meetara-lab/vectorstore-women_health huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding

It’s only natural

More and more moms 
are breastfeeding…

69%

45%

83%

of all babies born 
in  20151  were ever 
breastfed — up from 
70% in 20002

of 
African-American 
babies born in 
20151 were  
ever breastfed — 
up from 47% in 20002

58%

of all babies born in 
20151 were breastfed at  
6 months — up from 
35% in 20002

of 
African-American 
babies born in 20151 
were breastfed  
at 6 months — up  
from 17% in 20002

…saving lives…

Breastfeeding can reduce the odds  

of  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by  50%3 

…and saving money.

Families who follow optimal breastfeeding practices can save between

$1,200 and  $1,500

 on infant formula

4

Help for moms:

 Most insurance plans cover breastfeeding equipment, supplies, 
and support at no cost to you.

Need health insurance? Go to HealthCare.gov to apply.

Call us at 1-800-994-9662 for free help with breastfeeding.

Get answers to your breastfeeding questions at womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding.
Need health insurance? Go to HealthCare.gov to apply.

Call us at 1-800-994-9662 for free help with breastfeeding.

Get answers to your breastfeeding questions at womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding.

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1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). Rates of Any 

and Exclusive Breastfeeding by Socio-demographics among Children Born 
in 2015. National Immunization Survey.

2. CDC. (2017). Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity: Data, Trends 

3.

Thompson, J.M.D., Tanabe, K., Moon, R.Y., Mitchell, E.A., McGarvey, C., 
Tappin, D., et al. (2017). Duration of Breastfeeding and Risk of SIDS: An 
Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis. Pediatrics; 140(5): e20171324.

4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). The Surgeon 

and Maps. 

General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding.
Endometriosis 

Endometriosis, also called “endo,” happens when the 
lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. 
It affects about 5 million American women. The most 
common symptom is pain. The pain happens most often 
during your period, but it can also happen at other times. 
Endometriosis may also make it harder to get pregnant. 
Several different treatment options can help manage the 
symptoms and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Q: What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
A:  Symptoms of endometriosis can include:

  •   Pain. Women with endometriosis may have many 

different kinds of pain. These include:

    —  Very painful menstrual cramps. The pain may 

get worse over time.

    —  Chronic (long-term) pain in the lower back 

and pelvis

  —  Pain during or after sex

  —  Intestinal pain

    —  Painful bowel movements or pain when 
urinating during menstrual periods

  •   Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
and pelvis

  —  Pain during or after sex

  —  Intestinal pain

    —  Painful bowel movements or pain when 
urinating during menstrual periods

  •   Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods

  •   Infertility, or not being able to get pregnant

  •   Stomach (digestive) problems. These include 
diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, 
especially during menstrual periods.

Q: Who gets endometriosis?
A:  Endometriosis is most common in women in their 
30s and 40s.

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662

You might be more likely to get endometriosis if you have:

  •   Never had children

  •   Menstrual periods that last more than seven days

  •   Short menstrual cycles (27 days or fewer)

  •   A family member (mother, aunt, sister) with 

endometriosis

  •   A health problem that blocks the normal flow of 

menstrual blood from your body during your period
•   A family member (mother, aunt, sister) with 

endometriosis

  •   A health problem that blocks the normal flow of 

menstrual blood from your body during your period

Q: How is endometriosis diagnosed? 
A:  Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms 
and do or prescribe one or more of the following to 
find out if you have endometriosis: 

  •    Pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor 

will feel for large cysts or scars behind your uterus. 
Smaller areas of endometriosis are harder to feel. 

  •   Imaging test. Your doctor may do an ultrasound 

to check for ovarian cysts from endometriosis. The 
doctor or technician may insert a wand-shaped 
scanner into your vagina or move a scanner across 
your abdomen. Both kinds of ultrasound tests use 
sound waves to make pictures of your reproductive 
organs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is 
another common imaging test that can make a 
picture of the inside of your body.
•   Medicine. If your doctor does not find signs of an 
ovarian cyst during an ultrasound, he or she may 
prescribe medicine to lessen your pain. If your 
pain gets better with medicine, you probably have 
endometriosis. 

A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Endometriosis

2

  •   Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that 

doctors can use to look inside your pelvic area to 
see endometriosis tissue. Surgery is the only way 
to be sure you have endometriosis. Sometimes 
doctors can diagnose endometriosis just by seeing 
the growths. Other times, they need to take a small 
sample of tissue and study it under a microscope 
to confirm this.

Q:  How is endometriosis treated? 
A:  There is no cure for endometriosis but treatments 
are available for the symptoms and problems it causes. 
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. 
Treatments include:

  •   Hormone treatment. Hormonal birth control is
•   Hormone treatment. Hormonal birth control is 

generally the first step in treatment. Hormone 
treatment is best for women who do not have 

severe pain or symptoms. Hormones come in 
many forms, including pills, shots, and nasal 
sprays.

  •   Surgery. Surgery is usually chosen for severe 
symptoms, when hormones are not providing 
relief or if you are having fertility problems. After 
surgery, hormone treatment is often restarted 
unless you are trying to get pregnant.  

  •   Pain medicine. For mild symptoms, your doctor 

may suggest taking over-the-counter medicines for 
pain. These include ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) 
or naproxen (Aleve).

  •   Complementary and alternative medicine 

(CAM) therapies. Some women report relief from 
pain with therapies, such as acupuncture, chiro-
practic care, herbs, or supplements. 

For more information…
on endometriosis, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:
For more information…
on endometriosis, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations: 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, HHS 
800-370-2943 • www.nichd.nih.gov 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 
800-673-8444 • www.acog.org 

Endometriosis Association 
414-355-2200 • www.endometriosisassn.org 

Endometriosis Research Center 
800-239-7280 • endocenter.org/index.htm 

This fact sheet was reviewed by Esther Eisenberg, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Officer, Project Scientist, Reproductive Medicine Network, Fertility and 
Infertility Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and E. Britton Chahine, M.D., FACOG, 
Gynecologic Surgeon at The Center for Innovative GYN Care.
All material contained in this fact sheet is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the 
Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Content last reviewed: August 18, 2014. 
Content last updated: August 18, 2014.

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A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that damages 
the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease affects more women 
than men. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism 
(overactive thyroid gland). Symptoms of Graves’ disease 
may include bulging eyes, weight loss, and a fast 
metabolism. Hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease is 
treatable with medicine. 

Q: Who gets Graves’ disease?
A: Graves’ disease is more common in women than  
in men. Women are most often affected between the ages  
of 30 and 60. 

Your risk for Graves’ disease is higher if you:

•  Have a family history

•  Have another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid 
arthritis, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, or lupus. 

•  Experience severe emotional stress or trauma
•  Have a family history

•  Have another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid 
arthritis, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, or lupus. 

•  Experience severe emotional stress or trauma

•  Recently had a baby. Your risk of developing Graves’ 
disease is high in the year after giving birth. This 
suggests that pregnancy might trigger or reveal Graves’ 
disease in some women.

•  Have a history of infection with the virus that causes 

mononucleosis (“mono”; Epstein-Barr virus). 

•  Smoke. Smoking is also a leading risk factor for  
the eye problem seen in Graves’ disease called  
Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

Q: What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?
A: Symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

•  Bulging, irritated eyes (called Graves’ ophthalmopathy)

•  Thickening and reddening of the skin, especially  

on the shins and upper feet 

•  Irritability or nervousness

•  Tiredness or muscle weakness

www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662

•  Heat sensitivity

•  Trouble sleeping
on the shins and upper feet 

•  Irritability or nervousness

•  Tiredness or muscle weakness

www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662

•  Heat sensitivity

•  Trouble sleeping

•  Shaky hands 

•  Rapid and irregular heartbeat

•  Diarrhea

•  Weight loss without dieting

•  Goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid that can cause the 

neck to look swollen

Q: What is Graves’ ophthalmopathy?
A: Graves’ disease can lead to an eye problem called 
Graves’ ophthalmopathy. It affects up to half of people  
with Graves’ disease. 

Graves’ ophthalmopathy happens when cells from your 
body’s immune (defense) system attack the tissues around 
your eyes. The result is inflammation and swelling in the 
eye socket, causing the eyeball to bulge out. If left untreated, 
damage to the nerves in the eyes can also lead to blindness.

Graves’ ophthalmopathy is treated with eye drops and 
eyeglasses, radiation therapy, or eye surgery. Your treatment 
will depend on how serious your eye problems are.
Graves’ ophthalmopathy is treated with eye drops and 
eyeglasses, radiation therapy, or eye surgery. Your treatment 
will depend on how serious your eye problems are.

Q: How does Graves’ disease affect women? 
A: Left untreated, Graves’ disease can cause: 

•  Problems with your menstrual period. Too much 

thyroid hormone can cause irregular menstrual periods 
and make your periods lighter than normal. 

•  Problems getting pregnant. Irregular menstrual cycles 
can make it harder for women with Graves’ disease 
to get pregnant. About half of women with Graves’ 
disease have problems getting pregnant.

•  Problems during pregnancy. Graves’ disease can lead 
to preeclampsia, miscarriage, and problems with the
placenta. It can also cause problems for your unborn 
baby’s development, including a fast heart rate, low 
birth weight, and birth defects.

• Problems after pregnancy. Graves’ disease
• Problems after pregnancy. Graves’ disease

often gets better during the last three months
of pregnancy, but it may get worse after delivery.

• Thyroid storm. This is a very rare, life-threatening

condition caused by too much thyroid hormone. This
suddenly increases your heart rate, blood pressure,
and temperature to dangerously high levels.

• Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat

(arrhythmia), atrial fibrillation, and heart failure

• Bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis

Q: How is Graves’ disease diagnosed?
A: To diagnose Graves’ disease, your doctor will do
a physical exam and may do some tests including:

• Thyroid function tests. These tests check your blood

for levels of the main thyroid hormone (T4) and
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A high level of
T4 plus a low level of TSH is a sign of an overactive
thyroid gland.

Graves’ Disease

2

• Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test. This test
Graves’ Disease

2

• Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test. This test

tells how much iodine the thyroid gland uses to make
thyroid hormone. Higher levels of iodine suggest
Graves’ disease.

• Antibody tests. These blood tests look for antibodies

that suggest Graves’ disease.

Q: How is Graves’ disease treated?
A: There are three main treatments for Graves’ disease:
• Antithyroid medicine. These medicines keep the

thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone.
They are often given to patients before thyroid surgery
or radioiodine therapy.

• Radioactive iodine (RAI). RAI is a type of iodine

that destroys thyroid cells so that your thyroid gland
cannot make as much thyroid hormone. This cures the
overactive thyroid gland, but it can lead to underactive
thyroid gland. If this happens, you will need to take
thyroid hormone for the rest of your life.

• Surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid.
• Surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid.

As with RAI, surgery cures overactive thyroid but
can lead to underactive thyroid.

For more information…
For more information about Graves’ disease, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:

National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information 
Service, NIDDK, NIH, HHS 
1-888-828-0904 • www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/
endocrine-diseases

American Thyroid Association 
1-800-THYROID (849-7643) • www.thyroid.org

The Hormone Foundation 
1-800-HORMONE (467-6663) • www.hormone.org

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. 
586-776-3900 • www.aarda.org

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the medical review in 2015 by:

• Ellen Leschek, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist, Program Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute

of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Ellen Leschek, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist, Program Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute

of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Niveditha Mohan, M.D., Internist, Assistant Professor, Arthritis and Autoimmunity Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

All material contained on this page is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office 
on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated: November 28, 2017. 

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www.youtube.com/WomensHealthgov

www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662
Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an 
autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland. 
Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men. It is 
the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive 
thyroid). Hypothyroidism is treatable with medicine. 
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause problems 
getting pregnant and problems during pregnancy. 
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight 
gain, depression, and joint pain. 

Q: Who gets Hashimoto’s disease?
A: Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men. 
It can happen in teens and young women, but it most 
often appears between ages 30 and 50. Hashimoto’s 
disease often runs in families. 

Your risk of getting Hashimoto’s disease is higher  
if you:

•  Have another autoimmune disease, such  
as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease,  
type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia  
(vitamin B12–deficient anemia), or lupus

•  Have a family history
•  Have another autoimmune disease, such  
as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease,  
type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia  
(vitamin B12–deficient anemia), or lupus

•  Have a family history 

•  Recently had a baby. Some women have  

thyroid problems after having a baby, called  
postpartum thyroiditis. The thyroid often  
returns to normal within 12 to 18 months after 
symptoms start. But if you have a history of 
postpartum thyroiditis, your risk is higher for 
developing permanent hypothyroidism. 

Q: What are the symptoms of 
Hashimoto’s disease?
A: You may not have any symptoms of Hashimoto’s 
disease for years. The first sign is often an enlarged 
thyroid, called a goiter. The goiter may cause 

the front of your neck to look swollen. You 
may feel it in your throat, or it may be hard 
to swallow. But most people don’t have any 
symptoms, and goiters rarely cause pain.
the front of your neck to look swollen. You 
may feel it in your throat, or it may be hard 
to swallow. But most people don’t have any 
symptoms, and goiters rarely cause pain.

Q: How does Hashimoto’s disease affect women? 
A: Most problems from Hashimoto’s disease 
happen when women develop hypothyroidism. 
Hypothyroidism can cause: 

•  Problems with your menstrual cycle. Too little 
thyroid hormone can lead to irregular menstrual 
cycles or periods that are heavier than normal. 

•  Problems getting pregnant. Irregular menstrual 

cycles can make it harder for women with 
Hashimoto’s to get pregnant. Studies show  
that almost half of women with hypothyroidism 
due to Hashimoto’s disease had problems  
getting pregnant. 

•  Problems during pregnancy. Untreated or 

poorly treated Hashimoto’s disease can lead to 
miscarriage, birth defects, or other problems.
•  Problems during pregnancy. Untreated or 

poorly treated Hashimoto’s disease can lead to 
miscarriage, birth defects, or other problems.

•  Problems after pregnancy. Some women develop 
thyroid problems in the first year after giving birth. 
This is called postpartum thyroiditis. It often begins 
with mild symptoms of an overactive thyroid, 
which last two to four months. Most women then 
develop symptoms of an underactive thyroid, 
which can last up to a year and requires treatment. 
Most often, thyroid function returns to normal as 
the thyroid heals.

A FACT SHEET FROM THE OFFICE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Q: How is Hashimoto’s disease diagnosed?
A: If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, your
doctor or nurse will do an exam and order one or more 
tests, including:

• Thyroid function test. This blood test tells
• Thyroid function test. This blood test tells

whether your body has the right amounts of
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid
hormone. A high level of TSH is a sign of an
underactive thyroid. When the thyroid begins
to fail, the pituitary gland makes more TSH
to trigger the thyroid to make more thyroid
hormone. When the damaged thyroid can no
longer keep up, your thyroid hormone levels
drop below normal.

• Antibody test. This blood test tells whether you
have the antibodies that suggest Hashimoto’s
disease. Having only the antibodies does not
cause hypothyroidism.

Q: How is Hashimoto’s disease treated?
A: Hashimoto’s disease is treated with a daily dose
of levothyroxine. This is the same hormone that your 
thyroid gland makes. You will probably need to take 
thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.
You may have to see your doctor or nurse a few times 
to test the level of TSH in your body. Thyroid hormone 
acts very slowly in the body, so it can take several 
months after the start of treatment for symptoms to go 
away. Once your TSH level is normal, your doctor or 
nurse will need to see you less often. 

The same treatment dose usually works for many 
years. But your TSH levels may change sometimes, 
especially during pregnancy, if you have heart disease, 
or if you take menopausal hormone therapy. Your 
doctor or nurse may need to adjust your dose.

For more information…
For more information about Hashimoto’s disease, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact 
the following organizations:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive 
and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, HHS 
1-888-828-0904 • www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov

American Autoimmune Related Diseases 
Association, Inc. 
586-776-3900 • www.aarda.org
American Autoimmune Related Diseases 
Association, Inc. 
586-776-3900 • www.aarda.org

American Thyroid Association 
1-800-THYROID (849-7643) • www.thyroid.org

Hormone Health Network 
1-800-HORMONE (467-6663) • www.hormone.org

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the medical review in 2017 by:

• Ellen Leschek, M.D., Program Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and

Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

• David S. Cooper, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Radiology, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University

School of Medicine

All material contained in this fact sheet is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the 
Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated: November 28, 2017.

www.facebook.com/HHSOWH

www.twitter.com/WomensHealth
Page last updated: November 28, 2017.

www.facebook.com/HHSOWH

www.twitter.com/WomensHealth

www.youtube.com/WomensHealthgov

www.womenshealth.gov | 1-800-994-9662
A  FACT  SHEET  FROM  THE  OFFICE  ON  WOMEN’S  HEALTH

Top Questions About Menopause

Menopause is when your period stops permanently, 
after you have not had a period for 12 months in a 
row. Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life. 
The average age for menopause in the United States 
is 52, but menopause does not happen all at once. 
As your body transitions to menopause over several 
years, you may have menopause symptoms and 
irregular periods. 

Q: What are common menopause symptoms?
A: Changing hormone levels during menopause can
cause symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes (or flushes). These are the most

common menopause symptom. Hot flashes cause
sudden feelings of heat and red blotches on the
upper part of your body. You may also have heavy
sweating during the hot flash and cold shivering
after the flash.

• Vaginal dryness, which can make sex

uncomfortable

• Irregular periods. Your periods may be lighter
or heavier, or they may come more often or
less often.
• Vaginal dryness, which can make sex

uncomfortable

• Irregular periods. Your periods may be lighter
or heavier, or they may come more often or
less often.

• Problems sleeping

• Becoming forgetful or having trouble focusing

• Urinary problems. You may experience leaking

urine when you sneeze, or you may find it hard to
hold urine long enough to get to the bathroom.

• Mood changes. You might feel irritable or have

crying spells.

• Depression and anxiety

• Changing feelings about sex

www.womenshealth.gov | 800-994-9662

If your menopause symptoms bother you, talk to your 
doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse can suggest  
steps to try at home or medicines to help with  
your symptoms.
If your menopause symptoms bother you, talk to your 
doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse can suggest  
steps to try at home or medicines to help with  
your symptoms.

Q: What is menopausal hormone therapy?
A: Menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes
called hormone replacement therapy, is prescription 
medicine to help relieve hot flashes and vaginal 
dryness. Menopausal hormone therapy is safe for 
some women, but it does have risks. The Food and 
Drug Administration advises women who want to try 
menopausal hormone therapy to use the lowest dose 
that works for the shortest time needed. 

Topical hormone therapy is a low-dose estrogen 
cream, vaginal ring, insert, or gel that is applied 
directly to the vagina. This type of hormone 
therapy can help with vaginal dryness but not other 
menopause symptoms.