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Women's health

Throughout their lives, women face a variety of conditions and health issues specific to their biology and social circumstances. Common health challenges for older adult women include breast cancer, menopause, and urinary incontinence. We’ve referenced the latest research to give you evidence-based information about these conditions and others, to help you age well.

Urinary incontinence in aging females: When can medications help?
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News 'flash' for women: the latest findings on hormone therapy for menopause & heart disease
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Vaginal estrogen relieves common menopause symptoms
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  • Patient Decision Aid

    Healthy Bones: A Decision Aid for Women After Menopause

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have gone through menopause and may have osteoporosis decide on methods to keep your bones healthy. It facilitates the process by outlining and comparing the choices such as medicine, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and exercise.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer: Risks and benefits, age 50-69

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    Your risk of dying from breast cancer is slightly reduced if you have regular screening. However, regular screening increases your chance of a false positive result, a biopsy and having part or all of a breast removed unnecessarily.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer: Patient algorithm

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends women between 50 and 74 years old who are not at high risk get screened for breast cancer every 2 to 3 years. Talk to your doctor about screening options if you are at high risk or over 74 years old.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer: Patient FAQ

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    This resource includes frequently asked questions about breast cancer, including: Who is considered high risk? What are the harms associated with mammography? and Why is routine screening NOT recommended for women 40-49 years?
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer: Risks and benefits, age 70-74

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    Your chances of dying from breast cancer can be lowered by having regular screening. There are risks related to mammograms however, including false positives, unnecessary biopsies or surgery.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer Screening video

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    Women ages 50-74 should have a mammogram every 2 to 3 years, if they are not at high risk of breast cancer. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a mammogram if you are over age 75.
  • Evidence Summary

    Feedback or biofeedback to augment pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in women

    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2011)
  • Evidence Summary

    Behavioral interventions for improving contraceptive use among women living with HIV

    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Hormone therapy for sexual function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2023)
  • Web Resource Rating

    What are the early signs of ovarian cancer and how do you detect them?

    HealthLine
    Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating or pain, difficulty eating, or more frequent trips to the washroom. Taking oral birth control pills, having breastfed or been pregnant, and some surgical procedures could lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Uterine Fibroids: Should I Have Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have decided to treat their uterine fibroids decide on whether or not to have uterine fibroid embolization by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also outlines alternative treatments such as over-the-counter pain medicine, hormones, or surgery.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Stress incontinence in women: Should I have surgery?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with stress incontinence decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. Alternative options to surgery include trying exercises, medicines, and medical devices.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Non-surgical Treatments for Urinary Incontinence: A Review of the Research for Women.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps adult women decide on non surgical treatment choices for urinary incontinence. It outlines options such as lifestyle changes, exercises, medical devices, medicine, and bladder training and compares the benefits, risks and side effects associated with each option.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Routine ovarian cancer screening not beneficial

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Annual screening is not recommended for women at average risk for developing ovarian cancer, and may lead to false positive results. Instead, watch for physical changes like bloating or pelvic pain. Resource includes a short video.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Should I take Etidronate (Didronel®) for osteoporosis?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps post-menopausal women who have broken a bone recently and have osteoporosis decide on whether or not to take etidronate (Didronel®) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Should I take risedronate (Actonel®) for osteoporosis?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps post-menopausal women who have broken a bone recently and have osteoporosis decide on whether or not to take risedronate (Actonel®) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Should I take alendronate (Fosamax®) for osteoporosis?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps post-menopausal women who have broken a bone recently and have osteoporosis decide on whether or not to take alendronate (Fosamax®) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Screening for ovarian cancer: Consumer fact sheet

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
    Women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer should avoid ovarian screening. Ovarian screening can give false-positive results which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and preferences before making a decision about cancer screening.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Relieving menopause symptoms on your own

    Informed Health Online
    There is no conclusive research about how diet choices, exercise, relaxation techniques, herbal supplements or alternative therapies affect menopause symptoms. Use caution if you try herbal supplements and alternative therapies to treat menopause symptoms; some of these can have serious side effects.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Endometriosis: Should I Have a Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women suffering from endometriosis and are considering treatment decide on whether or not to have surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options to surgery such as continuing to use hormone therapy or having laparoscopic surgery.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    A Patchwork of Life - One Woman's Story, For Women Making Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer to decide on treatment options by outlining and comparing two options: mastectomy and breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
  • Evidence Summary

    Long-term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Vaginal dryness

    UpToDate - patient information
    Vaginal dryness can affect any woman but it is most common after menopause. Symptoms may include burning, itching, pain during sex and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatments include vaginal moisturizers, vaginal lubricants and vaginal estrogen. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which treatment might be right for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Genetic testing for hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    If you have a family history or personal history with specific cancers, you may be at an increased risk of developing them. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you are at high risk. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine your risk level.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Factors that modify breast cancer risk in women (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Lower your risk of breast cancer by exercising, not smoking and eating healthy. Environment, some medications and estrogen exposure can increase your risk. Some of the things you cannot change about your risk are age, ethnicity, and family history.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Common breast problems (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge and changes in breast skin are common breast problems. They can occur at all ages and for many different reasons. See your doctor if you develop any changes in your breasts.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Cervical Cancer: Screening

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
    The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend that women over the age of 65 get screened for cervical cancer unless they are at high risk or have not been screened before.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Pap test

    Canadian Cancer Society
    Pap tests every 1-3 years are recommended for women over the age of 21 who have been sexually active. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a pap test if you are over age 69 or have had a hysterectomy. Learn about preparing for a pap test, the risks and results in this resource.
  • Evidence Summary

    Short-term and long-term effects of tibolone in postmenopausal women.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Breast cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Breast cancer screening includes tests to find breast cancer at an early stage. The chance of dying from breast cancer has decreased over the past few years, partly because of screening. This resource reviews different types of screening, as well as how often to go.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Early-stage breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for postmenopausal women.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Early stage breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for premenopausal women.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Treatment of early HER2-positive breast cancer (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    Women with HER2 positive breast cancer tumours may benefit from chemotherapy and targeted treatment. Read about treatment options here and discuss your options with your doctor.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Hormone therapy for the menopause after endometriosis surgery - friend or foe?

    Evidently Cochrane
    There is not enough research to deny hormone therapy to women who have had their ovaries removed. However, there may be an increased risk of returning pain and more surgery. More research is needed.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Cervical cancer: Patient algorithm

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    A Pap test screens for cervical cancer. It recommended that sexually active women 25-69 have one every 3 years. Screening is not recommended for those older than 70 if your last 3 Pap tests were negative.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Cervical cancer: Patient FAQ

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    This resource includes information about the Pap test and what an abnormal test result means.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Urinary incontinence

    Patient.co.uk
    Urinary incontinence is when you pass urine (pee) without meaning to. Treatment depends on the cause. Cut down on caffeine, avoid drinking late at night, lose weight if overweight, avoid constipation and ask your doctor about what might be causing incontinence.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Menopause

    Informed Health Online
    Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, sweats) will usually go away without treatment. Lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. Talk to your doctor about whether hormone therapy is right for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Hot flashes

    Mayo Clinic
    The sudden feeling of warmth on the face, chest, neck, and other areas of the upper body is known as a hot flash. Hot flashes are often caused by menopause. Factors such as race, obesity, and smoking increase the risk of experiencing hot flashes. Treatment options include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and other prescription medications. Lifestyle changes such as keeping cool, avoiding spicy food, carbonated beverages, and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can also help manage hot flashes.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Vaginal atrophy

    Mayo Clinic
    Thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls is known as vaginal atrophy, and generally occurs after menopause due to decreased levels of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy is accompanied by urinary symptoms and painful intercourse. The term Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is used to refer to this combination of issues. Over-the-counter treatments, such as vaginal moisturizers or water-based lubricants, topical estrogens, and vaginal dilators are a few treatment options for GSM.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Osteoporosis, Bone Health, and Menopause

    HealthLine
    Estrogen protects bones. Estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decrease when a woman enters menopause. One cause of osteoporosis is decreased estrogen levels. To combat the development of osteoporosis speak with your health care provider about supplements, options for prescription medication and injectable bone-building agents, adding strength training to your exercise routine, and hormone replacement therapy.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Coping with menopausal hot flashes and night sweats

    Medical News Today
    Hot flashes and night sweats are common menopausal symptoms. Treatment and prevention strategies include staying cool, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, mindfulness, dietary supplements, and medication. Speak with your health care provider about the best options for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Ovarian cancer

    Patient.co.uk
    Ovarian cancer causes bloating, feeling full, and pain or pressure in the pelvic area. You might have a higher risk of ovarian cancer if you are over 50 are taking hormone replacement therapy, have endometriosis, or are overweight.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Menopause including HRT

    Patient.co.uk
    Menopause is defined as one year after a woman’s last menstrual period. Leading up to menopause, many women have symptoms like hot flushes, sweats, and changes to their period. Hormone therapy could help with symptoms.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Menopause

    Mayo Clinic
    Menopause is the completion of menstrual cycles. In the time leading up to menopause, you may have symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, or sleep problems. You should continue having regular appointments with your doctor during and after menopause.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Hormone therapy for menopause symptoms

    Informed Health Online
    Hormone therapy for menopause can help in the short-term to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sweats. Long-term hormone therapy is not recommended because of serious side-effects like increased risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Menopause: Should I Use Hormone Therapy (HT)?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women considering hormone replacement therapy for their menopausal symptoms decide on whether to use hormone therapy or try other treatments by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Uterine Fibroids: Should I Use GnRH-A Therapy?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have decided to treat their uterine fibroids decide on whether or not to use GnRH-a therapy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative treatment options such as over-the-counter pain medicine, fibroid embolization, birth control pills, or surgery.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: Should I Use Estrogen Therapy (ET)?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with early menopause after a hysterectomy and oophorectomy decide on whether or not to use estrogen therapy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy: Surgery to reduce breast cancer risk.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women at high risk for breast cancer to decide on whether or not to get preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It includes other options for reducing the risk such as medication, breast cancer screening, surgery to remove the ovaries, and healthy lifestyle.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prophylactic oophorectomy: Preventing cancer by surgically removing your ovaries.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations decide on whether or not to have a prophylactic oophorectomy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It includes alternative options such as increasing screening for ovarian cancer and birth control pills.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    OvDex: The Oophorectomy Decision Explorer.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women at increased risk of ovarian cancer to decide on whether or not to have surgery to remove ovaries and fallopian tubes by outlining and comparing the two options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Understanding genetic tests for breast and ovarian cancer that runs in the family: Information and decision aid.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who are considering genetic testing because they have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer by outlining the options such as having a mutation search, predictive test, and deferring the decision.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Fertility Problems: Should I Have a Tubal Procedure or In Vitro Fertilization?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have a fallopian tube problem that have been unable to get pregnant decide on whether to have a tubal procedure or in vitro fertilization (IVF) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Vaginal Yeast Infection: Should I Treat It Myself?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who suspect they may have a vaginal yeast infection decide on whether or not to self-treat the infection by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It outlines alternatives to self-treatment such as going to see the doctor or waiting to see if it goes away.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Do healthy women need annual pelvic exams?

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    A new guideline suggests that most healthy women do not need a pelvic exam every year. If you are pregnant or have symptoms (eg. pain), you may need more frequent pelvic exams. Decisions about having a pelvic exam should consider a woman's needs and preferences.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Which approach to breast cancer is right for you?

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Women with cancer can now opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). This option is for women with cancer who choose to remove their healthy breast. Details about the pros and cons of this approach in this resource.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer: What Should I Do if I'm at High Risk?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women at high risk for breast cancer to decide what to do. It outlines options such as getting extra checkups and testing, take medicine, have surgery to remove both breasts and have surgery to remove your ovaries and compares the benefits, risks, and side effects of each option.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer Risk: Should I Have a BRCA Gene Test?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer to decide on whether or not to have a breast cancer gene test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women experiencing natural (nonsurgical) menopause decide on whether or not to get hormone therapy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with dense breasts considering options for breast cancer screening decide on whether to get a mammogram only or get an MRI or ultrasound with the mammogram by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with average risk for breast cancer to decide whether or not to start mammograms at age 40 or 50 by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer: Should I Have Breast Reconstruction After a Mastectomy?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women decide on whether or not to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Screening Decisions

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women aged 40-49 decide whether or not to have mammogram screening starting at age 40 or age 50, and yearly or every other year.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Kidney infection

    Mayo Clinic
    Kidney infections require prompt medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you experience fever, back/side/groin/abdominal pain, frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, or pus or blood in your urine.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cysts

    Mayo Clinic
    Breast cysts are common. Your doctor might recommend tests to make sure that the cysts are not cancerous. If the cysts are causing pain, try a well-fitting bra, warm or cool compresses, or over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Your doctor might recommend aspiration to empty the cysts.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Uterine (endometrial) cancer

    Patient.co.uk
    Uterine cancer is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 75 and 79. If uterine cancer is found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding past menopause, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer guide to diagnosis and treatment

    UpToDate - patient information
    Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the US. The death rate has declined, partly due to increased screening and improved treatment. When found and treated early it is often curable. This website gives information about diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Bladder control problems in women: Lifestyle strategies for relief

    Mayo Clinic
    Behaviour therapies (or lifestyle modifications) can help improve bladder control problems. Avoid drinking too little or too much fluid and cut back on bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, acidic fruits). Some medications, excess weight, smoking and physical inactivity also affect bladder control.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer screening

    Health Link B.C.
    If you are between 50 and 74 years of age, you should have regular mammograms to test for breast cancer every 2-3 years. If you are over the age of 75, talk to your doctor before going for breast cancer screening.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast cancer screening: When should I start having mammograms?

    Health Link B.C.
    Use this decision aid to help understand your choices about breast cancer screening, including the risks and benefits of mammograms.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Breast pain

    Mayo Clinic
    Breast pain affects many women and is often caused by hormone changes. Breast pain is unlikely a sign of breast cancer. Choose a well-fitting bra, try hot or cold compresses, relaxation and pain relievers. Speak to your doctor if the pain persists or gets worse over time.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Pelvic pain in women

    Patient.co.uk
    There are many causes of pelvic pain in women, including bowel, bladder, muscle and bone problems. Visit your doctor if you have recurring or severe pelvic pain.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Male condoms

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections. Carry condoms with you and use them correctly. This resource includes frequently asked questions about using condoms.
  • Evidence Summary

    Bioidentical hormones for women with vasomotor symptoms.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Menopause and bladder control problems

    WebMD
    Bladder control problems are common after menopause. Changes to your lifestyle (exercise, weight loss, limiting caffeine) can help. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Facts about breast implants

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Risks of breast implants include breakage, numbness in the breast or nipples, infection and the need for more surgeries. Breast implants may also delay detection of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor and understand the risks before you decide to undergo surgery.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Menopause hormone therapy and breast cancer

    National Women’s Health Network
    Hormone therapy should only be used as a last resort for severe menopause symptoms and only for a short time.
  • Web Resource Rating

    10 Herbs and Supplements for Menopause

    HealthLine
    Some herbs and supplements may help relieve symptoms of menopause by acting like estrogen, however much of the evidence to support these popular treatment options is lacking. Speak with your health care provider before trying a herb or supplement for menopause management.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Let's talk about sex! Keeping intimacy alive at midlife and beyond

    Healthy Women
    Menopause can signal changes to a woman's sexual arousal and enjoyment. To help increase sexual response, practice non-sexual intimacy, share household chores, have planned intimacy and communicate.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Women and hair loss: Coping tips

    NHS Choices
    Losing your hair can be traumatic. Cope with hair loss by trying to accept it and talking to others about it. Consider masking your hair loss with wigs and scarves, but avoid so-called "miracle cures". Talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Uterine Fibroids: Should I Have Surgery?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have decided to treat their uterine fibroids decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options to surgery such as using over-the-counter pain medicine, hormones, or fibroid embolization.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Ovarian Cancer: Should I Have My Ovaries Removed to Prevent Ovarian Cancer?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer and are thinking of having their ovaries removed to prevent it decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Endometriosis: Should I Use Hormone Therapy?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have mild symptoms and have not yet had laparoscopic surgery to diagnose or treat endometriosis decide on whether or not to use hormone therapy by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. An alternative option included is taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast Cancer: Should I Have Breast-Conserving Surgery or a Mastectomy for Early-Stage Cancer?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with early-stage breast cancer considering treatment options decide on whether to have breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Breast implants: Saline vs. silicone

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women considering breast implants decide on whether to get saline or silicone implants by outlining and comparing the benefits, risks and side effects for both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Screening for cervical cancer

    Canadian Cancer Society
    Cervical cancer screening is used to find cervical cancer prior to symptom development. Early detection helps increase the chance of treatment being successful.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Hair loss

    Mayo Clinic
    Hair loss can affect men and women and is more common as we age. Effective treatments include medications, surgery or laser therapy. Wigs or hairpieces are an alternative. See your doctor if you have sudden or patchy loss of hair.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    PMS: Should I Try an SSRI Medicine for My Symptoms?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and considering treatment decide on whether or not to try a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicine to reduce symptoms by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options such as lifestyle changes.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Surgery Choices for Women with DCIS or Breast Cancer

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women with early stage breast cancer to decide on surgery choices. It facilitates the process by outlining and comparing the three options: breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy, mastectomy, and mastectomy with breast reconstruction surgery.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Abnormal uterine bleeding: Should I have a Hysterectomy?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women diagnosed with dysfunctional uterine bleeding decide on whether or not to have hysterectomy by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative treatment options such as hormone therapy or endometrial ablation.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Women's health: Prevent the top threats

    Mayo Clinic
    Many common health risks for women (such as heart disease and stroke) are preventable. Choose a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure).
  • Web Resource Rating

    Screening for Breast Cancer

    Cancer Care Ontario
    Finding breast cancer early means a better chance for successful treatment and the cancer is less likely to spread. Mammograms are used as a breast cancer screening tool.
  • Blog Post

    Concerned about your cholesterol? Let’s talk walking in women

    Walking strikes again! Research shows it can hold benefits for women living with overweight and obesity when it comes to their cholesterol.
  • Blog Post

    Evidence-based insights on 3 types of cancer screening

    Do you have questions around cancer screening? See what the research has to say about screening for prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Sneak peek: the answers are not always so cut-and-dry.
  • Blog Post

    Screening for breast cancer: What you should know about mammography

    Do you have questions about mammography? See what the evidence says about this form of breast cancer screening for women with an average risk for breast cancer.
  • Blog Post

    Can pelvic floor muscle training be a solution for leaky bladder woes in women?

    Don’t let the battle with your bladder take hold of your life and your ability to live it to the fullest. Research provides promise through the support of pelvic floor muscle training.
  • Blog Post

    Violence against women and COVID-19: A pandemic within a pandemic

    Violence against women is a tragic and complex phenomenon, especially since this "shadow pandemic" is unfolding against the background of a health pandemic. We must act proactively and not remain silent in the face of such violence.
  • Blog Post

    Managing menopause: Strategies to help you cope with 3 common consequences

    From vaginal dryness to hot flashes to osteoporosis, the symptoms and complications associated with menopause are no walk in the park. Become better acquainted with some of the evidence-based strategies that can assist you on your journey through menopause and beyond.
  • Blog Post

    Screening for ovarian cancer: What you should know

    Ovarian cancer screening continues to not be recommended for women with no symptoms and at average risk of the disease.
  • Blog Post

    Is it just me, or is it hot in here? Take the heat out of menopause with these treatments

    Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. If you are suffering from your own personal heat wave, find comfort in the fact that there are options available to help cool you down.
  • Blog Post

    Beyond taboos: The sexual life of older adults

    While certain health conditions can affect libido and sexual capacity, many people still want and need intimacy, or have sexual desires, as they grow older. However, there seem to be taboos and preconceived ideas about the sexuality of older adults.
  • Blog Post

    Past-menopause? Exercise your way to better bone health

    For women, menopause is an inevitable part of aging, as is bone loss to some extent. But there are things you can do to improve or preserve your bone density and slow down bone loss. Surprise... it’s exercise!
  • Blog Post

    Fact or fiction: research reveals the truth about common medications

    Based on the research evidence, some drugs are getting credit they don’t deserve! They may even be doing more harm than good.
  • Blog Post

    Vaginal estrogen relieves common menopause symptoms

    Menopause may be a natural and inevitable phase in a woman’s life but it often comes with uncomfortable and irritating symptoms. Vaginal estrogen is an effective treatment option.
  • Blog Post

    News 'flash' for women: the latest findings on hormone therapy for menopause & heart disease

    For years hormone therapy was the “go to” for relieving symptoms of menopause; it was also believed to protect against age-related diseases. Recent evidence sheds a clearer light on how hormone therapy impacts heart health.
  • Blog Post

    Vitamin D and calcium: A dynamic duo in the maintenance of strong bones

    Calcium and vitamin D supplements help keep bones healthy and may reduce the risk of bone breaks in older adults.
  • Blog Post

    Urinary incontinence in aging females: When can medications help?

    Urinary incontinence is a very common problem in aging women. When conservative measures (pelvic floor training, lifestyle changes) don't work some drugs can help for some types of incontinence.