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Reproductive Health

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A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…

December 31, 2024

My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.

Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD

This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…

December 16, 2024

Did you know that the over-the-counter emergency contraception pill, also known as Plan B®, has a shelf life of 4 years?

Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC

According to the makers of Plan B®, this over-the-counter emergency contraception pill typically is good for four years when stored correctly. Think of a dry, dark place that stays around room temperature. (So not the bathroom 😉). Folks thinking about buying Plan B® for future use should check the expiration date on the outside of Read more…

December 13, 2024

What types of hormone therapy can help with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms?

Aging General Health Reproductive Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh

What types of hormone therapy can help with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms? Medications that deliver estrogen into your bloodstream can help relieve bodywide symptoms related to menopause. You can take a pill or wear a patch, but those aren’t the only FDA-approved options. Menopause marks the one-year anniversary of your final menstrual period. Read more…

December 9, 2024

Is emergency contraception the same as abortion?

Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC

TL, DR: No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. It does not end a pregnancy. For a person who doesn’t want to be pregnant, it helps *prevent* the need for abortion. There are two types of emergency contraception, pills and IUDs (intrauterine devices). The hormonal pills that contain only the hormone levonorgestrel are available over the counter Read more…

November 25, 2024

there’s blood on the newspaper

Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA

This is the second in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to Read more…

November 19, 2024

How much iron should I take?

General Health Reproductive Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. About 2 in 3 people worldwide don’t get enough iron, including roughly 1 in 7 American adults. People who Read more…

November 12, 2024

Which iron supplement is best?

General Health Reproductive Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Which iron supplement is best? There is no “best” type of iron supplement. Inexpensive supplements are widely available and generally work just as well as more expensive iron formulations. The human body usually does a pretty good job of keeping iron in balance. Despite this, iron deficiency is common, especially in people who menstruate. It’s also Read more…

November 8, 2024

Why I Went Back to my Midwife for Menopause Advice

Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Welcome, Nerds to our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing accessible Read more…

October 31, 2024

A Nerdy Girl Guide to Breast Cancer Awareness

General Health Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA

As we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Those Nerdy Girls is offering a glimpse into the risk factors, (mis)perceptions, and disparities surrounding breast cancer with the hopes of expanding people’s perspectives and encouraging more far-reaching advocacy! Please enjoy the infographic slides we put together:

October 24, 2024

What are Dense Breasts?

Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH

Q: What are Dense Breasts? – Christine from Washington, D.C. A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost Read more…

October 22, 2024

How does intimate partner violence impact pregnancy?

Reproductive Health
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM

How does intimate partner violence impact pregnancy? TL;DR: Survivors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, both parents and infants, experience long-term emotional trauma and chronic health problems, and timely support can help prevent it. *If you or anyone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Read more…

October 17, 2024

October 18th is World Menopause Day

Aging Reproductive Health
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team

In recognition of World Menopause Day on October 18, 2024, Those Nerdy Girls wants to send you a big, sweaty hug and highlight our posts on this important topic. There is a dire need for unbiased information given that the menopause space is filled with misinformation and predatory marketing. Many of us are right there Read more…

October 15, 2024

Should I check my hormones in perimenopause with an at-home test?

Aging Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH

Should I check my hormones in perimenopause with an at-home test? TL;DR No. Routine “hormone testing” in perimenopause and menopause is not recommended. At-home urine and saliva tests are not helpful in determining “stage” of perimenopause or need for treatment. Menopause transition Menopause is the normal process that occurs when the ovaries stop working. It Read more…

September 30, 2024

Q: What does sepsis awareness have to do with reproductive health?

Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA

A: Tons, actually! From natural processes such as menstruation to medical procedures such as abortions, the goings-on of our reproductive systems – particularly in those of us assigned female at birth – may make us more susceptible to infections. And when reproductive healthcare systems do not provide the proper education, screening, pain management, treatment, and Read more…

July 23, 2024

Is it safe to use vaginal estrogen for local menopausal symptoms?

Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD

Current data support that vaginal estrogen is very safe and effective for most people, yet many clinicians are under-informed about and overly reluctant to prescribe treatment for menopausal symptoms. “I’m struggling with post-menopausal vaginal symptoms, and my clinician only recommended a moisturizer, which doesn’t help much.  Why didn’t they prescribe an estrogen cream?” – Becca Read more…

June 21, 2024

Why are girls entering puberty earlier?

Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD

Girls are getting their first period at younger and younger ages, especially girls of color and of low socioeconomic status.  Potential reasons include both higher BMI and stress, but it’s still not fully understood.  This change is important, as earlier sexual maturation brings with it concerns for both physical and social health. A recent study of over Read more…

April 17, 2024

What do we need to know about Black Maternal Health?

Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC and MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA

Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is wrapping up. What do we need to know about Black Maternal Health? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate (CDC, 2021) as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable Read more…

April 2, 2024

Nerdy Girl Alex answers the question “Does getting an IUD hurt?”

Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD

A: Yes, either a lot or a little depending on your situation, but most people feel it’s totally worth it. Getting an IUD is an awkward, uncomfortable sometimes painful and miserable experience, but the vast majority of people who get them say it was totally worth it. In a survey that I did with a Read more…