#women’shealth Tag

10 Jul

Posted at 22:45h in Endocrinology, Hormone Therapy

Supplement, Peptide & Hormone Therapy Notice: The hormone therapy options referenced in this article should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider following a thorough clinical assessment. Hormone therapies may interact with existing medications and may be contraindicated in individuals with certain health conditions. Do not use hormone therapies if you are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. Always consult your physician before beginning, modifying, or discontinuing any hormone protocol.

Hormone changes can be sneaky. One week you feel mostly normal, and the next you're wide awake at 3 a.m., wondering why your body suddenly forgot the rules. It's easy to shrug off odd symptoms and blame stress, age, or a busy schedule. Sometimes that's true. Sometimes it's not. If you've been feeling a little off and can't quite explain why, it helps to know what signs to watch for and when it might be worth getting real support. For anyone in Grand Rapids weighing that question, local clinicians can run the bloodwork that turns guesswork into a clear answer.

For broader context on how hormone therapy is used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, see this overview of hormone therapy benefits and considerations.

[caption id="attachment_74948" align="aligncenter" width="500"]how-to-spot-hormone-changes Source: Pexels[/caption]

01 Jul

Posted at 10:22h in Cost of Health Care
Ever tried to find out how much a private medical appointment actually costs? Been a rip off for years. Non disclosed fees and ambiguous quotes. Price shopping depends on the clinic called. But things are changing fast. Patients expect transparent pricing before they book. Clinics who can't provide that are losing revenue. [caption id="attachment_74650" align="aligncenter" width="500"]transparancy-health-care-pricing Pexels[/caption] This trend is starting to impact consumer choices around care. It is particularly relevant to personalised women's health care. Trust is incredibly important in women's health. Transparency around fees, communication, and personalised care have been women's health patient demands for decades.

26 Jun

Posted at 11:01h in Infections, Sexual Health, STD
Editor's note:  This post is for background information only and does not constitute medical advice. See your health care provider regarding your specific medical needs and questions. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated as an individual diagnosis, yet partner biology can shape whether symptoms return. Men do not develop it clinically because the condition depends on changes inside the vaginal microbiome. Still, penile skin and the urethra can harbor bacteria linked with recurrence. That distinction helps partners approach care with less blame, better testing, and more practical prevention.

The Short Answer

People often ask can men get BV, which is the right question. Clinically, the answer is no: bacterial vaginosis occurs in a vagina, after Lactobacillus levels fall and anaerobic microbes increase. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated as an individual diagnosis, yet partner biology can shape whether symptoms return. A male partner can still carry related organisms on penile skin or inside the urethra, then reintroduce them during sex. [caption id="attachment_74550" align="aligncenter" width="500"]bacterial-vaginosis-men-pexels Photo by Vitaly Gariev:[/caption]

09 Jun

Posted at 11:34h in Pain Research, Surgical Research
[caption id="attachment_74173" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Breast Reduction Surgery Alleviates Chronic Pain Unsplash[/caption] For decades, cosmetic surgery has been culturally associated with aesthetic enhancement. However, procedures like reduction mammoplasty highlight a critical intersection between physical health and functional improvement. Women with overly large breasts, a condition known clinically as macromastia, often endure years of chronic discomfort before seeking surgical intervention. The medical community is increasingly focusing on the long-term functional and psychological benefits of such procedures, proving that surgical intervention often serves as a medical necessity rather than a purely aesthetic choice.

29 May

Posted at 20:16h in Medical Devices, Technology, Women's Health
[caption id="attachment_74022" align="aligncenter" width="500"]women's-health-trackers.jpg Photo by Ketut Subiyanto[/caption] Women's health technology has come a long way from basic period tracking apps. Today, a new generation of devices and platforms is giving women access to the kind of hormone data that used to require a doctor's appointment, a lab order, and a two-week wait for results. From continuous glucose monitors to AI-powered saliva analyzers, the tools of 2026 are helping women understand what's actually happening inside their bodies - in real time, at home, on their own terms. Whether you're trying to conceive, managing PCOS, navigating perimenopause, or simply wanting a clearer picture of your metabolic health, there's now a tracker built for your specific journey. We've rounded up three of the most compelling options on the market this year.

11 May

Posted at 16:06h in OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73653" align="alignleft" width="150"]Bailey MilnePhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON Bailey Milne[/caption] Bailey Milne PhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON A large population-based study using health administrative data from Ontario examines whether endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in offspring — with findings that suggest increased monitoring may be warranted for affected pregnancies.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? The study was conducted using health administrative data in Ontario. The data was from 2006 to 2021, which resulted in over 1.4 million mother-baby pairs. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, which can result in painful menstruation, intercourse and bowel movements. Roughly 10% of reproductive aged patients have endometriosis, and of those, 30–60% have infertility.

26 Mar

Posted at 12:27h in Health Care Systems, Women's Health
[caption id="attachment_72936" align="aligncenter" width="500"]women-health-systems-rev-cycle.jpg Photo by Laura James:[/caption] From revenue cycle performance to claims accuracy, these non-clinical components form the backbone of care delivery. By streamlining these processes through Advanced RevCycle's suite, healthcare organizations can bridge the often-overlooked gap between clinical excellence and operational success.

The Hidden Impact of Operations on Patient Outcomes

The healthcare needs of women include services that range from preventive screenings and prenatal care to chronic disease management and postnatal care. The entire system suffers serious consequences when any part of these services halts or breaks down. The operational issues that create billing delays, claim denials, and workflow bottlenecks will result in treatment interruptions and testing delays, and restrictions on follow-up treatment for patients. The presence of administrative obstacles will determine whether a woman awaiting her mammogram results or an expectant mother planning her synchronized prenatal visits receives the necessary medical care within the time required for proper early detection of their conditions. Patient care delivery is interrupted whenever a claim is delayed or a billing error occurs. Providers who need to fix claims issues and address revenue shortfalls will have less time to build patient relationships, analyze data, and manage patient care. These operational failures create operational challenges that lead to the breakdown of the entire healthcare system.

23 Mar

Posted at 14:53h in Gender Differences, Mental Health Research
Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. [caption id="attachment_72850" align="aligncenter" width="500"]women-mental-health-treatment.jpg Photo by SHVETS production[/caption]

The Growing Case for Women-Only Mental Health Programs

Mental health conditions do not affect men and women equally. Research consistently demonstrates that women experience depression at roughly twice the rate of men, are more likely to develop PTSD following trauma, and face unique psychological consequences from emotional abuse, disordered eating, and chronic anxiety. Despite these well-documented differences, the majority of residential mental health treatment programs in the United States continue to use a one-size-fits-all model that does not account for how gender shapes the experience of mental illness or the process of recovery. A growing body of evidence suggests that gender-specific treatment — particularly women-only residential mental health treatment — may produce stronger clinical outcomes for women dealing with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and emotional abuse. Understanding why requires looking at what makes women's mental health distinct and how treatment environments influence recovery.

09 Jan

Posted at 16:39h in Health and Wellness, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_71975" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-wellness-self-care.jpg Photo by Garon Piceli[/caption] Pregnancy has a strange way of making time feel elastic. Your body is working harder than it ever has, your emotions are doing things you didn't expect, and your days have this new density to them. And right in the middle of all that, someone inevitably tells you to "make sure you're taking care of yourself." As if it's that simple. The advice is well-meaning, but it starts to pile up like homework. And honestly? The last thing most pregnant women need is another checklist. Here's what I think: self-care doesn't have to be effortful. It doesn't need to look good on Instagram or take up half your afternoon. The version that actually nourishes you during pregnancy is usually quieter than that. It slips in between other things, settles your nervous system, and helps you feel like yourself even when everything is shifting. This isn't another productivity guide. It's an invitation to rethink what self-care can be when you're growing a human.

08 Jan

Posted at 13:45h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Lipids
[caption id="attachment_71964" align="alignleft" width="256"]Ask T. Nordestgaard, MD PhDPostdoctoral research fellow Division of Preventive Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA 02215 Dr. Nordestgaard[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ask T. Nordestgaard, MD PhD Postdoctoral research fellow Division of Preventive Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA 02215   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Elevated Lp(a) is associated with high risk of CVD in multiple cohorts. We have recently shown that Lp(a) in the highest quintile is associated with 30-year risk of CVD; however, among healthy individuals, these results may be driven only by those with very extreme Lp(a) levels (e.g., above the 99th percentile). Therefore, in this follow-up study, we examined associations between various clinical thresholds of Lp(a) and CVD across 30 years of follow-up among apparently healthy women.

06 Aug

Posted at 18:03h in Menopause
[caption id="attachment_70194" align="aligncenter" width="500"]do-all-women-experience-perimenopause Photo by Kindel Media[/caption] Perimenopause, the transitional phase preceding menopause, is a chapter that many women embark on in their late 30s to early 40s. Commonly associated with a range of symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods, perimenopause signals the body's shift towards the eventual cessation of menstruation. This article explores perimenopause, exploring who experiences it, why, and how to get the relief you may want.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause, often referred to as the menopausal transition, marks the time when a woman's body begins the journey towards menopause. The hormonal fluctuations during this period can lead to various physical and emotional changes.  While menopause signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years, perimenopause typically lasts several years, with symptoms gradually becoming more pronounced over time. The primary difference between perimenopause and menopause is that menopause officially occurs when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period, meaning women can still get pregnant while experiencing perimenopause.

06 Mar

Posted at 11:31h in Author Interviews, Infections, NEJM, STD
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66982" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. lenka_vodstrcil Dr. Vodstrcil[/caption] Lenka Vodstrcil PhD Senior Research Fellow Deputy Head, Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group President, Sexual Health Society of Victoria Associate Editor, Sexually Transmitted Infections School of Translational Medicine, FMNHS, Monash University Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne [caption id="attachment_66983" align="alignleft" width="150"]STM - Catriona Bradshaw Dr. Bradshaw[/caption] Catriona Bradshaw MMBS(Hons), PhD, FAChSHM, FAHMS Professor (Research), Head of Research Translation and Mentorship and of The Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group Melbourne School of Translational Medicine, Monash University and Alfred Hospital Principal Research Fellow at the Burnet Institute   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: One in three women globally have bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that causes a malodourous discharge, and associated with serious gynaecologic and obstetric sequelae (including miscarriage and preterm birth) and increases the risk sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Women with symptoms are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, however, over 50% of women experience BV recurrence within 3-6 months. The recurrence rate is even higher at 60-80% among women with an ongoing regular partner. Current practice is to simply retreat women experiencing BV recurrence with the same antibiotics, which leaves them (and clinicians) frustrated and distressed. We and others have accumulated a body of evidence to show that BV has the profile of an STI. BV-associated bacteria are detected in men in the distal urethra and on penile-skin, and couples share these organisms. However, to date, has not been recommended for BV as it is for other STIs. This is largely because men do not usually have any symptoms, and past partner-treatment trials in the 1980s and 1990s, which only used oral antibiotics for men, failed to prevent BV recurrence, which was taken as conclusive evidence against sexual transmission. Reviews of these trials have since identified their limitations. Given the evidence of male carriage of BV-associated bacteria at two genital sites, we hypothesised that both sites needed to be targeted with antimicrobial therapy to prevent re-infection post-treatment. The aim of our study was to assess if male partner-treatment concurrently with female treatment using a combination of oral and topical antibiotics for the first time, would decrease BV recurrence over 12 weeks compared to the current standard practice of treating women only.

25 Feb

Posted at 09:38h in OBGYNE
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that many women face during their reproductive years. One of the most common signs linked to PCOS is irregular periods. Irregular menstrual cycles are indeed a frequent symptom of PCOS, often signaling the hormonal imbalances associated with the syndrome. When menstrual cycles become unpredictable, it can be a clue to delve deeper into one's health. [caption id="attachment_66796" align="aligncenter" width="333"]pcos-menses Photo by cottonbro studio[/caption] For those experiencing irregular periods, the connection to PCOS is significant but not definitive. There are numerous ways to assess the presence of other PCOS symptoms. Taking a moment to check PCOS symptoms with a quiz can be a valuable first step for women to understand their health better. Digital quizzes offer a convenient initial step to evaluate the presence of PCOS but remember to consult your healthcare provider for an official diagnosis  and treatment plan as other conditions may mimic PCOS. The management of PCOS involves addressing symptoms like irregular periods. Lifestyle changes, medications, and regular check-ups are often part of an effective treatment plan. Individuals looking to explore possible symptoms and treatments might benefit from using online tools to gain further insight into their condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Irregular periods can indicate PCOS.
  • A quiz can help check PCOS symptoms
  • Consult your health care provider to confirm a diagnosis and for treatment options.
  • Managing PCOS often requires lifestyle changes.

13 Dec

Posted at 12:19h in Heart Disease, Legal-Malpractice, Women's Heart Health
[caption id="attachment_65475" align="aligncenter" width="500"]heart-disease-in-women Pexels Image[/caption] Heart attacks are not just a male health issue. Every year, 30,000 women in the UK are admitted to hospital after having a heart attack. Despite this, women are 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis, delaying critical care. The most common heart attack symptom for both sexes is chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t subside. However, women often experience additional symptoms that can easily be missed, such as:
  • Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, stomach, or arms.
  • Nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint.
Clinicians unfamiliar with these gender-specific differences may misinterpret these symptoms as being unrelated to the heart. Tragically, women whose heart attacks are missed at first have a 70% higher risk of dying compared to those promptly diagnosed.

04 Dec

Posted at 03:40h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John W. AyersJohn W. Ayers, PhD, MA Altman Clinical Translational Research Institute University of California San Diego, La Jolla MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are frequently at the center of news and policy debates, yet little data exists about where they operate or what they actually do. To address this gap, we developed ChoiceWatch.org, a tool that systematically collected and analyzed over 470,000 webpages from CPC websites. In our study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, we used ChoiceWatch.org, to answer fundamental questions, such as how many crisis pregnancy centers operate in the U.S., where they are located, and what services they advertise.

17 Oct

Posted at 19:07h in Menopause
[caption id="attachment_64076" align="aligncenter" width="500"]hot-flashes-mood-swings Source[/caption] Puberty is often depicted in pop culture. Tweens coming of age are widely shown on television and in films, books, and music. But what about menopause?  Discussions on menopause weren’t nearly as common—at least, not until recently. For years, this significant life transition for women has flown under the radar, treated as a hush-hush topic, or simply ignored.  But now, the stigmas surrounding menopause are dissolving. Celebs like Sofia Vergara, Olivia Munn, Tyra Banks, and Angie Harmon have shared their experiences firsthand, bringing more visibility to a long-overdue conversation. Menopause is something every woman will experience in her 40s or 50s.  This natural stage of aging brings about all sorts of changes—hot flashes, mood swings, hair shedding, and more. The good news is that there are ways to manage the symptoms. Some of them are discussed here. 

13 Sep

Posted at 09:59h in Breast Cancer
Editor's note:  Remember to follow your health care providers' instructions regarding regular breast examinations and mammograms.  Don't wait for a sign or symptom of breast cancer to get screened. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide. While it can be a frightening diagnosis, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. By being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, individuals can take proactive steps to seek medical attention, ensuring the best possible chance for early intervention. In this article, we’ll walk through the key signs to watch for and the importance of understanding your body. [caption id="attachment_63303" align="aligncenter" width="500"]breast-cancer-pexels-anntarazevich-5483017 Source[/caption]

Understanding Breast Cancer

Before diving into the specific symptoms, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on imaging tests. There are several types of breast cancer, but the two most common forms are ductal carcinoma (which starts in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple) and lobular carcinoma (which begins in the lobules where breast milk is produced).

25 Apr

Posted at 21:13h in Menopause
Menopause isn't merely a biological process—it's a journey that marks a new chapter in a woman's life. It comes with its share of whispers and shadows, often stirring a mix of emotions from relief to apprehension. As the familiar rhythm of your body shifts, it can feel like you’re navigating a path bristling with unknowns, each step echoing with the beats of change. Imagine embracing this transition not just with endurance, but with empowerment. Menopause, with all its intricacies, isn't the end of youth but a rebirth of freedom and strength. Let's redefine what it means to walk through this phase, equipped with knowledge and wrapped in understanding.

Understanding Menopause

[caption id="attachment_61607" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo by Freepik Photo by Freepik[/caption] From menstrual cycle regularity to temperature regulation, understanding these hormonal changes is essential as they underlie myriad experiences during menopause.

Hormonal Changes

As you approach menopause, your body begins a natural shift in hormone production, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These changes are the conductors behind the scenes, orchestrating everything from your menstrual cycle regularity to the temperature of your skin. Understanding these hormonal ebbs and flows is crucial, as they are pivotal in what you experience during menopause.

17 Jul

Posted at 21:01h in Author Interviews, Endocrinology, Hormone Therapy, Menopause
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60619" align="alignleft" width="92"]Jerilynn C Prior MD FRCPC (on behalf of all authorsProfessor of Endocrinology / Department of Medicine University of British Columbia  Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research www.cemcor.ca BC Women’s Health Research Institute Vancouver BC Canada Dr. Prior[/caption] Jerilynn C Prior MD FRCPC (on behalf of all authors Professor of Endocrinology / Department of Medicine University of British Columbia Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research www.cemcor.ca BC Women’s Health Research Institute Vancouver BC Canada MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Night sweats and hot flushes/flashes (together called vasomotor symptoms, VMS) disturb women who are still menstruating (in perimenopause) are at least as much or more than  menopausal women (without flow for a year or more)1. However, although studies have investigated various treatments for perimenopausal hot flushes/flashes, none have proven effective in these women who are also likely to be having heavy flow, breast tenderness, and premenstrual symptoms related to high and variable estrogen levels. These include randomized controlled trials (RCT) of the birth control pill2, and gel estrogen in women using a progestin-releasing IUD3. Neither showed that therapy was more effective than placebo; both studied too few participants to provide a clear answer. Meanwhile, major medical organization guidelines recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, usually of estrogen with a progestin) for any women younger than 60 years old who are bothered by night sweats and hot flushes 4-6. However, there are no scientific RCT studies showing MHT is effective for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes. Giving more estrogen to someone whose own estrogen levels are often high, also did not make clinical sense. We previously performed an RCT showing that oral micronized progesterone (progesterone) was effective for menopausal hot flushes and also improved sleep7. Given that progesterone levels in perimenopausal women are declining, we considered that perimenopausal progesterone therapy for night sweats needed testing.

07 Jul

Posted at 18:23h in Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60581" align="alignleft" width="160"]Dorothy A. Fink, MDDeputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health US Department of Health & Human Services Rockville, MD Dr. Fink[/caption] Dorothy A. Fink, MD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health US Department of Health & Human Services Rockville, MD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Delivery-related mortality in U.S. hospitals has decreased for all racial and ethnic groups, age groups, and modes of delivery while the prevalence of severe maternal mortality (SMM) increased for all patients, with higher rates for racial and ethnic minority patients of any age. This study specifically looked at inpatient delivery-related outcomes and found a 57% decrease from 2008-2021. The decreasing mortality rates within the inpatient delivery setting demonstrated as statistically significant and a welcome finding for all women. This study also looked with greater granularity at the impact of race, ethnicity, and age. Mortality for American Indian women decreased 92%, Asian women decreased 73%, Black women decreased 76%, Hispanic women decreased 60%, Pacific Islander women decreased 79%, and White women decreased 40% during the study period.

03 Apr

Posted at 21:27h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Gender Differences, JAMA, Menopause
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60274" align="alignleft" width="150"]Rachel Buckley, PhD​Assistant Professor Department of Neurology Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School Dr. Buckley[/caption] Rachel Buckley, PhD ​Assistant Professor Department of Neurology Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: While a fair amount of studies have focused on the effects of menopause and hormone therapy on risk of dementia, far fewer studies have tested their association with the biology of Alzheimer’s disease, namely amyloid and tau. This is critical to know given that it still remains unclear what might be the driving mechanism of the menopause transition on risk for dementia. This is what our study set out to investigate. This study is one of the first to report a link between women’s age at menopause and tau in the brain, which we measured with positron emission tomography neuroimaging. We found that in multiple areas of the brain that tend to be most likely to show higher tau in women than men, women with earlier age at menopause and elevated levels of amyloid showed higher levels of tau than those who reported an average age at menopause (~50 years in the United States). Women who reported premature menopause (<40 years at menopause onset) exhibited a much higher risk of tau in the brain. This supports the notion that longer exposure to estrogen throughout life might be protective against Alzheimer’s disease.

21 Aug

Posted at 20:21h in Author Interviews, Hip Fractures, Vegetarians
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: James Webster PhD Lead author Nutritional Epidemiology Group, University of Leeds MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hip fractures are the most severe consequence of osteoporosis and are a major public health problem. There are growing concerns of poor bone health and higher risk of fractures in vegetarians, but prospective studies comparing risk of hip fracture in vegetarians and meat-eaters over time are scarce and limited. A study of British men and women in the EPIC-Oxford cohort showed a greater risk of hip fracture in pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans compared to meat-eaters. The only other study on the topic, the Adventist Health Study of US adults, found no clear evidence of a difference in hip fracture risk between vegetarians and meat-eaters, but identified hip fractures through questionnaires, which are susceptible to selective loss to follow-up. To build on previous research, we investigated the risk of hip fracture in occasional meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians compared to regular meat-eaters in middle-aged UK women, who are at a greater risk of hip fracture than men, with hip fractures accurately confirmed using objective and complete hospital records.

19 Apr

Posted at 11:02h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Fertility, Heart Disease, JACC
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59055" align="alignleft" width="200"]Emily Lau, MD, MPH Cardiologist Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Director, Menopause, Hormones & Cardiovascular Disease Clinic Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Lau[/caption] Emily Lau, MD, MPH Cardiologist Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Director, Menopause, Hormones & Cardiovascular Disease Clinic Massachusetts General Hospital MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response: Emerging data suggest that a woman’s reproductive history influences her future risk of heart disease. Infertility is a reproductive risk factor that affects ~14% of women but has not been rigorously studied with respect to its relationship with cardiovascular disease risk. We studied over 38,000 women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative and found that infertility was associated with greater risk of heart failure. In particular, we found that the association was driven by greater risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a form of heart failure that is far more common among women.

06 Apr

Posted at 21:31h in Author Interviews, Gender Differences, Heart Disease, JACC, Surgical Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_58987" align="alignleft" width="200"]Left: Mario Gaudino, MD PhD; Right: Antonino Di Franco, MD Left: Mario Gaudino, MD PhD; Right: Antonino Di Franco, MD[/caption] Mario F.L. Gaudino, M.D. PhD Attending Cardiac SurgeonDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery Antonino Di Franco, MD Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery Weill Cornell Medicine   MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What is the aim of this review?  Response: Biological and socio-cultural differences between men and women are complex and likely account for most of the variations in the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD) between the two sexes. Despite the growing recognition of sex-specific determinants of outcomes, representation of women in clinical studies remains low, and sex-specific management strategies are generally not provided in guidelines. We summarized the current evidence on sex-related differences in patients with CAD, focusing on the differential outcomes following medical therapy, percutaneous coronary interventions, and coronary artery bypass surgery.

03 Feb

Posted at 10:41h in AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Social Issues, UCSD
[caption id="attachment_58733" align="alignleft" width="150"]Natalie Golaszewski, PhD Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science University of California, San Diego  La Jolla, CA 92093 Dr. Golaszewski[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Natalie Golaszewski, PhD Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science University of California, San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: Social isolation and loneliness are growing public health concerns as they are associated with health conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease including obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

05 Jan

Posted at 16:45h in Author Interviews, NEJM, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_58612" align="alignleft" width="150"]Laura Schummers, ScD, (she/her/hers) Postdoctoral Fellow, Contraception and Abortion Research Team  CIHR Patient-Oriented Research Leadership Fellow Post-doctoral Trainee, ICES McMaster UBC - Department of Family Practice | Women's Health Research Institute Dr. Schummers[/caption] Laura Schummers, ScD (she/her/hers) Postdoctoral Fellow, Contraception and Abortion Research Team CIHR Patient-Oriented Research Leadership Fellow Post-doctoral Trainee, ICES McMaster UBC - Department of Family Practice | Women's Health Research Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Canada was the first country in the world to remove all supplemental restrictions on the dispensing and administration of mifepristone, making the drug available as a normal prescription. This meant that the abortion pill could be prescribed by any doctor or nurse practitioner, dispensed by any pharmacist, and taken by patients when, where and if they choose.

09 Dec

Posted at 20:00h in Author Interviews, Gender Differences, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_58481" align="alignleft" width="200"]Christopher Wallis Dr. Wallis[/caption] Christopher J. D. Wallis, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Division of Urology University of Toronto Urologic Oncologist, Division of Urology Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous research has shown that female and male physicians communicate differently with patients. Further, there is evidence that female physicians, including surgeons, spend more time with patients. This, coupled with evidence that female patients may experience disparities in the management of their pain, led us to consider that communication differences may underpin differences in surgical outcomes previously noted (eg. Wallis et al, BMJ 2017) between male and female physicians. We postulated that there may be a differential association between surgeon sex and patient sex in behaviours that would translate into clinically important outcomes.

12 May

Posted at 00:13h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Menopause, Osteoporosis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_57338" align="alignleft" width="120"]Yeonyee E. Yoon, MD, PhD Associate Professor Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center  Seoul National University Bundang Hospital South Korea Dr. Yoon[/caption] Yeonyee E. Yoon, MD, PhD Associate Professor Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center Seoul National University Bundang Hospital South Korea  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Although atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been traditionally considered to affect men predominantly, it is nearly common in women. ASCVD is the leading cause of death in both men and women globally, and the population-adjusted risk of ASCVD mortality in women is significantly greater than that in men. Nevertheless, the current focus on the 10-year ASCVD risk estimated by a risk-scoring algorithm such as the Pooled Cohort Equation has shown unsatisfactory accuracy in women. Therefore, new strategies beyond the conventional risk stratification algorithm are needed to improve identification for women at high risk for ASCVD. ASCVD and osteoporosis are major age-related diseases contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in women, and previous epidemiologic studies have suggested a potential association between these diseases. Given that millions of women are screened for osteoporosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), potential associations between low bone mineral density (BMD) and ASCVD in women would provide an opportunity to improve the risk stratification of women without any additional costs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the evaluation of BMD provides independent and incremental prognostic values for ASCVD prediction in women.