Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation

Home
United States
Pittsburgh, PA
Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Pittsburgh, PA.

10/10/2026

A spooky season reminder that some of the scariest things in women's health history weren't ghosts or monsters... they were medical myths.

For centuries, some physicians believed the womb could wander through a woman's body, causing illness wherever it traveled. The physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia described it as: "An animal within an animal" that moved "of itself hither and thither."

Doctors thought this wandering organ could drift through the abdomen and chest, pressing on other organs and causing symptoms ranging from vertigo and exhaustion to emotional distress and loss of speech.

The treatments sound more like folklore than medicine. Sweet-smelling herbs were used to lure the uterus back into place. Strong odors were used to drive it away. Some physicians even prescribed marriage, s*x, or pregnancy to keep the womb "occupied."

Over time, this theory helped fuel the diagnosis of "hysteria," a label used for countless women's symptoms. In fact, the word hysteria comes from the Greek word for uterus.

Today, we know the uterus cannot roam throughout the body, and many symptoms once blamed on a "wandering womb" have real medical, neurological, or mental health explanations.

At Magee-Womens Research Institute, we're leaving outdated myths behind and helping shape the future of women's health through research, discovery, and innovation.

Source: https://www.wired.com/2014/05/fantastically-wrong-wandering-womb/

10/09/2026

🎤 A Pop Icon Takes the Stage! 🎤

We're thrilled to celebrate Taylor Dayne as the headliner of the 2026 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert Presented by Gibson Gives on October 17 at Stage AE.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Taylor Dayne became an international sensation with hits like Tell It to My Heart, Love Will Lead You Back, Prove Your Love, and I'll Always Love You. Having sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide, earned Grammy nominations, and captivated audiences across genres, Taylor's powerful voice and unforgettable presence have made her a true music icon.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music while making a difference.

Proceeds from the event benefit women's health research and patient care initiatives at Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

Purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/4hUJvTW

10/08/2026

Thinking about hormone replacement therapy during menopause? Watch this first.

In Episode 3 of Understudied, our experts discuss why discussing your health history, risks, and options with your doctor is critical before starting HRT.

🎧 Watch Episode 3 of Understudied -- available now, wherever you get your podcasts.
https://mageewomens.org/understudied-the-womens-health-podcast

Understudied is made possible through a sponsorship from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
100.7 Star , Kelly on 100.7 Star , WAMO 107.3 , 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA , 93.7 The Fan , Y108

10/07/2026

What if PCOS was never the right name to begin with?

For years, experts have recognized that the name 'polycystic o***y syndrome' or PCOS may not accurately reflect the condition and can contribute to confusion and misunderstanding. October is PCOS Awareness Month –– a perfect time to learn how changing the name of this disease better represents what patients are actually experiencing and supports more informed, personalized care.

10/06/2026

Who can safely use hormone replacement therapy for menopause? Hear our women's health experts explain why talking to your doctor to understand your personal benefits, risks, and options is the first step to finding out if HRT is right for you.

🎧 Watch Episode 3 of Understudied wherever you get your podcasts. https://mageewomens.org/understudied-the-womens-health-podcast

Understudied is made possible through a sponsorship from Genentech , a member of the Roche Group.
Kelly on 100.7 Star , 100.7 Star , WAMO 107.3 , 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA , Y108 , 93.7 The Fan

10/05/2026

What can 1,000 days of maternal health reveal about a woman's future?

For MWRI investigator Dr. Janet Catov, the answer may hold the key to preventing heart disease and improving lifelong health.

Dr. Catov studies how pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and preterm birth can provide important clues about a woman's future cardiovascular health. Her goal is to identify those risks as early as possible and develop interventions that support women long after pregnancy.

Through large perinatal registries and long-term cohort studies, the Catov research group investigates the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and preterm birth, as well as the health outcomes of women after delivering preterm infants.

One of the team's current projects, ENRICH (Early Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health of Mothers and Children), is a multicenter trial involving seven clinical centers across the United States. The study is testing whether adding cardiovascular health promotion content to evidence-based home visiting programs during pregnancy can improve long-term heart health outcomes for both parents and children.

By connecting maternal health, cardiovascular health, and early intervention, Dr. Catov's research is helping build a future where pregnancy complications can serve as opportunities for prevention and better long-term care.

Learn more at MageeWomens.org

10/03/2026

This October, we're digging into some of the most surprising and unsettling stories from women's health history.

This antique device may look like something straight out of a horror movie, but 150 years ago, versions of the speculum were commonly used during gynecologic exams. Similar instruments have actually existed for nearly 2,000 years, with examples dating back to Ancient Rome.

While medical tools like this can seem frightening through a modern lens, they also tell the story of how women's healthcare has evolved over time. Looking back at the past helps us better understand the progress that has shaped the care we have today.

At Magee-Womens Research Institute, we're building on that progress by advancing the research and discoveries that will shape the future of women's health.

👻 Follow along for more spooky facts from women's health history.

10/02/2026

🍦 Celebrating a sweet new chapter in women’s health research!
Magee-Womens Research Institute and the University of Pittsburgh gathered for an ice cream social to celebrate our growing research partnership.

This partnership brings together two powerful research communities with a shared commitment to advancing discoveries that can improve the health of women and communities everywhere.

Here’s to collaboration, innovation, and a future where together, we can change the way the world treats women. Pitt School of Medicine 💜🍦

10/01/2026

What if the ovaries influence more than fertility? Scientists are uncovering how ovarian health may affect systems throughout the body, from the brain to the heart and beyond. 🎧 Learn more in this clip from Episode 3 of Understudied, available wherever you get your podcasts.

https://mageewomens.org/understudied-the-womens-health-podcast

Understudied is made possible through a sponsorship from Genentech , a member of the Roche Group.

Kelly on 100.7 Star , 100.7 Star , WAMO 107.3 , 93.7 The Fan , 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA , Y108

09/30/2026

Every 5 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer.

This September, during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, we're raising awareness of the cancers that affect thousands of women each year, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

Knowing the signs, understanding your risk, and staying up to date on recommended screenings can help start important conversations about women's health.

Source: Foundation for Women's Cancer

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Telephone

+14126418932

Website

http://mageewomens.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation:

Featured

The TBCK Foundation
Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League