Acceptance, faith, and duty are key for women navigating metabolic disorders in Senegal, West Africa. Senegalese women suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease/failure found solace in Islam and their faith in Allah for navigating their disease experiences. Religion and faith are seen as sources of strength and agency rather than as foregone conclusions or as something “fated,” providing women ways to make meaning from their chronic illness experiences. Living with chronic illness in under- and low-resourced settings constrain women’s ability to navigate their disease. Religion and faith allow ways of making meaning from these challenging situations.

Prenatal and early-life exposures may contribute to lifelong hypertension risk. We examined the relationships between an individual’s birth weight or preterm birth status with their 1) risk for hypertension and 2) related quantitative blood pressure measures [mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 30-second pulse] among post-menopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative observational cohort. At study entry, birth weight and preterm birth status were self-reported by category (<6 lbs., 6–7 lbs. 15 oz., 8–9 lbs. 15 oz., or ≥10 lbs.; ≥4 weeks premature or full term). Prevalent and incident hypertension status were self-reported; baseline SBP, DBP, and 30-second pulse were measured by trained study staff. Linear, logistic, and Cox-proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate associations between birth weight and preterm birth and blood pressure outcomes. After adjustments, participants born weighing <6 lbs. had a higher mean SBP and were at increased risk for prevalent and incident hypertension compared to participants born at a normal birth weight (6–7 lbs. 15 oz.). Women born weighing ≥10 lbs. had a lower mean SBP and were at lower risk for prevalent and incident hypertension when compared to participants born at a normal birth weight. Compared to participants born full term, those born preterm were at increased risk for prevalent and incident hypertension; however, this relationship was weaker when stratifying by birth weight. Long-term follow-up or targeted counseling may be required for individuals born prematurely or at lower birth weights to prevent hypertension and associated cardiovascular outcomes.

Women with severe mental illnesses (SMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) appear to have poorer sexual and reproductive health (SRH) compared to women without SMI and men with SMI. Previous research suggests that women with SMI experience higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, sexual violence and variable contraceptive use. This review seeks to identify key barriers and facilitators affecting access to SRH services for women with SMI in LMICs by systematically synthesizing relevant research. A qualitative systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Electronic searches were made on July 31, 2024, in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and citation tracking covering the period from 2004 to 2024. Studies conducted in LMICs that explored barriers and facilitators for accessing SRH services for women aged 18 years or older diagnosed with SMI were included. Data extraction and methodological quality assessments were completed and findings were compiled using the JBI meta-aggregation approach. The confidence of these findings was evaluated using the ConQual method. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four synthesized findings were: (a) Variable knowledge of SRH and low risk perception hinder access to SRH care for women with SMI; (b) Service availability shapes access to SRH care for women with SMI; (c) Restricted autonomy and exclusion from health decisions prevent women with SMI from accessing SRH care that reflects their needs and rights; and (d) Stigma and gendered expectations around mental illness and sexuality, reinforced by societal norms, discourage care-seeking for the SRH needs of women with SMI. All of these findings were assessed to have moderate confidence. Women with SMI in LMICs face distinct challenges in accessing SRH services. By considering the multifaceted barriers and facilitators identified in this review, policymakers can create more targeted and equitable interventions that improve accessibility of SRH services for this population.

This review synthesizes current evidence linking alterations in the gut microbiome to menopausal transition. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, particularly due to its bidirectional communication with the brain via multiple neural, endocrine and immune pathways. Menopause-associated oestrogen decline disrupts this axis, influencing not only gastrointestinal function and microbial diversity but also mood, cognition and inflammation. The oestrobolome is a community of gut bacteria capable of modulating circulating oestrogen levels. Taken together, research suggests a complex dynamic interplay between the intestinal microbiota and sex hormones, potentially contributing to menopausal symptoms and related comorbidities. Understanding these interactions offers promising avenues for intervention, as dietary strategies (such as isoflavones), lifestyle modifications and targeted probiotic therapies may help restore balance within the gut-brain axis and support brain health during and after the menopausal transition. Here, we highlight the importance of an integrative, microbiome-informed approach to midlife women’s health, emphasizing innovative, non-pharmacological strategies to promote long-term well-being in women.

Menopausal age represents the endpoint of the entire reproductive cycle of women, and it is a biological marker that indicates the overall health and ageing status of women. Flavonoids are the most common polyphenolic compounds in the daily diet, and their intake is related to reduced risks of certain diseases. Our study aimed to analyse the relationships between the intake of flavonoids and menopausal age. We selected 29 940 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2007–2008, 2009–2010 to 2017–2018. A total of 680 participants were included in our analysis after screening. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between dietary flavonoid subclasses intake and menopausal delay (≥ 55 years old). Restricted cubic splines plots were generated to reveal the nonlinear relationships between the subclasses of flavonoids intake and menopausal age. According to the adjusted multiple factor logistic regression analysis, the top quartile intake (compared with bottom intake) of anthocyanidins was positively associated with delayed menopause (OR = 4·123; 95 % CI: 1·130, 15·041; Ptrend = 0·036), whereas the moderate intake of flavonols was negatively associated with delayed menopause (Q2 v. Q1, OR = 0·081 (95 % CI: 0·025, 0·261), Ptrend = 0·001; Q3 v. Q1, OR = 0·271 (95 % CI: 0·093, 0·791), Ptrend = 0·023). The restricted cubic splines revealed that non-linear association was observed between the intake of isoflavones, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and later menopause (P value for non-linearity < 0·05). Our findings suggest that specific dietary flavonoids intake may have potential roles in regulating menopausal timing.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) remains a neglected sexual and reproductive health (SRH) condition, predominantly affecting women and girls in sub‐Saharan Africa. Infection with Schistosoma haematobium, resulting in trapped parasite eggs in the genital tract, causes lesions that mimic sexually transmitted infections and cervical neoplasia, often leading to misdiagnosis, stigma and delayed treatment. This review summarises current developments on FGS burden, prevention, diagnostics, integration, policy, community engagement and identifies critical threats to progress. Ongoing surveys show promise in ensuring robust burden estimates and age‐related risk data. Diagnostic advances include portable colposcopy, digital image analysis techniques and molecular assays, although limitations persist in resource‐limited settings. Praziquantel remains the cornerstone of treatment, yet single‐dose regimens inadequately reverse established lesions; repeated dosing shows improved parasite clearance but limited lesion regression, highlighting the necessity for early, life‐course preventive chemotherapy including access to paediatric praziquantel. Successful programmatic pilots have developed training curricula, minimum service packages, community engagement tools and have integrated FGS care into SRH platforms. Policy momentum is building through World Health Organization taskforces and national strategies, yet sustainable financing remains a challenge. Key threats include bilateral aid reductions, climate change, emerging infections, rising healthcare costs and persistent gender inequities. To address these challenges, we propose seven priority actions, encompassing all health system building blocks, for the global community. Nationally coordinated, multisectoral efforts are urgently required to embed FGS prevention, diagnosis and management within broader health systems, thereby improving outcomes for affected women and girls.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has exceptionally high co-morbidities with common mental health conditions and is often associated with gendered healthcare inequalities. This study aimed to investigate the ways in which cognitive behavioural therapists’ (CBT therapists) perceptions, understandings, and assumptions regarding women’s health and healthcare influence their therapeutic practice with women experiencing CPP. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 CBT therapists working in a variety of healthcare settings. Transcribed interviews were analysed using a mixed inductive and deductive thematic analysis (TA). Three themes were developed: the gendered nature of CPP, the role of CBT, and building relationships. Therapists treated CPP as a distinctly gendered condition, which may lead to male therapists being viewed as less able to empathise with those suffering from CPP, and CPP in trans clients being left undiscussed. Therapists displayed varied understandings of the role of CBT with CPP clients and discussed how standard CBT training under-recognises the importance of women’s health in therapy. They identified trust as a key barrier to mental health care in women with CPP, highlighting relationship-building as a priority with this client group. This study demonstrates the impact that therapists’ own perceptions regarding women’s health has on their treatment approach with CPP, underscoring the importance of reflective practice in this area. It also highlighted significant gaps in the literature relating to approaching gendered topics such as CPP with trans clients, and a need to integrate women’s health issues into core CBT training and long-term conditions (LTC) training.

This article describes a trainee-led women’s health project aimed at connecting psychiatry and gynaecology to better meet the needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a NICE-recommended treatment for menopause-related vasovagal symptoms. A menopause-focused CBT (mCBT) group intervention for women unable to take hormone replacement therapy was developed and piloted in collaboration with local menopause specialists. This article documents some of the challenges experienced and insights gained along the way by the trainees who developed it.

This article provides a narrative overview of the development of women’s mental health services in Qatar. The country has made notable advancements, driven by progressive health policies and a focus on gender-sensitive care. Key initiatives include the development of specialised services, the integration of mental health into primary care and the implementation of targeted training programmes for healthcare professionals. The establishment of a fellowship programme in women’s mental health and the incorporation of gender considerations into national clinical practice guidelines further underscore the country’s commitment. Addressing remaining gaps through innovation, inclusivity and collaboration will be vital to ensuring comprehensive mental healthcare for all women.

Pseudocyesis, also known as false pregnancy, is defined as the belief of being pregnant with physical signs and symptoms in the absence of a confirmed pregnancy. Notable cases include Queen Mary, who suffered from phantom pregnancies under societal pressure to conceive in the 16th century. Although now extremely rare, at its peak it accounted for 1 in 250 pregnancies following the Second World War, and was thought to be linked to heightened gender norms and sociocultural expectations around motherhood during this time. Pseudocyesis presents with complex and unique diagnostic challenges in clinical practice. It differs from delusional pregnancy, which is a fixed belief of pregnancy without physical signs or symptoms. The condition is often associated with infertility, psychological distress and neuro-endocrine conditions affecting the reproductive system. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating psychological support and addressing underlying reproductive health issues.

Premenstrual symptoms are a cyclic set of symptoms that affect women’s psychological and physical well-being. Growing evidence suggests that micronutrients may contribute to the risk and severity of premenstrual symptoms such as depression. Yet the relationship between folate and premenstrual symptoms remains inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine the association between folate intake and MTHFR genotype with premenstrual symptoms. Females (n 678) aged 20–29 years from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study self-reported fifteen premenstrual symptoms. Dietary intake was measured using a validated 196-item Toronto-modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire. DNA was isolated from peripheral white blood cells and genotyped for the C677T MTHFR (rs1801133) polymorphism. Using logistic regression, the odds of experiencing premenstrual symptoms were compared between total folate intake below and above the median (647 mcg/d) and between MTHFR genotypes. We found associations between MTHFR genotype and some premenstrual symptoms. Among women with low folate intake, an additive association was observed between the Tallele of MTHFR and premenstrual depression. Compared with those with the CC genotype, the OR (95 % CI) for depression was 1·66 (0·98, 2·87) for those with the CT genotype and 2·41 (1·08, 5·38) for those with the TT genotype. No associations were observed between MTHFR genotype and premenstrual depression among those with higher habitual intakes of folate. Since the MTHFR genotype is involved in the folate metabolic pathway, these findings suggest that folate or its metabolites may be related to the risk of premenstrual depression.