Category: News

Your period might not be a welcome guest, but it’s usually a predictable one. You know what to expect, how heavy it typically is, how long it lasts, and what feels “normal” for you. So when your period suddenly changes—whether it gets lighter, heavier, shorter, or longer—it can feel unsettling.

The good news is that changes in your period flow are common and are usually not a sign of anything serious. But they can also be your body’s way of signaling that something has shifted, so it’s important not to ignore them.

Below, we’ll talk about how to understand what’s happening and when it’s worth checking in with your provider for further insight.

What Counts as a “Change” in Period Flow?

A sudden change doesn’t always mean something dramatic. It can be any noticeable shift from your usual pattern, including:

• Much heavier bleeding than normal
• Very light or barely-there periods
• Periods that suddenly last longer or end quickly
• Spotting between periods
• Changes in clotting or flow consistency

If something feels different from your typical cycle, it’s worth paying attention—even if it happens only once.

Common Reasons Your Period Flow Can Change

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones control your cycle, so even small shifts can affect how your period shows up.

Stress, weight changes, travel, illness, or changes in routine can all influence hormone levels and lead to temporary changes in flow.

Birth Control Changes

Starting, stopping, or switching birth control is one of the most common reasons for changes in period flow. Some methods make periods lighter or more regular, while others may cause spotting or irregular bleeding—especially in the first few months.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Your body responds to stress in real ways, including through your cycle.

High stress levels can delay ovulation or change hormone balance, which may lead to lighter, heavier, or missed periods.

Perimenopause

For people in their 40s (and sometimes late 30s), shifting hormones can cause noticeable changes in period flow. Cycles may become shorter or longer, and bleeding may become heavier or more unpredictable.

Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, changes in period flow are linked to medical conditions, such as:

• Fibroids
• Polyps
• Thyroid disorders
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis

These conditions are manageable but often require professional evaluation for a proper diagnosis.

What Heavier or Lighter Bleeding Can Mean

Heavier Periods

A sudden increase in flow—especially if you’re soaking through pads or tampons quickly—can be linked to hormonal imbalance, fibroids, or other uterine conditions. While it may feel alarming, heavy periods are common, and your doctor can help determine the cause.

Lighter Periods

A lighter period can result from stress, hormonal shifts, birth control, or changes in ovulation. In some cases, very light bleeding may also be related to early pregnancy spotting.

When Should You See an OB/GYN?

Most changes in period flow aren’t urgent, but there are times when it’s important to get checked out.

You should consider scheduling a visit if you notice:

• Bleeding that is much heavier than usual or lasts longer than a week
• Frequent spotting between periods
• Missed periods without a clear reason
• Sudden changes that continue for several cycles
• Severe cramping or pain with your period

If something feels off, it’s always okay to ask.

You Know Your Body Best

Your period is one of the clearest signals your body gives you. When it changes, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong—but it does mean something is different.

Getting answers doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple conversation and evaluation can help you understand what’s happening and whether anything needs attention.

Ready to Talk It Through?

At Capital Women’s Care, we help patients understand their cycles and feel confident about their health. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in your period flow, we’re here to help you make sense of it—without stress or guesswork.

Call (301) 681-9101 or schedule an appointment online today.

Struggling with infertility can feel lonely and isolating, but it’s a more common experience than many people realize. In the United States, millions of couples experience difficulty getting pregnant each year. When pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after six months for women over 35), healthcare providers may recommend an evaluation for infertility.

Female infertility can occur for many reasons. Some causes involve ovulation or hormone balance, while others relate to the reproductive organs themselves. In many cases, infertility is treatable once the underlying cause is identified.

Understanding the most common causes can help you understand when it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider.

Ovulation Disorders and Infertility

Ovulation disorders are one of the most common causes of female infertility. Ovulation occurs when the ovary releases an egg during the menstrual cycle. If ovulation does not happen regularly, pregnancy becomes much more difficult.

Several conditions can disrupt ovulation:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries.

PCOS can interfere with ovulation, making it harder for the body to release an egg during the cycle.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) all play a role in regulating ovulation. When these hormones become unbalanced, ovulation may occur irregularly or not at all.

Conditions affecting the thyroid gland or pituitary gland can also influence hormone levels and menstrual cycles.

Fallopian Tube Problems and Infertility

After ovulation, the egg travels through the fallopian tube, where fertilization typically occurs.

If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, sperm may not be able to reach the egg. Even if fertilization occurs, the embryo may not be able to travel safely to the uterus.

Imaging studies or specialized procedures can help determine whether the fallopian tubes are functioning normally. Common causes of fallopian tube damage include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Endometriosis
• Certain infections affecting the reproductive organs

Endometriosis and Infertility

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue may appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures.

Endometriosis can contribute to infertility in several ways: It may create inflammation, scar tissue, or structural changes that affect the movement of eggs or sperm. Some people with endometriosis also experience pelvic pain, painful periods, or pain during intercourse.

Although endometriosis can make conception more challenging, many individuals with this condition still achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment.

Uterine or Structural Conditions and Infertility

Certain conditions affecting the uterus may interfere with implantation or pregnancy. These structural issues can sometimes make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant or develop normally. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or hysteroscopy may be used to evaluate the uterus.

Examples include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Congenital uterine abnormalities
• Scar tissue inside the uterus

Age-Related Fertility Changes

Age is one of the most significant factors influencing fertility. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both egg quantity and quality naturally decline over time.

Fertility gradually decreases in the early 30s and declines more rapidly after age 35. This does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it may take longer and sometimes requires medical support. For this reason, healthcare providers often recommend earlier evaluation for women over 35 who have been trying to conceive for six months without success.

Lifestyle & Health Factors That Impact Fertility

Certain lifestyle factors can also affect fertility. Maintaining overall health can support reproductive function.

Factors that may influence fertility include:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Significant weight changes
• Chronic stress
• Certain medications

Addressing these factors can sometimes improve the chances of conception.

When to Seek Care for Infertility Issues

If you have been trying to conceive without success, speaking with a healthcare provider can help identify possible causes and guide the next steps.

You may want to schedule an evaluation if:

• You have been trying to conceive for one year without pregnancy
• You are over age 35 and have been trying for six months
• You have irregular or absent periods
• You have known conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis
• You have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss

Fertility evaluations often include medical history, hormone testing, imaging studies, and discussions about menstrual cycles and reproductive health.

Female Infertility: Finding the Right Path Forward

Facing infertility can feel overwhelming, but many causes of female infertility are treatable. Advances in reproductive medicine have made it possible for many individuals and couples to achieve pregnancy with the right care and guidance.

If you have concerns about fertility, we can help evaluate your reproductive health and discuss options that support your goals for starting or growing your family. Get in touch with our thoughtful team to learn more: Contact us at Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 today.

Stress is part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can affect more than just your mood or energy levels. One area that’s especially sensitive to stress is your menstrual cycle. If you’ve noticed late periods, missed cycles, or new PMS symptoms during stressful times, it’s not a figment of your imagination.

If your cycle is starting to feel like a rollercoaster ride, stress could be a factor. Understanding how stress interacts with hormones can help explain what’s happening, and when it might be time to seek support.

How Stress Impacts Hormones

When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol plays an important role in short-term survival, but when levels stay elevated, it can interfere with the hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation.

Stress can disrupt communication between the brain and the ovaries, affecting hormone release, including estrogen and progesterone. When ovulation is delayed or doesn’t occur, periods may become irregular or stop temporarily.

Common Cycle Changes Linked to Stress

Stress affects everyone differently, but some common menstrual changes include:

• Late or missed periods
• Shorter or longer cycles
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Increased cramping or PMS symptoms
• Worsening headaches, fatigue, or mood changes

These changes may happen during emotionally demanding periods, major life transitions, illness, overwork, or ongoing anxiety.

Can Stress Cause You to Skip a Period?

Yes, stress can cause missed periods, especially when it’s intense or prolonged. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious underlying condition. The body sometimes pauses ovulation as a protective response when it perceives physical or emotional strain.

Once stress levels decrease, cycles often return to their usual pattern. However, if periods are missed for several months in a row, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.

Stress, Lifestyle, and the Bigger Picture

Stress rarely acts alone. It’s often accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, exercise habits, or weight, all of which can further influence menstrual regularity. Social media can sometimes amplify stress by encouraging constant comparison or suggesting that every cycle change means something is “wrong.”

While awareness is helpful, it’s important to avoid self-diagnosing based on trends or viral content. Menstrual changes can overlap with hormonal conditions, thyroid disorders, perimenopause, or other health concerns that deserve professional evaluation.

Talk to Your Doctor About What Missed Periods May Mean

Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if you:

• Miss three or more periods in a row
• Experience sudden or severe cycle changes
• Have pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods
• Feel that stress is significantly affecting your overall health

A medical professional can help determine whether stress is the primary factor or if something else is contributing.

Stress and Your Menstrual Cycle: The Bottom Line

Stress can absolutely affect your menstrual cycle, sometimes in noticeable ways. Occasional changes are common and often temporary, especially during challenging times. Still, your cycle offers valuable insight into your overall health.

If changes persist or feel concerning, talking with us can bring clarity and reassurance, without guesswork or unnecessary worry. For a consultation, call our office at Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 today. We’ll make sure you get the accurate information, thoughtful care, and strong support through all stages of life.

 

Some nights, it’s not stress or a bad dream that wakes you up — it’s heat. Sudden, intense, and impossible to ignore. For many women, nighttime hot flashes and night sweats interrupt sleep, drain energy, and quietly reshape how the next day feels.

These symptoms are common, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause. And while they’re often brushed off as “just part of life,” understanding what’s happening in your body — and what can actually help — can make nights far more manageable.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen at Night?

Hot flashes and menopause-related night sweats are primarily driven by hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen.

Estrogen plays a key role in regulating the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that acts as your internal thermostat. When estrogen levels drop or become unpredictable, that thermostat becomes more sensitive. Even small changes in body temperature can trigger an exaggerated response, leading to sudden warmth, flushing, sweating, and sometimes chills afterward.

At night, these effects can feel more intense because:

• Core body temperature naturally shifts during sleep
• Bedding and sleepwear can trap heat
• Stress, fatigue, and disrupted sleep lower tolerance for temperature changes
• Without daytime distractions, the sensation becomes harder to ignore

Are Night Sweats a Sign of Menopause?

For many women, yes. Night sweats are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

They often occur alongside other signs of hormonal transition, including:

• Irregular or changing menstrual cycles
• Mood changes or irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Increased anxiety

While night sweats are common during menopause, they are not something you are expected to simply tolerate. In some cases, persistent or severe symptoms may be related to other medical conditions. Ongoing or worsening night sweats should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Common Triggers for Night Sweats in Women

While hormonal changes set the stage, everyday factors often influence how intense or frequent night sweats feel.

Common triggers include:

• Warm bedroom temperatures
• Alcohol or caffeine, especially in the evening
• Spicy foods
• Stress or anxiety
• Heavy blankets or synthetic sleepwear
• Smoking

Identifying personal triggers can be an important step toward reducing nighttime episodes and improving sleep quality.

How to Manage Hot Flashes at Night

Managing night sweats often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical support. What works best varies from person to person, and care should always be individualized.

Simple At-Home Strategies

Many women find relief by making small changes to their nighttime routine, such as:

• Keeping the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
• Choosing breathable, moisture-wicking sheets and pajamas
• Taking a lukewarm shower before bed
• Practicing calming bedtime routines like deep breathing or gentle stretching
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine later in the day

These steps can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes and make sleep interruptions easier to recover from.

Medical Options for Hot Flashes Treatment

If night sweats are affecting sleep or daily functioning, your provider may discuss medical options, including:

• Hormone therapy, when appropriate
• Non-hormonal medications
• Supplements or targeted therapies, under medical guidance
• Sleep-focused treatment plans

No single treatment works for everyone. The goal is to find a plan that supports your comfort, sleep quality, and long-term health — while aligning with your medical history and personal preferences.

When to Talk to a Doctor

It’s a good idea to seek medical guidance if:

• Night sweats are severe, persistent, or worsening
• Sleep disruption is affecting daily life
• Symptoms appear suddenly or outside expected menopausal timing
• You experience unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain

Reaching out simply means you don’t have to navigate this change alone. A healthcare provider can help rule out other causes and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.

Final Thoughts on Hot Flashes at Night

Hot flashes at night are a common part of hormonal change, but their impact on sleep and daily life deserves attention. Understanding what’s behind them — and knowing when to seek support — can make a meaningful difference in how you feel at night and how rested you are during the day.

If you’d like to talk more about nighttime hot flashes and how to manage them, contact Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 today for a consultation. We’re here to help you experience fewer symptoms, increased comfort, and better sleep.

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.

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.

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.

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