Recent research has found that women experience pain more often than men and that pain prevalence increases more rapidly before the age of 55. ljubaphoto · E+/Getty * A large global study found that pain prevalence increases most rapidly before age 55 and is consistently higher in women than men across 11 body sites. * Back pain was the most commonly reported type of pain, affecting 40% of participants. * The likelihood of experiencing any bodily pain increased with age, while high intensity and generalized pain peaked in mid-to-late adulthood before declining. * Smoking, obesity, and lower household income were associated with a higher burden of pain. Women experience a higher prevalence of pain than men across different areas of the body, according to a large global study published October 5 in Nature Medicine. The analysis, which included more than 6 million people, also found that pain prevalence generally increased with age, with the most rapid increases occurring before age 55. The findings come as lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis — all common causes of pain — are projected to become more prevalent globally by 2050. Pain is more prevalent in women than men Pain, especially lower back pain, is the leading cause of disability worldwide. However, researchers have lacked a standardized way to examine how self-reported pain varies across the life span and different regions of the world. This new study is one of the largest efforts to date to examine self-reported pain using a standardized approach. The researchers analyzed data from 6,125,459 individuals spanning 118 countries from 1990 to 2025. Participants ranged in age from 5 to more than 100, and 55% were female. They used self-reported data on pain across 11 body sites:  * head  * face * neck or shoulder  * foot or ankle  * hand or wrist * elbow  * chest  * back  * stomach or abdomen  * hip  * knee The researchers found that women consistently reported a higher prevalence of pain across all 11 sites than men. The largest differences between women and men were in facial pain, headache, and stomach or abdominal pain. Pain prevalence also increased most rapidly before age 55, especially at musculoskeletal sites such as the hips, back, and knees. Back pain is the most common pain condition The researchers found that the prevalence of pain varied considerably by body region and differed by age. Back pain was the most commonly reported, affecting 40% of participants, while facial pain was the least common at 2%. Neel Anand, MD, a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon and director of the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles, who wasn’t involved in the study, explained some factors that may contribute to the high prevalence of back pain. “Our modern lifestyles involve more prolonged sitting, less physical activity, and more time spent looking down at phones, tablets, and computers, all of which can contribute to poor posture and increased stress on the spine,” he said.  “As we get older, the discs between our vertebrae naturally lose moisture and elasticity, making them more vulnerable to degeneration, bulging, and herniation. Excess weight and smoking can accelerate this process,” Anand added.  In addition to pain at individual body sites, the researchers examined three broader measures: any bodily pain, high intensity pain, and generalized pain. Any bodily pain was defined as pain reported at any site. High intensity pain was defined as an average pain intensity of 7 or higher on a 0–10 scale. Generalized pain was defined as pain occurring in 4 of 5 body regions according to the 2016 fibromyalgia spatial criteria. The prevalence of any bodily pain increased progressively across the life span, from around 30% at age 5 to 70% among people ages 100 and older. All three pain measures were consistently higher in women than men.  While any bodily pain increased with age, high intensity and generalized pain peaked in mid-to-late life before declining. High intensity pain peaked around age 50, while generalized pain peaked around age 70. These different patterns could help identify when prevention and pain management efforts may be most beneficial across the life span. When to speak with your doctor about pain Vernon Williams, MD, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles, who wasn’t involved in the study, told Healthline there are several signs that pain should be evaluated by a doctor. “People shouldn’t feel that they simply have to live with pain. I especially recommend talking with a doctor when pain persists, interferes with sleep or daily activities, limits exercise or function, or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness,” Williams said. “Persistent pain deserves an evaluation to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.” Smoking, obesity, and lower income linked to higher pain burden The researchers found that smoking, obesity, and lower household income together accounted for 18.3% of the global pain burden across all body sites. People who currently smoked had a modest but consistently higher prevalence of pain across body sites from adolescence through age 65. The strongest association was seen with facial pain. Obesity was increasingly associated with pain beginning in early adulthood, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, feet, and ankles. Lower household income was also associated with a higher prevalence of pain across all body sites beginning in early adulthood. The strongest association was seen with chest pain. People with the lowest household incomes were more than twice as likely to report chest pain as those with the highest incomes. This difference was greatest in midlife and narrowed at older ages. Williams noted that medication isn’t the only option for managing pain. “Regular, appropriately paced exercise can help change how the brain experiences pain, while mindfulness, breathing exercises, adequate sleep, and other behavioral strategies can help the nervous system better regulate the pain response,” he said. “When medication is needed, I encourage patients to discuss non-opioid and non-pharmacologic options with their doctor as part of a comprehensive approach.” Anand added that, “The best strategy remains prevention and preservation of function: maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles that support the joints, and avoiding smoking can all help reduce the strain placed on the musculoskeletal system.”

For decades, we have known that women, especially younger women, are disproportionately affected by pain disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, menstrual migraines, fibromyalgia...

A new analysis found that the diabetes medication orforglipron (Foundayo), an oral GLP-1, helped women lose weight regardless of their menopausal status. Healthline/Photo by Eli Lilly * A new analysis of previous studies found that orforglipron promoted weight loss in women regardless of their menopausal status. * This is important since the decline in estrogen after menopause can make weight loss more difficult. * Menopausal women also tend to gain weight around their midsection, which is associated with health risks. * The fact that the new GLP-1 comes in a pill form offers a convenient option for many women. * However, doctors stress that it is also important to select the treatment that is the most effective for you. A new GLP-1 pill called orforglipron (Foundayo) has been shown to help women lose weight, regardless of menopausal status, according to new research. A group of researchers, including senior author Hunter Thomas Hoffman, PharmD, a clinical research scientist affiliated with the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, analyzed data from two prior trials, ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2, to arrive at this conclusion. These studies reveal that this medication works equally well for women who have not yet gone through menopause, those who are currently experiencing it, and those who are postmenopausal.  The findings were presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), held in Milan, Italy, from September 28 to October 2. This is important because menopause often causes weight gain due to lower estrogen levels, making weight loss more difficult for many women.  Orforglipron offers a promising new option for managing weight in women with obesity or overweight, especially those with type 2 diabetes. In April of this year, Eli Lilly’s Foundayo received FDA approval as a weight-loss drug, making it the second GLP-1 pill for weight loss to enter the U.S. market after Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. Examining menopause and weight loss with orforglipron The ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2 studies involved women who were either obese or overweight and who had at least one medical condition related to their weight.  Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and overweight as a BMI of 27 or higher.  The participants were divided into groups based on their menopausal status: premenopausal (before menopause), perimenopausal (during the menopause transition), and postmenopausal (after menopause).  Each group included between 142 and 225 females who either received orforglipron or placebo, an inactive pill with none of the drug in it. The ATTAIN-1 study focused on people who were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes. ATTAIN-2 included participants who had both overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.  The purpose of analyzing these two groups separately was to understand how orforglipron works in people with different health conditions. The researchers measured several outcomes over a period of 72 weeks. They examined changes in body weight, waist circumference (the distance around the waist), and the waist-to-height ratio, a measure used to assess body fat distribution.  They also tracked how many women reached specific weight loss goals, such as losing at least 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of their body weight, compared to those who took the inactive pill. By studying these factors, the researchers were able to determine not only whether orforglipron helped women lose weight but also how much weight loss was achieved and how it affected their body shape. Up to 14% weight loss with orforglipron regardless of menopause status The results showed that women who took orforglipron experienced significant weight loss regardless of their menopausal status.  In the ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2 studies, premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women all lost an average of up to 14% of their body weight.  This means that the medication was effective for women at different life stages, including those experiencing menopause, when weight gain is often a challenge. In addition to losing body weight, women in the orforglipron groups also saw meaningful reductions in waist circumference. According to a news release, waist measurements decreased by up to 12.5 centimeters (about 5 inches) across all menopausal groups in both studies.  This reduction is important because greater visceral fat is associated with higher risks of heart disease and diabetes. The waist-to-height ratio also improved for many women taking orforglipron. More participants treated with the medication moved into lower waist-to-height ratio categories than those who took the placebo.  This indicates a healthier distribution of body fat and suggests a lower risk of heart disease. When looking at the number of women who reached specific weight loss milestones, orforglipron performed much better than the placebo. Up to 83% of women on orforglipron lost at least 5% of their body weight, while 30% of women on placebo reached that same level of weight loss.  Losing 5% or more of body weight is often considered clinically meaningful, as it can lead to improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Overall, these findings suggest that orforglipron is a promising new medication for weight management in women with obesity or overweight, including those who also have type 2 diabetes.  This can be especially helpful for those navigating the challenges of menopause while trying to manage their weight. Oral GLP-1 offers convenient weight loss option for women James J. Chao, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of VedaNu Wellness, wasn’t involved in the research, but said the significance of these findings for postmenopausal women. “The 14% is what’s grabbing headlines,” he told Healthline, “but up to 12.5 cm from the waistline is what I’m interested in.” According to Chao, as females enter postmenopause, they tend to store more fat around their midsection. “This is the type of fat that can cause heart disease,” he said. “So a pill that can help a 38-year-old woman lose the same amount as a 62-year-old breaks that myth.” Additionally, in contrast to most GLP-1 drugs, which are injectable, it’s a once-a-day pill. You can also take it any time, Chao explained, making it more convenient. “No needle, no refrigerator, and up to 83% of participants lost at least 5%,” he said. “Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a difference.” Luca Moretti, MD, a medical doctor at Sapienza University of Rome, who wasn’t involved in the studies, added that convenience isn’t the only thing to consider when deciding whether to use orforglipron. Obesity management should begin with an individualized plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, and the management of other risk factors. “When these measures are not sufficient, adding pharmacological treatment can be considered together with a physician,” he told Healthline. Moretti further advised speaking with your physician about any potential side effects, your existing medical conditions, other medications you are taking, and your treatment preferences. “So the most useful question to ask a doctor is not simply, ‘Is Foundayo more convenient?’ but rather: ‘Among the available treatments, which one offers the best balance of effectiveness, tolerability, and practicality for me?'” he said.

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health battle that changed her life. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May 2026 after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids during surgery, including one that was reportedly the size of a cantaloupe. At 45, Porsha Williams was already familiar with fibroids. She had dealt with them since her 20s, including a fibroid-related miscarriage, a myomectomy, and later fibroid embolization. But she never expected the condition to return so severely. The latest discovery happened unexpectedly when Porsha accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. She decided to get checked herself, and the examination revealed that the fibroids had returned. An MRI showed more than 15 large fibroids, along with endometriosis and another condition involving the uterine lining. Doctors told her that a hysterectomy was necessary. During the surgery, doctors found 21 fibroids. Porsha's partial hysterectomy removed her uterus but preserved her ovaries. The procedure also meant she could no longer carry another pregnancy, something that carried a major emotional impact because she had been considering expanding her family. In this video, we break down Porsha Williams' fibroid journey, her emergency hysterectomy, the symptoms she initially thought were related to perimenopause, her history with fertility and fibroids, and what she has said about losing the ability to carry another child. We also look at why Porsha is speaking publicly about her experience, the stigma surrounding hysterectomies, and her message to women about listening to their bodies, seeking medical care and advocating for themselves. Porsha's story is also part of a larger conversation about uterine fibroids, women's reproductive health, fertility, hysterectomies and the disproportionate impact fibroids have on Black women. Watch the full video to understand what happened to Porsha Williams, why she needed emergency surgery, and what she wants other women to learn from her experience. Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment. #PorshaWilliams #PorshaWilliamsFibroids #PorshaWilliamsHysterectomy #PorshaWilliamsSurgery #Fibroids #UterineFibroids #Hysterectomy #PartialHysterectomy #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #Fertility #RHOA #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta #PorshaWilliamsHealth Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health battle that changed her life. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May 2026 after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids during surgery, including one that was reportedly the size of a cantaloupe. At 45, Porsha Williams was already familiar with fibroids. She had dealt with them since her 20s, including a fibroid-related miscarriage, a myomectomy, and later fibroid embolization. But she never expected the condition to return so severely. The latest discovery happened unexpectedly when Porsha accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. She decided to get checked herself, and the examination revealed that the fibroids had returned. An MRI showed more than 15 large fibroids, along with endometriosis and another condition involving the uterine lining. Doctors told her that a hysterectomy was necessary. During the surgery, doctors found 21 fibroids. Porsha's partial hysterectomy removed her uterus but preserved her ovaries. The procedure also meant she could no longer carry another pregnancy, something that carried a major emotional impact because she had been considering expanding her family. In this video, we break down Porsha Williams' fibroid journey, her emergency hysterectomy, the symptoms she initially thought were related to perimenopause, her history with fertility and fibroids, and what she has said about losing the ability to carry another child. We also look at why Porsha is speaking publicly about her experience, the stigma surrounding hysterectomies, and her message to women about listening to their bodies, seeking medical care and advocating for themselves. Porsha's story is also part of a larger conversation about uterine fibroids, women's reproductive health, fertility, hysterectomies and the disproportionate impact fibroids have on Black women. Watch the full video to understand what happened to Porsha Williams, why she needed emergency surgery, and what she wants other women to learn from her experience. Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment. #PorshaWilliams #PorshaWilliamsFibroids #PorshaWilliamsHysterectomy #PorshaWilliamsSurgery #Fibroids #UterineFibroids #Hysterectomy #PartialHysterectomy #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #Fertility #RHOA #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta #PorshaWilliamsHealth Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health battle that changed her life. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May 2026 after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids during surgery, including one that was reportedly the size of a cantaloupe. At 45, Porsha Williams was already familiar with fibroids. She had dealt with them since her 20s, including a fibroid-related miscarriage, a myomectomy, and later fibroid embolization. But she never expected the condition to return so severely. The latest discovery happened unexpectedly when Porsha accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. She decided to get checked herself, and the examination revealed that the fibroids had returned. An MRI showed more than 15 large fibroids, along with endometriosis and another condition involving the uterine lining. Doctors told her that a hysterectomy was necessary. During the surgery, doctors found 21 fibroids. Porsha's partial hysterectomy removed her uterus but preserved her ovaries. The procedure also meant she could no longer carry another pregnancy, something that carried a major emotional impact because she had been considering expanding her family. In this video, we break down Porsha Williams' fibroid journey, her emergency hysterectomy, the symptoms she initially thought were related to perimenopause, her history with fertility and fibroids, and what she has said about losing the ability to carry another child. We also look at why Porsha is speaking publicly about her experience, the stigma surrounding hysterectomies, and her message to women about listening to their bodies, seeking medical care and advocating for themselves. Porsha's story is also part of a larger conversation about uterine fibroids, women's reproductive health, fertility, hysterectomies and the disproportionate impact fibroids have on Black women. Watch the full video to understand what happened to Porsha Williams, why she needed emergency surgery, and what she wants other women to learn from her experience. Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment. #PorshaWilliams #PorshaWilliamsFibroids #PorshaWilliamsHysterectomy #PorshaWilliamsSurgery #Fibroids #UterineFibroids #Hysterectomy #PartialHysterectomy #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #Fertility #RHOA #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta #PorshaWilliamsHealth Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health battle that changed her life. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May 2026 after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids during surgery, including one that was reportedly the size of a cantaloupe. At 45, Porsha Williams was already familiar with fibroids. She had dealt with them since her 20s, including a fibroid-related miscarriage, a myomectomy, and later fibroid embolization. But she never expected the condition to return so severely. The latest discovery happened unexpectedly when Porsha accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. She decided to get checked herself, and the examination revealed that the fibroids had returned. An MRI showed more than 15 large fibroids, along with endometriosis and another condition involving the uterine lining. Doctors told her that a hysterectomy was necessary. During the surgery, doctors found 21 fibroids. Porsha's partial hysterectomy removed her uterus but preserved her ovaries. The procedure also meant she could no longer carry another pregnancy, something that carried a major emotional impact because she had been considering expanding her family. In this video, we break down Porsha Williams' fibroid journey, her emergency hysterectomy, the symptoms she initially thought were related to perimenopause, her history with fertility and fibroids, and what she has said about losing the ability to carry another child. We also look at why Porsha is speaking publicly about her experience, the stigma surrounding hysterectomies, and her message to women about listening to their bodies, seeking medical care and advocating for themselves. Porsha's story is also part of a larger conversation about uterine fibroids, women's reproductive health, fertility, hysterectomies and the disproportionate impact fibroids have on Black women. Watch the full video to understand what happened to Porsha Williams, why she needed emergency surgery, and what she wants other women to learn from her experience. Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment. #PorshaWilliams #PorshaWilliamsFibroids #PorshaWilliamsHysterectomy #PorshaWilliamsSurgery #Fibroids #UterineFibroids #Hysterectomy #PartialHysterectomy #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #Fertility #RHOA #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta #PorshaWilliamsHealth Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health battle that changed her life. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May 2026 after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids during surgery, including one that was reportedly the size of a cantaloupe. At 45, Porsha Williams was already familiar with fibroids. She had dealt with them since her 20s, including a fibroid-related miscarriage, a myomectomy, and later fibroid embolization. But she never expected the condition to return so severely. The latest discovery happened unexpectedly when Porsha accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. She decided to get checked herself, and the examination revealed that the fibroids had returned. An MRI showed more than 15 large fibroids, along with endometriosis and another condition involving the uterine lining. Doctors told her that a hysterectomy was necessary. During the surgery, doctors found 21 fibroids. Porsha's partial hysterectomy removed her uterus but preserved her ovaries. The procedure also meant she could no longer carry another pregnancy, something that carried a major emotional impact because she had been considering expanding her family. In this video, we break down Porsha Williams' fibroid journey, her emergency hysterectomy, the symptoms she initially thought were related to perimenopause, her history with fertility and fibroids, and what she has said about losing the ability to carry another child. We also look at why Porsha is speaking publicly about her experience, the stigma surrounding hysterectomies, and her message to women about listening to their bodies, seeking medical care and advocating for themselves. Porsha's story is also part of a larger conversation about uterine fibroids, women's reproductive health, fertility, hysterectomies and the disproportionate impact fibroids have on Black women. Watch the full video to understand what happened to Porsha Williams, why she needed emergency surgery, and what she wants other women to learn from her experience. Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment. #PorshaWilliams #PorshaWilliamsFibroids #PorshaWilliamsHysterectomy #PorshaWilliamsSurgery #Fibroids #UterineFibroids #Hysterectomy #PartialHysterectomy #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth #Fertility #RHOA #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta #PorshaWilliamsHealth Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Menopause is an important biological transition with up to 72 symptoms that shapes aging trajectories across organs and encompasses ~40% of the female lifespan. Although menopause awareness is increas...

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is opening up about a deeply painful miscarriage she experienced at 21, sharing how medication helped her navigate… The post Ilhan Omar Recalls Losing Twin Pregnancy at 21: ‘No Woman Should Have to Navigate an Experience Like This Without the Care and Choices She Needs’ appeared first on Shine My Crown.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed invasive tumor type in women. One in 8 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer, but the number of cases is much smaller. How does breast cancer begin? Breast cancer begins when breast cells start to … Continue reading Spotlight On: Breast Cancer

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The rete ovarii (RO) is an appendage of the ovary that has been given little attention. Although the RO appears in drawings of the ovary in early versions of Gray’s Anatomy, it disappeared from recent...