth control and push for anti-abortion legislation.
  3. CPCs serve as a central part of the anti-abortion movement's broader strategy beyond just preventing individual abortions.

Texas is Fabricating Abortion Data

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5247 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Anti-Abortion Movement Women's Health Legislation
  1. Doctors in Texas are being forced to report fake abortion complications or risk losing their jobs.
  2. Texas is manipulating abortion data by requiring vague and nonsensical reporting of abortion complications.
  3. Anti-abortion organizations are using fabricated data to create a false narrative about the dangers of abortion.

Whose Bodies Get Studied

Culture Study • 4373 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Research Women's Health Body Image
  1. The majority of research studies focus on cis-gender men, leading to biased advice, knowledge, and healthcare.
  2. Women's bodies have historically been considered anomalies in sports and medical research, impacting areas like sports gear design and participation rules.
  3. Excluding women from research studies leads to gaps in knowledge, affecting areas like injury prevention, gear design, and understanding menstrual health.

Side Effects With Progesterone/Progestins in MHT

The Vajenda • 1139 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Hormone Therapy Mental health Medication Menopause Women's Health
  1. Reproductive hormones can have different effects on women, such as premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression.
  2. Progesterone/progestins in menopausal hormone therapy can impact mood and may have complex interactions in the brain.
  3. Options to consider if progesterone/progestins negatively affect quality of life include switching dosage or trying alternative medications.

This is Your Brain on Menopause

Ladyparts • 798 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Neuroscience Women's Health Brain Research
  1. Menopause impacts not just the reproductive system but also the brain, leading to various neurological symptoms like hot flashes, memory lapses, and depression.
  2. Understanding how menopause affects the brain empowers women to navigate this phase of life confidently and with resilience.
  3. Dr. Lisa Mosconi's research highlights the importance of studying the impact of menopause on brain health to provide valuable insights for women's well-being.

BREAKING: Lin et al. (Hanna) study shows transplacental transmission of the COVID vaccine mRNA: Evidence from Placental, Maternal and Cord Blood Analyses Post-Vaccination; Dr. Jim Thorp comments?

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 982 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Pregnancy Health Risks Women's Health
  1. The study shows evidence of transplacental transmission of COVID vaccine mRNA, impacting the baby in utero.
  2. The study suggests the COVID mRNA vaccine may cross the blood-milk barrier and reach the fetus following maternal vaccination.
  3. The vaccine mRNA was detected in placentas, maternal blood, and cord blood, raising concerns about the impact on pregnant women and infants.

Midlife women feel like screaming

The Shift With Sam Baker • 2556 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Women's Health Self-care Emotions Support
  1. Midlife women may feel overwhelmed and frustrated, leading to a need to let out pent-up emotions, like anger and exhaustion.
  2. Suppressed rage and unexpressed feelings can build up over time and negatively impact mental well-being.
  3. Making friends can be challenging for some individuals, causing feelings of desperation and inadequacy in social situations.

My Car Crash Confirmed That the Absence of Female Crash Test Dummies Remains an Ongoing Health Hazard for Women

Ladyparts • 1977 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Gender gap
  1. Car manufacturers have known for decades that cars are not designed for women, both for driving and surviving collisions.
  2. The absence of female crash test dummies remains an ongoing health hazard for women.
  3. The gender data gap in car safety has real-life consequences, as evident from personal experiences.

"'Tis But a Scratch": a generation of women has been deprived of hormone therapy

Ladyparts • 1198 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Hormone Therapy Women's Health
  1. Menopausal hormone therapy prescribing was affected by misinterpreted data from the Women's Health Initiative, impacting a generation of women
  2. The review in Menopause, The Journal of the Menopause Society sheds light on the critical misinterpretation that nearly halted hormone treatment for menopausal women in the U.S.
  3. The article highlights how the WHI data misinterpretation led to a significant impact on hormone therapy for menopausal women in the United States

The constant pain that dominated my pre-menopause life

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1198 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Chronic Pain Menopause Medical Advocacy
  1. Naga Munchetty bravely shared her adenomyosis diagnosis, shedding light on a condition often overlooked.
  2. Adenomyosis causes excruciating pain and heavy periods, often dismissed as 'just one of those things' by healthcare providers.
  3. Many women suffer in silence with adenomyosis, but speaking up, seeking help, and advocating for proper treatment is crucial.

Increased risk of 20%? Dr. JimThorp, obstetrician/gynecologist who led the fight against the COVID mRNA technology gene injections as to harms on the fetus, mother, newborn, as has Dr. Naomi Wolf, are

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 530 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Research Healthcare COVID-19 Women's Health
  1. A new study suggests a 20% increased risk of severe bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in women hospitalized for heavy menstrual bleeding.
  2. The study focused on women aged 15-50 who experienced heavy menstrual bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in France between May 2021 and August 2022, with 99.8% receiving Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna).
  3. Primary vaccination doses showed a 20% increased risk, particularly in socially disadvantaged municipalities and among women not using hormonal contraception, but this increased risk was not found for booster doses.

Friday Q&A: Hormonal mood swings; tapering antidepressants; HRT and breast cancer; & long COVID

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Therapies Medication Women's Health
  1. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a real and potentially debilitating condition that affects many women. Managing it can involve tracking symptoms, regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, hormonal treatments, SSRIs, psychotherapy, and stress reduction techniques.
  2. When considering tapering off antidepressants, it's important to discuss this process with a healthcare provider. Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for retraining the brain during this transition.
  3. Individualized treatment plans are crucial for addressing specific symptoms and needs when managing hormonal mood swings, tapering antidepressants, or dealing with other health concerns. Working closely with a doctor can help in developing a suitable plan.

Who Killed HRT?

Ladyparts • 479 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Research Book review Medical Misinformation
  1. The Women's Health Initiative made alarmist claims about hormone replacement therapy, but these claims have been walked back except one, which is wrong.
  2. The WHI study negatively impacted women's health by generating unfounded fears and leading to a significant decrease in hormone replacement therapy prescriptions.
  3. Follow the money - the WHI study had major financial backing and caused harm, showing the influence of money in healthcare decisions.

Friday Q&A: CBD gummies for sleep; multivitamins; testosterone for women; & IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Are You Okay? • 419 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Vitamins Women's Health
  1. CBD gummies can be a safe option for improving sleep, as they contain cannabidiol that may help with conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
  2. Quality and purity of CBD products matter, so it's important to choose reputable brands; remember that people may react differently to CBD, and consulting a doctor before use is wise.
  3. For women in their 50s, while multivitamins may seem beneficial, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult a healthcare provider.

What's in a Name?

Ladyparts • 878 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Advocacy
  1. It's important to speak openly about ailments related to the vagina, vulva, and female urethra for women's health advocacy.
  2. Watching TV can be a comforting activity after a medical procedure.
  3. Consider signing up for Ladyparts for exclusive content and a 7-day free trial.

"Osteoporosis is the silent killer"

Ladyparts • 659 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Medical Advice
  1. Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, not just the elderly, emphasizing the importance of bone health awareness and early testing.
  2. DEXA scans measure bone density and are vital in diagnosing osteoporosis, but they are typically recommended later in life unless specific risk factors are present.
  3. Estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting bones, highlighting the potential benefits of hormone therapy in preventing or mitigating osteoporosis.

Health New Zealand seems allergic to using the word 'woman' - but not the word 'man'.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Women's Health Gender Issues Public Policy Health Communication Societal norms
  1. Health New Zealand often avoids using the term 'woman' in its communications, especially in discussions about maternity. This is surprising since it uses 'man' frequently, leading to feelings of discrimination.
  2. When discussing men's health, the language is very inclusive with terms like 'fathers' and 'brothers'. In contrast, women's health language seems limited, making it hard to identify who is being referred to in maternity contexts.
  3. Many people are concerned that avoiding 'woman' and 'mothers' while promoting language for men is problematic. This raises questions about how women's identities are represented in healthcare communications.

Friday Q&A: Menopause Mashup

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Hormone Therapy Health Risks Treatment Women's Health
  1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be considered before menopause if a woman is experiencing menopausal symptoms and low estrogen is identified as the cause.
  2. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is generally safe for healthy women when started within 10 years of menopause, and the benefits usually outweigh the risks.
  3. Continuing hormone replacement therapy after the age of 65 should be assessed based on individual health risks and conditions to determine if the benefits still outweigh the potential downsides.

Data and Dobbs

Technically Optimistic • 79 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Data Privacy Legislation Women's Health Healthcare
  1. Protecting women's health data is crucial, especially in today's politically charged environment.
  2. Legislation like the Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act aims to safeguard sensitive reproductive health information from exploitation.
  3. There is a need for comprehensive data privacy legislation to prevent the potential weaponization of all personal data, not just reproductive health data.

What is PCOS?

Ladyparts • 399 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diagnosis Women's Health
  1. PCOS can take many women years or even decades to be diagnosed.
  2. Misdiagnosis can lead to delays in getting the right treatment.
  3. Injuries like broken bones can sometimes be overlooked and need proper diagnosis and treatment.

Friday Q&A: Irritable Bowel; HRT & breast cancer; sudden cardiac arrest; & tinnitus

Are You Okay? • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Digestive Health Mental health General Health Women's Health Healthy living
  1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a real condition that affects a significant portion of the population, more commonly women, causing symptoms like cramping, pain, bloating, and more.
  2. Managing IBS involves keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods, checking medications for possible digestive effects, increasing fiber intake gradually, managing stress, and nurturing the gut microbiome by choosing the right foods.
  3. Individuals with family history of breast cancer and considering hormone replacement therapy should consult with healthcare providers, as factors like age, lifestyle habits, and specific health conditions play a role in decision-making.

Friday Q&A: urinary infections & incontinence; estrogen use in breast cancer patients; testosterone for women; & pelvic floor dysfunction

Are You Okay? • 299 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Cancer Hormones
  1. For urinary incontinence, exploring options like vaginal estrogen can be beneficial if other medications are not successful and may improve symptoms.
  2. Management of genitourinary symptoms in estrogen+ breast cancer patients requires careful consideration due to vaginal atrophy, but vaginal estrogen therapy may still be an option to explore.
  3. Seeking specialist assessment for pelvic floor anatomy and function, and considering pelvic floor physical therapy, can help address issues like weak pelvic muscles contributing to urinary problems.