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Don’t mess with meiosis: Study suggests how reproductive health influences overall health and aging

A study in C. elegans suggests that disrupting meiosis in reproductive cells accelerates aging and triggers a decline in healthspan, similar to humans. The research highlights the importance of reproductive fitness for overall health, with potential applications for early detection and treatment of age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Frequency of premenstrual anxiety, mood swings a public health issue, study finds

A new study found that premenstrual mood symptoms are incredibly common worldwide, affecting over 64% of women. The most common symptoms reported were food cravings, mood swings or anxiety, and fatigue. The researchers hope to increase awareness and improve treatment options for women with premenstrual symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalArchives of Women s Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Women’s Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women

The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022

Hormones are linked with sleep apnea, snoring in postmenopausal women

A study published in PLOS ONE found an association between reduced estrogen and progesterone levels and increased risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels were linked to a 19% decreased odds of snoring, while low progesterone levels were associated with a 9% decrease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2022

Medicalizing menopause may be unhelpful for some women

Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022

Physical activity and healthy diet during menopause help to protect from the health risks associated with increased adiposity

A study of middle-aged women approaching menopause found increased body fat, particularly in the waist area, but those with healthier lifestyles had lower fat mass. The research suggests that maintaining physical activity and a balanced diet during this life stage may help protect against health risks associated with increased adiposity.

Reproductive factors and dementia risk

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022

Levels of a certain hormone could predict or detect bone loss in premenopausal women

Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Working shifts may delay the onset of menopause

A new study suggests that working non-traditional shifts may delay the onset of natural menopause in women. The researchers found a significant association between rotating shifts and later age at menopause, possibly due to disruptions in circadian rhythms. Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Oestrogen levels linked to risk of COVID-19 death in older women

Research published in BMJ Open found that older women with higher oestrogen levels had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 infection and death. Women taking hormone replacement therapy also showed a significantly reduced risk of dying from COVID-19, highlighting the potential benefits of hormonal treatment in reducing infection severity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause

A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Aging stiffens the blood vessels but their flexibility also fluctuates based on a woman’s hormone state

A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateDec 10, 2021