Health | Women's Voices For Change

Early Menopause and Depressive Mood Disorder

By Dr. Patricia Yarberry Allen and Megan Riddle, Ph.D., M.S

Women who experience menopause at a young age, as studies show, seem to be at a slightly increased risk of developing depression.

Menopause

Menopause is Never Old News

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

A frank discussion about making the right choices in the menopausal transition and the belief that management of symptoms is certainly possible are great life lessons that mothers can give their daughters.

Menopause

Lichen Planus and Menopause:
Diagnostic and Treatment Differences

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

I am writing because I feel that my symptoms were never taken seriously by my primary care health care provider. Because I was in “menopause,” I think my symptoms were attributed to hormonal change and not evaluated properly.

Health

Yes, Illness is a Feminist Issue

By Cecilia M. Ford, Ph.D.

When women complain of pain and/or illness we are less likely to be taken seriously than when men do. Consequently, many illnesses have been slow to gain medical attention, especially those whose victims are mostly women.

Health

August Sun Protection and Skin Care

By Anetta Reszko, M.D., Ph.D.

Now that we’re in August, our sun protection enthusiasm might be declining. Nonetheless, considering that over 70 percent of UV radiation exposure occurs in the summer months, sun protection is as important as ever. Here are important tips on skin care.

Health

Developing A Routine to Prevent Lyme Disease

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Lyme Disease and other tickborne illnesses are on the rise. Unfortunately, however, the diagnosis is often missed or delayed.

Health

Tickscaping: Preventing Lyme Disease
with Landscape Design

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Since an estimated three quarters of all Lyme disease cases are acquired from ticks picked up during activities around the home, I learned how to create a safer landscape.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Heart Disease in Women Is Still Under-Diagnosed

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Once a woman gets diagnosed with heart disease she will do worse and be more likely to die from it than a man. What is the reason for this large discrepancy?

Health

July Fourth Heat and Your Health

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

The fireworks may not be seen at all in the sky this Fourth of July as much of the country deals with prolonged and excessive heat due to a “heat dome.”

Ask Dr. Pat · Menopause

What Causes Midlife Weight Gain
and Strategies To Control It

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

We respond to a reader's questions: "Did menopause make me gain this weight? And, what can I do to get back to my former shape?"

Health

Ovarian Cancer — What You Need to Know

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

In the United States, ovarian cancer is the tenth most common cancer among women and the single most common cause of gynecologic cancer deaths.

Health

Gout in Women

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Not only is gender disparity in research responsible for the lack of awareness of gout in women, but clinical awareness has lagged as well.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Modern Scoliosis Treatment

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Physical therapy (PT) uses specialized methods and exercise-based treatments to treat scoliosis. In my opinion, physical therapy is the single most important non-operative treatment provided for those with scoliosis.