Simply put, endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows on the outside of it. It usually affects women in their 20s and 30s, and early diagnosis is critical, particularly for young women hoping to preserve their fertility. So how do you know if you have it? Here are a few telltale …

When Angelica arrived at her last prenatal appointment, she expected a routine checkup. Instead, doctors detected pre-eclampsia — a pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure. Angelica’s plan changed in an instant. Following recommendations from every mom she knew, Angelica chose St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place in Edgewood, Ky. The birthing center features 33 private labor and delivery suites designed …

Personalized Nurse Midwife Labor and Delivery Care As a mom, there was little mystery or newness surrounding Markie’s second pregnancy. But because it would be her last, Markie wanted to cherish every moment and was looking for a personalized labor and delivery experience. That’s why she followed the advice of several friends who delivered their babies at St. Elizabeth Family …

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections, affecting millions of people every year. In fact, nearly 50–60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cara Elmer-Lyon, MD, a urogynecologist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, explains the science behind these symptoms. “Bacteria make their way up into the bladder …

You spend hours tossing and turning in bed. Or maybe you fall asleep quickly, then lie awake for hours in the middle of the night. You finally drift off at 5:30 a.m., only to awaken to your alarm clock 45 minutes later. How can something as simple as sleep be so complicated — and frustrating? Is Insomnia Common in Menopausal …

Childbirth can be a magical event. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. For first-time and veteran moms, compassionate, knowledgeable support and personalized care with an individualized birth plan, ensure that every birth experience is both unforgettable and positive.  That’s why Markie and Angelica delivered their babies at the St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place. From conversations with friends and loved …

If you are going through menopause, you know this transition can be a bit bumpy. Many women have questions about ways to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life without turning to hormone therapy. One option many women consider is dietary supplements. Symptoms of Menopause During menopause, your body goes through many hormonal changes. Estrogen levels drop, bringing …

Is anxiety a mood disorder or is it a physical reaction to emotional stress? The answer is that it can be both, but the difference between having a short-lived reaction to feeling anxious and having an anxiety mood disorder is like the difference between driving in a light rain shower and navigating a tsunami.  Anxiety disorders are the most common …

Menopause: It’s that time of life where you’re just as likely to break down crying at the grocery store as you are to snapping at the next person who tells you good morning. If you’re at the age for menopause, you will start experiencing a lot of body and hormonal changes that can leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry or …

During the years surrounding menopause, you may not always feel like yourself. Hormone fluctuations can cause symptoms such as mood swings and night sweats —common perimenopause and menopause symptoms that some women find severe — that may make you feel downright strange. Those features are frustrating enough, but more unusual menopause symptoms may leave you thinking, “Seriously?”  One such symptom …