Topics: Women's Health

Three women and a man smile as they pose for a photo in the hallway of a doctor’s practice. From left, are mother Jessica Hammaker; Dr. Stephanie Estes, obstetrician-gynecologist; Jamie Ober, registered nurse, holding baby Miles; and father Justin Baer.

The Medical Minute: Family on your timeline: Latest trends in family planning, fertility treatments and preservation

Jan 21, 2026

Infertility affects 10 to 15% of heterosexual couples. Penn State Health reproductive endocrinologists explain the latest fertility treatment options, along with family planning and fertility preservation.

A group of eight people pose for a photo at the Breidegam Family Birthing Center at St. Joseph Medical Center. They stand in front of two banners. The one behind them reads “Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center” and “Welcome Baby!”

St. Joseph Medical Center completes $1 million renovation of Breidegam Family Birthing Center

Jan 6, 2026

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center has completed a $1 million renovation of its Breidegam Family Birthing Center. The project included modernized interiors with new flooring, paint and visitor-friendly reclining sofas that convert into beds.

Radiologic technologist Erin Schaffner in her scrubs at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center. A mammogram scan is in the background on a computer screen.

Heart and skill in action: A radiologic technologist’s story

Oct 7, 2025

A chance job as a front office greeter changed everything. Encouraged to explore radiology, Erin Schaffner found her calling as a radiologic technologist, combining compassion, science and service through every procedure she performs.

Mature woman having a hot flash.

The Medical Minute: I’m cold, bald, flat and bloated. What’s wrong? Blame menopause

Sep 3, 2025

Although hot flashes and night sweats get most of the attention, menopause can bring some lesser-known symptoms. Two Penn State Health experts explain their causes and ways to find relief.

Dr. Sushrutha Sridhar, left, talks to Dr. Stephanie Estes of Penn State Health Obstetrics and Gynecology in a doctor’s office. Sridhar is wearing a flowered dress, and Estes is wearing a white lab coat. An ultrasound image of a uterus is shown on a screen between them.

The Medical Minute: Irregular periods, weight gain and facial hair? It could be PCOS

Jun 25, 2025

More than 5 million women in the U.S. have polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, the most common hormone disorder among women. Penn State Health physicians explain what causes the condition and how to manage its symptoms.

Portrait of three smiling women of different ages

The Medical Minute: Keep your bones strong during menopause and beyond

Apr 23, 2025

When menopause hits, your risk of bone fractures goes up. Penn State Health experts tell how to protect your skeleton (and deal with other menopause symptoms, too).

Can hormone therapy improve heart health in menopausal women?

Apr 22, 2025

A new analysis of data from the Women’s Health Initiative found that oral hormone therapy may improve biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol, over the long-term in women in menopause.

A woman in professional attire speaks at a lectern, gesturing with her hands. A step-and-repeat ‘Penn State Health’ backdrop is in the background.

Children’s Hospital, PA Department of Health host news conference on maternal health

Jan 27, 2025

Representatives from Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine showcased their involvement in advancing maternal and infant care through local maternal health coalitions during a news conference in Hershey.

A woman sits in a chair, breastfeeding her infant child.

Lactation consultants at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center help new moms succeed in breastfeeding

Sep 27, 2024

Lactation consultants are specially trained to help mothers with breast milk feeding, which provides babies with the complete nutrition they need and protects them in many ways.

A younger woman embraces a senior woman with her right arm.

The Medical Minute: Genetics play big role in ovarian cancer

Sep 11, 2024

Doctors can help prevent ovarian cancer, but historically the cost of preventative surgery has been menopause. A Penn State Health expert discusses why it’s worth it, and how medical technology is catching up with this insidious disease.

1 2 3 … 10 Next »