HealthyWomen

Our Mission

HealthyWomen is the nation's leading nonprofit health information source for women. Our mission is to educate, inform and empower women to make smart health choices for themselves and their families.

For 25 years, HealthyWomen has been providing unbiased, original health information, reviewed and vetted by leading medical experts -- earning the trust of consumers, health care providers, nonprofit and corporate partners, and the media. In July our website HealthyWomen.org was selected to ForbesWoman’s "Top 100 Websites for Women" for the third consecutive year.

In addition to our site, HealthyWomen produces print publications for health care providers, the annual WomenTALK® survey addressing current trends in women’s health, as well as public health education campaigns designed to raise awareness of conditions most affecting women.

Activity

  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What makes depression different from the blues?

    Most people get depressed or "down" every once in a while, but major depression is different: it's felt most of the day, for nearly every day of the week for at least two weeks and it interferes with your daily life. Severity, duration and the presence of other symptoms distinguish depression from...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What questions should I ask my doctor about macular degeneration?

    If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, ask your eye doctor the following questions:
    • Do I have dry or wet macular degeneration?
    • Is it safe for me to drive?
    • How fast will my vision loss progress?
    • Can my condition be treated?
    • Will taking a vitamin or mineral supplement help
    ...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What are the different types of cholesterol?

    Cholesterol travels in the blood in packages called lipoproteins, which consist of lipids (fats) and protein. Cholesterol packaged in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called "bad" cholesterol because too much LDL in the blood can lead to cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries. LDL...Read More
    Lauren Champion like this.
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    How does Botox work?

    Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) works by reducing muscle activity by blocking the nerve impulses that cause the squinting or frowning muscles to contract. Botox is approved for the temporary treatment of frown lines and brow furrows. Botox is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botuli...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

    Unlike gestational diabetes, there really isn't one test that can diagnose preeclampsia. That's why it's so important that your blood pressure and urine be checked during each prenatal visit. Blood pressure readings significantly higher from one visit to the next could be an early sign of preeclampsia,...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What's a recipe for a green smoothie?

    A blended smoothie can offer the perfect breakfast, lunch or snack. Start with your favorite fruits and some low-fat or almond milk and then throw in a handful of greens for an added nutritional boost (1 cup of greens equals one serving of veggies). If you're worried that you won't like the flavor of...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    Who is most at risk for rheumatoid arthritis?

    According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1.3 million Americans, mostly women. Two to three times more women have RA than men, and the number of women with the disease appears to be increasing. The age of onset can vary, but it typically occurs between ages 30...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen has posted a blog entry:
    7 Top Tips for Healthy Aging
    Let's embrace getting older with a promise to age as healthfully as we possibly can. Here are 7 top tips for healthy aging. Read more.
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What causes a heart attack?

    When blood flows more slowly at the site of a narrowing artery, it can become "sticky" and eventually form a clot. This blood clot can narrow the opening of the artery even further, which can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain, or angina. If blood flow is nearly or completely b...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

    The first episode of genital herpes is referred to as the primary outbreak, an episode occurring within a week or two after exposure. When it produces symptoms, the primary outbreak is characterized by lesions at the infection site and can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, including headache,...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    How do I know if I have depression during or after pregnancy?

    The reason depression is challenging to recognize and diagnose during pregnancy and postpartum is that the symptoms that doctors normally use to make this diagnosis -- sleep, appetite, energy and concentration -- are almost always altered during pregnancy and postpartum. This is one reason almost...Read More
    Erin Barr-Smith like this.
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    Why do women get depressed during pregnancy?

    In short, the reason pregnant and postpartum women are vulnerable to depression is hormones. There are significant hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, with large increases in estrogen and progesterone, and then a rapid drop-off immediately after giving birth.

    Pregnancy is also a time of increased...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What causes depression?

    Researchers don't know exactly what causes depression, and there may be many factors. It may be related to hormones or to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain or to low levels of folate. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to depression or other aspects of their medical history...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What kind of professional can diagnose depression?

    Your primary care provider may diagnosis you with depression or some other mental health illness and offer treatment, which could be antidepressants, psychotherapy (counseling) or both. Or your primary care provider may refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. In all cases, your primary...Read More
  • HealthyWomen
    HealthyWomen answered:

    What medications might help for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the future?

    The medical and scientific communities have been exploring medicines for Alzheimer's disease (AD) that target a particular protein, beta amyloid, which tends to accumulate in the brain as we age and is associated with dementia. The hope that these beta amyloid-targeted products could cure Alzheimer's...Read More