Amenorrhoea DEFINITION Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstruation i.e., either a lack of onset or the cessation of normal menstruation. DESCRIPTION Absence of menstruation may occur for a variety of reasons. It is very important for any woman who has stopped menstruating to consult a medical practitioner immediately for diagnosis. … Read Article
Bloating DEFINITION Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen feels full and tight. DESCRIPTION Bloating is a feeling of fullness in the abdomen that is often associated with some distension and tightness in the abdominal area. This feeling can be quite uncomfortable. If Bloating is the result… Read Article
Breast cancer DEFINITION Breast Cancer is cancer that arises in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer in women and is the second leading cause of death by cancer in women (lung cancer is the first). In the United States, only 1% of cases of Breast Cancer occur… Read Article
Breast cancer – chemotherapy DEFINITION Chemotherapy involves combinations of drugs that kill or stop the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. DESCRIPTION Chemotherapy is a drug treatment started soon after breast surgery and may be continued for months or years. In the case of localised breast cancer (cancer… Read Article
Breast cancer – radiation therapy DEFINITION Radiation Therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. DESCRIPTION Radiation Therapy is used after surgery (particularly breast-sparing surgery) to kill any cancer cells that remain in the area. It may also be used before surgery (alone or… Read Article
Bulimia DEFINITION Bulimia is an eating disorder where excessive eating or bingeing is followed by induced vomiting or purging with laxatives. Due to their obsession with food, people with Bulimia tend not to lose a lot of weight and may be prone to depression. DESCRIPTION Like people suffering from anorexia… Read Article
Cellulite DEFINITION Cellulite is not a disease. It is a cosmetic disorder which appears as pitting, bulging and deformation of the skin. Cellulite most commonly occurs around the thigh region in women. DESCRIPTION Cellulite is not a medical condition and is not a health risk. It is a common problem… Read Article
Contraceptive pill DEFINITION The Pill is the common name given to the oral contraceptive pill. DESCRIPTION There are two main types of oral contraceptive pills: the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill. The Pill consists of a combination of hormonal drugs which help to prevent pregnancy. There are many brands… Read Article
Dysmenorrhoea DEFINITION Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is lower abdominal pain experienced during a menstrual period. DESCRIPTION Period pain is very common with some studies indicating that approximately 75 percent of young women and 25 to 50 percent of adult women experience pain and discomfort during their period. For up to 20… Read Article
Endometriosis DEFINITION Endometriosis is an abnormal gynaecological condition in which the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is found in areas outside the uterus. Endometriosis may lead to infertility in some women. DESCRIPTION Endometriosis can be present in menstruating women from the early age of puberty to menopause. Normally the… Read Article