Regina Schaffer

1 week ago | healio.com | Regina Schaffer

Rate of infant heart defects rising in abortion-restrictive states after Dobbs• The incidence of cyanotic congenital heart disease in infants is rising in states with restrictive abortion laws. CHICAGO — The incidence of cyanotic congenital heart disease increased in states with restrictive abortion policies after the Dobbs ruling in 2022, whereas rates remained relatively stable across states with protective abortion policies.

2 weeks ago | healio.com | Regina Schaffer |Carol L. DiBerardino

Key takeaways:Autistic women reported heightened sensory sensitivities during menopause that disrupted daily life. Clinicians must provide clear, accessible information on perimenopause tailored to autistic people’s needs. Autistic women can face unique challenges during the menopause transition, especially when it comes to navigating sensory challenges and interactions with clinicians as they seek to address their symptoms.

2 weeks ago | healio.com | Regina Schaffer |Carol L. DiBerardino |Jeanne Conry

Key takeaways:Global maternal mortality declined 40% between 2000 and 2023 as access to health care improved. The pace of improvement has slowed since 2016 and humanitarian funding cuts may further hamper progress. Women are more likely than ever to survive pregnancy today because of global improvements in infrastructure and access to care, but researchers caution humanitarian funding cuts could reverse any large public health gains.

2 weeks ago | healio.com | Regina Schaffer |Elise T Courtois |Danielle E. Luciano

Key takeaways: Endometriosis affects one in 10 women but often takes many years to diagnose. A new initiative, , will collect tissue samples after endometriosis surgery to improve research and education. Women with endometriosis wait on average 7 to 10 years to receive an accurate diagnosis, often after seeing multiple specialists while living debilitating menstrual pain or infertility.

3 weeks ago | healio.com | Regina Schaffer |Richard Smith

Key takeaways:Greater perimenopausal symptom burden is associated with poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairment during midlife. Hormone therapy use may mitigate mild behavioral impairment symptoms. Women who reported a greater number of symptoms during perimenopause also reported poorer cognitive function and more mild behavioral impairment symptoms later in life, both of which are risk markers for future dementia.