Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition in which a woman's menstrual periods are absent for more than three monthly cycles. Pregnancy is one possible cause of amenorrhea.

The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

The risk for ovarian cancer and skin cancer is increased with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

Detailed information on the most common types of cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials

Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix that spread deeper or to other tissues or organs. This type of cancer occurs most often in women older than 40.

Cervicitis is an irritation of the cervix. Acute cervicitis can be caused an infection such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes. Chronic cervicitis is common in women following childbirth.

Detailed information on chemotherapy for treatment of gynecological cancers

Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer

Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition marked by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain. Dysmenorrhea can be either lifelong or caused by another medical condition.

Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early.

Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity.

In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.

Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials

Detailed information on the genetics of ovarian cancer, including hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ovarian cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin syndrome)

Glossary of terms relating to gynecological health

Grading and staging cancer helps determine the best treatment.

Detailed information on the most common types of gynecological cancers, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on the most common gynecological conditions

Detailed information on the most common gynecological inflammations and infections, including vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease

A woman with this syndrome may develop breast cancer before age 50 and is at higher risk for developing cancer in both breasts or in both the breasts and ovaries.

Detailed information on gynecological health, including anatomy of the female pelvis, gynecological statistics, menstrual conditions, menopause, gynecological inflammations, gynecological infections, hysterectomy, and gynecological cancers

If you use or are considering using hormone therapy, discuss the possible benefits and risks with your health care provider.

Detailed information on hormone therapy as one type of cancer treatment

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.

Detailed information on biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy, or biotherapy

When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.

Detailed information on menopause, including perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy, and staying healthy after menopause

Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe that it interrupts daily activities.

Detailed information on the most common menstrual conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia

List of online resources to find additional information on gynecological health

Ovarian cancer can develop in one of three types—the first, on the surface of the ovary; the second, in the cells that form the eggs; the third, in the cells that produce female hormones.

A woman with this type of hereditary colon cancer is at increased risk for ovarian cancer.

Detailed information on cancer, including primary and metastatic cancers, and benign and malignant tumors

A Pap test is a way for your doctor to examine cells collected from the cervix for infection, inflammation, or cancer.

Untreated, PID can cause infertility and can also lead to chronic infection or even peritonitis.

Pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure.

Perimenopause is the period of time before menstruation stops. This time is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms.

People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.

This syndrome results from several related factors, including insulin resistance. This can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes and affect fertility.

PMDD is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Women with a personal or family history of mood disorders or postpartum depression may be at higher risk for this disorder.

Most females experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle. The type and intensity of symptoms vary.

Detailed information on radiation therapy, one type of cancer therapy

Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. If you notice anything different or unusual, talk with your health care provider.

The only safe sex is no sex, most health care providers say. But certain precautions and safe behaviors can minimize a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs. Some STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Cancer of the endometrium is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs.

Good nutrition and regular exercise can help you stay healthy and youthful at this stage of life.

Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery

A woman is generally most fertile (able to become pregnant) a few days before, during, and after ovulation.

Detailed information on gynecological health, including anatomy of the female pelvis, gynecological statistics, menstrual conditions, menopause, gynecological inflammations, gynecological infections, hysterectomy, and gynecological cancers

The conventional, primary methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your doctor will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you.

Cancer of the uterus usually occurs around the time menopause begins. The occasional reappearance of bleeding should not be considered simply part of menopause, but should be checked by a doctor.

Some estimates say that 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all are diagnosed. In most cases, fibroids are benign.

Cancer of the vagina is rare. Certain factors thought to raise the risk for this type of cancer include advancing age, history of cervical cancer, and infection with the human papillomavirus.

Vaginitis is a common problem for women of all ages. Bacteria, yeast, viruses, and chemicals in creams or sprays can cause it.

Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer.

Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. It is a symptom of a host of diseases, infections, injuries, and allergies.