March 1 marks National Dress in Blue Day. On the first Friday of March, those who are afflicted with colon cancer – along with their allies and supporters – wear blue to bring awareness to this disease and promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Though highly preventable, colon cancer is often a silent and deadly disease. While colorectal cancer affects both men and women, there are specific nuances and considerations regarding its impact on women that we should be aware of.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, often referred to as bowel cancer or colon cancer, originates in the colon or rectum. It may start as benign growths called polyps, which can become cancerous if not detected and removed. The disease ranks as the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colorectal cancer in women
While historically seen as a disease primarily affecting men, colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting women. In fact, recent studies suggest that women may be at higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than men due to factors such as hormonal differences and unique symptoms that may delay diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer in women?
It’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in women to identify the disease and treat it effectively. Though the symptoms noted below may seem just part of normal gastrointestinal distress or indigestion, it’s important to take note of them as they can signal the early stages of colorectal cancer. Symptoms may include:
Changes in bowel habits
- Some of us may find it uncomfortable to pay attention to or discuss our bowel habits. However, if you notice changes — such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or stool consistency – mention these to your doctor right away. It’s important to screen for and identify (or rule out) colon cancer when these changes occur.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Again, this may be uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s important to note unexplained bleeding or blood in your stool and make an appointment with your primary care provider to investigate it further.
- Abdominal discomfort
- Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating may signal colorectal issues.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Significant and unexplained weight loss – without changes in diet or exercise – warrants medical attention.
- Fatigue or weakness
- If you feel more tired and rundown than usual, make an appointment with your doctor. Chronic fatigue or weakness not attributable to other factors should be evaluated.
What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage and individual patient factors, but often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and awareness of symptoms.
Screening guidelines for women
Given the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations, screening guidelines have evolved to recommend earlier initiation of screenings. While guidelines may vary slightly, most medical organizations recommend regular colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. However, women with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, may need to begin screening earlier.
As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize that colorectal cancer impacts women uniquely. Increased awareness, early detection, and proactive screening are crucial steps in reducing the burden of this disease on women’s health.
By understanding the signs and symptoms, advocating for timely screenings, and supporting ongoing research and education efforts, we can make significant strides in the fight against colorectal cancer for women and all individuals at risk. Let’s empower ourselves and our communities to prioritize colorectal health and save lives.
BV Beyond Menopause—Your Guide to Causes, Diagnosis, and Recurrence
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection globally, affecting women across their lifespan. Despite its prevalence—impacting about one in three women in their reproductive years—it tends to carry a stigma. BV can also be confused with other vaginal infections, due to a similarity of symptoms. This is all the more reason why we must learn and talk about BV.
FemmePharma believes your vaginal health is a pillar of your overall wellness. Let’s move past the shame, understand the biological causes of BV, and empower ourselves with the expert knowledge so we get the care we need. BV is a highly treatable disease, not a personal failure.
The Science of Our Microbiome
Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when the delicate, self-regulating ecosystem of the vagina—our vaginal microbiome—is disrupted.
For women’s health, Lactobacillus bacteria is a key player. These “good” bacteria act as our primary defense system, producing lactic acid that maintains a naturally acidic pH (typically 3.5 to 4.5). This low pH environment is essential for keeping “bad” bacteria, like Gardnerella vaginalis, in check.
BV occurs when our protective Lactobacillus levels plummet, allowing the disruptive bacteria to overgrow. Any event that alters the vaginal pH can trigger this imbalance, leading to the characteristic symptoms that one too many women are familiar with: extra vaginal discharge with an unpleasant “fishy” odor.
BV Affects Women at Every Stage
These are the most common risk factors that cause bacterial vaginosis and can disrupt women’s natural pH:
- Sexual Activity: Semen is alkaline, which temporarily raises the vaginal pH, making the environment less protective. While BV is not classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), having multiple or new sexual partners can increase the risk of contracting it.
- Douching: Washing inside of the vagina is one of the quickest ways to eliminate protective Lactobacillus and alter vaginal pH, making the area more vulnerable to infection.: Do not douche! Use a mild soap, washing outside of your vulva. There is a reason the vagina is considered a self-cleaning system—trust your vagina.
- Hormones: Estrogen is the fuel for our Lactobacillus bacteria, maintaining the acidic environment our vaginas need. When estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, this makes the vaginal environment less acidic and increases vulnerability to infections, like BV.
The Estrogen Factor
The risk of bacterial vaginosis increases significantly for women in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases. This is where estrogen loss plays a central role.
- Lactobacillus: Lactobacillus bacteria rely on estrogen to flourish. When estrogen levels decline during these life stages, vaginal tissue thins and the supply of glycogen—the necessary food source for Lactobacillus—is reduced.
- Vulnerability: As the protective bacterial shield weakens, the vaginal environment becomes less acidic and more susceptible to bacterial overgrowth. This connection is why treating underlying estrogen deficiency (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM) is critical to preventing chronic recurrence of BV in older women.
Dangers of Delay
One of the biggest obstacles in treating BV is self-misdiagnosis. BV symptoms—that notable “fishy odor” and gray-white discharge—are frequently confused with yeast infections (which typically present with odorless “cottage cheese” discharge and itching).
- Treatment: There is no over the counter (OTC) treatment for BV. Using OTC yeast infection remedies when you have BV not only delays the proper treatment but further disrupts the microbiome. This may worsen BV infection and increase the risk of complications.
- Providers: If you think you have BV, seek a medical diagnosis. A healthcare provider uses clinical criteria (like Amsel criteria or the Nugent score) and a microscopic analysis of vaginal fluid to confirm the diagnosis. Untreated BV can increase the risk of contracting STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Treatment + Proactive Prevention
The first line of defense against a BV infection is a course of prescription antibiotics (oral or vaginal) prescribed by your healthcare provider. At FemmePharma, our focus is on proactive prevention and recurrence management—the long-term strategy for women’s health—so let’s explore that:
- Our Microbiome: Studies show that taking a targeted, oral women’s probiotic, like our Mia Vita Women’s Probiotic, can significantly help reduce BV recurrence. These probiotics contain the strains of Lactobacillus we need to stabilize our biome, which travel from the digestive tract to the vagina. This replenishes the good bacteria for maintaining our protective acidic pH, which keeps the BV-activating bacteria at bay.
- Hygiene: Avoid douching entirely. Use only water and fragrance-free soaps on your external vulvar area. Using condoms also reduces sperm pH disruption during sex with male partners.
- Hormones (again): If you are perimenopausal or menopausal and experience recurring BV, talk to your doctor (as Dr. Sherif advises in her chapter) about treating any underlying estrogen deficiency with low-dose vaginal estrogen. Having a healthy, thick vaginal tissue is naturally more resilient to infection.
Remember, your vaginal comfort and health are a priority at every age. By understanding the science behind the microbiome and being proactive about prevention, you may stop the cycle of BV and assume control of your wellness.
Shop FemmePharma’s Expert-Backed Intimate Wellness Solutions
Understanding Nutritional Labels: Macros, Serving Size & Food Label Claims
Nutritional labels can look confusing, but a few quick checks make them easy to use. This guide shows you how to read food nutrition labels so you can pick foods that support steady energy, clear focus and a healthy weight. You’ll learn how serving size and % Daily Value work, what macros and key vitamins mean for your body, how to scan an ingredient list and how to decode claims like natural, organic and low fat. By the end, you’ll have simple steps you can use at your next grocery shop.
Breaking Down the Nutrition Facts Panel
On nutritional labels, always start with Serving size. Every number on the panel is based on this amount. If you eat two servings, you double calories, sodium and sugars. Serving sizes reflect what people typically eat, not what they should eat. So check the serving first, then portion it out.
Next, look at % Daily Value (%DV). Use this quick rule: 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high. Aim higher for fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. Aim lower for saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. This turns food nutrition labels into a simple comparison tool.
Two quick checks while you shop
1) Serving size
Compare the serving on the label to what you will actually eat. If you eat two servings, multiply all numbers by two.
Example: Serving size 1 cup; sodium 18% DV. Eat 2 cups and that is 36% DV sodium.
2) %DV compare
When two products are similar, choose the one with:
- Higher fiber and potassium
- Lower sodium and added sugars
- Less saturated fat
For easy swaps once you have read the panel, see FemmePharma’s blog article on Healthy Alternatives to Ultra-Processed Foods.
Macros: carbohydrates, protein, and fat
Macronutrients are the nutrients that give you energy and building blocks: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. On nutritional labels, these sit near the top and are your fastest way to judge a food.
Carbohydrates
Look at Total Carbohydrate, then check Dietary Fiber and Added Sugars. Choose foods higher in fiber and lower in added sugars to steady energy and support gut health.
Protein
Protein helps with satiety, muscle maintenance, skin, and immune function. Include a protein source at meals and snacks, especially if you want better appetite control.
Fat
Differentiate unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) from saturated fats (fatty meats, full-fat cheese) and trans fats. Aim for more unsaturated, less saturated, and 0 g trans-fat.
How to read a label quickly
If we take a granola bar as an example (per serving): Total carbs 27 g, Fiber 4 g, Added sugars 8 g, Protein 10 g, Total fat 7 g (Sat fat 1 g, Trans fat 0 g).
Result: Good fiber and protein, low saturated fat, moderate added sugars. It’s a better pick than a bar with less fiber, less protein, and more added sugars. Use food nutrition labels to compare similar products side by side.
Micronutrients: vitamins and minerals
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals your body needs in small amounts for many things, such as energy metabolism, nerve signaling, red blood cells and oxygen transport, and bone strength. On nutritional labels, you will usually see vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium with a % Daily Value (%DV). Use %DV to compare similar foods: 5% or less is low; 20% or more is high. Aim higher for these nutrients across your day, using food nutrition labels to spot gaps. Food first; add supplements only if your clinician recommends them.
Ingredient list: what to look for
On nutritional labels, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first three ingredients tell most of the story. If sugar, refined flour or oil appear early, the product is built on them. Watch for added sugars under many names (cane sugar, dextrose, honey, malt syrup, fruit juice concentrate). Check for the Big 9 allergens in plain language: milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame. Short, familiar lists often signal less processing. Use food nutrition labels plus the ingredient list to compare similar products.
Decoding common food label claims
On nutritional labels, claims can sound healthy but mean very different things. Here’s what they actually mean on food nutrition labels:
“Natural.” No formal FDA definition in regulation. FDA’s longstanding policy is that “natural” means nothing artificial or synthetic is added that wouldn’t normally be expected. It doesn’t address farming practices or overall nutrition. Treat it as marketing, not a health guarantee.
“Organic.” A regulated USDA term with strict categories: 100% organic (all ingredients), organic (≥95% organic ingredients), and made with organic (≥70%). Organic doesn’t automatically mean low in sugar, sodium, or calories—still read the panel.
“Low fat.” Regulated by FDA. For most foods, “low fat” means 3 g fat or less per serving; for small serving sizes, the limit also applies per 50 g. “Fat free” means less than 0.5 g fat per serving; “light” has separate reduction rules. Because some low-fat products add sugar or salt for flavor, also check “Added Sugars” and sodium %DV.
“Added sugars.” Must appear in grams and %DV on the label. The Dietary Guidelines recommend <10% of calories per day from added sugars—use %DV to compare products quickly.
Practical tips for smarter shopping
Use these quick checks on nutritional labels when you shop:
- Check serving size first. If you eat two servings, multiply all numbers by two.
- Use the 5 to 20 rule. 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high. Aim higher for fiber and potassium to cover common shortfalls and support heart and metabolic health. Aim lower for sodium and added sugars.
- Look at Added Sugars, not just Total Sugars. Use grams and %DV to keep added sugars in check across the day.
- Scan the first three ingredients. They usually make up most of the product. Look for real foods first such as oats, beans, milk, tomatoes, chicken or peanuts. Be cautious if sugar, refined flour or oil appear in the first three.
- Compare like with like. Put two similar items side by side and use food nutrition labels to pick the one with more fiber and less sodium and added sugars.
- Let the ingredient list flag ultra-processed products. Very long lists with many additives can signal a less nutritious choice.
- Balance your day. Example: a salty soup can fit if the rest of your meals are lower in sodium and rich in plants.
Nutritional labels turn the package into a clear picture of what you are eating. Start with serving size, use %DV to compare, and scan the first three ingredients. Treat claims like natural, organic, or low fat as a prompt to read the panel, not a guarantee. Use food nutrition labels to build days higher in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin D, and lower in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Small, consistent choices add up to better energy, focus, and weight control.
National Family Caregivers Month: Supporting Women & Strategies for Well-Being
Every November, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month—a time to shine the spotlight on the millions of people who step up for their loved ones in ways both big and small. Caregivers are the quiet heroes who manage doctor’s appointments, coordinate medications, provide companionship, and often keep entire households running.
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, chances are you either are a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one at some point. For many women in midlife—already navigating perimenopause or menopause—caregiving often becomes another hat to wear. And while it can be meaningful and rewarding, it can also be challenging.
Who We’re Celebrating This Month
National Family Caregivers Month is about honoring the daughters, sisters, partners, friends, and neighbors who step in when someone needs care. According to a recent study, more than 38 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to family members, and the majority of them are women.
These women often put their own lives on hold—juggling careers, families, and personal health while making sure their loved ones are safe and supported. This month reminds us that caregivers deserve more than a thank-you. They deserve resources, recognition, and real support.
The Disproportionate Burden on Women
Let’s be honest: caregiving falls heavily on women’s shoulders. Studies show that women are more likely to cut back work hours, shift careers, or even leave jobs entirely to care for parents, partners, or grandchildren. That doesn’t just affect today—it impacts long-term financial security, retirement savings, and mental health.
And it’s not only about logistics. Caregiving can bring feelings of guilt, stress, or exhaustion. Layer that with hot flashes, fatigue, or brain fog from menopause, and it’s easy to feel tired and overwhelmed.
But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Which is why this month is also about encouraging caregivers—especially women in midlife—to care for themselves, too.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Well-Being
Here are a few simple strategies that can help you stay balanced and practice self-care while caring for others:
- Set realistic boundaries: It’s okay to admit you can’t do everything. Let go of guilt and say “no” when you need to.
- Share the load: Ask siblings, friends, or community members to pitch in. Caregiving should be a team effort, not a solo job.
- Take breaks (without apology): Even short respites—like reading a book, taking a walk, or meeting a friend for coffee—can make a huge difference.
- Keep up with your own health: Don’t skip your check-ups, movement, or rest. Your well-being matters just as much as your loved one’s.
- Find your people: Join a caregiver support group (online or local). Sometimes just talking to someone who “gets it” is the best medicine.
Finding the Bright Spots
IYes, caregiving is hard. But it can also bring unexpected gifts. Many women find that it strengthens bonds, deepens empathy, and helps them rediscover what truly matters.
Whether it’s laughing with a parent over old stories, finding new ways to connect with a partner, or showing grandkids what resilience looks like—you may discover small moments of joy in the midst of challenge.
Resources That Can Help
You don’t have to figure this out alone. There are great organizations ready to support you:
- Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) – Practical resources and education.
- AARP Caregiving Resource Center (aarp.org/caregiving) – Tools and guidance for family caregivers.
- National Alliance for Caregiving (caregiving.org) – Advocacy and information.
- Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) – Connects you with local services in your area.
This National Family Caregivers Month, take a moment to honor yourself—or the caregivers in your life. The role you play is vital. But remember: your well-being matters, too.
Caregiving is not just about giving; it’s also about receiving love, support, and connection. This November, let’s celebrate caregivers not just for what they do, but for who they are: strong, compassionate, and worthy of care themselves.