Diane Woest

What to know about female sex hormones

Summary description Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play crucial roles in sexual development, sexual desire, and reproduction. They also influence body weight and hair, bone, and muscle growth. Learn more about the types and roles of these hormones here.
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Health benefits of olive leaf extract

Research is beginning to show that olive leaf extract may have several potential health benefits. These include lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Learn more here.
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What causes rapid weight gain?

Most people’s body weight fluctuates over time, but rapid weight gain can sometimes indicate a medical issue. In this article, learn about which conditions can cause rapid weight gain as well as when to see a doctor.
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Are air fryers healthy?

Air fryers use hot air to fry foods. Sources claim that they are a healthful alternative to other cooking methods, but others raise concerns about toxicity and cancer risks. In this article, we take a close look at the research behind the health benefits and risks of using air fryers.
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Weight loss: How the 'love hormone' might help

An intriguing new study demonstrates that an oxytocin nasal spray can change the way that people's brains respond to images of unhealthful food.
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Can you get pregnant on your period?

A person can get pregnant at any point in their menstrual cycle, but it is much less likely during their period. In this article, we look at the factors affecting whether someone can get pregnant before, during, and after their period.
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Hypothyroidism: Foods to eat and avoid

Certain diets can improve hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, while others can make the symptoms worse. In this article, we look at which foods and nutrients to eat and avoid to improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
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Atherosclerosis: Scans spot inflammation in arteries before they harden

Using advanced imaging to scan people with some atherosclerotic plaques, scientists detected inflammation in arteries that had not yet developed plaques.
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Why your household dust could fuel the growth of fat cells

Is there a link between the dust in our homes and the accelerated growth of fat cells in our bodies? New research suggests that the answer may be 'yes.'
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Sugary drinks can be a factor in cardiovascular disease

A recent study finds an association between sugary drinks and higher rates of mortality from cardiovascular disease, as well as higher cancer rates.
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Surgery with ultrasound treats high blood pressure in trial

A minimally invasive procedure that disables nerves leading to the kidneys maintained reduced blood pressure for 6 months with less prescribed medications.
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What are the health benefits of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate generally contains less sugar and more cacao solids than milk chocolate. It is also rich in antioxidants and some minerals. Research suggests that regularly eating dark chocolate may provide several health benefits. Learn more about these benefits here.
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Heart disease and depression: Scientists find missing link

Heart disease raises the likelihood of depression, and vice versa. New research moves closer to understanding the mechanism that explains this link.
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Do standing desks really help you lose weight?

A new review of existing studies examines the effects of sit-stand desks on work performance, posture, behavior, health, and more.
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Higher cholesterol, egg consumption linked to heart disease

Pooled data on 29,615 people spanning up to 31 years ties higher egg or cholesterol consumption to raised risk of cardiovascular disease and early death.
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Common blood pressure drug may increase cardiac arrest risk

A recent preliminary study concluded that a common drug that doctors prescribe to treat hypertension and angina may increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
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Is the shot or the pill better for birth control?

People can take the pill or have shots to prevent pregnancy, but which type of birth control is better? In this article, we discuss the effectiveness, side effects, and costs of the shot and pills for birth control.
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Heart failure: New drug could halt disease and improve heart function

A molecule that stops two proteins from interacting and impairing heart function halted heart failure and improved heart pumping capacity in rats.
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93 percent of medications contain 'potential allergens'

Many of the so-called inactive ingredients present in medications could have the potential to cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Is high blood pressure always bad?

Most experts believe that doctors should treat hypertension as a risk factor. However, new research suggests that high blood pressure is not always bad.
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