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What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea is a medical term that means “painful periods,” Unfortunately, 50%-90% of menstruating women experience it every month. Ironically, such an essential and life-giving biological function can severely impact us physically and emotionally. There are several ways to decrease menstrual pain and increase the quality of life, allowing for a more pleasant monthly visit from Aunt Flo. What causes menstrual cramping? Dr. Vicky Scott is the founder of Asheville Gynecology and Wellness, an integrative GYN practice in Asheville, N.C. She is board-certified in obstetrics, gynecology, lifestyle medicine, and integrative and holistic medicine. She explains that as women get closer to their period, the body starts producing prostaglandins, which are inflammatory compounds that cause the uterus to contract and release its lining. This can cause cramping. Cramps can also occur with an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, mainly when estrogen levels are too high, or p

It's always a good idea to get acquainted with your breasts' anatomy and the best practices for cancer prevention. Sadly, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is a significant health threat. Other conditions that can affect the breasts, and are often benign, are cysts and fibrocystic changes. Breast tissue infections can also occur, particularly during breastfeeding, and mastitis, or inflammation of the breast, is common. With the proper knowledge, you can take preventative measures and a proactive approach to your breast health. Here's how: Schedule Your Mammogram A mammogram scans breast tissue for tumors or other abnormalities that might be a sign of breast cancer and are typically performed for the first time when a woman is between 40 and 50 years old. Women should have a repeat scan every 1-2 years. Menopausal women often have dense breast tissue, and density can obstruct cancer detection through a mammogram, making it unreliable

Our Beautiful Biology Throughout history, the female breast has been a locus of art, sexuality, eroticism, fertility, abundance, and nurturance. The symbolism and politics of this sacred anatomy have evolved to fit the standards and beliefs of each time and culture. Ancient Egyptians, for example, represented breasts in their art, typically for religious purposes, while showing female deities breastfeeding pharaohs as proof of their divine status. The Ancient Romans were more liberal in expressing the sensuality of the female body in their masterpieces. At the same time, the Middle Ages, shaped by strict religious discipline, held more modest representations of the female body. Despite the varying, often objectifying, representations of the female breast in art and culture, breasts are an evolutionary powerhouse. With their complex system of glands, ducts, and high concentrations of estrogen receptors, breasts are responsible for fascinating anatomical functions, such as helping pubert