From conception to advanced age, the story of a woman’s life is an incredible journey woven together by the intricate interplay of biology, environment, and evolution. Each stage, from embryonic development through childhood, adolescence, sexual maturity, menopause, and aging, bears the dual narrative of marvel and pathology.

Embryonic and Fetal Development
(9 months)

Infancy/Toddler
(0-3)

Childhood
(4-11)

Adolescence/Puberty
(12-18)

Adulthood/ Sexual Maturation
(19-44)

Perimenopause/ Menopause
(45-55)

Postmenopause/Advanced Age
(56+)

Preconception/ Pregnancy
(Puberty - 44)

Embryonic and Fetal Development (9 months)

“Sex differentiation begins around the 6th week of gestation when the presence of two X chromosomes leads to the development of ovaries, which will later produce estrogen.”
—Moore, K.L., Persaud, T.V.N., & Torchia, M.G. (2018). The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology.

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Sexual Health: The Marvel of Sexual Development

Sexual development is a lifelong process that starts at the moment of conception. It includes the physical changes that occur during embryonic and fetal development, as well as the physical and mental changes during adolescence.

Building a Baby: Developing Systems and Organs

How do intricately complex organs like the eyes form? What does the embryonic heart look like when it starts beating, only about 21 days after conception? How much does your baby’s brain grow in the space of a month? The beauty and mystery of unfolding life—revealed.

Pathologies

Congenital Anomalies

Congenital anomalies, previously referred to as birth defects, are structural (how the body is built) or functional (how the body works) anomalies present at birth that can cause physical disability, intellectual and developmental disorders, and other health problems.

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are problems with the structure of the heart, and are the most common type of birth defect. The defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and veins near the heart.

Explore Fetal Development

Infancy/Toddler (0-3)

“Female toddlers experience an early surge in social and emotional development.”
—Zahn-Waxler, C., Radke-Yarrow, M., & King, R.A. (1979). Childhood Temperament and Personality.

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Infant and Newborn Development

In the first year, babies learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them, however, all babies don't develop at the same rate

Speech and Language Developmental Milestones

The first 3 years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills. These skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.

Pathologies

Colic in Infants

Many infants are fussy in the evenings, but if the crying does not stop and gets worse throughout the day or night, it may be caused by colic.

Spitting Up in Babies

Is your baby spitting up all the time? If so, does it signal a more serious illness? Is medicine needed?

Explore Infancy

Childhood (4-11)

“During this age range, female children typically show advances in fine and gross motor skills, including improved coordination and strength.”
—Haywood, K.M., & Getchell, N. (2009). Developmental Motor Behavior: Theory and Practice.

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Early Childhood Development Milestones

In the first year, babies learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them, however, all babies don't develop at the same rate

Child Development Basics

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Child development includes physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes.

Pathologies

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Many infants are fussy in the evenings, but if the crying does not stop and gets worse throughout the day or night, it may be caused by colic.

Vaccine-Preventable Childhood Diseases

Is your baby spitting up all the time? If so, does it signal a more serious illness? Is medicine needed?

Explore Childhood

Adolescence/Puberty (12-18)

“During puberty, female adolescents experience a rise in estrogen levels, which drives the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, widening of hips, and changes in skin and hair texture.”
—Grumbach, M.M., & Mongan, E.S. (2000). Gonadal Development, Differentiation, and Function in the Human.

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Puberty

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. Read about the changes that occur and get some tips for parenting preteens and teens throughout puberty.

Teen Development

The menstrual cycle is the hormonal process a woman’s body goes through each month between puberty and menopause to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) usually change throughout the menstrual cycle and can cause menstrual symptoms. Learn more about the menstrual cycle.

Pathologies

Period Pain

Period pain affects many women, and it can be severe. The pain is most often menstrual cramps. Learn about the causes of menstrual cramps, what you can do to feel better, and when you need to see a doctor.

Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can include absent, infrequent, heavy, prolonged, or painful periods. These irregularities can occur for a variety of reasons. Irregular periods are normal for teenage girls and perimenopausal women. Learn more about period problems and what you can do.

Explore Adolescence

Adulthood/ Sexual Maturation (19-44)

“Breast cancer risk increases with age, and although it is less common in women in their twenties and early thirties, it is a significant concern for women in their thirties and early forties, with factors including family history and hormonal exposure influencing risk.”
—Lung, M.L., & Miller, A.B. (2003). Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Screening.

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Sexual Health: How Sex Works

It's not just a local event. From top to toes, and heart to brain, your whole body is involved in sex. Learn how it all works.

Orgasm

Orgasm and sexual frequency are related to numerous health outcomes such as lower blood pressure, better mental health, and lower incidences of cancer.

Pathologies

Early-Onset Breast Cancer

Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 9% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows in other places in the body outside of the uterus. It can cause pain, very heavy periods, and in some cases, infertility.

Explore Adulthood

Preconception/ Pregnancy (Puberty - 44)

“During pregnancy, blood volume increases by approximately 30-50%, leading to increased cardiac output and changes in blood pressure, which help meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the growing fetus.”
—Clapp, J.F. (2003). Cardiovascular Adaptations to Pregnancy.

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Pregnancy

Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9 months, as measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. If you're pregnant, getting the prenatal care you need for a healthy pregnancy is important.

Maternal Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth

A full-term pregnancy lasts approximately 270 days (approximately 38.5 weeks) from conception to birth. Learn what happens to maternal anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.

Pathologies

Female Infertility

Infertility is when a woman can't get pregnant after at least one year of trying, or if she keeps having miscarriages. Read more about female infertility, its causes, and possible treatments.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. And, despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night.

Explore Preconception/Pregnancy

Perimenopause/ Menopause (45-55)

“Osteoporosis is a significant concern during menopause due to the decline in estrogen levels, which leads to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures and breaks.”
—Khosla, S., & Riggs, B.L. (2005). Osteoporosis: Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment.

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Perimenopause

Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55.

Menopause

Menopause refers to the time in a woman’s life when she stops having a menstrual period and is no longer fertile. Typically, menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55.

Pathologies

Menopause Symptoms

During the transition to menopause, changing hormone levels can affect your menstrual cycle and cause symptoms like hot flashes and problems sleeping.

Menopausal Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are the most common menopause symptom, with as many as three out of four women experiencing them. Some women begin having hot flashes before menopause, when they are still getting a period.

Explore Menopause

Postmenopause/Advanced Age (56+)

“Cognitive function may be affected in advanced age, with some postmenopausal women experiencing changes in memory and cognitive abilities, potentially influenced by hormonal changes and aging processes.”
—Yaffe, K., & Kanekar, S. (2004). Hormones, Aging, and Cognitive Function.

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Aging

Aging is a lifelong process, and as human beings grow older, they go through different stages of life. Aging is associated with changes in dynamic biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social processes.

Skin Aging

Skin changes with age. Direct sunlight on unprotected skin and lifestyle factors can affect skin aging. Learn anti-aging skin-care tips that can help you prevent or manage wrinkles, age spots, and dry skin—and avoid skin cancer, too.

Pathologies

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees.

Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, or age-related loss of muscle mass and function, occurs as muscle fibers die and are replaced by connective and adipose tissue. Sarcopenia is common in older adults and it can begin as early as the fourth decade of life.

Explore Advanced Age