National Women’s Health Month is like a big, warm hug for women’s health. Every May, it reminds women to put themselves first and learn how to stay healthy and happy. The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) runs the show, and they make sure women have the tools and knowledge to feel their best. A huge part of the month is National Women’s Health Week (May 11–17, 2025), which starts on Mother’s Day and shines a spotlight on topics like menopause, mental health, cancer, pelvic health, heart health, reproductive health, sexual health, self-advocacy, and maternal mental health.

This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about National Women’s Health Month. We’ll break down why it matters, explore the main health topics in detail, and share simple ways you can get involved. Whether you’re a woman looking to boost your health or someone who wants to support the women in your life, this article is for you. Let’s get started!

Why National Women’s Health Month Matters

Women’s bodies go through a lot—think periods, pregnancy, menopause, and more. These changes can bring unique health challenges, like higher chances of depression, specific cancers, or heart disease. National Women’s Health Month is all about helping women understand these challenges and take action to stay healthy. It’s also a chance for families, friends, and communities to cheer women on as they prioritize their well-being.

The Office on Women’s Health says the 2025 theme is “Prioritizing Women’s Health: Caring for Mind and Body”. This theme is a reminder that health isn’t just about your body—it’s about your mind and emotions, too. The month encourages women to:

• Learn: Find out about health risks and how to manage them.
• Act: Schedule check-ups, eat well, and exercise.
• Share: Spread the word to help other women stay healthy.
• Connect: Build a support system with family, friends, and healthcare providers.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved in National Women’s Health Month is easy and fun! Here are some ideas:

• Book a Check-Up: Schedule a doctor’s visit, mammogram, or Pap test.
• Learn Something New: Read up on your health risks or join a health workshop.
• Spread the Word: Share tips from the OWH toolkit with friends or on social media using hashtags like #NWHW or #OneThingForMyHealth.
• Join Events: Look for local health fairs or virtual talks about women’s health.
• Support Others: Encourage the women in your life to prioritize their health.

The OWH offers free resources, like posters and fact sheets, to make it easy to share information. You can even host a small event, like a walking group or a health talk, to bring women together.

Key Health Topics: Let’s Break It Down

National Women’s Health Month covers a bunch of health topics that matter to women. The big ones are menopause, mental health, and cancer. Let’s take a closer look at each one with plenty of details to help you understand and take action.

Menopause: Embracing a New Chapter

Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop for good, marking the end of her reproductive years. It usually happens between ages 45 and 55, with most women hitting menopause around age 51, according to the World Health Organization. It’s a natural part of aging, but it can come with some challenges. Let’s break it down.

What Happens During Menopause?

Menopause is all about changes in your hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which drop as your ovaries stop releasing eggs. There are three stages:

• Perimenopause: This is the lead-up to menopause, lasting a few years. Your periods might get irregular, and you might start feeling symptoms like hot flashes.
• Menopause: This starts when you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. It’s official—you’re in menopause!
• Postmenopause: This is the rest of your life after menopause. Symptoms might ease up, but you’ll want to keep an eye on your health.

Common Symptoms

Menopause can feel like a rollercoaster for some women. Here are the most common symptoms:

• Hot Flashes: Sudden waves of heat, often with sweating or chills. They can happen day or night.
• Night Sweats: Hot flashes that hit while you’re sleeping, leaving you soaked.
• Vaginal Dryness: Less moisture down there, which can make sex uncomfortable.
• Mood Swings: Feeling irritable, anxious, or sad for no clear reason.
• Sleep Problems: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Weight Gain: Your metabolism might slow down, making it easier to gain weight.
• Thinning Hair or Dry Skin: Lower estrogen can affect your hair and skin.
• Less Full Breasts: Your breasts might feel less firm.

Not every woman has all these symptoms, and some breeze through menopause with barely a hiccup. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has great resources to learn more.

How to Manage Menopause

The good news? There are lots of ways to feel better during menopause:

• Eat Well: Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and foods with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
• Move Your Body: Exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can help with mood, weight, and sleep.
• Try Hormone Therapy (HT): This can ease hot flashes and vaginal dryness, but talk to your doctor about risks and benefits.
• Use Non-Hormonal Options: Things like antidepressants, gabapentin, or vaginal moisturizers can help with specific symptoms.
• Practice Self-Care: Try mindfulness, meditation, or acupuncture to reduce stress and feel calmer.
• Stay Cool: Dress in layers, use a fan, and sip cold water to manage hot flashes.

Challenges and Support

The WHO points out that not all women get the support they need during menopause. Some doctors aren’t trained to talk about it, and many women don’t know enough about what’s happening to their bodies. Plus, things like vaginal dryness can affect sexual health, but it’s not always discussed. National Women’s Health Month is a great time to learn more and ask your doctor questions. You can also connect with other women going through menopause for tips and support.

Mental Health: Taking Care of Your Mind

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and women face some unique challenges. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says more than 1 in 5 women in the U.S. dealt with a mental health issue last year, like depression or anxiety. Some mental health conditions are more common in women or only happen to women, so let’s explore this topic.

Mental Health Conditions Women Face

Here are some conditions that affect women more or are unique to them:

• Depression: Women are almost twice as likely to have depression, with symptoms like feeling sad, tired, or hopeless.
• Anxiety Disorders: Things like constant worry, panic attacks, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more common in women.
• Eating Disorders: Anorexia and bulimia affect women more, especially teens and young adults.
• Perinatal Depression: This hits during or after pregnancy, affecting about 1 in 7 women. It can make it hard to bond with your baby.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS that causes intense mood swings, irritability, or depression.
• Perimenopausal Depression: Hormonal changes during menopause can trigger or worsen depression.

Why Are Women More Affected?

A few things make women more likely to face mental health challenges:

• Hormones: Changes during periods, pregnancy, or menopause can mess with your mood.
• Life Stress: Juggling work, family, and societal pressures can pile on stress.
• Biology: Women’s brains might respond differently to stress or emotions.

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

If you’re feeling off, don’t wait to get help. Here’s what you can do:

• Talk to Someone: Therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you work through tough feelings.
• Consider Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds might help, but talk to your doctor first.
• Join a Support Group: Sharing with others who get it can make you feel less alone.
• Practice Self-Care: Exercise, eat healthy, and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Reach Out: Call a hotline like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-852-6262) for free, 24/7 support.

Mental Health Resources

The NIMH has awesome resources, like guides on depression in women and perinatal depression. The OWH also offers tips on managing stress and mental health. National Women’s Health Month is the perfect time to check these out and take a step toward feeling better.

Cancer: Staying One Step Ahead

Cancer is a big deal for women’s health. It’s one of the top causes of death, but catching it early can make a huge difference. The two main types to know about are breast cancer and gynecologic cancers (like cervical or ovarian). Let’s dive into the details.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women after skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It starts in the breast tissue and can spread if not caught early.

• How to Catch It Early:
  • Mammograms: These X-rays can spot cancer before you feel a lump. Women over 40 should talk to their doctor about when to start.
  • Self-Exams: Check your breasts monthly for lumps or changes.
  • Clinical Exams: Your doctor can check for anything unusual during a visit.
• Risk Factors:
  • Family history of breast cancer.
  • Genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
  • Being overweight or drinking alcohol regularly.
  • Starting periods early or hitting menopause late.
• Treatment Options:
  • Surgery to remove the cancer.
  • Radiation or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
  • Hormone therapy or targeted drugs for specific types of cancer.

Gynecologic Cancers

These cancers affect a woman’s reproductive organs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists five main types:

• Cervical Cancer: Starts in the cervix. Pap tests and HPV vaccines can prevent it.
• Ovarian Cancer: Happens in the ovaries. It’s hard to catch early, so watch for symptoms like bloating or pelvic pain.
• Uterine Cancer: Forms in the uterus. It’s the most common gynecologic cancer.
• Vaginal Cancer: Rare, but affects the vagina.
• Vulvar Cancer: Affects the outer part of the female genitals, sometimes linked to HPV.
• Symptoms to Watch For:
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
  • Pelvic pain or pressure.
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• Prevention Tips:
  • Get regular Pap tests and HPV vaccines.
  • Stay at a healthy weight and eat well.
  • See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Why Early Detection Matters

The NCI and CDC stress that finding cancer early gives you the best shot at beating it. National Women’s Health Month is a great time to schedule screenings and talk to your doctor about your risks. The CDC’s Inside Knowledge campaign has free resources to learn more about gynecologic cancers.

Putting It All Together

National Women’s Health Month is a fantastic chance to focus on YOU. Whether you’re navigating menopause, boosting your mental health, scheduling a cancer screening, or strengthening your pelvic floor, there’s something for every woman. The Office on Women’s Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Cancer Institute, and CDC have tons of free resources to guide you.

Here’s a quick checklist to get started:

• Schedule a Check-Up: Call your doctor for a mammogram, Pap test, or general visit.
• Move Your Body: Try a new activity like yoga or a daily walk.
• Check Your Mind: Take a moment to notice how you’re feeling and reach out if you need support.
• Spread the Love: Share a health tip with a friend or post about #NWHW on social media.

Final Thoughts

National Women’s Health Month is more than just a calendar event—it’s a movement to help women live healthier, happier lives. By learning about your body, taking small steps to stay well, and supporting each other, we can make a big difference. So, grab a friend, check out the resources from the OWH, and let’s make May 2025 all about feeling our best!