Researchers have discovered a link between a common epilepsy medication and a specific birth defect in newborn babies. The study sheds light on how women taking epileptic medications during pregnancy can reduce their chance of having a baby with physical deformities.

When one medicine doesn't help postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, doctors might recommend another. But if the second doesn't strengthen bones, what happens then? Taking them together might do the trick.

Some medications are linked to disorders such as autism or to birth defects when taken during pregnancy. However, that risk must also be balanced against the medication's benefits.

Bone density begins to decline when women hit menopause. Along with the risks for osteoporosis for women in this age group, osteoarthritis and pain in the joints can also be a concern.

Weaker bones that come with menopause might spur some women to load up on calcium and vitamin D. But supplements might not be enough to protect bones and prevent fractures.

Some genetic diseases may be very rare, but knowing they exist may help the individuals who have them get medical attention sooner. One such disease is Prader-Willi syndrome.

The average age for natural menopause (a woman's last period) is 51. But some women experience menopause earlier, whether naturally or because of surgery.

When diseases occur during childbearing years, it’s not always possible to stop treatment for the disease. Doctors and patients must balance the concern for the drug's possible effects on pregnancy with the concern for disease relapse.

Hot flashes are a biggie among middle-aged women. But common effects of menopause can differ around the world. New research has identified a number of different symptoms among menopausal women with osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Having difficulty conceiving is a reality for 10 to 20 percent of western couples. While some turn towards infertility treatments, those with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) may need to exercise caution in these important reproductive decisions.