In today’s newsletter: The UTI culprit hiding in your refrigerator, whether you really need 10,000 steps a day, how sharing a meal can improve your mental health, and whether women really are more sensitive to the cold.

But first: Why alcohol is so much worse for women than for men? 

PHOTOGRAPH BY ARTUR WIDAK, NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES 

The gender gap in drinking is narrowing—and so are alcohol-related complications in women. From immune system disorders to breast health, here are all the unique ways alcohol harms the female body.

More stories on women’s health:
— UTIs are rising fast—and the cause could be in your refrigerator 
— Why are so many adult women being diagnosed with ADHD?  

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHNNYGREIG, GETTY IMAGES 

High-tech solutions like CT scans, X-rays, and full-body MRIs are the latest tools for detecting diseases like cancer, and patients are seeking out extensive preventative exams—despite the high cost. But is delving that deep worth it for everyone?

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK/NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION 

PHOTOGRAPH BY DEJAN_DUNDJERSKI, GETTY IMAGES

For most women, menopause begins in their mid-40s and marks the beginning of a range of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. Now, clinical trials are underway that demand we rethink menopause—and if women need to go through it.

BEFORE YOU GO: Here’s the problem with “happiness.”

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter and more.