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.
Outdated Dogma vs. Modern Science: Correcting the Record on Menopause & HRT
Recently, the FDA convened an expert panel on menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, bringing together clinicians and researchers to discuss this critical, often misunderstood, area of women’s health. While the intention was to shed light on current evidence, the discussion underscored how ingrained certain myths and misinformation, often perpetuated by outdated interpretations, affect women’s care. We’re here to help correct the record and guide you toward applicable, accurate information.
Beyond the Myths: What We Know, What’s Needed, and Your Options
The panel illustrated that while we don’t know a lot as definitively as we’d like—especially concerning nuances like perimenopause or applying broad data to segmented populations (e.g., by race/ethnicity, as more granular data is needed for applicability)—the will to move faster and apply personalized medicine approaches is growing. More research is needed to fill these gaps, but options are available in the meantime.
As you engage with your healthcare provider about these complex topics, empower yourself by asking:
- What are my risk factors? (Family history and genetic factors)
- Cardiovascular, cancer, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption), age,
- Medication usage (concomitancy issues and drug interactions)
- Does this option have FDA-clearance or approval?
- Is the product manufactured under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP)?
- Are the ingredients pharmaceutical-grade ingredients?
At FemmePharma, we know that informed choices empower women. With our over two decades of experience running clinical trials and a background steeped in women’s healthcare research, we understand the subtleties of this science. Our understanding enables us to develop our Mia Vita® product line that meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy, aligning with the call for evidence-based solutions that reflect the current science.
We want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the FDA for convening this crucial panel and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and collaboration. As FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary noted, for too long, women’s health issues have been “sidelined, downplayed, underfunded, and underappreciated.” The overwhelming message from the experts is clear: it’s past time to stop overstating risks and promoting fear, based on outdated information. Women deserve policy that reflects current evidence and not outdated myths. With additional research and data in subpopulations, we can design options that may be available to manage symptoms and prevent long-term health consequences, offering life-enhancing and life-saving benefits for countless women.
We spoke with our CEO, Gerie, about The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause (she’s in it!), why this documentary is so important, and what she wishes people knew more about when it comes to menopause. Our interview has been edited for clarity.
FP: The M Factor is reaching a lot of people. Why do you think it is the right time for this kind of a film?
Gerie: Women are concerned that hegemonic masculinity is rearing its ugly head. The combination of ageism and misogyny is particularly apparent when it relates to women who can no longer bear children. However, women are a force and the sheer number of women in this phase of life creates a powerful sisterhood. Menopause is a time of rebirth! It’s a time of liberation from issues of menstruation and childbearing when our sexual self-confidence can flourish.
FP: In the film, you speak about over-the-counter supplements, which are distinct from prescribed medication for women in menopause. How would you discuss the relationship between Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and taking supplements?
Gerie: HRT is one option women may consider in consultation with their healthcare practitioners. Diet, exercise, and supplements should be part of the tool kit for menopause. Intimate skin moisturizers and personal lubricants help keep the genitalia hydrated and supple. All of these may work synergistically with HRT, or alone.
FP: What is one fact about menopause you think has been under-discussed when it comes to the social conversation on menopause?
Gerie: Mental wellness should be front and center. Women disproportionately suffer from major depressive disorder and this can be exacerbated during the hormonal roller coaster of perimenopause and menopause.
FP: What is a woman?
Gerie: A woman is a force of nature—physically and emotionally strong. We deal with adversity, and we are resourceful. Women persevere.
FP: Do you think the medical field has recovered from the 2002 World Health Institute (WHI) study claiming that hormone therapy is unequivocally linked to breast cancer?
Gerie: We need to refrain from condemning the WHI. We learned a lot from the WHI that has opened up opportunities to identify where we should refocus our research efforts. The real need is to invest in research to study diverse populations including Black and brown women, and various ethnicities, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HRT in various subpopulations. Medical practitioners need to have hard data to make informed decisions about what to recommend, to whom, and the appropriate therapeutic dose/dosing regimen.
FP: If there is one thing you want people to take away about understanding menopause, what would it be?
Geri: Menopause is not a disability! Education about the transitions between puberty, parenthood, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause should take place in sex education at middle and high school levels. These natural life cycles women go through, and may go through if they become parents, should be a significant part of professional and medical school curricula.
How Nutrition Affects Brain Health
When we talk about brain health, we often focus on puzzles, memory games or stress management. But one of the most powerful tools to support your brain is right on your plate. The connection between nutrition and brain health is well-established in research. What you eat not only fuels your body but also influences how clearly you think, how well you focus and even how resilient your mood is.
Understanding which nutrients support cognitive function and how to include them in your everyday diet can make a meaningful difference, especially as we age. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the brain–nutrition connection and offer practical advice on the best foods for cognitive function.
The Brain–Nutrition Connection
Your brain is the most energy-demanding organ in your body, using around 20% of your daily energy intake. To work efficiently, it relies on a constant supply of blood glucose, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Without these nutrients, mental clarity, focus and memory can suffer.
Inflammation and oxidative stress are two key factors in age-related cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing these harmful processes. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, oily fish and healthy fats, has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and better mental performance.
Moreover, the gut–brain axis, the communication network between your digestive system and brain is another important factor. What you eat influences your gut microbiome, which in turn can affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Research shows that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in brain function and mental health, influencing mood, memory and focus through the gut–brain axis.
Key Nutrients for Cognitive Function
Several nutrients stand out when it comes to supporting brain health:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA, a type of omega-3, is a key building block of the brain. Found in oily fish like salmon and sardines, it supports memory, attention and overall cognitive performance.
B Vitamins (B6, B12 and Folate)
These essential B vitamins play key roles in regulating homocysteine, an amino acid whose elevated levels are linked to increased brain shrinkage. B6, B12 and folate act together to support the neurotransmitter systems involved in mood, focus and memory.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E and Polyphenols)
These nutrients protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Polyphenols found in berries and green tea are especially beneficial for memory.
Choline
Choline is vital for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Eggs are an excellent source.
Magnesium and Zinc
Magnesium supports nerve transmission and relaxation, while zinc is involved in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections.
Best Foods for Brain Health
Now that we’ve covered the nutrients, here are some of the top foods for cognitive function:
- Oily Fish – Rich in omega-3s for brain structure and inflammation control.
- Eggs – Contain choline, vitamin B12 and high-quality protein.
- Berries – Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that protect the brain.
- Leafy Greens – Provide folate, vitamin K and lutein, linked to slower cognitive decline.
- Nuts (especially walnuts) – Source of vitamin E and healthy fats for brain function.
- Dark Chocolate – Offers flavonoids and a gentle caffeine boost.
- Fermented Foods – Such as kimchi, kefir or sauerkraut, for supporting the gut–brain axis.
Eating a variety of these foods consistently is more beneficial than focusing on any one “superfood.”
Practical Tips for Eating to Support Brain Health
Making nutrition work for your brain doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with small, manageable steps:
- Build meals around whole foods, not processed snacks.
- Aim for colorful plates: more color usually means more antioxidants.
- Include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and oily fish.
- Stay well hydrated even mild dehydration can affect concentration.
- Keep blood sugar stable with balanced meals, including protein, fiber and healthy fats.
- Prepare brain-friendly snacks like boiled eggs, hummus with veg sticks or a handful of walnuts.
Additionally, adopting a Mediterranean-style approach to eating is not only sustainable but strongly associated with long-term cognitive health.
For inspiration, try a protein-rich quinoa pudding with berries for breakfast, a rye bread open sandwich with smoked mackerel and beetroot slaw for lunch, and a colorful veggie mash-up with either grilled salmon or marinated tofu for dinner each one designed to nourish your brain and support cognitive function.
The link between nutrition and brain health is undeniable. A nutrient-rich diet can support memory, focus and mood, while reducing the risk of cognitive decline as we age. Simple changes to your eating habits can offer lasting benefits for your mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.
Remember, what’s good for your heart is usually good for your brain too. Prioritize foods that fuel both body and mind, and your brain will thank you for it.
This Is Why You May Be Experiencing Migraines
A migraine is a common neurologic disorder that is more than just “a really bad headache.” It’s a specific and complex type of headache that typically presents with throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain level can range from moderate to debilitating.
Migraines tend to develop in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood, peaking between ages 20-40 years. Once they appear, the headaches are considered a recurrent lifelong condition.
About 1 in 5 Americans experience migraine headaches. Two-thirds are women, due to the influence of sex hormones, especially estrogen. Migraines are also hereditary; if one parent has them, their children will have a 50-75% chance of having them, too.
A third factor that affects the frequency and severity of migraines is the environment. Although not every attack can be prevented, learning which situations trigger a headache can help prevent or reduce episodes.
The Four Stages of Migraine Headaches
Migraines follow a pattern with four distinct stages. However, migraines are individual; not everyone experiences all the symptoms of each stage and the stages can even overlap.
Prodrome: A migraine actually begins from a few hours to a few days before the attack. There can be subtle symptoms that warn of an impending headache:
- Unexplained mood changes, such as depression or euphoria
- Food cravings
- Stiff neck
- Frequent yawning
- Increased urination
- Constipation
Aura: About 25-35% of people have neurologic symptoms that occur about 10-60 minutes before the attack. When auras appear, there’s time to prepare by taking medication and finding a dark, quiet space to rest.
Symptoms of an aura can include:
- Vision changes: blurring or blind spots
- Seeing flashing or bright lights
- Tingling sensations in the face or hands
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
Attack: A migraine usually starts gradually and becomes intense. If there’s no aura, it happens without warning. The attack stage can last 4-72 hours. In a survey, 44% of respondents reported their attack lasted up to 24 hours; 33% reported it lasted longer than 24 hours.
During the headache, a person can experience any of these symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Postdrome: The postdrome attack can last 24-48 hours before the person feels able to return to normal activities. This stage is sometimes called a “migraine hangover.”
Recovery symptoms can include:
- Exhaustion
- Mild headache
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
- Mood changes
- Muscle aches
Migraine Triggers: Beyond Hormones and Genetics
Environmental and lifestyle factors can influence the development of migraines. Although triggers vary from one person to another, over 75% of individuals report having triggers. Keeping a diary of migraine attacks, including when they occur, duration, intensity, and if any known triggers are involved, can be extremely helpful. Once sensitivities or triggers are identified, steps can be taken to prevent or minimize an attack.
- Stress or relief after a stressful situation: the most common trigger.
- Caffeine: too much or withdrawal. Includes chocolate and cola.
- Alcohol: especially red wine.
- Skipped meals, fasting, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Foods with tyramine: aged cheeses, sourdough breads, foods that are fermented, salted, smoked, pickled, or processed.
- Foods with sulfites: preserved food, dried fruits, shrimp and shellfish, beer and wine, pickled food and sauerkraut, processed meat, soda and fruit juices, condiments.
- Foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG) or artificial sweeteners.
- Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep routine.
- Bright or flashing lights.
- Strong smells: perfume, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, gasoline, incense.
- Physical exhaustion or overexertion from too much exercise.
- Travel or changes in altitude.
- Weather: Sudden temperature or atmospheric pressure change.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no single test to diagnose migraines. Providers rely on the patient’s personal and family history, a physical examination, and a neurological assessment. They’ll consider all the symptoms and check for other possible causes of the headaches.
Thankfully, treatment has advanced to include both preventative measures and relief from the acute pain of attacks. Working with the provider, an individual plan is developed—and then adapted as needed. Depending on the frequency and intensity of the headaches, a wide range of medications is available, from over-the -counter (OTC) products such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, to prescriptions that target specific proteins in the brain.
Non-medication and alternative treatments can be effective holistic methods for dealing with migraine headaches. Stress management can help prevent the most common trigger for attacks. Other useful practices include:
- Hydration: Insufficient water intake is a trigger for migraines.
- Exercise: Daily exercise can prevent or even treat headaches.
- Diet: Eat at regular mealtimes and avoid processed foods.
- Sleep: Lack of sleep releases stress hormones and leads to fatigue.
When you’re dealing with migraines–or any medical condition—remember that it’s important to be a health advocate for yourself. Learn all you can, communicate with your provider, and don’t be shy about putting yourself first.
Sources:
- Alternative Treatments for Migraine. American Migraine Foundation, 28 April 2022. Accessed online 26 May 2025.
- Are Migraines Hereditary? Interview with Julia Bucklan, DO. Cleveland Clinic, 6 June 2023. Accessed online 22 May 2025.
- Gibbs S et al. United States Patients’ Perspective of Living With Migraine: Country-Specific Results From the Global “My Migraine Voice” Survey. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 05 May 2020. Accessed online 22 May 2025.
- Grangeon L et al. Genetics of migraine: where are we now? The Journal of Headache and Pain, 20 February 2023. Accessed online 22 May 2025.
- Haghdoost F, Togha M. Migraine management: Non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals. National Library of Medicine, Open Medicine, 23 November 2022. Accessed online 26 May 2025.
- Khorsha F et al. Association of drinking water and migraine headache severity. The Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, July 2020. Accessed online 26 May 2025.
- Low-Tyramine Diet for Individuals with Headache or Migraine. National Headache Foundation, 16 September 2024. Accessed online 23 May 2025.
- Managing Stress. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mental Health. 16 August 2024. Accessed online 26 May 2025.
- Migraine: Symptoms and Causes. Interview with Amaal Starling, MD. Mayo Clinic, 7 July 2023. Accessed online 22 May 2025
- Migraine, reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD. Harvard Health Publishing, 7 July 2023. Accessed online 22 May 2025.
- Migraine, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 31 January 2025. Accessed online 22 May 2025.
- Ruschel M, DeJesus O. Migraine Headache. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine. 5 July 2024. Accessed online 23 May 2025.
- Sulfite Sensitivity. Cleveland Clinic. 24 April 2024. Accessed online 26 May 2025.