Author: Capital Women's Care

How to Know If Your Period Is Normal: What Every Woman Should Track

Posted on December 29, 2025January 7, 2026 by Capital Women's Care in News

From month to month, you may be having different experiences with your period that make you wonder if everything is “normal.” Maybe you notice your cycle is a few days off, or your period is heavy in some months while being light during others.

Tracking a few simple details each month can help you feel more confident and in control of your health. It also encourages a sense of empowerment by enabling you to notice patterns, catch changes early, and have more productive conversations with your gynecologist or healthcare provider.

Below are some practical ways to understand what’s typical, what to track, and when it’s time to reach out for medical guidance.

What a “Normal” Period Usually Looks Like

Everyone’s body is different, but understanding what a typical menstrual cycle looks like can help you feel more reassured. Recognizing some general guidelines can reduce worry and help you feel more comfortable with your own patterns.

Cycle length: For most adults, a regular cycle (from day 1 of one period to day 1 of the next) is about 24–38 days long.
Bleeding days: A normal period usually lasts 2–7 days.
Flow: Light to moderate bleeding is common. Many women may have a heavier day or two, especially at the beginning.
Symptoms: Mild to moderate cramping, breast tenderness, mood changes, or bloating can be part of a regular cycle.

It’s also helpful to remember that “normal” falls within a range. Your cycle might be slightly shorter or longer, or your flow a bit lighter or heavier than someone else’s, but it can still be considered healthy as long as it follows a predictable pattern. If your cycle varies significantly or suddenly changes, consider discussing this with a gynecologist to understand what it means for your health.

What to Track Every Month

You don’t need a complicated system to track your period. A simple notes app, calendar, or cycle-tracking app will do. Focus on these key details:

Start date and length of cycle: Mark day 1 of your period (first day of real bleeding). Count the days until your next period starts to find your cycle length.
Bleeding duration: Count how many days you bleed or spot. Note if it changes significantly.
Flow level: Track daily flow as Light (panty liner), Moderate, or Heavy (changing every 2 hours). Heavy bleeding might require a call to your provider.
Symptoms: Record notable symptoms like cramps, headaches, or mood changes, and how they affect your daily life.
Unexpected bleeding: Note any spotting or bleeding between periods.
Medications and lifestyle changes: Include any new medications, birth control changes, stress, or significant lifestyle changes that might impact your cycle.

Signs Your Period May Not Be Typical

Tracking makes it easier to see when something is off. Contact your gynecologist or care provider if you notice very heavy bleeding, including:

Periods lasting more than 7 days
Needing to change a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours
Passing clots that are quarter-sized or larger

Other things to watch for:

Cycles that are shorter than 21 days or longer than 35–38 days on a regular basis
Big swings in timing, where your cycle length varies by more than a week from month to month
Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medicine, heat, or rest
Unusual bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
No period for 3 months or longer (and you’re not pregnant, breastfeeding, or using certain hormonal methods)
Periods that are suddenly much heavier, more painful, or more irregular than your usual pattern

These symptoms don’t always mean something serious, but they can be signs of conditions like hormonal imbalances, fibroids, thyroid issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or bleeding disorders. A gynecologist can help find the cause and discuss treatment options.

What Can Affect Your Period

It’s also normal for your period to shift at certain times in life or during major changes, including:

The first few years after your period starts (puberty)
High stress
Significant weight loss or gain
Intense physical training
Going on or off hormonal birth control
Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)

How Your Provider Can Help

Bringing a few months of tracking notes to your appointment will help offer a clearer picture of what’s happening. It can help:

Confirm that your period looks healthy and typical for you
Identify possible causes of heavy, painful, or irregular periods
Recommend tests, treatment, or lifestyle changes if needed
Tailor birth control or other options to your cycle and symptoms

You deserve to feel informed and supported when it comes to your menstrual health. If you have questions or notice changes that worry you, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Contact us today at Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 to make an appointment. We’re here to help.

Understanding Recurrent Miscarriages: Why They Happen and What You Can Do

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in News

Experiencing more than one miscarriage is emotionally and physically devastating, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or fearful about trying again. While miscarriage is common, recurrent miscarriage creates a unique kind of heartache, often intensified by uncertainty and unanswered questions. You deserve space, compassion, and clarity — and while not every loss has an identifiable cause, learning more about possible factors can help you feel more informed and supported.

If you’ve experienced repeated pregnancy loss, you might feel very alone, but you most certainly are not. Understanding potential causes, discussing available testing, and partnering with a compassionate gynecologist can help you move forward with greater confidence and support.

Common Causes of Recurrent Miscarriages

Many people blame themselves, but recurrent miscarriages are almost always linked to underlying medical factors rather than something you did or did not do. Some of the possible causes include:

Genetic Factors

Chromosomal abnormalities account for many early miscarriages. Sometimes an embryo receives too many or too few chromosomes due to a random event in early cell division. In other situations, one parent may carry a balanced chromosomal rearrangement that doesn’t affect their own health but can increase the likelihood of miscarriage.

Hormonal or Endocrine Issues

Conditions such as thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may affect ovulation, implantation, or early pregnancy development. Managing these conditions with your care team may support future pregnancies.

Uterine or Structural Differences

Physical differences in the uterus — such as a uterine septum, fibroids, polyps, or scarring from previous surgeries or infections — can sometimes make it harder for a pregnancy to continue. When identified, your gynecologist can discuss whether treatment may be helpful based on your individual situation.

Diagnostic Testing After Multiple Losses

If you’ve had two or more miscarriages, your doctor may recommend an evaluation to look for possible explanations. This may include:

Genetic testing for you and your partner
Blood tests to check hormones, thyroid function, or clotting factors
Ultrasound or hysteroscopy to look at the uterine structure
Testing for autoimmune or immune-related conditions

Not every case reveals a clear cause, and that uncertainty can be incredibly difficult. Even so, testing often provides meaningful information that helps guide next steps and support your reproductive health moving forward.

Supporting Your Emotional and Physical Healing

Miscarriage is both a medical event and a profoundly emotional experience. Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. Many people find comfort in:

Support groups or counseling
Open conversations with a partner or loved ones
Mind–body practices like gentle movement, meditation, or journaling
Follow-up visits with your gynecologist to discuss questions or concerns

A miscarriage can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate the experience alone. Your emotional well-being is an essential part of healing, and reaching out for support is an important and courageous step.

How Your Gynecologist Can Help You Move Forward

A supportive gynecologist can help you explore next steps based on your unique history and needs. Depending on what testing or evaluation reveals, this may include discussing hormonal support, addressing structural findings, coordinating additional evaluations, or connecting you with fertility resources if needed.

Even when a specific cause is not identified, many people do go on to have healthy pregnancies. While no one can predict the future or guarantee outcomes, having the right information and care can help you feel more supported in whatever comes next.

You Deserve Answers, Support, and Hope

Recurrent miscarriage is never something you should have to navigate in silence or without compassionate care. Through thoughtful evaluation, emotional support, and a trusted relationship with your gynecologist, many patients find greater understanding and renewed strength as they consider their future.

If you’re seeking guidance after multiple losses, our care team at Capital Women’s Care at(301) 681-9101 is here to listen, support you, and help you explore your options at a pace that feels right for you.

The Importance of Postpartum Check-ups

Posted on October 27, 2025December 18, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in News

After you give birth to that beautiful baby of yours, everything seems to be about the baby. You understood that during pregnancy, your own health was paramount in order to have a strong healthy baby. However, now that your child is born, taking care of yourself remains a priority, like focusing on the importance of postpartum check-ups.

Your Post-Pregnancy Body

Many of the discomforts and bodily changes women have in the weeks after giving birth are normal. Sometimes, though, there are warning signs or symptoms of a health issue.

In the past postpartum check-up visits were limited to one visit 4-6 weeks after birth. Now the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new mothers see their OBGYNs with the first one being within 3 weeks.

The Value of Seeing Doctor Multiple Times

You and our doctor will review a number of issues common in post pregnancy:

Vaginal or Abdominal Pain Issues

Your uterus and birth canal should return to its normal pre-pregnancy size during this time. Any incisions will be checked for proper healing. Pregnancy affects the bladder and intestines as well as your whole body, so your doctor will check that all your vital organs are back to pre-pregnancy condition.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a normal part of post-pregnancy, but there can always be issues. Talk with All About Women if you are having any issues with pain. Mastitis refers to an infected milk duct that can occur causing severe pain.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is real and quite frequent after giving birth, so don’t be embarrassed to discuss any mood changes, anxiety, or depression with your doctor. Postpartum depression is a medical condition which can be treated.

Let your physician know if you are having bouts of sadness, frequently crying, excessive anxiety, panic attacks or irritability.

Preventing Future Medical Problems

If you had gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during your pregnancy, this can highlight future problems with these medical conditions.

Other Common Issues to Discuss

Many women have new issues after giving birth and they should be addressed with your doctor during these appointments.

Some of them include the following:

Constipation and hemorrhoids
Bleeding and vaginal discharge
Weight loss
Sex and birth control
Incontinence

Postpartum check ups are designed to give your doctor a total picture of your physical, mental, and emotional health, so don’t hide anything that is bothering you.

Contact Capital Women’s Care at(301) 681-9101to make an appointment at our office in Silver Spring and Rockville or if you are having any postpartum issues that should be addressed.

5 Myths About Breast Cancer Symptoms

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in News

Many organizations have increased awareness about breast cancer in the last several decades. All this is good, but sometimes old wives tales or myths pop up and they are repeated and spread on the internet. Let’s give you the facts and 5 myths about breast cancer symptoms.

Myth #1: People with breast cancer always find a lump

Fact: Most lumps are not cancer and not everyone feels a lump during a self exam. In the early stages of breast cancer, there may not be one. Instead, note these symptoms: nipple pain, swelling, irritation or dimpling, and nipple retraction.

Myth #2: Breast cancer is not painful

Fact: 11% of women with breast cancer have pain as a symptom. If you experience any pain, see Capital Women’s Care for evaluation. Fast growing breast cancers can be very painful, and pain in one spot is a warning sign, especially if you are an older woman. General soreness in the breast is normal with hormonal fluctuation.

Myth #3: Redness, pain, or bloody discharge are only signs of an infection or inflammation in a new mother (mastitis)

Fact: This is a common occurrence in a young mother, but if after treatment with antibiotics the woman’s symptoms do not improve, time to see Capital Women’s Care for evaluation. Breast cancers in young women can present as mastitis.

Myth #4: If you can move a breast lump, it’s not cancer

Fact: Actually, early breast cancers begin by being movable. Once the lump grows larger, it will attach itself to something and then you can’t move it. Tell Capital Women’s Care about any lump and note anything firm like a marble.

Myth #5: Physicians can diagnose breast cancer during an exam

Fact: Neither you nor your physician can tell just by feeling if a lump is cancerous. A mammogram and an ultrasound can give you more information. If needed, a biopsy can be done on a suspicious lump and then evaluated under a microscope.

It is always better to check on a symptom rather than letting it wait until your annual mammogram. If something doesn’t feel or look right, call Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 immediately for an evaluation in Silver Spring and Rockville

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Deeper Understanding

Posted on September 26, 2025October 6, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in PCOS

At Capital Women’s Care, we believe patients deserve to understand what’s happening in their bodies—not just to treat symptoms, but to feel empowered and informed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, can be a confusing and frustrating diagnosis. It affects hormones, metabolism, and menstrual cycles—and it can look different in each person. Some patients come in because they’re not having regular periods. Others are concerned about skin changes, unwanted hair growth, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Some are diagnosed after years of wondering why they’ve always struggled with weight or irregular cycles. Whatever path brings you here, our goal is to help you make sense of the condition and find a plan that fits your life.

PCOS Starts with a Hormonal Imbalance—But It Doesn’t End There

While we often think of PCOS as a “hormone problem,” it’s more accurate to think of it as a whole-body condition—one that affects how your body processes energy, regulates your hormones, and responds to signals between the brain, ovaries, and other organs.

At the center of PCOS is something called insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body move sugar out of the blood and into your cells for energy. When your cells don’t respond to insulin the way they should, your body compensates by making more of it. That excess insulin has ripple effects throughout your system.

High insulin levels can tell the ovaries to produce more androgens (male-pattern hormones like testosterone). They can also reduce a protein called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which normally keeps androgens in check. As a result, you may have more free testosterone, which can cause acne, unwanted hair growth on the face or body, and sometimes scalp hair thinning.

At the same time, insulin resistance tends to promote weight gain around the midsection, which itself makes insulin resistance worse. This becomes a cycle that feeds on itself—more insulin, more androgen, more weight gain, more hormonal disruption.

How Does This Affect the Menstrual Cycle?

Your menstrual cycle depends on a delicate balance of signals between your brain (specifically, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and your ovaries. Every month, the brain sends hormones that tell the ovary to grow a follicle and release an egg—this is ovulation. After ovulation, another hormone called progesterone is produced. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone drops, and your period begins.

In PCOS, the hormonal feedback loops get disrupted. The extra androgens and estrogen (from both the ovaries and fat tissue) send confusing signals back to the brain, which can interfere with ovulation. Without ovulation, there’s no progesterone. Without progesterone, the endometrium (lining of the uterus) continues to build up under the influence of estrogen, often for weeks or months at a time. This can lead to infrequent or very heavy periods—and over time, can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, or thickening of the uterine lining, which we take seriously.

For this reason, even if you’re not trying to become pregnant, it’s important that you have some way of protecting the uterus, either by triggering regular bleeding (with hormonal medication) or by using treatments that keep the lining thin and healthy.

What Else Does PCOS Affect?

Because insulin resistance is at the core, PCOS can increase your risk over time for medical conditions like:

Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol or triglycerides
High blood pressure
Sleep apnea, especially in those with central weight gain
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Possibly long-term cardiovascular disease

This doesn’t mean these problems are inevitable, but it does mean we want to monitor for them and work on prevention. Depending on your situation, we may recommend screening labs or coordinate with your primary care provider for long-term follow-up.

Diagnosing PCOS: No Single Test, No One-Size-Fits-All

There is no single blood test or ultrasound that diagnoses PCOS. We make the diagnosis based on patterns—irregular ovulation, signs of excess androgen, and sometimes a particular appearance of the ovaries on ultrasound. At the same time, we rule out other conditions that can mimic PCOS, like thyroid disorders or elevated prolactin.

We may order lab tests to look at hormone levels (like testosterone or DHEAS), and we often check markers of metabolic health, like blood sugar (glucose, A1c), cholesterol, and sometimes insulin levels. Imaging studies like pelvic ultrasounds can be helpful, but they are not always necessary. And importantly, in adolescents or very young adults, we often choose not to give the PCOS label—even if some signs are present—because their reproductive systems are still maturing, and we want to avoid premature or unnecessary labeling.

How is PCOS Treated?

The best treatment for PCOS depends on your goals. Are you mostly concerned about irregular bleeding? Acne or unwanted hair? Hoping to become pregnant? Looking to reduce long-term health risks? Often, we’re working on several of these at once.

For those not trying to conceive, we often use hormonal contraception (such as the pill, patch, ring, or hormonal IUD) to regulate periods, lower androgen levels, and protect the uterine lining. These options are safe for most patients and offer multiple benefits beyond contraception.

For those hoping to become pregnant, restoring ovulation becomes the goal. That may involve weight loss, improved exercise and nutrition, and sometimes medications like metformin, which improves insulin sensitivity and may help regulate cycles. When it’s time to actively pursue pregnancy, medications like letrozole (used to stimulate ovulation) can be very effective, and we can help guide you or refer you to fertility specialists if needed.

For skin-related symptoms like acne or hirsutism, hormonal treatments may take several months to show results. In some cases, we also prescribe spironolactone, which blocks androgen effects, though it requires appropriate monitoring and cannot be used during pregnancy.

Many patients benefit from metformin even outside of pregnancy planning. It can improve cycle regularity, reduce insulin levels, and support weight management. We often prescribe it as a first step when there’s clear evidence of insulin resistance.

Finally, lifestyle changes—such as regular physical activity, more balanced nutrition, better sleep, and stress reduction—are foundational. That said, we recognize that these aren’t always easy, and we try to approach these conversations with compassion, not judgment. Even small improvements can make a big difference, and we’ll support you in finding what’s realistic for you.

What’s the Outlook?

PCOS is a lifelong condition, but it’s also highly manageable. You are not broken. This is not your fault. And you are not alone. With the right care and support, most patients with PCOS are able to manage their symptoms, achieve healthy pregnancies if desired, and reduce their long-term risks. Our role is to help you understand your body, make informed decisions, and feel confident in your care.

📞 If you have questions or want to talk about your treatment options, please call us: (301) 681-9101

Understanding PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Posted on September 24, 2025October 6, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—often called PCOS—is a common condition that affects hormones, metabolism, and periods. It can show up in different ways: irregular or missed periods, extra facial or body hair, acne, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Not everyone has all of these symptoms, and the condition can change over time.

Why does PCOS happen?

PCOS is often connected to something called insulin resistance—when your body has a harder time using insulin properly. This can lead to hormone imbalances, weight gain (especially around the middle), and problems with ovulation. Some people also make more androgens (“male” hormones), which can cause symptoms like acne or unwanted hair growth.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There’s no single test for PCOS. Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, blood work, and sometimes ultrasound. It’s also important to rule out other causes, like thyroid or hormone problems. In teenagers, we may hold off on making a diagnosis—since hormones are still maturing and periods can naturally be irregular for a few years after starting.

What does PCOS mean for my health?

PCOS can affect more than just your period. It may increase your risk for:

Trouble getting pregnant (due to irregular ovulation)
Diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol and blood pressure
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Endometrial (uterine) lining becoming too thick if periods are very far apart

How is PCOS treated?

There are many ways to manage PCOS, and treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Some options include:

Hormonal birth control to regulate periods, reduce acne, or protect the uterine lining
Metformin, a medication that can help with blood sugar and regulate cycles
Lifestyle changes—like eating well, staying active, and improving sleep
Medications to help with unwanted hair or acne
Ovulation support, if you’re trying to become pregnant

We’ll work with you to come up with a plan that fits your needs and health goals. That may include other members of your care team, like your primary doctor or an endocrinologist.

You’re not alone.

PCOS is common, manageable, and different for every person. Whether you’re dealing with irregular periods, skin changes, or are just looking for answers—we’re here to help.

📞 Call us anytime: (301) 681-9101

Addressing Tylenol and Autism Claims

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in Obstetrics

We are aware of the recent statements made by Secretary Kennedy and President Trump regarding a possible causal link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. Autism arises from a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and conditions this complex are rarely explained by a single factor. It is also not one uniform condition, but has many different presentations across individuals. The rise in autism diagnoses reflects many influences, including evolving diagnostic criteria, increased awareness among physicians and parents, and greater willingness to seek a diagnosis given improved therapies and support.

Any search for answers must never be seen as an attempt to place blame on parents—especially mothers—nor should it diminish the value and contributions of those who live with autism.

The general consensus in the scientific community is that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that acetaminophen causes autism. Several small studies have suggested possible associations, while others have not. The largest study to date, conducted in Sweden and including 2.4 million children born between 1995 and 2019, found no link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. Importantly, there are many confounding factors in this research, including the reasons why women take the medication. Fever, for example, is itself associated with pregnancy complications, particularly in the first trimester.

There are a few small studies looking at leucovorin in autism, but the data are preliminary and far from conclusive. It would be premature to view it as either a treatment or prevention, and further research is warranted. Starting treatments before sufficient data exist has often led to unintended adverse outcomes, and caution is warranted.

The bottom line is that more research is needed. At Capital Women’s Care, we strive to remain unbiased and to practice medicine with empathy, thoughtfulness, and the best available evidence. We look forward to one day having clearer answers to many of the questions that remain, including those surrounding autism. In the meantime, we join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and many other medical organizations in stating that acetaminophen is considered a safe option for pain and fever during pregnancy.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in Gynecologic Cancer

Each September, we take time to raise awareness about gynecological cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. These cancers affect thousands of women each year, and early detection and prevention remain the most powerful tools in protecting women’s health. At Capital Women’s Care, we are committed to helping our patients understand their risks and take proactive steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.

One important resource we offer is hereditary cancer screening. Research shows that up to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations passed down through families. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing can help identify whether you carry a gene mutation that may increase your risk—and potentially the risk for your children. With this knowledge, you and your healthcare team can create a personalized plan to monitor your health more closely and take preventive measures when appropriate.

This Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to talk with your Capital Women’s Care provider about your family history and whether hereditary cancer screening may be right for you. Awareness, education, and early action save lives—and we are here to support you every step of the way.

What to Know About a Water Birth: Benefits, Safety, and How to Prepare

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in News, Obstetrics

Many expectant parents consider a personalized birth experience to be an important, meaningful conclusion to their pregnancy journey. That may be why water birth is becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking a gentler, more natural labor process. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of non-medicated pain relief or want a more calming environment, water birth can provide a very special experience that’s worth consideration.

At Capital Women’s Care, we’ve seen growing interest in water births here in Rockville and Silver Spring are proud to support families exploring this option with safety, comfort, and expert care. Below, we explore the ins and outs of water births so you can feel empowered to make the best decision for your family. Continue reading “What to Know About a Water Birth: Benefits, Safety, and How to Prepare” →

Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by Capital Women's Care in News, Obstetrics

If you’ve got a baby on the way and travel plans on the calendar, you may be wondering: Is it safe to travel while pregnant?

The good news? For most moms-to-be with healthy pregnancies, traveling during pregnancy is perfectly safe—especially in the second trimester. That said, summer brings extra considerations like heat, hydration, and long hours on the road or in the air.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling during pregnancy in summer 2025, from when to go to how to stay safe along the way.

Continue reading “Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be” →