Get the top three things to know in women's health + wellness, every weekday:

Endometriosis Is Having a Moment, But Not Soon Enough for Many Patients

May 8, 2024

What: An essay from Lucy Pasha-Robinson opens with one of the most gripping depictions of endometriosis pain I’ve ever read (spoiler alert: far worse than labor in her experience), but then quickly gets to the point: “there have been no new endometriosis treatments made available to patients for 40 years.”

Why it matters: “Why do breakthroughs in healthcare take so long to trickle down to the people living with these conditions? Probably for all sorts of good reasons. Gold-standard research takes time. But there’s a frustration as a patient in knowing there could be a solution to your suffering just around the corner, except you probably won’t get there in time to benefit.”

Source: The Guardian

More News Snippets

How Trump Talks About Abortion Bans, By the Numbers

The New York Times analyzed over 600 speeches (!!!) from Donald Trump on abortion and shows visually just how much his rhetoric has changed.

British Agency Backs Hormone Therapy First Over Talk Therapy for Menopause

Last year, the same agency got fierce criticism for saying menopausal woman should get talk therapy

Kidney Disease Triples Among Women

Kidney disease in women has nearly tripled in the past 30 years, with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as some of the leading causes.

Wyoming Abortion Ban Overturned

A federal judge struck down Wyoming’s abortion ban, ruling it unconstitutional and granting access to abortion in the state.

To Prevent the Cancer from Returning

An essay from Rachel Manteuffel on her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment that manages to be funny while also tackling the wrenching choice to have chemotherapy or not after a mastectomy.

Rates of Postpartum Depression Doubled in the Last Decade

Researchers found postpartum depression more than doubled, going from 9% in 2010 to 19% in 2021.

Is Perfect Is the Enemy of the Good in Reproductive Health Battles After Election Losses?

Reproductive rights groups are not ready to embrace compromises on abortion, IVF, and birth control access, arguing that they could harm access to reproductive care.

Abortion Pill Requests Skyrocket with Trump’s Election

One organization got requests for 5,000 pills in less than 12 hours. They typically ship 9,000 pills in an entire month.

History of Endometriosis and Fibroids Linked to Heightened Risk of Early Death

The increased risk was particularly linked to gynecological cancers.

Increased Risk of Miscarriages Tied to Gene Variant

The variant accelerates reproductive aging, leading to a greater number of abnormal eggs.

The Menopause Treatment Messaging Conundrum

A deep dive on the queen of menopause, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, and her push to get more women treatment for menopause symptoms.

The Voters Backing Trump and Opposing Abortion Bans

There were millions of people who voted against abortion bans *and* FOR the man who put those bans in motion.

Prosecuting Women for Miscarriages

This is a story that captures the moral challenges and nuance that arise when you mix the law and pregnancy.

Some Experts Warn Menopause Doc Misstates HRT Risks

A recent documentary on menopause made a big splash, but some experts are criticizing it for overstating the risks of cancer and heart disease associated with hormone replacement therapy.

Georgia Fires Entire Maternal Mortality Committee

Georgia state officials shut down an entire committee dedicated to reviewing maternal mortality in the state, after ProPublica reported in September on the deaths of two women as a result of the state’s abortion ban.

Menopause and Muscle Pain

How hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can lead to muscle pain and body aches.

Alcohol’s Lies (and Breast Cancer)

A deep dive on drinking and examining why people reacted far more swiftly to the news that smoking causes cancer than they have for alcohol—especially breast cancer.

Medicare and Medicaid in Oz

Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid–the country’s massive health insurance programs for the elderly and lower-income adults and children.

Drunk Elephant Recalls Skin Care Products

Skincare brand Drunk Elephant has recalled some products due to contamination concerns, after ingredients were mixed up in several items.

Giving Birth Can Bring Financial Strain and Ruin in the United States

While around 80% of Medicaid patients paid nothing for labor and delivery, 60% of people on commercial insurance paid $1,000 or more out of pocket.