The menstrual cycle is a complex, physiological process influencing the health of reproductive aged women. When discussing female health, it is imperative to stress the importance of a healthy, nutritionally rich diet.

Women and men face many of the same health challenges including heart disease, stroke, cancers, and diabetes. However, some conditions are unique to men or women. Underlying biological differences, genetic contributions, sex hormones, and other factors dictate the response to an exposure and sensitivity to an exposure or treatment, which culminates in a different risk of developing certain diseases for men and women.1

Women’s bodies face a variety of changes throughout the lifecycle. Through puberty, childbearing years, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, women’s bodies require an approach to wellness that evolves along with them.