Research

Common fitness trackers may help track pregnancy complications by detecting heart rate changes that mirror hormonal shifts, new research suggests. The study found devices such as Apple Watch, Garmin and Fitbit recorded heart rate patterns that aligned with key pregnancy hormones including oestrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These hormones play vital roles in [...]

A woman’s blood group may influence her risk of premature birth, according to research examining over 74,000 maternity records. The study found women with blood groups B and O faced higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth, while those with group A had lower risk. Preterm birth means labour starts naturally before 37 weeks of pregnancy. [...]

Cannabis use may affect women’s fertility by causing defects in egg cells, according to new research in IVF patients. The study examined samples from women undergoing IVF in Canada. Samples that tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive compound in cannabis – showed poorer outcomes. Researchers in Canada and Israel analysed 1,059 [...]

Femtech World explores the latest developments in the world of technology and women’s health. 30-minute non-invasive test to revolutionise endometriosis detection A new diagnostic tool for endometriosis will now be available in Canada. EndoDiagnosis will be the sole distributor in Canada for the ENDOSURE Tier 1 diagnostic test for the condition, which cuts down the [...]

A hydrogel applied to vaginal tissue could offer hormone-free relief for menopause symptoms, new research suggests. The treatment may help with vaginal dryness and pain linked to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM occurs when the vaginal and urinary tissues become thinner and drier after menopause. Dr Marianna Alperin, professor and vice chair [...]

After decades of women carrying contraceptive responsibility, advancements in the development of male contraceptives could see products approved for use within the next few years, with the potential to shift the burden of birth control. For all the freedoms that come with it, for decades, women have borne the brunt of the responsibility for birth [...]

Women using their partner's egg in co-IVF treatment may face higher risks of complications for themselves and their babies, research suggests. The review of more than 9,000 patients found increased risks of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, alongside lower birth weights, despite higher live birth rates. Co-IVF, or reciprocal IVF, lets women in same-sex relationships share [...]

Autistic women face serious gaps in menopause support and healthcare, with many reporting poor treatment and a lack of tailored information, a new review shows. The analysis found many were unaware of symptoms when they began, struggled to access appropriate care and often had negative experiences with health services. Three main issues emerged: poor knowledge [...]

Better detection and management of malnutrition and muscle loss could improve treatment results for women with ovarian cancer, new research has found. The study involved a 24-item survey of 57 healthcare professionals across Australia, looking at awareness of nutrition issues, screening practices and barriers to support at diagnosis, during treatment and after treatment. Weight loss, [...]

Experts warn weight-loss jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could worsen bone health in menopausal women already at risk of osteoporosis. Dr Jack Mosley, son of the late broadcaster and health advocate Michael Mosley, said the treatments may carry hidden side-effects for women with fragile bones. The drugs mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone that increases [...]