The Challenge Description: A palpable or otherwise discernible mass or swelling in the abdomen or pelvis. Scope of the Problem: The finding of a mass can be disconcerting to both the patient and the provider. For women from adolescence to…
Introduction Description: Osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass (calcium) and microarchitectural disruptions that puts the patient at risk for fracture with minimal trauma or during activities of daily living. This process disproportionately affects older women, resulting in…
Introduction Description: Obesity is a state of increased fat and lean body mass (>20% higher than ideal weight; body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m 2 ) that is associated with increased health risks. Obesity affects more women than men and…
Introduction Description: Myofascial syndrome is characterized by muscular and fascial pain and is associated with localized tenderness and pain referred to sites that are often remote. Myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia frequently demonstrate trigger-point involvement. These syndromes may present as…
Introduction Description: Benign proliferations of melanocytes (junctional nevi) are often referred to as melanomas. Malignant melanoma is the malignant degeneration of cells from the melanocytic (pigment) system. Although generally a skin lesion, malignant melanomas may arise in any pigmented tissue…
Introduction Description: Pain located in the lower portion of the back (generally between the level of the iliac spines and the lower ribs) with radiation to the abdomen, pelvis, legs, or trunk. In women, gynecologic processes are often implicated (correctly…
Introduction Description: A functional syndrome of intermittent abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea related to hypermotility of the gut in the absence of any organic cause. Prevalence: 15% of the population. First described in 1818 and accounts for 50% of all…
The Challenge The challenge is to assist couples who experience difficulty conceiving through normal means. Scope of the Problem: The inability to conceive and bear children affects 6%–12% of the American population. Under ordinary circumstances, 80%–90% of normal couples conceive…
Introduction Description: Reduced or inadequate circulating levels of thyroid hormone. Women are 5–10 times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men. Menstrual disturbances may be the first indication of this abnormality. Some women develop a transient (3–4 months) hypothyroid…
Introduction Description: Hyperthyroidism is the excess production of thyroid hormone. It is three times more common in women than in men and may result in menstrual irregularity or fertility disturbances or may complicate pregnancy. It may occur because of Graves…