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Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Websites selling direct-to-consumer Anti-Mullerian Hormone Tests

Websites selling direct-to-consumer AMH tests frequently include misleading information, potentially causing anxiety or reassurance among consumers. The study found that these claims can lead to misplaced decisions on conception or contraceptive plans, highlighting the need for accurate and transparent fertility testing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 2023

Male killer whales protected by post-menopause mothers

New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Vaginal suppository containing lactobacilli can prevent recurrent cystitis in women

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that administering vaginal suppositories with Lactobacillus crispatus can restore a healthy balance of vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent cystitis. The researchers discovered that postmenopausal women with RC had significantly different bacterial communities compared to those w...

SourceOkayama University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Menopausal hormone therapy linked to increased rate of dementia

A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Progesterone decreases night sweats & improves sleep in perimenopausal women

A new study has found that Progesterone (micronized, oral) is effective in decreasing night sweats and improving sleep in perimenopausal women. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, involved 93% of participants completing the three-month trial with no serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Research challenges current thinking on the genetic causes of very early menopause

A study published in Nature Medicine found that nearly all women carrying variations thought to cause very early menopause actually had their menopause at an older age, forcing a reevaluation of the genetic causes of the condition. The research suggests that premature menopause is likely caused by a combination of genetic and non-genet...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

UK's young people at risk of leaving school without vital knowledge of reproductive health, study finds

A new study found significant gaps and variations in UK schools' curricula for sexual and reproductive health, with important topics like endometriosis and miscarriage missing. The research suggests better education is crucial for young people to understand their reproductive systems and make informed decisions about their lives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Fertility·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2023

NIH grant backs study focused on Alzheimer’s in women

Researchers aim to understand how estrogen levels and menopausal status interact with memory-related brain function and behavioral outcomes in women aged 35-80. The study could help identify physiological factors underlying sex differences in Alzheimer's incidence and improve early disease detection and preventive therapies.

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

The North American Menopause Society releases its 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement

The North American Menopause Society has issued its 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement, providing women with the most up-to-date, scientifically based recommendations for proven nonhormone therapies to treat hot flashes and other bothersome menopause symptoms. The statement recommends several nonhormone options, including cogni...

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 1, 2023

Organizations must go beyond medical views on menopause to support women’s professional aspirations - study

A new study calls on organizations to adopt a 'dialectic of zest' tool to destigmatize menopause and encourage women's liberation in the workplace. The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to organizational care, considering both objective and ambitious concerns of women experiencing menopause.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalGender Work and Organization·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 23, 2023

Sex after menopause doesn’t need to hurt

A comprehensive review reveals that postmenopausal dyspareunia is a common condition with various causes, including lack of estrogen, cancer treatments, and musculoskeletal problems. Effective treatments are available, such as lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and fractional CO2 laser treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMenopause·DateApr 18, 2023

How an autism gene contributes to infertility

A UC Riverside study identifies how a Fragile X gene mutation contributes to premature ovarian failure, leading to early infertility. Researchers found that the mutation affects neurons regulating reproduction in the brain and ovaries, causing an increase in hormone production and faster secretion rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Early menopause, later start to hormone therapy may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Reproductive factors in women contribute to risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

HRT could ward off Alzheimer’s among at-risk women

A new study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in women who are carriers of the APOE4 gene. The research found that HRT use is associated with improved memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk women. Early introduction of HRT during perimenopause may be particularly beneficial.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2023

Does what you drink affect your risk of urinary incontinence?

A new study analyzing Women's Health Initiative data found that artificially sweetened beverages do not significantly increase a woman's likelihood of developing stress or urge urinary incontinence. The study results suggest that behavioral modifications, such as fluid intake management, may be more effective in addressing the condition.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022