Archive for the ‘Hormone Clinic’ Category

LAWRENCE COSENTINO

There should have been a banquet. Then came the coronavirus.

Each year, at Pride Week, City Pulse honors up to eight people from greater Lansing who have advanced the well being of the LGBTQ community.

Its fitting that this years Inclusion Awards focus on health.

In former years, legal and political advances in the LGBTQ community have taken center stage. This year, as a deadly virus tears through the world and leaves economic catastrophe in its wake, the mental and physical resilience of our most vulnerable populations is being tested as never before. Six of our eight 2020 awardees are dedicated to improving the mental or physical health of their LGBTQ clients or patients.

Transgender people, especially trans people of color, still experience stress, anxiety, violence and a range of unacceptable health outcomes. Many of this years awardees are deeply involved in the push to bring the best health care, and the latest information, to people in the community, through their own clinics and practices and networks like Queering Medicine.

Although we cant have an awards banquet this year, our community is still seeded with outstanding people who deserve recognition people who are doing everything they can to help the LGBTQ community keep body and soul together.

To be considered for an award, a person must be nominated by a colleague, friend, admirer or supporter. Our editorial board narrowed the nominees to eight, which wasnt easy.

The shadow of the pandemic loomed over every awardee in one way or another. Two of this years awardees, Isabella Copeland and Colleen Kelley, were chosen by virtue of their ability to create or host safe spaces where LGBTQ people could gather to socialize, be entertained or discuss various aspects of their lives.

Social life, for gay and straight alike, is still on hold, but we long for the return of welcoming places like Gone Wired Caf, which plans to reopen in July, and LGBTQ gatherings like Queers Who Brunch and Thought Club, two of Copelands many projects.

Another striking thing about this years awardees is that some of them have only been in the Lansing area for a couple of years or so, but have made a disproportionate impact in that short time. The reputation of Michigans capital city as a welcoming place for LGBTQ people, and the growing strength, resilience and mutual support of the LGBTQ community here, is drawing energetic, enthusiastic young people who are working toward another growth spurt of equality and justice for all, pandemic or no pandemic.

Isabella (Izzy) Copeland

A live burlesque show at the do-gooding Allen Neighborhood Center, a place most people associate with fresh veggies, tai chi and healthy cooking classes, brought the concept of Pure Lansing to sublime heights last Dec. 7.

Some performers were queer, some were black and they were big, organizer Isabella Copeland said with a laugh. She could see from some visitors faces that it was their first experience with traditional burlesque.

To have these amazing fat rolls and feathers in their faces I could see their brains just expand, Copeland said. It was pure joy, electric energy, positivity through the roof. I was high off of that for days.

The show was part of Queers Who Brunch, a series of get-togethers showcasing LGBTQ life and just one of the many events Copeland has helped to organize in the two years since she moved to Lansing.

When her partner came to MSU to study clinical psychology, Copleand didnt know anybody in Lansing. She resolved to build her own community and host the kind of meaningful social events she herself would want to attend.

Im pretty sure I could go the rest of my life without small talk, she said.

Gatherings like Thought Club, a monthly cocktail hour, and a monthly reading group featuring the poetry of queer women of color have had a major impact on the citys cultural life, bringing hundreds of people together for thoughtful discussions, poetry readings and other events that fill a crying need in the LGBTQ community.

Copeland credits Phiwa Langeti, founder and director of the Salus Center (Lansings LGBTQ resource hub) and man about town Lorenzo Lopez, a highly visible local advocate for Latinx and LGBT people, for ushering her into the world of queer Lansing.

Both of them welcomed me with open arms and taught me about what Lansing has to offer, which is amazing, she said.

The groups allow space for deep conversations.

We talk about things you might not bring up to a stranger sitting next to you at the bar, she said.

Its about depth, concepts that queer people experience, especially queer people of color. That is unique and rare.

Copeland is trying to keep the camaraderie via Zoom and other virtual events, including a virtual dance party, but she admits its just not the same.

Things are going to look different, and thats OK, too, she said. And this is not the end for me. I have other ideas.

Jessica Heselschwerdt

A few years ago, a patient told East Lansing physician Jessica Heselschwerdt she was transgender and requested hormone treatment.

I never learned how to do that in medical school or in my residency, Heselschwerdt said. But I did learn how to take care of post-menopausal women with hormones, and men with low testosterone, treating them with hormones.

Heselschwerdt told the patient she could either go to an endocrinologist or give her a little time to study up and do the treatment herself.

She wanted me to go on this journey with her, Heselschwerdt said. She went on line to research the subject and consulted colleagues.

I learned a lot about disparities, barriers to care, she said. I thought it was really terrible and wanted to help.

Heselschwerdt grew up in Jackson, went to medical school at Wayne State and interned in Austin, Texas. Shes always loved the idea of caring for families from birth to death, but theres a strong note of activism in her love of family practice.

I knew the medical system is not great and I wanted to be a supportive person in a system that frequently isnt, she said.

She cited a recent survey finding that about 23% of transgender people postponed medical care because of discrimination, 33% postponed care because they couldnt afford it and 33% reported a negative experience with health care.

Up to one half of transgender people reported having to teach their doctor about transgender care, which is totally not their job, Heselschwerdt said. It should be the other way around.

She runs into some persistent misconceptions when she teaches students about doing physical exams and other aspects of caring for LGBTQ patients. She has also lectured on the subject for several residency programs in the region and at conferences such as the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians.

Doctors who havent learned about this think that its hard, its complicated and its something they cant do, but its very doable, she said. There are guidelines out there.

Someday, she hopes, helping transgender patients will be a routine part of every physicians bag.

Sending patients to a specialist is just another barrier, she said. We know our patients best and they have the most access to us, so we primary care doctors should be doing this.

Colleen Kelley

Colleen Kelley has been involved in political action and activism for over 30 years, but her 15 years as owner of The Avenue Caf were like graduate study.

Ive learned and grown so much as a person from the examples of members of the community, she said.

Kelley is the embodiment of the inclusive, welcoming east side spirit.

The variety of events The Avenue has hosted over the years is staggering: hip-hop, punk rock, belly dancing, jazz, city planning brainstorm sessions, charity events, political campaign launches, drag shows anything that makes people feel good, improves their lives, furthers a good cause or stirs up a beautiful ruckus.

The cafs scope and business model have changed a lot since Kelley bought the former camping supply store at 2021 E. Michigan Ave. and christened it Gone Wired Caf in 2005.

It started as a coffee shop and cybercafe, but after the 2008 recession, student traffic began to dry up. It was clear to Kelley that her business model wouldnt sustain a place that large.

That really tested my survival, she said. It was tremendously difficult.

She put in a generously proportioned bar to make the establishment recession resistant and made many other changes that took about four years in all to finish.

Typically, she deflects the credit for turning an old camping supply store into a critical community gathering place.

The activists creating neighborhoods that are dedicated to inclusivity that has been true for about 50 years around here, maybe longer, she said. We didnt create the environment of inclusivity.

She said The Avenue has made it through the spring lockdown all right. Careful plans are under way to reopen, probably in June.

We have such a large space that even half capacity is still a lot of people, and we just want to make sure that when we reopen, its safe to do so, she said.

A 16th birthday bash is tentatively set for Aug. 1, although it might be bumped to Oct. 1.

Kelley thinks of The Avenue as a work in progress and feels the same way about herself.

The most important part has been being really vulnerable about where I needed to grow to be a more inclusive person, she said. What Ive learned from the culture of the community is that being a person who strives toward inclusivity isnt something you arrive at. Its a constant journey.

Jae Puckett

Is the news making you sick? Youre not alone. Jae Puckett is hip deep in a massive study showing a direct link between social and political shifts and changes in health for transgender people.

Last year, Puckett drove around Michigan and interviewed transgender people across the state. Many of them had never participated in a study before.

Busting out of academia and meeting people where they are is a big priority for Puckett, an assistant professor of psychology at MSU and an out gender-queer advocate.

Pucketts findings are dispiriting. Most trans people reported spikes in stress after the 2016 election. Nearly 90 percent reported increased fear, social uneasiness and anxiety and 80 percent reported increased exposure to hate speech.

The social climate is shaped by leadership, and without changes, well continue to see oppression of trans people grow, Puckett said. Its important to see people who are supportive and affirming of the trans community come into leadership positions.

This fall and beyond, as the 2020 election arrives, the groundbreaking study will track the link between shifting political winds and public health.

We will have data to show you what peoples experiences were like before the upcoming election, during it and after it, Puckett said.

After three years as an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota, Puckett fled to MSU two years ago.

It was very hard to live in South Dakota, as a trans person, and as a queer person, Puckett said. Its very isolated, and there arent a lot of supports. Every year there was a piece of legislation targeting the trans population in some way.

Puckett has taken on many roles at MSU, including teaching a class of 300 students, supervising a sexual and gender minority clinic with low-cost services and working with the Queering Medicine project to make information more accessible to the LGBTQ community.

Puckett is determined to right some historic wrongs.

The field of psychology has a very negative history when it comes to LGBTQ people, a history of stigmatizing and pathologizing, Puckett said. There are still clinical psychiatrists who try to repair or cure LGBTQ people, which is very harmful, Puckett said.

If you cant even go to the doctor without being discriminated against, that has implications for your health, Puckett said. We need to do some critical self-reflection.

Nicholas (Nick) Royal

About 10 years ago, Nicholas Royal came out to his father. They had some long and difficult conversations.

Flash forward to late 2019, when Royal got a nudge from his supervisor at MSUs Office for Institutional Equity. A youth detention center in Eaton County was looking for someone to train the staff on how to interact with queer and trans residents, and Royal had already done similar training at MSU.

How often do we get a youth facility in rural Michigan wanting to make sure theyre doing well for their trans students? Royal said. Its the first time Ive experienced it.

Royal found that Juvenile Division director Amanda Pollard and her staff were keenly receptive to his message.

It was wonderful for me on so many levels, Royal said. They were ready to learn and we were ready to teach them.

Nick has opened eyes, educated minds and brought real change to our corner of the world, Pollard said.

It gets better.

Joe Royal, a career law enforcement officer, is the probation supervisor for the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor and Nicks father.

His son had spent years working with queer and trans youth. Royal senior had decades of experience with youth detention facilities. It was only logical for father and son to work together on the training program.

I think about coming out to my dad 10 years ago, and the worry that comes with that, and the conversations weve had since then, Royal said. I really got to see it come to fruition.

Royal proudly watched his father dive into research with colleagues in the justice system on how best to serve trans and queer youth.

Hes talking about the intersection of sexual identity and gender identity and race in a way he wouldnt have 10 years ago, Royal said.

These days, Royal bears the formidable title of civil rights investigator at MSUs Office of Institutional Equity.

I feel like I have to soften it, calling on the phone, he said. Hey, Im with OIE, I just want to talk.

He looks into claims of stalking, dating violence, sexual assault, rape and sexual harassment, discrimination based on membership in classes protected by Title VII and MSU, which at Michigan State, post-Larry Nassar, is interesting work, he said.

Mauricio (Jimmy) Franco

Mauricio Jimmy Franco is a leader in a 2-year-old group called Queering Medicine, a grassroots coalition aimed at helping LGBTQ people take their health care into their own hands.

Franco, a fourth-year medical student at MSU, wants ordinary LGBTQ people to have access to the latest scientific research and health practices.

Compiling a directory of LGBTQ-friendly providers is a small part of that work. Queering Medicine already has ties that extend all over the county, from MSUs College of Human Medicine to the Salus Center and the Ingham County Health Department.

Through the Ingham County Health Departments Ryan White Program, Queering Medicine collected masks, disinfecting supplies and other hard-to-get items to pass on to immune-compromised people in the LGBT community.

Hes also a part of Queering Medicines Mythbusters group, digesting a weeks worth of COVID-19 information a daunting task in itself and boiling it down to essentials.

It was really important for us to lean in to the pandemic and figure out a way to leverage our access to information, he said. What is the virus actually doing? What do you need to do to keep someone safe? What do these terms actually mean?

When hes not studying or taking on some new task for Queering Medicine, he takes a minute or two to count his blessings.

Im a queer, Latinx person from Los Angeles with a large family that has supported me along the way, he said. In the grand scheme of things, Im quite lucky to be able to say that my biggest challenge is adapting to changes in medical school during the pandemic.

It helps that his house is within walking distance of Sparrow Hospital.

My walk home from the hospital allows me to kind of digest the day and the patients that I saw, he said. A garden and a dog named Gizmo help him wind down.

I try to spend as much time as I can with my husband, he said. This year, Franco plans to apply for a residency in pediatrics and infectious diseases at Sparrow.

Were fortunate to be able to live in Lansing and to have a community, he said. Its been nice, coming from out of state, creating roots here and meeting so many wonderful people.

Beth Sanford

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To your health - City Pulse

Lead 'OncoMimics' candidate EO2401 planned to start first clinical trials for Glioblastoma and Adrenal Tumors during mid-2020

PARIS and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ENTEROME SA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its unique knowledge of the microbiome-immunoinflammation axis to develop next-generation therapeutics, today announces a new financing totaling 46.3 million ($52.6million) to progress the clinical development of its therapeutic pipeline, including the first clinical trials of EO2401, a novel 'OncoMimic' cancer immunotherapy.

As part of this financing, Enterome has closed a Series E round with new investors including SymBiosis, LLC, a microbiome-focused investment vehicle, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Existing Enterome investors Seventure, Health for Life Capital, Principia, Omnes Capital and Nestl Health Science also participated in the round. In addition, Enterome has made a first drawdown from a loan facility provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) under a 2018 agreement.

Enterome will use the funds primarily to progress EO2401, an innovative, off-the-shelf immuno-oncology candidate, into the clinic in two cancer indications. The two Phase 1/2 clinical studies in glioblastoma and adrenal tumors, respectively, are planned to start during mid-2020. EO2401 is the first clinical candidate derived from Enterome's first-in-class OncoMimics platform.

OncoMimics are microbiome-derived peptide antigens that closely mimic antigens expressed by tumor cells; they are selected based on their ability to trigger the rapid activation of memory T-cells that respond to gut bacteria and to direct a targeted cell-killing immune response against the tumor. EO2401 combines three OncoMimics present in aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma and adrenal malignancies.

Enterome expects its second OncoMimic candidate, EO2463, a new multi-peptide cancer immunotherapy, to enter the clinic in 2021 for the treatment of B-cell malignancies (lymphomas and leukaemias).

Enterome is also pursuing the development of its proprietary, next-generation EndoMimics platform, which is designed to produce a new generation of biologics with high potency and unique tolerability. These novel peptide/protein therapeutics are being developed for unmet medical needs in metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Enterome's lead EndoMimic candidate, EM101, is a human hormone mimetic produced by commensal bacteria. It is currently in pre-clinical development as a potential novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Enterome will continue to invest in developing its world-leading Metasecretome technology, of which both the OncoMimics and EndoMimics platforms are key components.

Pierre Belichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome, said: "We are extremely pleased to have completed this significant financing round, which represents an attractive balance of dilutive and non-dilutive funds. The financing will be used to progress EO2401, the first targeted immunotherapy generated from our unique OncoMimics platform. This platform capitalizes on the well-described, constant interaction between the microbiome and the immune system, resulting in a pool of memory T cells directed against specific commensal bacterial antigens that we have identified. We have discovered that some of these antigens bear striking similarity to those present on multiple cancer types and can induce a targeted, anti-tumor response hence 'OncoMimics'. We are exploiting this internal discovery to develop highly effective, off-the-shelf immunotherapies against cancers with significant unmet medical need. We look forward to starting the clinical development of this exciting new immunotherapy soon."

Enterome will also use the proceeds to support its global partner Takeda Pharma to deliver proof-of-concept clinical data with EB8018 (sibofimloc/TAK-018), an oral FimH blocker for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

"Takeda's participation in this fundraising round builds on our long-standing productive collaboration with Enterome which is focused on the clinical development of sibofimloc, an oral FimH blocker for the treatment of Crohn's disease," said Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph. D., Head, Gastroenterology Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda.

About Enterome

Enterome is a world leader in the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals based on its unrivalled understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiome and the immune system (the 'microbiome-immunoinflammation axis'). Enterome is leveraging this expertise to develop a pipeline of clinical and pre-clinical candidates (small molecules, proteins and peptides) with a focus on cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

Enterome has two unique platforms that are generating highly promising drug candidates:

These highly productive platforms have been created using Enterome's world-leading Metasecretome technology, which gives it an unrivalled ability to generate precision drugs by using the natural reservoir of thousands of safe and tolerized effector proteins that are produced by the gut bacteria.

Enterome's most advanced drug candidate is EB8018 (also referred to as sibofimloc/TAK-018), which selectively blocks the virulence factor FimH, is advancing through clinical trials in Crohn's disease. EB8018 has been partnered with Takeda globally, with Enterome retaining a significant profit share in the US.

Enterome is headquartered in Paris (France) with operations in Boston (US) and is backed by leading venture capital investors.

http://www.enterome.com

Contacts EnteromePierre Belichard, CEOTel. +33 1 75 77 27 87media@enterome.com

Media Relations Mark Swallow / Sylvie Berrebi / David DibleCitigate Dewe RogersonTel. +44 207 638 9571enterome@citigatedewerogerson.com

Investor RelationsMelody CareyRx Communications GroupTel. +1 917 322 2571mcarey@rxir.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enterome-completes-46-3-million-52-6-million-financing-to-progress-the-clinical-development-of-its-therapeutic-pipeline-301083315.html

SOURCE Enterome

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Enterome Completes 46.3 Million ($52.6 Million) Financing to Progress the Clinical Development of Its Therapeutic Pipeline - BioSpace

As a transgender woman, Wanda Batista has long known the pain of receiving inadequate and non-affirming medical care. "Every doctor I went to would freak out," Batista says. "They didn't know what to do with me." Sometimes, she says, doctors would quickly transfer her case to another medical provider but her new doctor would have no more knowledge or experience working with transgender clients than the last. And so the cycle continued. Batista would ask for help and be met with question marks. She'd have to buy her hormone treatments on the black market, putting her life in danger. "You wouldn't even know what you were getting back then," she says.

Batista's experience is infuriating, but sadly by no means unique. Recent research shows that the biggest barrier transgender people face when receiving healthcare is the lack of providers who understand the unique needs this population faces. This, along with other barriers including discrimination and income inequality, makes it harder for transgender people to access quality care. It's important that all members of the LGBTQ+ community receive quality, compassionate care from providers who affirm and understand their patients' experiences.

Batista found that care at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) in New York City. Such centers are "safety nets to provide primary medical care in medically underserved areas or to medically underserved communities," explains Callen-Lorde's Executive Director, Wendy Stark. Though there are 1,000 such centers across America, Callen-Lorde is unique in that it specializes in providing clinically and culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ communities who are not bound by a geographic area, Stark says. People travel from all five of New York City's boroughs and even from other states to utilize Callen-Lorde's culturally competent services. And they get the best possible healthcare regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

"There's still a lack of knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues particularly around trans health in the medical community," Stark says. "LGBTQ+ health is not required in medical school, and there is often very little, if any, training. In many cases, it's the patient educating the provider on their health needs, whether it be hormones, or interventions like PrEP. We do our part by providing hundreds of competency and sensitivity trainings at other healthcare facilities and to clinicians-in-training, but it barely scratches the surface when you look at the country as a whole."

Photo courtesy Wanda Batista

Callen-Lorde's mission isn't just to offer medical care. "The staff at the center also work to build trust with patients who have been discriminated against or experienced stigma or trauma, especially in medical settings," Stark says. One of the biggest challenges the center faces is working with LGBTQ+ youth who have been ostracized from their families of origin and have deep mistrust of institutions, medical and otherwise. "But on the other side of that coin," Stark says, "is that Callen-Lorde builds lasting trust and community while empowering patients to invest in their health and wellness."

For Wanda Batista, the center provided more than just compassionate and empowering care. It offered her the hope and tools she needed to envision and create a new way of life for herself. During her first visit, Batista says, a doctor told her that she could be connected to a transgender provider who understood what she was going through that she could receive services without fear of being judged or misgendered.

"It was like a breath of fresh air," Batista says. "You dealt with people that had encountered your situation. They knew about everything that you had gone through. They knew where to lead you, and if they didn't, they'd find it for you."

Callen-Lorde, Batista says, became a safe haven for her. Before, she had felt like she was all alone. "Before, I really didn't have anywhere to go, except go to a clinic, get tested. That's about all I knew," Batista says. "I didn't know I needed a liver test. Or that I needed to check my blood work. That I needed to make sure that all these hormones I'm taking are actually beneficial to me and for my body."

Today, Batista is at a point in her life that she couldn't have imagined years ago. Not only is she a successful businesswoman, but she is vice chair on the community board at Callen-Lorde. And she works to spread awareness of the center's services every day. "I let people know that we're here to help you in any shape, way or form," Batista says. "There's not a question Callen-Lorde won't find an answer to."

Batista's trajectory is emblematic of the work that Callen-Lorde does. Carl Gaines also came to Callen-Lorde as a client around 2002. He had only recently moved to New York City after being diagnosed with HIV. Like many young people who move to the city, he knew he needed healthcare as soon as possible, but he hadn't lined up a job and didn't have insurance. And he couldn't focus on other areas of his life relationships, friendships, employment until he knew that his health was in good hands.

Gaines knew he was in the right place the moment he walked through the door. He could tell this was a place where he'd be accepted and where staff would go above and beyond to ensure he had all the tools he needed to keep his health in top shape. "To sit in the waiting room and see the wide spectrum of other clients, that definitely helped instill a sense of community and belonging," he says. "That was really important to me, particularly in the beginning."

Today, Gaines still visits Callen-Lorde for his medical care. He also sits on the center's board of directors. As part of the communications team at Capital One, Gaines is also a driving force behind the partnership between the financial institution and the health center.

"Capital One believes in bringing your whole self to work," Gaines says, "so part of the reason that I feel comfortable talking about my experiences at Callen-Lorde is because I know that I'll be supported within my work community. We also believe in supporting our community, and access to healthcare is a key component of any thriving community."

Capital One has made donations and contributions to Callen-Lorde in honor of Pride Month and in support of the health center's important work. Capital One promotes the center's life-saving work through volunteer activities that give employees the opportunity to learn more about that work firsthand. They sponsored events like Callen-Lorde's Rainbow Run, a virtual 5k this past May that encouraged associates to get out and exercise for a good cause.

For the seventeenth consecutive year, Capital One has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), designating them as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. Their "Out Front" Business Resource Group enables associates to show up for the LGTBTQ+ community in meaningful ways like through volunteer events and educational opportunities, supporting LGBTQ+ owned business and nonprofits that serve the community.

"So many patients tell us 'I don't know where I'd be without you,'" Wendy Stark, Callen-Lorde's Executive Director, says. "We need to be there for them, and people like them who have nowhere else to turn. We made a commitment to our communities to be there when they need us, where they need us."

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This LGBTQ health center is changing lives - Upworthy

If theres one star that emerges from this pandemic, it might not just be Dr. Anthony Fauci but vitamin D.This nutrient has been making headlines during the COVID-19 crisis, namely because emerging research showsa link between vitamin D deficiency and the worst of COVID-19 cases.Thats spurred the public to starttakinghuge doses of D supplements, but doctors warn that this can causeother health complications from nausea to kidney failure. While vitamin D can never replace your need to practice physical distancing and wear a mask, we found out: How much D is the right amount, and can you get it from sunshine, or do you need a daily supplement? Here is the scoop on your D needs.

Vitamin D is making headlines because your body needs it and can't get enough of it on a normal diet. Vitamin D is a hormone-like, fat-soluble vitamin responsible for regulating your bodys uptake and use of calcium, promoting bone mineralization, and supporting a healthy immune function, says Whitney English, M.S., R.D.N., dietitian, and NASM certified personal trainer in Los Angeles.

While calcium absorption is one of its biggest roles, so, too, is the role it plays in the immune system, and for that, vitamin D does two things, adds Elroy Vojdani, M.D., functional medicine pioneer and founder of Regenera Medical in Los Angeles.

First, it boosts the "innate immune system," which is your bodys built-in primary defense against bacterial infections and viruses. Secondly, it enhances the function of dendritic cells, which chomp up bacteria and viruses and present them to be added to the immune system in a processcalled adaptive immune function, which creates antibodies to new threats.

Overall, vitamin D, which is known as a signaling hormone, will boost immune function in the first line of defense and then balance the immune system overall, Vojdani says. This is one reason people with optimal vitamin D status have fewer viral and bacterial infections, English adds. It's also why those with deficiency end up in the worst position when a new virus such as COVID-19 comes along since their immune systemsgo into overdrive trying to fight it off.

Humans are designed to produce vitamin D in their bodies by absorbing sunlight. Yet whether you should seek to get unprotected sun exposure is a controversial and complicated topic, says Vojdani, since different skin tones need different amounts of sun to get enough D, and we know that prolonged exposure can lead to skin cancer.

TheInstitute of Medicinerecommends that adults up to 70 years of age get 600 IU and older people get800 IU.However, watch out for supplements that deliver multiples of that amount since taking too much D can cause kidney stones and other toxicity in the body.

And while you can get vitamin D from food, theamount in most food is inadequate to make up the recommended dose. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, English says. With the exception of UV-treated mushrooms and fortified plant milk, vitamin D is found in egg yolks, cheese, cod liver oil, beef liver, and fatty fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel. Yet the amount of vitamin D in these foods is quite small, and of course, if you're following a plant-based diet, these foods wont be on your menu.

That leaves supplements as the bestviable option. Vitamin D supplements are just as effective at raising blood levels of active vitamin D as food or sunshine, English says.

Given vitamin Ds impact on the immune system, it makes sense that its snagged headlines through this pandemic. Vitamin D represents an inexpensive and potentially powerful way to help balance the immune system and boost its function, and it has particular application with COVID-19, Vojdani says.

The reasons for the confusion lies in a fact that a lackof D causes the body to go into what's known as immunity overdrive:By analyzing publicly available patient data from around the globe,VadimBackman and his team at Northwesterndiscovered a correlation between vitamin D levels and cytokine stormthe hyperinflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune system that causes severe damage to the lungs and respiratory distress that can lead to death.

Observational studies seem to agree that theres a risk if you have a deficiency. Patients with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to suffer from serious cases of the illness, English says, adding that this doesnt mean that taking supplementary vitamin D when your levels are optimal will result in any added benefit. Too much vitamin D can lead to toxicity, which at the extreme can lead to calcification of the heart and blood vessels.

Figuring out how to tackle your vitamin D needs starts with knowing what your vitamin D status is. Thats why you should get your vitamin D levels checked (its a simple blood test) to determine if youre getting enough D from sunlight and your diet, English says.

While theres controversy about optimal vitamin D blood levels, Vojdani believes the general population should be somewhere between 40 and 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Somebody with an autoimmune disease or an individual who might have problems defending against viruses should shoot for 60 to 80 ng/mL, but anything above 100 or 120 ng/mL is too high. If youre low, your doctor will most likely recommend a supplement and then recheck your levels in a few weeks.

Because vitamin D deficiency is so widespread, even in sunny spots like southern Californiait means low levels arenotdueto lack of sunlight, Vojdani says its reasonable to supplement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we make our way to the other end of this pandemic, vitamin D3 should maintain itself as a staple supplementation for the majority of people because I dont think this is our last rodeowith a viral pandemic, he says.

English recommends choosing a supplement with a dosage in line with the RDA which is 600 to 800 IU per day and avoiding high-dose supplements of over 2000 IU. Choose D3 over D2 "Most studies show D3 is more effective at raising blood levels of calcifediol, the active form of vitamin D, Vojdani says. So look for vegan-friendly D3 derived from lichen, a type of microorganism, versus sheepskin.

So what about sunlight? Excessive sun exposure can up your risk of skin cancer, and while these experts recommend supplementation over sunlight, youll have to weigh your risks.

If youre light-skinned and have a significant family history of skin cancer, or have already had it once, you should avoid sun exposure, Vojdani says.For people with darker skin or who have a low risk for skin cancer-that doesnt mean sunning yourself is risk-free. Although obtaining vitamin D through sunshine is how the body is designed, humans are different than they used to be, he adds. People are living longer, and because skin cancer is a cumulative risk, the more you are exposed, the more your lifetime risk goes up.

No matter how you get Vitamin D, just remember that it isnt a silver bullet against experiencing complications from the COVID-19 virus. The best way to avoid COVID-19 is by following safety guidelines, especially by wearing protective face coverings and social distancing, English says.

More here:
Here's the Right Level of Vitamin D to Protect You from COVID-19 - The Beet

Global Endometriosis Therapies Market Research Report Cover Covid-19 Impact

The Endometriosis Therapies market research report fabricated by Brand Essence Market Research is an in-depth analysis of the latest trends persuading the business outlook. The report also offers a concise summary of statistics, market valuation, and profit forecast, along with elucidating paradigms of the evolving competitive environment and business strategies enforced by the behemoths of this industry.

Download Premium Sample of the Report: https://industrystatsreport.com/Request/Sample?ResearchPostId=12189&RequestType=Sample

Endometriosis Therapies Market unveils a succinct analysis of the market size, regional spectrum and revenue forecast about the Endometriosis Therapies market. Furthermore, the report points out major challenges and latest growth plans embraced by key manufacturers that constitute the competitive spectrum of this business domain.

Therapies used totreat endometriosisinclude: Hormonal contraceptives. Birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings help control the hormones responsible for the buildup ofendometrialtissue each month.In this report, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Endometriosis Therapies.

This report studies the global market size of Endometriosis Therapies, especially focuses on the key regions like United States, European Union, China, and other regions (Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia).

This study presents the Endometriosis Therapies production, revenue, market share and growth rate for each key company, and also covers the breakdown data (production, consumption, revenue and market share) by regions, type and applications. history breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Endometriosis Therapies are as follows:

History Year: 2014-2018 Base Year: 2018 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025

For top companies in United States, European Union and China, this report investigates and analyzes the production, value, price, market share and growth rate for the top manufacturers, key data from 2014 to 2019.

In global market, the following companies are covered:

AbbVie Eli Lilly AstraZeneca Bayer Astellas Pharma Meditrina Pharmaceuticals Pfizer Neurocrine Biosciences Takeda Pharmaceutical

Market Segment by Product Type

Hormonal Contraceptives Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (Gn-RH) Agonists Progestin Therapy Aromatase Inhibitors

Market Segment by Application

Hospital Clinic Other

Key Regions split in this report: breakdown data for each region.

United States China European Union Rest of World (Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

Endometriosis Therapies market report consists of the worlds crucial region market share, size (volume), trends including the product profit, price, value, production, capacity, capability utilization, supply, and demand. Besides, market growth rate, size, and forecasts at the global level have been provided. The geographic areas covered in this report:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).

This research study involved the extensive usage of both primary and secondary data sources. The research process involved the study of variofactors affecting the industry, including the government policy, market environment, competitive landscape, historical data, present trends in the market, technological innovation, upcoming technologies and the technical progress in related industry, and market risks, opportunities, market barriers and challenges. Top-down and bottom-up approaches are used to validate the global market size market and estimate the market size for manufacturers, regions segments, product segments and applications (end users). All possible factors that influence the markets included in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to get the final quantitative and qualitative data. The market size for top-level markets and sub-segments is normalized, and the effect of inflation, economic downturns, and regulatory & policy changes or other factors are not accounted for in the market forecast. This data is combined and added with detailed inputs and analysis from BrandEssenceResearch and presented in this report.

After complete market engineering with calculations for market statistics; market size estimations; market forecasting; market breakdown; and data triangulation, extensive primary research was conducted to gather information and verify and validate the critical numbers arrived at. In the complete market engineering process, both top-down and bottom-up approaches were extensively used, along with several data triangulation methods, to perform market estimation and market forecasting for the overall market segments and sub segments listed in this report. Extensive qualitative and further quantitative analysis is also done from all the numbers arrived at in the complete market engineering process to list key information throughout the report.

The study objectives are:

To analyze and research the Endometriosis Therapies statand future forecast in United States, European Union and China, involving sales, value (revenue), growth rate (CAGR), market share, historical and forecast. To present the key Endometriosis Therapies manufacturers, presenting the sales, revenue, market share, and recent development for key players. To split the breakdown data by regions, type, companies and applications To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

Request Customization of the Report: https://industrystatsreport.com/Request/Sample?ResearchPostId=12189&RequestType=Customization

Key Reasons to Purchase:

To gain insightful analyses of the market and a comprehensive understanding of the impact of COVID-19 is likely to have on the Endometriosis Therapies Market during the forecast period between 2020 and 2026, and its commercial landscapeTo learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and other leading companiesTo understand the future outlook and prospects of the Endometriosis Therapies Market post COVID-19To keep you abreast with the strategies used by other players in theTo understand the changes in rules and regulations in variocountries during COVID-19 and its possible effects on the market in the future.

About Us:

We publish market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students.

See the rest here:
Endometriosis Therapies Market Size Advanced Technologies & Growth Opportunities in Global Industry By 2025 Cole Reports - Cole of Duty

For those who struggle to remember taking their birth control pill on time, the birth control shot may sound like a desirable alternative. With the shot, you only have to think about birth control four times a year. As long as you're comfortable with injections, it may be a contraceptive to consider.

The birth control shot, Depo-Provera, is an injection of progestin, one of the hormones found in birth control pills. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1992 and remains the only approved birth control shot in the US today.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the shot prevents pregnancy "by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also causes cervical mucus to thicken and the lining of the uterus to thin. This keeps sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg."

The shot is given every 12-14 weeks, or four times a year. As long as you get the shot on time, it's 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, says Kari Braaten, MD, the medical director of the Fish Center for Women's Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The 1% chance of pregnancy is attributed to human error for example, not getting the shot on time. By comparison, the pill is only 91-93% effective.

The shot releases progestin into your bloodstream, and, like the pill, it works by suppressing your natural ovulation. But unlike the pill, the shot is a single dose once every three months, rather than a daily dose.

"Because it's one dose, it can only last so long," says Braaten, adding that at approximately 14 weeks, hormone levels become low enough that some women can have their natural ovarian function return to normal, and with that comes ovulation and fertility.

"So we know, based on the studies that have been done, that no women are at risk of pregnancy in the 12- to 14-week window," says Braaten.

Health care providers will often give the first shot within seven days of starting your period to ensure you're not pregnant when injected. For those who don't get the initial injection during their period, they should use a backup method of birth control in the following seven to 10 days.

Generally, you have to visit a doctor's office to get the shot. However, there is a subcutaneous, or under-the-skin, injection you can give yourself called Depo-Subq Provera 104. However, due to low demand, it is less readily available than Depo-Provera and not covered by many insurance carriers.

Common side effects of the birth control shot include:

Many women also don't get their period while taking the shots. And, after one year, about 50% of women have no bleeding, Braaten explains. But, that's perfectly normal and safe.

"The reason why people don't get a period is because the lining of the uterus that normally has to shed does not build up when you have that hormonal influence from the shot," Braaten says. "You don't bleed because there's just nothing to come out."

The average weight gain amongst those who experience this side effect is approximately five pounds, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Yet, Braaten says there's a lot of variability. "Some women gain a lot more weight, and some women do not gain any weight."

In fact, the birth control shot is the only contraceptive method proven to make women gain weight. While doctors are still unsure what causes the large variation in weight gain while using the shot, they do know it's probably a result of underlying genetic variations.

If you'd like to get pregnant within the next year, this birth control method may not be for you. Experts say it could take 10 months or more to get pregnant after stopping the shots.

Braaten says the earliest return to ovulation is about 16 weeks, "but for many women the effect of the birth control lasts for much longer, and normal ovarian function doesn't return for quite a bit longer."

The birth control shot should also be avoided if you have certain medical conditions including:

Many forms of hormonal birth control, including the shot, are not recommended for women with breast cancer, as breast cancers can be hormonally responsive. This means the cancer cells grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Speak with your doctor if you have breast cancer to determine which method of birth control is best for you.

People with liver disease should also avoid the shot. "Hormones are processed or metabolized in the liver, so people with severe liver disease are not allowed to have any hormones," Braaten says.

Women with a history of heart attack or stroke are not advised to use Depo-Provera, according to Mayo Clinic. In general progesterone-only contraceptives are not associated with blood clots, stroke, or heart disease. But because the injection is a slightly higher dose it's best to err on the side of caution, says Braaten.

A downside of the shot is that the injection suppresses your natural estrogen levels. Women with underlying bone loss rely on estrogen to bolster their bone density. Therefore, Braaten says those who are at risk for bone loss should not use Depo-Provera.

People who have the condition hypothalamic amenorrhea, or don't regularly get a period because of low-body fat percentage, also shouldn't get the shot. Braaten says that's because they don't produce enough estrogen on their own so they should opt for an estrogen-containing contraceptive.

Depo-Provera has a warning on its packaging saying that the product might increase the risk of osteoporosis and shouldn't be used for more than two years.

This warning was added after multiple studies showed a strong correlation between the shot and loss of bone density. Researchers said the reason was likely because the active ingredient in the shot, called medroxyprogesterone, can decrease the calcium stored in bones.

However, in 2005 the World Health Organization brought together experts to review the effects of hormone contraception on bone health. They concluded there should be no restriction on the use or duration of the birth control shot in women ages 18-45.

"They also concluded that among females younger than 18 years and women older than 45 years, the advantages of using DMPA [depot medroxyprogesterone acetate] generally outweigh the theoretic safety concerns regarding fracture risk," the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states.

Additional research has shown that the shot is safe to use for longer periods of time and that bone density returns as soon as the Depo-Provera is discontinued. In fact, a 2007 review published in Contraception found bone density returned to normal as early as 24 weeks after stopping use and persisted.

Ultimately, Braaten says the shot is safe to use for more than two years. "There are a lot of women who fear this warning about bone loss and are told that they can't be on it for more than two years," Braaten says. "One of the important messages is there is not for healthy women a time limitation on how long you can stay on it if it is the best method for you."

While you do have to remember your quarterly shot, the injection is less time consuming than daily birth control pills.

Some women favor the birth control shot because it doesn't interrupt sex meaning, no more worrying about condoms or diaphragms. They also may experience fewer cramps and lighter periods, or possibly none at all.

"It can provide very good bleeding control for people who have problems with heavy periods," Braaten says.

Furthermore, the shot only contains progesterone, while other contraceptive methods like the pill usually contain additional hormones, like estrogen. So this progesterone-only option is ideal for women with medical conditions that can't use combined contraception that contains estrogen, like the ring or patch, says Braaten.

With any birth control, there are risks and benefits. So talk to your doctor about the best method for you.

Excerpt from:
What you should know about the birth control shot before trying it - Insider - INSIDER

Fatty foods, dairy, and sweetened treats can raise the risk of acne in adults.

A study by French researchers found that foods such as milk chocolate or sugary drinks could trigger acne in adults.

The results of our study appear to support the hypothesis that the Western diet (rich in animal products and fatty and sugary foods) is associated with the presence of acne in adulthood, the authors wrote.

More than 24,000 adults in France took part in the study. They were asked to keep a 24-hour dietary record over a 2-week period.

The participants were asked to note everything they ate and drank as well as the amounts consumed.

The researchers concluded that fatty, dairy-based, and sugary foods can trigger an acne outbreak.

Drinking five glasses a day of either milk or a sugary drink increased risk of acne by more than 50 percent.

One portion of fatty foods such as french fries or a sugary food like a doughnut increased the risk of acne by 54 percent, the researchers reported.

Dr. Joseph Zahn, an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., says the study results arent surprising.

The fact that fatty foods, sugary foods (those foods that are high glycemic), as well as dairy foods (particularly low fat dairy) cause acne doesnt surprise me in the least, Zahn told Healthline.

There have been a number of studies in the recent past which have suggested this particular link, and many of my patients have personally noted acne flares when eating such foods, he said.

Though the exact reasons arent clear at this time, the current school of thought regarding why these particular foods may cause acne to flare is that they may play a role in regulating certain hormones, such as insulin or androgens, which we already know cause acne to flare, Zahn explained.

The researchers suggest a diet high in sugar as well as the consumption of milk causes a rise in levels of circulating insulin.

This, in turn, stimulates cell production while also inhibiting cell death, promoting inflammation and the development of acne.

In addition, an increase in insulin levels also encourages the production of hormones that produce sebum, which can cause acne.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by our pancreas to address glucose levels in our blood. It would make sense that having a high sugar diet or one that is processed would affect insulin levels and other hormones within our bodies as well, some of which also apparently regulate acne, said Dana Hunnes, PhD, a senior dietitian at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center.

Dairy has its own innate hormones, estrogens, progesterones, likely even some testosterone (as even human females produce some testosterone) that is likely exacerbating our own endogenous hormones and increasing the likelihood of a breakout, Hunnes told Healthline.

Study participants who reported having current acne consumed significantly more milk, sugary beverages, milk chocolate, and fast foods than the participants who reported never having acne.

The group with current acne also ate significantly less meat, vegetables, and dark chocolate.

Lauri Wright, PhD, an assistant professor in public health at the University of South Florida, says if dairy foods trigger an individuals acne, they can find their calcium elsewhere.

Dairy is an important source of calcium and protein, and generally can be a part of a healthy diet. If individuals with acne find dairy to be a trigger food, they can substitute nut milks instead, Wright told Healthline.

She argues that more research needs to be done to determine a diet that could help prevent acne, but she says cutting back on sugar is a good place to start.

​A diet low in sugar and saturated/trans fats is protective against many diseases. For health, limiting sugar and saturated/trans fats while incorporating healthy fats, lean meats, whole grains with a foundation of fruits and vegetables is optimal, she said.

Milk chocolate increased the risk of an acne outbreak by 28 percent, while dark chocolate was linked to a 10 percent reduction in the risk.

Experts say theres some truth to the claim that chocolate can cause breakouts.

Milk chocolate contains whey, a milk-derived protein. Intake of whey protein has been associated with increased levels of acne. Some individuals will be more sensitive to whey, dairy, and sugar (no matter the amount) than others. When we look at the composition of chocolate, it also contains sugar, Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian and manager of wellness nutrition services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in Ohio, told Healthline.

Zahn agrees that people can respond differently to foods like chocolate, and not everyone will experience acne if they eat it.

Acne can be flared by many different foods, and each person has their own unique triggers. Im not surprised that some people flare in response to milk chocolate or any kind of chocolate, he said.

We just arent sure yet what part of the food causes the outbreak, if its the food itself or a secondary effect of the food, such as increasing levels of certain hormones, Zahn added.

Zahn says acne in adults appears to be on the rise, although the reasons why are yet to be determined.

Its possibly related to rising amounts of stress, fluctuating hormone levels, or new medications, or even other reasons we dont fully understand yet, he said. Its a common problem, and many adults aged 30 to 50 still have acne.

Excerpt from:
Adult Acne Is Real: Here Are the Foods That Can Cause It - Healthline

Statistics show that men are less likely to present themselves for early Covid-19 screening and testing. Picture: Wire Photo

NEWS

Men are notorious for avoiding doctors rooms but during the coronavirus, when more men in the country are dying of the disease than women, today, which is Fathers Day, might be a good time to get real about mens health.

According to Fridays statistics released by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, 903 men have so far succumbed to Covid-19 in the country, as opposed to 832 women and the toll the virus is taking on men is seemingly no different anywhere else in the world.

Experts told City Press that the situation was a cause for concern and necessitated honest, real conversations between health officials and men, as well as among men themselves, particularly since June is Mens Health Month.

Numerous studies overseas have also noted the link between gender and the severity of Covid-19.

For instance, in a study done in Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China (the original epicentre of the pandemic) and published in the British Medical Journal on March 26, of a group of 799 people with the virus, 113 died. Of these, 73% were men.

A bigger study in the New York City area, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association JAMA on April 22, analysed the clinical data of 5 700 Covid-19 patients admitted to 12 hospitals in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County in the New York City area between March 1 and April 4.

Its also believed that the extra X-chromosome in women, which is linked to their sex chromosome, oestrogen, may be part of the reason females have a better immune response to Covid-19

Of the collective study group, 60.3% were men, a significant number of whom suffered from comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac illness and kidney disease.

Mortality rates were higher for males at every 10-year age interval after 20.

Experts havent reached consensus on why gender should influence survival rates.

In South Africa, Dr Marion Morkel, chief medical officer at Sanlam, said: It would appear that the hormone testosterone does influence the severity of the disease.

The irony is that thereve been two schools of thought on how it does so: some researchers have postulated that where theres a lowered level of testosterone in men, we see a lowered immune response, so they tend to get a more severe viral load.

Read:Opinion | When help is unavailable in times of need

"However, a very high level of testosterone has also been shown to influence the severity of disease, as it appears to cause an over-response of the immune system. Scientists arent sure whether one has a greater influence over the other.

Its also believed that the extra X-chromosome in women, which is linked to their sex chromosome, oestrogen, may be part of the reason females have a better immune response to Covid-19.

However, theres also a notion that males risk-seeking behaviour is slightly different from that of females.

This is more pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere, so when social distancing started being put into place in those countries, more males than females pushed the boundaries of the restrictions, thus exposing themselves to the virus more often.

In addition, said Morkel, men were more likely to have chronic lifestyle illnesses such as ischaemic heart disease and diabetes, among other comorbidities.

Further to that, men were less likely to present themselves for early screening and testing.

In fact, a 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey of 1 174 American men found that 65% of them would wait as long as possible to seek medical help if they had a health issue or injury, while 72% said theyd rather do unpleasant household chores like cleaning the toilet or mowing the lawn than consult a doctor.

Men also often dont deal with issues of sensitivity readily. Theyll talk about all manner of other subjects, but not about things that are uncomfortable and make them feel vulnerable, such as illness, disability or death

Explaining why men were seemingly so doctor-averse, psychiatrist Dr Ian Westmore said many males were culturally conditioned to take up the traditional masculine role of appearing emotionally and physically stable and strong to their own detriment.

Theres this idea of the superhero syndrome in [many cultures] where men keep up a macho expectation of being the strong ones, the providers whore always in control.

Theyre programmed to be like that from a young age, so perhaps going to a doctor implies a sort of vulnerability, making them feel quite exposed. They want to hide that for as long as possible. Theres also a fear of what if the doctor does find something wrong?, so theyll often sit with a problem for a long time [before seeking help].

Westmore added that male attitudes towards seeking healthcare was a problem which needed to be addressed.

Men also often dont deal with issues of sensitivity readily. Theyll talk about all manner of other subjects, but not about things that are uncomfortable and make them feel vulnerable, such as illness, disability or death.

Having Covid-19 is one of those red lights that need to go on. If you sit on your symptoms and dont go to the doctor, not only are you putting other people in danger, but your own condition could get much worse, [especially] if you have other underlying health issues, he said

Health Journalist

View original post here:
The belief that 'real men don't see doctors' may be why fewer women succumb to Covid | Citypress - News24

Global Endometriosis Therapies Market Research Report Cover Covid-19 Impact

The Endometriosis Therapies market research report fabricated by Brand Essence Market Research is an in-depth analysis of the latest trends persuading the business outlook. The report also offers a concise summary of statistics, market valuation, and profit forecast, along with elucidating paradigms of the evolving competitive environment and business strategies enforced by the behemoths of this industry.

Download Premium Sample of the Report: https://industrystatsreport.com/Request/Sample?ResearchPostId=12189&RequestType=Sample

Endometriosis Therapies Market unveils a succinct analysis of the market size, regional spectrum and revenue forecast about the Endometriosis Therapies market. Furthermore, the report points out major challenges and latest growth plans embraced by key manufacturers that constitute the competitive spectrum of this business domain.

Therapies used totreat endometriosisinclude: Hormonal contraceptives. Birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings help control the hormones responsible for the buildup ofendometrialtissue each month.In this report, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Endometriosis Therapies.

This report studies the global market size of Endometriosis Therapies, especially focuses on the key regions like United States, European Union, China, and other regions (Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia).

This study presents the Endometriosis Therapies production, revenue, market share and growth rate for each key company, and also covers the breakdown data (production, consumption, revenue and market share) by regions, type and applications. history breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Endometriosis Therapies are as follows:

History Year: 2014-2018 Base Year: 2018 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025

For top companies in United States, European Union and China, this report investigates and analyzes the production, value, price, market share and growth rate for the top manufacturers, key data from 2014 to 2019.

In global market, the following companies are covered:

AbbVie Eli Lilly AstraZeneca Bayer Astellas Pharma Meditrina Pharmaceuticals Pfizer Neurocrine Biosciences Takeda Pharmaceutical

Market Segment by Product Type

Hormonal Contraceptives Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (Gn-RH) Agonists Progestin Therapy Aromatase Inhibitors

Market Segment by Application

Hospital Clinic Other

Key Regions split in this report: breakdown data for each region.

United States China European Union Rest of World (Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

Endometriosis Therapies market report consists of the worlds crucial region market share, size (volume), trends including the product profit, price, value, production, capacity, capability utilization, supply, and demand. Besides, market growth rate, size, and forecasts at the global level have been provided. The geographic areas covered in this report:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).

This research study involved the extensive usage of both primary and secondary data sources. The research process involved the study of various factors affecting the industry, including the government policy, market environment, competitive landscape, historical data, present trends in the market, technological innovation, upcoming technologies and the technical progress in related industry, and market risks, opportunities, market barriers and challenges. Top-down and bottom-up approaches are used to validate the global market size market and estimate the market size for manufacturers, regions segments, product segments and applications (end users). All possible factors that influence the markets included in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to get the final quantitative and qualitative data. The market size for top-level markets and sub-segments is normalized, and the effect of inflation, economic downturns, and regulatory & policy changes or other factors are not accounted for in the market forecast. This data is combined and added with detailed inputs and analysis from BrandEssenceResearch and presented in this report.

After complete market engineering with calculations for market statistics; market size estimations; market forecasting; market breakdown; and data triangulation, extensive primary research was conducted to gather information and verify and validate the critical numbers arrived at. In the complete market engineering process, both top-down and bottom-up approaches were extensively used, along with several data triangulation methods, to perform market estimation and market forecasting for the overall market segments and sub segments listed in this report. Extensive qualitative and further quantitative analysis is also done from all the numbers arrived at in the complete market engineering process to list key information throughout the report.

The study objectives are:

To analyze and research the Endometriosis Therapies status and future forecast in United States, European Union and China, involving sales, value (revenue), growth rate (CAGR), market share, historical and forecast. To present the key Endometriosis Therapies manufacturers, presenting the sales, revenue, market share, and recent development for key players. To split the breakdown data by regions, type, companies and applications To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

Request Customization of the Report: https://industrystatsreport.com/Request/Sample?ResearchPostId=12189&RequestType=Customization

Key Reasons to Purchase:

To gain insightful analyses of the market and a comprehensive understanding of the impact of COVID-19 is likely to have on the Endometriosis Therapies Market during the forecast period between 2020 and 2026, and its commercial landscapeTo learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and other leading companiesTo understand the future outlook and prospects of the Endometriosis Therapies Market post COVID-19To keep you abreast with the strategies used by other players in theTo understand the changes in rules and regulations in various countries during COVID-19 and its possible effects on the market in the future.

About Us:

We publish market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students.

Read the original post:
Asia Endometriosis Therapies Market set to grow with massive rate by 2020 to 2025 - 3rd Watch News

I was a 27-year-old working as a freelance photographer and writer in Phoenix, Arizona, when I started having irregular periods. It was the spring of 2018, and I began to have spotting outside of my normal menstrual cycle, unbearable cramping before and after my period, cystic acne, and extreme fatigue. For months, even routine activities like taking a shower left me totally exhausted.

At the time, I thought that maybe my health issues were brought on by my diet or stress, and theyd pass if I just changed up some things. For instance, I tried eliminating dairy and gluten, but nothing changed.

Four months into my strange symptoms, I started to seriously question what was going on. After a lot of Google searches, I was convinced that I had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that causes irregular periods. I wanted to see a doctor ASAP.

After my results came in, the nurse practitioner told me that my blood contained high levels of prolactin, a hormone that typically triggers your body to produce breast milk when youre pregnant (though I wasnt pregnant or producing any breast milk). Then my heart skipped a beat: She told me she suspected I had a brain tumor and we should do further testing. My mind went to the worst possible place. A brain tumor, really?

Leaving the office, I was flooded with questions and anxiety. I knew that I needed to act fast to get a diagnosis and proper treatment. A week and a half after my initial appointment, I returned to my ob/gyns office for additional blood work. Again, my prolactin levels were higher than normal.

The next step was an MRI, which revealed that I did indeed have a brain tumor.

Thankfully prolactinomas are not cancerous. And it's not totally clear why they develop in some people. But if left untreated, it could wreak havoc on my hormones, driving up prolactin levels and causing a decrease in sex hormones like estrogen, as my doctor explained. And I already knew all too well the hormone impact this tumor could have, given the out-of-whack periods and other body problems I was experiencing. Over time, the tumor could even grow large enough to impact my vision (a scary thought, to say the least).

Because this wasnt something my ob/gyns office could treat, I had to find an endocrinology specialist to figure out next steps. In late July 2018, I connected with an endocrinologist but wasnt satisfied with the level of care she offered. She didnt explain anything about what having a prolactinoma actually meant. It felt as if she just wanted to treat me hastily and move on. I didnt feel comfortable, so I kept looking for a better fit.

Courtesy

A week or so later, I was talking with a friend and told her that I was unhappy with my treatment plan so far. She recommended the Mayo Clinic, as she had a family member who had been treated there for cancer, and he was happy with his experience and care. Down to give it a try, I submitted an application to be a patient at the Mayo Clinic in mid-August 2018. By the end of the month, my case had been reviewed, and I went in for my first consultation.

Over the course of a month, I met with doctors from three medical departments (neurological surgery, neurology, and endocrinology). Each of them explained what was going on in detail, and I was able to examine the imaging scan of my brain and tumor alongside them.

Because my tumor was too small to be surgically removed, my doctors decided that the best course of treatment for me was to take a medication that helps lower your bodys prolactin levels and may stop the tumor from growing or even shrink it.

Chances are, Ill have to take this medication for the rest of my life to keep my tumor in check. I may also have to switch up meds (or stop taking meds for a while) if my husband and I try to have kids, though my doctor says we can discuss this more in-depth when the time comes. I also visit my endocrinologist every six months for blood work, and I get a routine MRI every year or two to monitor my tumor.

Courtesy

These days, my cycle isnt 100 percent back to normal, but its pretty close. Instead of constant spotting and bleeding, I just have light spotting in the days leading up to my period. My acne faded within a couple of months, too. While my medication does come with some side effects, like headaches and drowsiness, the extreme fatigue has waned as well.

When I was first diagnosed with a prolactinoma, I didnt know anyone who was going through this. As I began to seek out resources on prolactinomas, I had a hard time finding any. This inspired me to create my own.

Today, I use my Instagram and a podcast called Fit Me Daily to connect with other women who have prolactinomas and to share the resources I wish were out there when I was first diagnosed with mine. Putting these platforms together has been therapeutic for me, and I hope that other women might find them helpful as they navigate their own health journeys.

My takeaway: If something doesnt seem quite right, its probably not. Trust your gut, advocate for yourself, and seek out treatment options that youre comfortable with. Im so glad that I did.

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Originally posted here:
My Irregular Periods Turned Out To Be A Prolactinoma Brain Tumor - Women's Health

The first time Lyell CEO Rick Klausner looked at what PACT Pharma was trying to accomplish with neoantigens, non-viral T cell engineering and cancer, he felt they couldnt get it done. But in the 3 years since theyve launched, Klausner has become a believer.

Now, hes a believer and a partner.

Early Thursday morning, Klausner and PACT CEO Alex Franzusoff announced a plan to jointly pursue one of the Holy Grails of oncology R&D. Blending their technologies and bringing a wide network of leading experts to the table, the two companies are working on a personalized T cell therapy for solid tumors. And an IND is in the offing.

The collaboration joins the Lyell team, which has been concentrating on overcoming the exhaustion that afflicts the first generation of cell therapies, with a PACT group that has developed tech to identify a patients unique signature of cancer mutations and use a non-viral method to engineer their T cells into cancer therapies.

I spent some time on Wednesday talking with Klausner and Franzusoff about the deal, which comes with an undisclosed set of financials as Lyell invests in the alliance.

Unlock this article along with other benefits by subscribing to one of our paid plans.

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Adding billions in value, Eli Lilly succeeds where Pfizer failed, halting breast cancer recurrence - Endpoints News

I hadnt meant to have a baby at all. I hadnt meant not to have a baby either, by which I mean I always thought Id have children one day. I just thought those children would grow up with me and their yet-to-materialise father in a lovely farmhouse, hugged by the hills, with an Aga and a dog and long, invigorating walks through the fields. This was not how I had grown up in Yorkshire, but it wasnt a million miles from it either. It was an idealised version of home, and it lived somewhere vaguely in my future as an unspecified certainty.

Exactly how I thought La Vida Farmhouse was going to appear when I was, in fact, living in a one-bedroom rented apartment in West Hollywood in 2010 isnt clear. My apartment was just behind the Sunset Strip part of Sunset Boulevard. The Strip is the glamorously cheesy bit, full of rooftop pools and famous people, and it was a place that encouraged in me a relationship with reality that could at best be described as negligible. I was working as a journalist, interviewing Hollywood celebrities for newspapers and magazines back home.

This was unreal life, where a friend offered me a free place on a health retreat on a ranch in Mexico, and Id go to power yoga lessons where they told me and the wealthy Californians who surrounded me to feel the pain, and I felt the pain so much that I could barely manage the trip back to LA. By the time we got home I was unable to sit down. A day after that I was in the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills, which was the place where Paris Hilton and co would end up after paparazzi-induced car crashes and the Kardashians would give birth. It was, improbably, my local hospital.

It wasnt clear to anyone quite where this agony was coming from, or if it had anything to do with the exercise at all. I spent a whole day being wheeled around to different tests, and having a cash machine wheeled right up to my face by a credit-cardiologist. Finally they told me that there was good news and bad news. The good news was that the MRI scan had revealed the main problem: I had something like a slipped disc. I would not need surgery and it would resolve itself naturally within a week or two if I was sensible and simply became addicted to industrial-strength painkillers instead. Something like that.

The bad news, however, was that while they were poking around, they had discovered some trouble in my ovaries. Oh, I know about that, I said, I was diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome in my 20s, Ive been told its probably fine. Well, it isnt fine now, they said, its much worse, and coupled with your hormone levels and your age and hang on a minute, I thought, your age? I was only just into my 30s all right, I was 34 but nobody had ever said your age to me in that tone of voice, suggesting that I had used a lot of my age up already, rather than not had enough of it yet. Regardless, the doctor continued, I had the best kind of infertility, because I could still carry a child in my own womb. It was just that I would not be able to conceive naturally.

In my life, it was as if I was the captain of a magnificent ship but was somehow always in a dinghy buffeted about in the ships wake, about to catch up with myself. Up ahead on the magnificent ship, I was organised and sober and slim and shiny-haired. This infertility news was the first thing to finally break through to me that the ship had sailed off without me. I went home, shut the door of my apartment and cried for a week.

What an idiot I had been, thinking that I could go back and make a family later, that I could work out how to have a relationship with a nice man later. I didnt know any nice men. What I knew were exciting men, egotistical men, men who ran fast, whom you could sometimes run alongside, as long as you didnt let out a single whisper of genuine need.

I told my friend Mal about this most awful diagnosis that had made me reconsider my whole life. And when my monologue ended, he smiled and said, Sophie, all the doctors have said to you is that you can only get pregnant on purpose, not by accident. Thats it. Which is, as you would say, brilliant. So I think you should celebrate this amazing news by going out and fucking like its the 1970s.

And that is the story of how I didnt use a condom the next time I had sex, which would turn out to be the very next day, which turned into the story of how I became somebodys mother for the rest of our lives, the end. Except its not the end, is it? It never is.

***

I remember feeling particularly hot that next night, as I left my apartment with Mals fantastically bad advice still ringing in my ears. I remember trying to walk confidently straight past the hotel reception desk, then stopping round the next corner to secretly check the text message again. Then I was beside the swimming pool, deserted but still floodlit. I remember hearing a noise and looking up and seeing him, a man Ill call the Musician, grinning down at me.

Laughing, I took a big gulp of whisky and said we didnt need to use anything as I definitely couldnt get pregnant

We had known each other for about seven years by this point, ever since a mutual friend had introduced us backstage after one of his shows and our eyes had locked. Once again, we were now wrapped around each other like we had something to prove, and I suppose we did, even though I would spend many years afterwards wondering what it was. I took a big gulp of the whisky that was on my side of the bed while I laughed and said that we didnt need to use anything, because I definitely couldnt get pregnant.

The next day, when I got home, I sat down at my computer, opened a blank document and typed a paragraph that began with these words: And one day I will tell you all about how you were conceived in a hotel room in Hollywood. My hands seemed to be typing by themselves. A wave of anger rushed over me. It felt as if something beyond me had written it. I didnt like it. Hadnt I been told, just 10 days previously, that I would never conceive a child naturally? Was I taunting myself with a child who had already turned out to be a ghost?

I slammed the laptop shut and got on with my day.

Christmas and New Year came and went, and I found I didnt like the taste of alcohol any more. I pretended to be doing Dry January, hiding the very confusing, nagging feeling that eventually led to me taking a pregnancy test.

A couple of days after the test, I had to tell him. I had to summon up all of the strength inside me to break it to the Musician that he was going to be a father. I didnt know if we were starting a family or starting a war. My best news and it was, truly, starting to feel like my best news could be his worst. The terrifying thing was that I had to tell him over the phone because sending a text saying Were having a baby seemed a little informal.

The loneliness of the long-distance runner has nothing on that of the single person in an antenatal class

He was thousands of miles away and not expecting to hear from me. In fact, I talked so fast when he answered that he couldnt hear what I said, which meant I had to take a deep breath and deliver my big news all over again. These phone conversations continued, over the weeks, turning into a big old argument: disbelief, terror and sometimes tenderness, too. And every time I would put my hands to my belly, where barely anything existed beyond a particle theory of cells. I knew the miraculous accident was here to stay.

Later that week I spent hours in my local bookshop, nervously scanning the shelves for a guide to show me the way. All I could find were books called things like What To Expect When Youre Expecting, full of advice on folic acid and how your husband should give you a back rub to ease the tension of growing another person inside your person.

What I longed for was a book called What To Expect When You Werent Even Fucking Expecting To Be Expecting, which would tell you what to do when you found yourself standing on Santa Monica pier holding your phone in your trembling hand, desperate to hurl it into the Pacific Ocean so the thoughts of a scared man couldnt buzz through it any more. We had to stay in regular communication, and sometimes it could be sweet, even, on a very good day, to the point of us discussing potential baby names we liked. We werent going to become a couple, but there were moments when we could be friends. But mostly it was a battle.

I tried to find a bigger apartment in LA, one more suited to babies and less to parties. Nobody would rent one to me, not once theyd taken a look at my rapidly growing bump and my rapidly shrinking income. With my tail between my legs, I moved back to London and began attending antenatal classes, where the husbands and boyfriends were taught all the helpful things they could do. I experienced the class solely as a guide to heteronormative marriage practices, with me the only single person there, feeling like the extra prick at a wedding.

Of course, this shouldnt have been a thing in open-minded London in the 21st century. I was hardly being forced into a home for unmarried mothers and having my baby adopted against my will. Technically, I had nothing to feel ashamed of, but shame is tidal; at certain times it wells up and surges on to the land. The loneliness of the long-distance runner has nothing on the loneliness of the single person in an antenatal class.

So imagine my delight when, about halfway through the course, one of the dads took offence at being told he should probably give up smoking, and he left. The numbers balanced out fine after that.

I find it odd when people say that giving birth was the single best day of their life. I can safely say that giving birth was the single worst day of my life. All right, the single worst two days of my life. I was 18 days overdue when I finally let them induce me, and it was 48 hours after that when they cut the baby out of my womb. My daughter is the best thing in my existence, but I can quite clearly separate loving my daughter from not enjoying 10 different doctors waggling their poky things up my chuff.

Theres another bit of labour I find hard to write about. The bit where the Musician, who had been going to come, and then not going to come, then did come, somewhere around midnight, when Id gone deep into an animal state. Or so I thought. The bit where hed sat at the far end of the bed, too far away, and he finally stood up and I thought he was coming towards me so I reached out my arms to touch him. I needed that contact. But I had misread the movement and he was in fact standing up to leave the room. A cheery goodbye came from him as I lay there, contracting, the midwives and doctors looking at me as my arms tried to find a place to fold themselves back into. I was no longer an animal. I was shame.

But then I was made into two. In the operating theatre, a baby was passed over the white curtain to me and she was my daughter, she was a broken star, a bloodied astronaut, a bloodied moon. She was a missile coming straight for me; an answer to the question that my body asked without me knowing. She was the smallest person I had ever held and the biggest thing I had ever seen. An alien who clearly knew everything about everything. I cried involuntarily. It came from me like a bark.

The babys face was lopsided, one eye more closed than the other, a big red mark across her forehead, and I didnt know how to ask if that was how she was always going to look, if I would reveal a lack of love by already wanting her to be different at 28 seconds old. Some time later, we were wheeled along the corridor to meet her father, and as we arrived I felt an acute sense of embarrassment. I felt an even more acute sense that this was not how it is supposed to feel when you present a man with his baby.

***

Three months later, and a live human male person was actually chatting me up at a party. For the first time in a year, I did not have a baby inside my womb, or hanging from my breast, or snoring beside me in a pram.

Of course, most new mothers go out to have some respite from the four walls that surround them, and the feeling of being needed at every second of every day, and while those were my goals, too, I also had another motive. I had come out on the pull.

Pregnancy is not an ideal time to meet someone, but Id got through that, and was now in the afterwards stage where youre merely leaking milk from your breasts. So that was fine. In fact, it was more than fine because said milk was making them enormous.

A single parent is both structure and playground, walls and soft landing, good cop and bad cop

The man trying to talk to me was a real grownup in a suit jacket. When he introduced himself, I immediately felt the whooshing rush to my heart that could only mean one thing: total inadequacy.

What do you do? he asked.

I told him I was a journalist: But Im not really working at the moment. Oh God, quick, Sophie, salvage it.

Because Ive just had a baby! I added, hurriedly.

Looking into his confused eyes, I realised my mistake.

But Ive already split up with the dad! I barked, solving everything.

My brain helpfully nipped back in for one killer finale.

In fact, I actually had the baby on my own.

I didnt get to find out what he thought, because, oh my God, he turned around to talk to someone else. I went and sat at a table with some people I vaguely knew, and was still laughing to myself, wheezing with relief that I would never again have to experience The First Time A Man Chats Me Up After Having A Baby On My Own.

***

The private clinic was as white as the here comes the science part of a LOral advert. We gave our names at the desk and waited to be called. There wasnt much small talk between the two of us adults. The baby slept. We went into the private room. The doctor seemed highly intelligent, talking us through the clinical procedure before explaining that she was legally obliged to ask us why we were having it. I decided to sit this one out. And so we waited, the doctor and I, both turning to look at the Musician. I think I may, for a nanosecond, have even enjoyed the look on his face.

We just, we just want to be sure, he stuttered. It was an innovative usage of the first person plural, seeing as I was perfectly sure already. Just, you know, just for the avoidance of doubt, he added, nodding as if everyone was already agreeing with him. The doctor and I both knew that nobody in that room was agreeing with him.

Even though the doctor said the baby was his, I knew it wasnt true. That baby wasnt his at all. She was mine

The baby doesnt have to be woken for the procedure, she explained, as we can swab her mouth for the saliva sample while shes asleep in her pram. You wont even need to take the covers off. My relief was marred only by my disappointment that nobody would now get to see what I had dressed my four-month-old in a grey babygrow that had one word lovingly stitched across it: Daddy.

The doctor swabbed each of our mouths with a separate sterile bud, which then went into sealed plastic bags. When it was all done, the credit card handed over and the receipt signed with my blood I mean his pen he and I stood outside on the street and looked all around us. It was preferable to looking at each other.

And then the Musician and I tried to talk, but only revolting angry words came out. I began to walk away, pushing the pram down the street. The shouting carried on at my back. I pushed the baby to the end of the street, and then round the corner to the end of another street, and then suddenly I was free.

The clinic phoned a week later. The baby was his, they told me: even though the technology didnt yet exist to prove it 100%, they could give us a 99% likelihood. It was the same doctor on the phone, and I could hear her hesitation, where professional boundaries seemed to be preventing her from asking if I was all right. I wasnt, as it happened. But what did it matter, because even though she said the baby was his, I now knew it wasnt true. That baby wasnt his at all. She was mine.

Still, the child maintenance payments continued to arrive. Sometimes they felt like a mockery. Sometimes they felt like an apology. Sometimes they just felt like a great big help and it was a relief. The months passed into years, and the anger turned into pain, and the pain turned into a ghost that sat on my shoulder for many years and flicked my nerves while allowing me to live. But life takes its snaking turns around unexpected corners, and we are on better terms now and beyond. Family life has changed again. I was always grateful for my best ever present, one given to me in a curious pocket of magic that we had somehow slipped into in the California moonlight, and if I think about what my life would have been without her my diminutive partner in crime, and in beauty, and in fart jokes I almost cant breathe again. She has his sense of humour. Its a very good one.

***

We are a small republic of two, my daughter and I. We sit at the breakfast table every morning, staring across at each other like Frost and Nixon. And every day she says, Mummy, look at my sad face. And I say, Thats not very sad, look at my sad face and I do a mournful expression the same as hers, only I let my jaw hang down and let one of my eyes tilt to the side, as if I am dying, and she giggles and says, No, Mummy, look at my sad face and she copies all of mine but adds an enormous sigh to it, a sigh that knocks her head practically off her neck, and so I say, Look at my sad face and I do everything she did but I also fall off my chair on purpose and collapse on to the kitchen floor at some personal discomfort and start to cry out, rending my garments, I am so sad, oh Lord why hast thou forsaken me and then my daughter is almost hysterical with rancid delight and joins me on the floor, crying out, Oh Lord, why have shaking because thats what she thinks Ive said, and then we remember that its 8.42am on a school day and I have to get her hair into two French plaits that I learned by watching a YouTube instructional video 11 times.

We grab our coats and run along the street and get there before they close the gates at 9am. We always make it just in the nick of time, and we hug each other goodbye, and she goes up the stairs to her classroom, but stops at the big landing window and waves down at me again. We both bump a fist on to our hearts to show that we will carry each other in there all day.

Some might think a romance between a parent and child is not healthy. What would they think if it came from a father who wanted his little girl to know that she was beautiful? I have had to provide both things, the romance and the rules. A single parent is both structure and playground, walls and soft landing, good cop and bad cop. You dont ready someone to travel into a famine zone by starving them, so I have prepared my child for an ugly world by fattening her with love, like a foie gras goose. And when we are sad, we sit there being sad, crying, accepting, until we can laugh again.

As a child, I learned that sadness makes people uncomfortable, and it still makes me uncomfortable, if Im honest. But what I know now is that it doesnt always want to be fixed rather it wants to be heard. In our house, I have made room for it, so it can come and go like familiar visitors do. It makes the happiness less frantic. I tried a lot of cures for existential angst, but becoming this persons mother was definitely the one. She gives me somewhere to put all that love Id been wasting on my fears. I want to be the safe place my daughter turns to at night, and wakes up to in the morning. The safe harbour. Unconditional. Not everybody gets one of those.

The Hungover Games by Sophie Heawood is published by Jonathan Cape on 16 July at 14.99. To order a copy for 12.89 go to guardianbookshop.com.

Read this article:
I got pregnant by mistake. Was I ready for single motherhood? - The Guardian

Gemma Collins has revealed she hopes to be pregnant next year when she turns 40.

The reality TV star has been trying to prepare her body in order to conceive and has lost nearly three stone on the advice of doctors.

Gemma believes if she could become pregnant, she could send a positive message to women who start a family later in their lives.

I would love to have a child, she told The Sun.

It would be great for me and such a positive message for all the girls out there who dont want to rush their life or their life has taken different a direction, like me whos put their career first.

But in my forties Id love everybody to see The GC walking around with a pram.

Read more: Jessie J shares infertility struggles, but vows she will be a mum one day

The TOWIE star isnt worried about hitting the birthday milestone pointing out other stars who are enjoying successful careers into their forties and beyond, some of whom are yet to become parents.

Im going to be up there with them all Mariah Carey, Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Aniston.

Kylies not married yet or got children. Jennifer hasnt got kids either.

Dont write us off yet. Were just beginning.

Read more:Kelly Brook shares two stone weight loss

When it comes to conceiving a child, Gemma, who refers to herself as The GC, has had regular consultations with her doctor about her prospects, having suffered a number of miscarriages in her thirties.

And though shes been told it is possible for her to become pregnant doctors have advised losing weight could help her achieve her parenting dream.

I can definitely have a child, he just told me it would be easierwhen Im not carrying as much weight, she told The Sun.

He gave me the confidence not to panic about it. He told me to lose a few stone and it will help me.

And the lockdown period has provided Gemma with an opportunity to take stock of where she was in life and make some positive changes for the future.

Things are a lot calmer now, she said. Im cooking my own meals at home, riding my bike in the countryside and enjoying long walks. I am established. My career has gone above and beyond.

Read more:Carer slimmed down by as much as Adele

An additional factor in Gemmas journey to motherhood is that she hasPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work and can impact fertility.

Gemma was 28 when she was diagnosed with the condition after becoming alarmed by sudden weight gain.

She says: I was always very slim. But I really started piling on the weight and Ill never forget it.

I said to my mum, Have you shrunk my clothes?. She said, I hate to break this to you,but youre putting on weight.

Figures frompcos-uk.org.uksuggest that one in 10 women have PCOS, which roughly translates into 3.5 million women in the UK, and makes it the most common female hormone condition.

Symptoms can include irregular periods, weight gain and excess hair growth.

Read more: Size 20 nursery worker, who ate McDonald's five times a week, sheds four stone in three months

Some women with the condition can experience difficultygetting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate.

Women who are overweight and trying to get pregnant will be advised to lose weight before trying fertility drugs or treatments, explains Mr Parijat Bhattacharjee, consultant gynaecologist at BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital and BMI Syon Clinic in West London.

Losing weight might be enough to restart ovulation, and fertility drugs are also most effective on women with a healthy body mass index.

According to the NHS medications are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.

If fertility medications are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.

This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that's producing androgens, such as testosterone.

For women who do get pregnant, being a healthy weight helps to reduce the risk of complications throughout the pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, Mr Bhattacharjee adds.

Original post:
Gemma Collins reveals her desires to have a baby in her forties, talks losing weight to try to get pregnant - Yahoo Lifestyle UK

UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Endometriosis Market industry analysis and forecast 20192025 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. This is a latest report, covering the current COVID-19 impact on the market. The pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every aspect of life globally. This has brought along several changes in market conditions. The rapidly changing market scenario and initial and future assessment of the impact is covered in the report. The report contains XX pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.

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Endometriosis Market Executive Summary, Introduction, Sizing, Analysis and Forecast To 2025 - 3rd Watch News

Gemma Collins has revealed she hopes to be pregnant next year when she turns 40.

The reality TV star has been trying to prepare her body in order to conceive and has lost nearly three stone on the advice of doctors.

Gemma believes if she could become pregnant, she could send a positive message to women who start a family later in their lives.

I would love to have a child, she told The Sun.

It would be great for me and such a positive message for all the girls out there who dont want to rush their life or their life has taken different a direction, like me whos put their career first.

But in my forties Id love everybody to see The GC walking around with a pram.

Read more: Jessie J shares infertility struggles, but vows she will be a mum one day

The TOWIE star isnt worried about hitting the birthday milestone pointing out other stars who are enjoying successful careers into their forties and beyond, some of whom are yet to become parents.

Im going to be up there with them all Mariah Carey, Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Aniston.

Kylies not married yet or got children. Jennifer hasnt got kids either.

Dont write us off yet. Were just beginning.

Read more:Kelly Brook shares two stone weight loss

When it comes to conceiving a child, Gemma, who refers to herself as The GC, has had regular consultations with her doctor about her prospects, having suffered a number of miscarriages in her thirties.

And though shes been told it is possible for her to become pregnant doctors have advised losing weight could help her achieve her parenting dream.

I can definitely have a child, he just told me it would be easierwhen Im not carrying as much weight, she told The Sun.

He gave me the confidence not to panic about it. He told me to lose a few stone and it will help me.

And the lockdown period has provided Gemma with an opportunity to take stock of where she was in life and make some positive changes for the future.

Things are a lot calmer now, she said. Im cooking my own meals at home, riding my bike in the countryside and enjoying long walks. I am established. My career has gone above and beyond.

Read more:Carer slimmed down by as much as Adele

An additional factor in Gemmas journey to motherhood is that she hasPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work and can impact fertility.

Gemma was 28 when she was diagnosed with the condition after becoming alarmed by sudden weight gain.

She says: I was always very slim. But I really started piling on the weight and Ill never forget it.

I said to my mum, Have you shrunk my clothes?. She said, I hate to break this to you,but youre putting on weight.

Figures frompcos-uk.org.uksuggest that one in 10 women have PCOS, which roughly translates into 3.5 million women in the UK, and makes it the most common female hormone condition.

Symptoms can include irregular periods, weight gain and excess hair growth.

Read more: Size 20 nursery worker, who ate McDonald's five times a week, sheds four stone in three months

Some women with the condition can experience difficultygetting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate.

Women who are overweight and trying to get pregnant will be advised to lose weight before trying fertility drugs or treatments, explains Mr Parijat Bhattacharjee, consultant gynaecologist at BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital and BMI Syon Clinic in West London.

Losing weight might be enough to restart ovulation, and fertility drugs are also most effective on women with a healthy body mass index.

According to the NHS medications are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.

If fertility medications are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.

This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that's producing androgens, such as testosterone.

For women who do get pregnant, being a healthy weight helps to reduce the risk of complications throughout the pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, Mr Bhattacharjee adds.

The rest is here:
Gemma Collins reveals her desires to have a baby in her forties, talks losing weight to try to get pregnant - Yahoo Sports

One of the dark-horse contenders in a race to the finish line with a new vaccine for Covid-19 has just wooed a senior AstraZeneca researcher to the fold as its new chief medical officer.

Novavax reports that it has recruited Filip Dubovsky to the team after a 14-year stretch at MedImmune/AstraZeneca. While at the big AstraZeneca sub, Dubovsky had been area head for infectious diseases and vaccines. Earlier he had been scientific director for PATH, a malaria vaccine initiative.

Dubovskys arrival comes 1 day after Novavax announced that David Mott the ex-CEO at MedImmune recently retired from a top spot at New Enterprise Associates is joining the board.

Novavax also hired Silvia Taylor, as SVP, investor relations and corporate affairs.

Novavax jumped into the race with a seed grant from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which followed up with a grant of up to $384 million. And just yesterday, the company raised $200 million in an equity investment from RA Capital. But the biotech has been noticeably absent from the frontrunners cited by Operation Warp Speed so far in any case. John Carroll

It would come as no surprise that Stphane Bancel is bullish about Modernas Covid-19 vaccine candidate, which has garnered plenty of attention as the frontrunning project most steps of the way. But just how bullish may yet turn some heads.

In an interview with CNBC, Bancel went on the record giving it an 80% to 90% chance that mRNA-1273 can reduce the risk of disease by half, or efficacy of above 50% in technical speak.

At the public health level, a vaccine with 50% [efficacy] will slow down drastically infections, Bancel said, even if it doesnt protect everyone who gets exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

He was cautious not to commit to a probability around 90% efficacy, saying hed need more data to assess. Yet the optimism is still extraordinary: As CNBC noted, new vaccines entering human trials from 2000 to 2015 had about a 1-in-3 chance of getting approval.

Bancel cites several reasons why Moderna, a 10-year-old startup, was able to leapfrog storied biopharma players. The mRNA technology lends itself to rapid turnaround; its been tested against nine other pathogens; it had a trial run with partners at the NIH in MERS; and it boasts of its own manufacturing site near its headquarters in Boston.

Having touted somewhat controversially an antibody response from eight patients in the Phase I trial and more recently released animal data, Moderna has outlined a 30,000-person Phase III trial to begin in July. The goal is to have a vaccine ready to deploy by the end of the year a goal NIAID director Anthony Fauci has called aspirational, but its certainly doable. Amber Tong

The stock of one of Martin Shkrelis former biotechs has been soaring over the last month, from less than a $1 to more than $5 per share.

Humanigen, which for several weeks in 2015 was run by the infamous Pharma Bro, makes anti-inflammatories for use in, among other things, the hyperactive immune responses, called cytokine storms, that often afflict patients who receive CAR-T cancer treatments. That made their drug a natural fit for Covid-19 after doctors determined these storms were causing some of the worst symptoms in infected patients.

Still, the data on their drug, a GM-CSF inhibitor called lenzilumab, are still highly limited. In a non-controlled preprint posted on MedRxiv earlier this week, 12 patients with severe pneumonia and at least one co-morbidity associated with poor Covid-19 outcomes, were given the drug. Of those, 11 were discharged within 5 days, with no treatment-emergent adverse effects.

That particular round of data sent their stock from $4.08 to $5.45. The company plans to test their drug in larger trials.

Shkreli and an investor group bought a majority stake in the company, then known as KaloBios, in 2015. But when Shkreli was arrested for security fraud for his dealings at a different company, KaloBios fired him. It filed for bankruptcy soon after and re-emerged in 2016 as Humanigen.

On June 2, Venrock, Citadel, and Valiant invested $72 million into the company, spurring the initial resurgence in value and prepping the company for scaling the drug should it be approved.

CEO Cameron Durrant, in an interview with theWall Street Journal, called Shkrelis time at the company an unfortunate history that lasted roughly 3 weeks.

TheNew York Timesreported earlier this month that the Trump administration had whittled Operation Warp Speed from 14 to 5 different vaccine candidates, but HHS said yesterday that there would be 7 candidates that move beyond the initial list.

And for vulnerable Americans, any vaccine that comes out of the project will be free.

The number of candidates beyond the initial list, in line with early reporting fromBloomberg,give renewed hope for vaccine developers who were left off the initial reported list. That includes Novavax and Inovio, both of which are in Phase I, and Sanofi, a company long backed by HHS and which expects to put their vaccine into clinical testing by the end of the year.

The list of 7 will then be winnowed to a smaller, unspecified number of finalists. The 7 will receive funding and assistance for early trials, and the final few will receive aid for large-scale testing and manufacture. The first of those large trials are expected to come this summer: from Moderna, AstraZeneca and J&J, in that order. The work of scaling is also underway, most recently with federal contracts of $628 million for Emergent BioSolutions and a $204 million for Corning, who will make vials to store and distribute a vaccine.

Questions of price have been thorny so far for the top vaccine developers. Some, such as J&J and AstraZeneca, have said they will not profit on the vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer have said they will not charge exorbitantly.

Administration officials pledged to make the vaccine available to those who cant afford it or are vulnerable on a conference call yesterday, according to several media reports. The officials also said that they cant guarantee a vaccine will be available by January, the widely reported aim of the initiative. Jason Mast

Two days after the German government poured 300 million into the mRNA biotech CureVac, the company announced it will put their vaccine into human trials.

Although straggling some of the other major players, the date of the announcement is in line with the timeline CureVac laid out over the winter. Still, it comes on the heels of three tumultuous months for a company that previously reached unicorn status while largely avoiding controversial headlines.

Arguably the first biotech built around mRNA, CureVac was one of the first companies to publicly begin work on a Covid-19 vaccine after the outbreak emerged, and they were quickly backed by the Center for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Then a flurry of headlines hit over a single week in March. First CEO Daniel Menichella was replaced by founding CEO Ingmar Hoerr. The company cited the need for leadership with a scientific background during a crisis, but the news of a CEO shift in the middle of an unprecedented vaccine race prompted widespeculation.

Then later that week,Reutersand a prominent German paper reported that the Trump administration had tried to lure CureVac to the US to secure access to their Covid-19 vaccine, alarming German officials and beginning what has since been months of international tussling over vaccine access. (CureVac denied the reports, but theNew York Timessubsequently reported similarly). The EU subsequently made80 million available to CureVac to shore up manufacturing on the continent on the same day Hoerr announced that, after a week-long return, he was stepping down for medical reasons and CCO Franz-Werner Haas would step in as acting CEO.

The concerns over access to CureVacs vaccine havent dissipated. TheFinancial Timesreported that the 300 million German government investment was intended to ward off a planned IPO.FTcited a document from the German Finance Ministry: Theintended acquisition of a federal shareholding in CureVac is intended to ensure that the company is not taken over by a foreign investor and that it does not leave the country It is feared that in case of takeover and migration abroad, a vaccine against Covid-19 developed by CureVac in the future will not be made available to Germany and Europe.

Unlike Moderna or the Pfizer-partnered vaccine developer BioNTech, CureVac uses a form of mRNA vaccine that triggers an innate immune response, which theyve long touted as allowing them to give much smaller doses and thus produce far more vaccines. (Moderna considered the technology early in its history and decided against it.) Their first trial, set to take place in Belgium and Germany, will test between 2 and 8 micrograms in 168 patients. Moderna, by contrast, tested between 10 and 200 micrograms. Jason Mast

For a look at all Endpoints News coronavirus stories, check out our special news channel.

See original here:
Covid-19 roundup: Novavax recruits AstraZeneca vet as its new CMO right after David Mott jumps on the board; Operation Warp Speed will cut to 7...

Sonya Lynchs youngest child was central to her discovery that she had breast cancer.

My gorgeous bubbly little man he was nearly three at the time jumped on top of me in the bed. This led to me feeling discomfort in my breast that I found hard to ignore. Four weeks later that breast was removed.

To this day, the family based in Douglas, Cork call the little boy, now aged eight, their hero. We joke that he might grow up to be an oncologist and jump on peoples bellies to diagnose them, says the 45-year-old mum of three.

But jokes aside, Sonya says cancer has been the biggest crisis theyve had to deal with as a family. When it hit back in May 2014, she had never felt healthier. I looked and felt well.

Finding out she had hormone-positive breast cancer sent her into shock but the former paediatric nurse also knew it would be relatively easy to treat. She quickly underwent a mastectomy of her left breast, followed by chemotherapy. In early 2015 she had breast reconstruction and then reduction of her right breast, after which she went on cancer-prevention drug Tamoxifen.

Sonya Lynch at home in Douglas, Cork.Picture: Eddie O'Hare

I stayed on Tamoxifen until 2018 when nodules appeared on my lung, which meant more aggressive hormone therapy was needed. This basically shut down my ovaries to eliminate the oestrogen that my cancer feeds on. I need regular scans to monitor how effective this is and I had to have CyberKnife radiotherapy [non-invasive alternative to conventional surgery] recently to complement it.

Sonya says she found her secondary diagnosis very isolating and cripplingly fearful but is grateful for meeting many kind people who recognise the need for supporting women to help themselves. My medical care has been excellent, but its difficult for oncologists to cover all aspects of our care. Clinic times are mostly taken up with discussing crucial planning of treatments, with scan results and so on. Cancer is only half the story. Theres a huge need for psychological support.

She points to social confidence and self-worth taking a battering when women lose their hair due to chemo. She recalls after shed lost hers, her husband introducing her to somebody hed gone to school with. I felt like a 70-year-old woman. I wanted to scream: this is not me! It was as if Id been made to wear the most horrible embarrassing jacket that wasnt me. I felt I had to explain to everyone, even strangers, that this wasnt my taste.

Sonya and Don Lynch with their children from left, Isaac, Isabele and Alex at home in Douglas, Cork Picture: Eddie O'Hare

And, while she says it sounds like vanity, it really isnt. Its psychological. You cant hide away you have to face people. As a mother, you have to go to the school gate, for example. Shes also very conscious of how tough a cancer diagnosis is on loved ones, especially on ones partner.

I knew what I was feeling and what my limits were. I can vividly remember some really low points, but something would pick me up again. My husbands a quiet man. He didnt tell anyone initially. But when I lost my hair, well you cant deny that. Thats when it hit him, when my hair came out. And while a husband might be able to take a day off work when his wifes going through surgery, he most likely wont be able to take a day off to go for counselling for himself.

Adding that shes blessed with an amazing husband and that cancer has brought them closer, she can completely see how such a diagnosis can put a couples relationship under stress. She knows that maintaining confidence and intimacy with your partner is challenging and she recalls joking with a friend whod undergone surgery for varicose veins and who was going on a weekend trip with her partner.

When I told her to enjoy her romantic weekend, she said: What romantic weekend? With all this stitching? And I said: Well try it with no hair and one boob.

Having gone through treatment that induced menopause and all of the consequent side effects, Sonya says: Luckily, I have a very understanding husband. He loves me for who I am and we still manage to be very close and intimate.

Women with cancer are daughters, sisters, mothers, partners, friends, employees and employers, and the knock-on effects of cancer hit all, says Sonya. Theres often a lot of support when a womans undergoing treatment, at the time when she needs to step away from her usual duties. But what about afterwards?

Not long after, we need and want to return to our roles [jobs]. But were not the same. Recognising that vulnerability can bring surprising benefits, as opposed to struggling with trying to regain the life we once had, she says, adding that she returned to work as a paediatric nurse but found shift work too hard physically.

So I changed to a cancer information-giving job with the Marie Keating Foundation.

Sonya and Don Lynch at home in Douglas, Cork Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Sonya has been proactive about helping herself cope with cancer, its treatment and the side-effects. She has gained vast information by attending conferences, as well as remedies to counter side-effects. And she has found mindfulness techniques at Cork ARC House invaluable.

She has also been involved, in a consulting role alongside other patients, with the Irish Cancer Society in helping set up The Womens Health Initiative, a pilot scheme that will see clinics established in Cork and Dublin, aimed at improving the health/wellbeing of female cancer survivors.

The initiative will see clinics established in Cork and Dublin aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of female cancer survivors.

The clinics were designed in close consultation with women like Sonya Lynch whove suffered profound side effects after treatment. The clinics in Cork and Dublin will run on a trial basis for two years. The clinics will involve initial groups of selected participants, and it is hoped that the pilot scheme will eventually lead to the roll-out of a national programme for cancer survivors.

The Womens Health Initiative is funded to the tune of 890,000. The Irish Cancer Society is the single largest funder. The Society is hugely reliant on public donations for funding and with Daffodil Day cancelled this year, the public is invited to donate online at http://www.cancer.ie

Read more from the original source:
'Cancer is only half the story. Theres a huge need for psychological support' - Irish Examiner

The novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 (officially known as SARS-CoV-2) raises new concerns for people living with cancer, ranging from worry about whether youre at higher risk to the prospect of delayed cancer treatment.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, is mild to moderate in about 80% of cases. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. However, some people have no symptoms at all. About one in five people will develop severe disease that may progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

While anyone can contract the coronavirus, certain individuals are at greater risk for severe disease, namely people over age 60, those with compromised immune systems and people with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. Some studies have found that people living with cancer may be more likely to become seriously ill.

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a low white blood cell count (neutropenia), a temporary immune suppression that makes you more susceptible to infections. People who receive bone marrow transplants or CAR-T therapy are especially susceptible. Hormone therapy and checkpoint inhibitors, however, do not appear to increase the risk.

The pandemic may affect your treatment because hospitals are short on staff and supplies, and infection risk is higher in medical settings. Some care providers are relying more on telemedicine. If you have scheduled surgery, infusions or scans, you may experience delays, depending on the stage of your cancer. In some cases, it may be possible to receive treatment at home. If you are in a clinical trial, follow the guidance of the research staff. Most people at average risk for cancer can safely delay routine screenings, such as mammograms.

Maintain good communication with your care team to discuss the best options. If you do need to receive treatment or scans at a medical facility, the staff may employ extra safety measures.

Everyone should take precautions to prevent COVID-19, but these are especially important for people at higher risk. A new type of test can show who has developed antibodies, but it is not yet clear whether these offer protection against the coronavirus, or, if so, how long such immunity might last. Prevention measures include staying away from people who are sickand avoiding others if you are illwashing your hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizer, wearing a face mask and not touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Get your annual flu shot, and ask about a vaccine to prevent pneumonia.

Social distancing will remain important even after local stay-at-home orders have been relaxed. Avoid crowds, work from home if you can and stay at least six feet away from people you dont live with.

If you have mild symptoms, you can often manage them at home by drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter fever, cough and pain medications. But check with your care team to see whether these might interfere with your cancer treatment. Get further care if you have trouble breathing. Call ahead before you go to a clinic or hospital.

Currently, no medications are approved for the treatment of COVID-19, but hundreds of studies are underway. Be cautious about rumors and overly optimistic information about treatments that have not been tested in randomized clinical trials.

Many coronavirus vaccine trials are also ongoing. Experts predict a vaccine could be available by the end of 2021.

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COVID-19 and Cancer - Cancer Health Treatment News

Adenomyosis Treatment Market Industry Forecast To 2026

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The Important Type Coverage:Anti-inflammatory drugs, Hormone medications, Other

Segment by ApplicationsHospital, Clinic, Others

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North America (U.S and Canada and Rest of North America)Europe (Germany, France, Italy and Rest of Europe)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea and Rest of Asia-Pacific)LAMEA (Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Rest of LAMEA)

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1. An overall outlook of the market that helps in picking up essential data.2. The market has been segmented on the basis of the product types, applications, end-users, as well as the industry verticals, in light of numerous factors. Considering the market segmentation, further analysis has been carried out in an effective manner. For better understanding and a thorough analysis of the market, the key segments have further been partitioned into sub-segments.3. In the next section, factors responsible for the growth of the market have been included. This data has been collected from the primary and secondary sources and has been approved by the industry specialists. It helps in understanding the key market segments and their future trends.4. The report also includes the study of the latest developments and the profiles of major industry players.5. The Adenomyosis Treatment market research report also presents an eight-year forecast on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow.

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Impact of Covid-19 on Adenomyosis Treatment market [ PDF ] 2020 | TOP BUSINESS GROWING STRATEGIES, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND EMERGING TRENDS OF...

As a mother who is open about having a transgender teen, Ive heard it all: everything from how abusive it is to enable a confused child to how Im condoning children as young as five getting genital surgery.

These ideas are as absurd as they are inaccurate. Sadly, that doesnt make them uncommon. Inside of a year, Ill receive hundreds, if not thousands, of comments like these on social media and in email. People have plenty of opinions about what affirming a trans child means, but what they often lack are facts.

This mother is honouring inclusion at home, in an effort to raise young advocates read it here.

Trans people are regularly attacked, both verbally and physically, for simply existing in the world. They are, by far, one of the most misunderstood and mistreated demographics on the planet. Trans youth often face this hatred as well, along with having their maturity and sense of self questioned by everyone from family to physicians. Many think theyre too young to know who they are or are not and cant possibly make decisions that could impact their future.

Their accepting parents, by default, become targets of these ideas, too. For example, how dare we feed into our childrens fantasies? What if little Timmy wanted to become a dog or a superhero? Would we allow that, too?

"Trans people are regularly attacked, both verbally and physically, for simply existing in the world."

Sigh.

As someone who wouldnt have to write for a living if she could pay the bills with misdirected hate from strangers, lets look at some of the biggest misconceptions about transgender kids.

Trans and non-binary children are anything but confused. A recent studyfound that theyre just as sure of who they are as kids who are cisgender (those who identify with the gender assigned at birth).

Gender identity is something we all have its just that most of us dont have to think about it because the world has always seen us the way we see ourselves. Trans kids do have to think about and often talk about gender because who the world has perceived them as isnt who they are.

If theyre lucky, theyll find willing ears and open hearts to listen.

Not quite. People often conflate gender identity and gender expression. Gender identity is who we are, and gender expression is how we express that.

There are many boys who wear dresses and still identify as boys. This is known as gender non-conforming, which means they dont conform to the societal norms expected of their gender.

"Trans kids do have to think about and often talk about gender because who the world has perceived them as isnt who they are."

Gender identity runs deeper than what we wear or what activities we participate in.

It should also be noted that gender identity is not the same as sexual orientation. There are many gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual and asexual trans people.

Horrifically, this was tried for years, and falls under the same category as trying to convince gay people theyre straight. Conversion therapy also known as reparative therapy has been banned in many places because of the damage it does to the individual.

A quick look at the statistics shows a high risk of trauma, mental health issues and self-destructive behaviours. Trying to force people to be who theyre not is extremely harmful.

Today, we know its better to help kids be who they are, not who we expect them to be. Outcomes for children who are affirmed in their gender identity are very positive. In fact, a study by Trans PULSE showed that trans youth who receive strong parental support see their risk of suicide and self-harm decrease approximately eight-fold, to a level that is nearly on par with their cisgender counterparts.

Queer parents with young kids sometimes have to navigate learned heteronormative attitudes read about that here.

If anything, its not easy enough. When a young trans person wants access to transition-related medical care, the process is long and often daunting. Wait lists can span months or even years, followed by several appointments and assessments between each step. Historically, medical transition has been difficult to access and heavily gatekept, especially for minors. Things are slowly getting better as more professionals learn how to best support their trans patients, but it is by no means an easy or fast process.

I promise you this isnt happening. When younger children come out as trans, they will often socially transition, which means living as the gender they identify as, and sometimes using a new name and/or pronouns. They might be followed by a gender specialist or clinic, but there are no affirming medical supports for pre-pubescent trans youth.

Hormone blockers a group of safe, reversible medications with a long history of pediatric use block unwanted puberty from continuing, if thats needed. Hormone treatment and some gender affirming surgeries are reserved for teens and older, while other surgeries are only performed on adults. The ages vary depending on individual cases, medical standards and geographic location, but it is certainly not something young children have access to. Its also important to note that not all trans or non-binary people medically transition, and that medical transition itself is very individual.

"Ask a parent of a trans kid what it feels like when they no longer hear their child crying in the shower ...."

As always, when it comes to something we dont have personal experience with, its best to get our information from the source. Rather than reading Uncle Jerrys late-night Facebook post about the dangers of puberty blockers, go find a trans persons book, blog or YouTube channel discussing how life-saving these medical supports can be. Ask a pediatric endocrinologist working in a gender clinic about how many trans kids change their minds about transition (spoiler: usually less than 1 per cent). Ask a parent of a trans kid what it feels like when they no longer hear their child crying in the shower, and instead see them living a full and happy life (I speak from experience on that one).

Research before you judge. Kids like mine will be all the better for it.

See the original post:
I Am A Mother of a Trans Teen and Heres What Youre Getting Wrong about Them - CBC.ca

I've stayed up all night maybe twice in my life my 27th birthday, and when I got really into binge-watching "Shameless" as a teenager. But I tried it again to follow what I've coined the "YouTuber sleep schedule" and see whether a late-night way of life really inspires the imagination.

Studies have shown how night owls are often more creative than early birds. But most of us don't live in a world where our social and work schedule fits around our body clock, so we have to make do with being a bit groggy some of the time.

YouTubers don't really have to worry about this, and often when watching their videos, I'll hear the creator say they are recording at 4 a.m., or they might cut to their future selves editing really late at night or early in the morning. Tana Mongeau, for example, is notorious for her late nights and later starts, and has been known to sleep through important business meetings and even her best friend's surgery.

This made me start questioning why YouTubers seem to have abysmal sleep schedules, and what benefit, if any, this habitual late night cycle has for their careers.

YouTuber Garrett Watts told Insider he's struggled with his sleep as long as he can remember. He references his lack of routine often on his channel, including one vlogging project where he attempted to get up at 5 a.m. every day.

"I've always had this weird theory about my family, like were my ancestors weird cave protectors that had to keep watch at night?" he said. "I have no idea why I'm so nocturnal. But something that you're going to find time, and time, and time, and time again with creatives is the nocturnal sleep schedule thing."

Garrett Watts tried to kickstart his sleep schedule. Garrett Watts / YouTube

Commentary YouTuber Kavos told Insider he also has the "worst sleeping pattern imaginable."

"I wake up at 9:30 p.m. and stay up until like 1 p.m. the next day," he said. "Then go back to sleep until 8/9 ... Or, like yesterday, I just didn't sleep."

He said he's definitely a night owl, but his schedule started getting a bit out of control when he stayed up until 9 a.m. one night to finish a load of work and it just hasn't recovered since.

One aspect that doesn't help is the fact Kavos lives in the UK and the majority of his audience is American. Being a commentary YouTuber, he has to be "on the ball" to cover the latest trending topics. Being his own boss helps him dictate whether he just doesn't sleep one night because he wants to keep up to date with everything that's going on.

"I'm naturally up later because my audience is and that's when a lot of drama goes down," he said. "I can't complain really because I used to stay up before I did this for a career anyway."

I'm also a night owl. I struggle with early starts and I'm much more productive after midday. Even so, it was clear I don't have the stamina that I used to when attempting this schedule for myself one recent Friday evening.

I knew I had nothing to do on Saturday thanks to the coronavirus, so it felt like a good day to stay up as late as possible without too much damage being done by sleeping in the next morning. But I struggled to stay up much later than 2 a.m. after a full workday.

Tana Mongeau is notorious for her poor sleep schedule. MTV

I had a late interview at 8 p.m. and definitely felt a surge of energy to get things done afterwards. I even got a burst of creativity at around 10 p.m. and wrote down some copy that had been rattling round in my head, then fired off some emails to sources and contacts on the West Coast who normally wouldn't hear from me until the morning.

I probably won't make a habit of working late, especially as the lines between work and home life are already so blurred at the moment. But I can certainly see the attraction the quiet transquility makes it much easier to find that intense concentration I'm always chasing.

Watts said he often prefers to work at night because there are fewer distractions. Sometimes he tries to sit down and edit during the day and it's just "a lost cause" because he can't get into the zone.

"There's something to be said for the creativity that thrives at nighttime when the rest of the world is down," he said. "That flow state, that hyper-focused mode as they call it, that any musician or artist or anyone who makes anything will tell you about, I think that's much easier to tap into at night when all distractions are gone."

Psychologist Perpetua Neo told Insider in a previous article that creatives can often feel that "everything becomes beautiful at night."

"It can be beautiful in a melancholic way," she said. "And creatives tend to draw this melancholy and reflectiveness as a source of inspiration."

Filmmaker and YouTuber David Lehre has always had a night owl schedule as well, staying up until 3 or 4 a.m. then taking naps during the day. He told Insider he feels better working at night because nobody talks to him, calls him, or emails him, and he can really absorb himself in a project.

"I do feel a different vibe at night," he said. "I feel like the world settles down and I can just hone in on what I'm working on."

He said one person had a theory that it's because there's less energy being projected into the world around you at that time.

"If there's people walking around, there's people talking, there's cars driving around, all those things give off energy," he said. "And at night time when nobody's walking around, no cars are driving, and there isn't this energy percolating around, it kind of allows you to focus in."

The quiet means he can dedicate his full attention to craft whatever he's making, with a different ability for processing things in his mind.

"You can go with the flow with the creativity and there's no boundaries with hours or time," he said. "It's just, this is what I want to make, and I'm going to make it whenever it strikes me."

Sometimes creativity is fueled by the night. Crystal Cox/Insider

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan has been helping people improve their sleep for 25 years. She told Insider that sometimes people give themselves this label of "night owl" when actually they've formed patterns of behavior that build and train a night owl physiology delaying their release of the sleep hormone melatonin with blue light from electronic devices, and oversleeping in the morning, for example.

"If you stay up late, and you oversleep in the morning, that creates a kind of hangover called sleep inertia, which means that you're less inclined to eat breakfast because you don't have an appetite," Ramlakhan told Insider. "This starts to lower the metabolism because you're not eating until later, and you shift the whole circadian rhythm forward."

The problem with burning the midnight oil is that each sleep phase plays a role in our physiology. Sleep before 12 a.m., for instance, is really important for energy, metabolism, and re-balancing the thyroid. Sleep experts also have a theory that there is a period in the night which is where our brain does most of its regenerative work and clears out all the junk it has accumulated over the day.

"People who are suffer from metabolic disorders, adrenal exhaustion or chronic fatigue, it's really important they are getting those early phases of sleep," said Ramlakhan. "But ironically, it's often the people who are going to bed too late who have got those things, and they find it difficult to break the pattern."

She said people often only seek help with their sleep if they completely burn out and break down because of it. Many of the creators Insider spoke to said they didn't feel any negative impacts on their health because of their schedules, but Ramlakhan said this may just be because they haven't "suffered enough yet."

Over the ten years she was working at a psychiatric clinic, she saw people with depression, anxiety, and addictions who had been messing around with their sleeping patterns so much they were running themselves into exhaustion.

Without sleep, you cannot exercise effectively, if at all, and you're more likely to make less healthy choices about your lifestyle and diet living off sugary foods, caffeine, and even drugs to increase your energy during the day and pills or alcohol to help knock you out at night.

There's also a tendency to start withdrawing and isolating yourself if you're staying up beyond when everyone else has gone to bed and asleep when everyone else is awake.

"Sleep is a reflection of everything of the way we live, and the way we've lived, and everything that goes on in our lives," Ramlakhan said. "The body and the nervous system keep the score."

Ramlakhan said she thinks it's a bit of a myth that all creatives are night owls, but there is a benefit to working late at night many people could take advantage of regardless of their chronotype. When she is on a book deadline, she often wakes up about 3 a.m. and gets some writing done because it's such a tranquil time of night.

"We all naturally wake up between 2 and 4 in the morning," she said. "If you look at the structure of our sleep, human beings are designed to be biphasic ... So there is some flexibility built into the design of our sleep. We've all got different routines and rhythms and it really is about finding your innate rhythm."

She has written five non-negotiables for getting better sleep in her role as a sleep expert for Silentnight. They are eating breakfast first thing in the morning, limiting caffeine intake, drinking plenty of water, getting into bed earlier, and keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom.

Sleep should improve after 7 to 10 days of doing these things, she said, and after that, you can start experimenting a bit.

Watts said he's working on splitting the difference, because he still wants to be nocturnal to some degree while also being a "functional human being" and interacting with the world when it's awake. He's started a plan during lockdown of making sure he wakes up before 11 a.m. every day.

"I need to work on that kind of still being a night owl but still being part of my world too," he said. "And I think I can do that because come on, waking up at 11? Those standards are like pretty low enough to where I think I can reach them."

For other creators like Kavos, a late schedule will probably just always be part of the way he works. In order for some creators to continue to be as successful as they are, something's gotta give, and often, that's a bedtime.

"I have sacrificed many bedtimes," he said. "It's just part of the job."

Read more:

Creativity and depression don't go hand in hand, but it can seem like they do here's why

Garrett Watts might be the most unpredictable creator on YouTube, and that's why fans live for his rare uploads

Why some YouTubers are destined to become supervillains

YouTubers are calling out the platform's 'cancel culture' that subjects them to a rampant hate mob and sees them lose thousands of subscribers in a matter of hours

The struggle YouTubers are facing with their body image isn't just a result of vanity. It's a long-standing battle between hate comments, constant comparisons, and self-compassion.

Read this article:
I tried the YouTuber sleep schedule, and it's not sustainable longterm - Insider - INSIDER

J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved "Harry Potter" series, published a lengthy blog post on her website this week, attempting to explain her controversial tweets about transgender women.

The author has been widely criticized for a history of making transphobic comments, including most recently writing on Twitter that trans activism was harming women, and reiterating her rejection of the existence of non-binary and intersex people.

Rowling said in her post that one of the reasons she's taken such positions is that she's "concerned about the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition," as well as the growing number who she says seem to be detransitioning, or returning to the sex they were assigned at birth.

They do so, Rowling wrote, "because they regret taking steps that have, in some cases, altered their bodies irrevocably, and taken away their fertility."

She added: "Some say they decided to transition after realizing they were same-sex attracted, and that transitioning was partly driven by homophobia, either in society or in their families."

Rowling also said that 10 years ago most people who wanted to transition were assigned male at birth, but now the UK "has experienced a 4,400% increase in girls being referred for transitioning treatment," adding that autistic girls are "hugely overrepresented."

Rowling's claims are not only unsupported by data, but perpetuate dangerous myths about trans people that can inhibit their access to life-saving care.

Demographers don't know exactly how many transgender people there are or how that number has changed, since there are a range of terms to describe transgender identities and population-based surveys have historically not asked about trans identities.

Rowling's 4,400% increase reference seems to come from a report finding that 40 people assigned female at birth in the UK sought gender treatment between 2009 and 2010, while 1,806 did between 2017 and 2018.

Polly Carmichael, a psychologist who heads The Tavistock and Portman mental health clinic's gender identity service (which was the only trans affirming service in the UK in 2016), told NBC that while she is seeing large increase in the number of patients in need of gender-affirming care, this is likely due to an increase in visibility for trans services and gender varience rather than a "trend."

"Young people experiencing gender dysphoria is a real phenomenon," Carmichael said. "It can be incredibly isolating. If you don't feel you belong in a particular category that you've been assigned to. Many adolescents do become very distressed and self-harm."

Rowling's assertion that being a trans boy or man is suddenly more common than being a trans girl or woman is also questionable. In fact, one 2019 survey from the UK government found 3.5% of the population were trans women (women who were assigned male at birth) while 2.9% were trans men (men who'd been assigned female at birth).

In this Aug. 23, 2007 file photo, a sign marks the entrance to a gender neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File

While more people who were assigned female at birth have transitioned in recent years, that's likely because gender-affirming treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries weren't that accessible to transgender people until recently.

Insurance companies refused to cover gender-affirming care for decades and many primary-care physicians were unwilling to provide HRT, a medication also prescribed for menopause, to transgender and nonbinary patients because medical guidelines had not changed to include them.

It wasn't until 2017 that "gender identity disorder" was decategorized as a mental disorder in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In fact the World Health Organization removed "transsexualism" from the International Classification of Diseases only in 2018 a move that, the WHO said, would allow for better "access to necessary health interventions."

Many trans people simply have more access.

While detransitioning does happen, it's very rare, with one analysis showing that less than a percent of 3,398 trans people said they'd experienced transitioned-related regret, or had detransitioned.

And contrary to Rowling's assertion that detransitioning means the person regretted transitioning, "the most common reason for detransition is the person couldn't cope with the family and community support they lost and the experiences of transphobia," according to the UK organization Stonewall.

Others may be unable to find a job or housing, or no longer identify the gender they transitioned to feel more valid in.

Research actually shows any feelings of regret are typically related to unsatisfactory surgical results.

Getty/Angela Weiss

These fears about detransitioning can be dangerous because they invalidate the gender identities of young trans people and make it more difficult to obtain access to care.

Across the United States, state representatives are attempting to pass legislation that would go against medical guidelines and ban doctors from providing gender-affirming treatments to transgender youth. Their arguments are based on the same logic of Rowling's assertion that transgender youth are simply going through a phase they will grow out of.

Studies have debunked this idea and shown children as young as four develop their gender in the same ways as their cisgender peers.

In a study released in 2019, researchers found no significant differences between the trans and cis kids' gender development, or how they grew to understand and formulate their gender.The findings also revealed that transgender children gravitate toward the same gendered toys, clothing items, and friends as cisgender participants, regardless of how long they had been socially transitioned.

"Gender-affirming health care saves lives," Shawn Meerkamper and Dale Melchert, senior staff attorney and staff attorney for the Transgender Law Center, told Insider for a previous story.

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

In her essay, Rowling made the point that the gender dysphoria when a person feels as if their body doesn't match their gender identity that many young trans people are feeling is a "social contagion."

She cited a 2018 study from Brown University that argued the "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" (ROGD), typically for those assigned female at birth, came out of social pressures from peers rather than genuine feelings of being transgender.

This study has since been cited by media outlets and gender-critical feminists as an argument against transgender youth receiving gender-affirming care. Like Rowling, people have used this research to make the argument that being trans is a trend.

However, another recent study from Brown University debunked the claim that ROGD exists.

Arjee Restar, a transgender researcher at Brown, wrote a critique of the study that found themethodology including surveying parents of trans teens who had read anti-trans websites is flawed and pathologizes trans people.

PLOS One, the journal the 2018 study appeared in, published a revised version that said the data was based on observations of parents rather than data from the trans teens themselves. If a parent does not see their child's gender identity as valid, they are likely more susceptible to cite ROGD as the reason their child has started to openly identify as trans.

Restar told BuzzFeed News that the corrected version of the study was still flawed and "below scientific standards."

"It's important to use methods and terminologies that don't further stigmatize an already disenfranchised community," Restar said.

Read More:

Trans 'Harry Potter' fans say they are devastated by JK Rowling's transphobia but some say it's a distraction from the violence against trans Black people

'Transgender women are women': Daniel Radcliffe rebukes J.K. Rowling's comments and apologizes to 'Harry Potter' readers if their experience of the books is now tarnished

People are sharing hormones on Google Docs and turning to 'grey market' pharmacies to get gender-affirming care during the pandemic

Link:
JK Rowling falsely claims an 'explosion' of girls have de-transitioned - Insider - INSIDER

Twelve papers were included for analysis. All passed the CASP checklist (summary provided in supplementary table 1). Qualitative studies ranged from open, unstructured and semi structured interviews with 1660 participants. Six studies recruited women from community, and six recruited from attendance to clinical consultation (Table2). All studies used a described method of qualitative analysis, such as thematic coding (Table3).

We identified three key themes across all papers in the context of barriers to women accessing care for abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Health literacy is the ability to interpret, maintain, understand and use health information to make informative health decisions and follow treatment instructions.

Half of the included studies identified general health literacy as a barrier to accessing care for AUB [12, 15, 19, 21,22,23]. One American study in 2010 noted the variability in 71 women in the perception of heavy and irregular bleeding [19]. Women described heavy bleeding by the number of pads used, the quality of the bleeding, and the length of bleeding [19]. The perception of blood loss was also described to be affected by the types of sanitary protection used [12]. Women found identification of normal challenging, and if experienced for long enough, heavy or excessive bleeding became normalised and did not warrant the trouble of medical investigation. This was true in the Chicago study where the most commonly cited reason for delayed fibroid diagnosis was the perception that heavy bleeding was normal [21]. A United Kingdom study of 21 women found that explanations of heavy bleeding were varied, including the appearance of blood and how it felt. In this study, women commented how it was difficult to describe experiences, particularly to someone who did not have similar feelings [13]. Only four women in this study had open discussions about periods with family or friends. In another study, even though women described discussing the menstrual experience with others, heaviness of blood loss was not often brought up [17].

A study of Pasifika womens knowledge and awareness of gynaecological cancer in New Zealand found that there was a need for culturally appropriate, easily accessible and correct information [23]. Many women in this study had never heard of the term gynaecology as there is no literal Tongan or Samoan translation of the word [23]. Women were aware of gynaecological cancers through personal experiences and relatives or friends that were diagnosed. This is re-iterated in another New Zealand study in womens experiences with gynaecological support services where women expressed need for appropriate and timely information [18], and a United Kingdom study where half of the women who were diagnosed with uterine fibroids had never previously heard of the condition and expressed frustration they that lacked this knowledge [21].

Some women who developed their understanding of gynaecological conditions from family often had a confused interpretation of their symptoms. For example, in a United Kingdom study [20], many women believed gynaecological cancer symptoms such as abdominal size and irregular periods were due to factors such as diet, and managed themselves through avoiding certain foods:

Id probably try and sort myself out first with eating and say right, thats enough of dairy

In the same study, one woman disclosed that twins ran in her family, and that her heaviness and period pain was caused by release of two eggs during ovulation:

My nan reckons that a double egg comes from one side thats why I have been told that I get those pains [20].

In a study of women previously diagnosed and treated for endometrial cancer [22], general uterine health and Pap smears were confused. Many women were upset that their routine cervical smear did not pick up EC:

It disappointed me as long as you go for a smear test your fine [22]

This was echoed in a UK study, where eight of eleven women had considered AUB as a risk of cancer, but reassured themselves that a normal smear meant this was not the cause [13]. Whilst most women were aware of the need for routine Pap smears, confusion meant that women did not receive or perceive the correct information.

Gynaecological health has historically remained a taboo subject, yet this stigmatisation has meant that many women today are not able to openly talk about issues such as menstruation. This has resulted in many women normalising symptoms or suffering in silence.

Women may seek advice from friends to find reasons for normalisation and/or because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. For example, one woman noted:

I couldnt talk to my mum because straight away shed say to me you have to go to the hospital [22]

Years of experience with menstrual cycles meant that for some women, change in vaginal discharge or spotting was no cause for alarm, especially when these symptoms varied from day to day. Over half of women with uterine fibroids minimised symptoms, by suck (ing) it up and dealing with it [21]. Some women attributed their heavy periods to natural events, and assumed they were unlucky in having bad flow [13]:

Theres not a lot of point in reading or listening to anything, because it cant be changed [13]

Women seemed to prioritise uterine/vaginal health lower than most other health issues, and ignored significant changes:

After I got out of bed the next morning it had eased off [22].

It doesnt happen the next day so you get on with your life [22]

Women were worried to seek medical consultation as they thought they would be wasting their time:

You tend to think you are wasting their time. You are not too sure whether it is happening to everybody [12]

For those with excessive heavy bleeding, social embarrassment is a major determinant for discussing these issues, as many women provided examples of staining their clothes in public [19]. These experiences resulted in fear of social activities and avoidance of situations in which they felt stranded. For some, fear of leakage due to irregular timing and difficulties of management was a factor for women seeking seek consultation, particularly if these were increasing (which also shows how much women tolerated before they would seek help) [16, 20]. Yet for others, this held them back from seeking care:

I cancelled my doctors appointments for that reason, cause I bleed through everything. Im afraid of sitting there and going through my clothes [19]

For women who identify as Pasifika, embarrassment of revealing private parts during medical investigation was a big deterrent [23]. Many women felt uncomfortable with showing personal body parts, and find gynaecological examinations (pelvic exam) painful and scary:

I dont even like seeing myself thats a huge barrier as to why I find it tricky accessing the doctor for smears or gynaecology troubles [23]

you know they may perform a test that hurts are very scary-if I can avoid it, I do [23]

Primary health care providers such as General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first medical point of contact for women with AUB. Therefore GPs have an important responsibility to take a thorough history and listen to all concerns to provide coordinated care with specialists when needed.

Most studies highlighted communication with health professionals as a key barrier to AUB investigation. Firstly, a regular or long term health care provider were viewed as preferential as these doctors know medical and family history [15, 22, 23]. Having an established and trusting relationship with a GP was found to be a positive facilitating factor for all women:

I have been with my GP for years and he knows what has happened to me I just trust him [23]

Many women felt they could not speak to a male doctor about anything related to uterine health, and almost all women preferred to see a female doctor [20, 22, 23].

Surprisingly, eight of the 12 studies all identified normalisation and dismissal of womens concerns by the health practitioner as an important barrier to accessing appropriate care [12,13,14,15, 17, 20,21,22] and was an issue that ran through studies from 1999 to 2017. In interviews with women 612months post endometrial cancer surgery, a participant noted her symptoms were brushed off as a cause of menopause [22]. This attitude lead to women feeling reluctant to complain about symptoms, and didnt want to bother GPs about their problems [17, 20]. In another, a womans period pain was dismissed, leading her to question the genuineness of her own experiences [14]. Women felt dissatisfied when doctors did not ask about how it was affecting their lives, their problem had not been given a name or had been explained vaguely, and felt that consultation had achieved little [13]. One woman found she had to fight for treatment as her prolonged and heavy bleeding was impacting her relationship with her husband:

The woman [doctor] said these are things women have to put up with. I dont think so. I wont sacrifice my sex life [16].

Two qualitative studies which were filtered in the selection criteria for this review were based on the perspective of health care providers. Supporting the challenges described, an American study found that of 417 GPs surveyed, 87% self-reported that they always ask a quality of life question (in relation to AUB) however only 17.5% ask a mood associated question. Only 18% of GPs thought that asking about quality of life was essential in evaluating women with AUB [25]. A United Kingdom study found that even GPs had difficulty in describing normal periods. Female GPs reported that they were likely to ask details such as how many pads or tampons were used during a patients cycle. However, male GPs were less likely to go into this detail [26].

Incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment was also described by women. In one study [16], several women had been prescribed norethisterone, and oral hormone treatment for their symptoms. At the time of the study (2006) GPs were advised not to prescribe this drug as it had been shown to not be effective at reducing blood loss. Worryingly, in two other studies of gynaecological cancer, many participants were given clinically irrelevant treatment following initial consultation for AUB:

I went back and forth the doctors gave me tablets, nothing still wouldnt stop [22]

Youre just being silly, youre being paranoid [15]

My GP said I had an infection [15]

The doctor at the emergency said I had gastro [15]

The use of medical jargon by gynaecological specialists was noted in a number of studies, which left women feeling lost and fearful [15, 18, 22].

Logistics of attending appointments were often noted as barriers to seeking care, for example, long wait times, availability of doctors, and the demand of family, work and social commitments.

(GP) you ring now, you get an appointment in 3 weeks [22]

It would have to be easier to get an appointment with the GP. It really is that, that is such a bloody drama. [20]

I went to one she had a baby there was another doctor, then she left the clinic as well, then Ive got doctor L. Now hes only in every Wednesday [15]

It keeps moving down the list of priorities coz something else takes precedence. [20]

Follow this link:
Barriers to seeking consultation for abnormal uterine bleeding: systematic review of qualitative research - BMC Blogs Network

Many companies push testosterone-boosting supplements, but experts say theyre helpful only for certain conditions.

The popular ad features graying men whose female partners gaze longingly at them.

They proclaim: "Men: Feel younger and stronger," "Boost performance" and "Have sex again!"

The ads promote pills, creams and injections, and guide those yearning for their youth to clinics that can offer life-changing results.

Critics say the testosterone replacement therapy industry relies on aggressive marketing, touts some dubious claims and targets men who lack real medical needs.

Gahannas Low T Center has heard the good and the bad, and staff members must help new patients overcome objections and myths. Many customers are drawn in by ego and societys view of male virility.

"One of the main things that keeps guys from coming in is that they may think its like a hit to their man card," said Kortney Doss, a nurse at the Gahanna clinic.

The clinic and its sister location in Dublin each serves about 100 men daily, providing their weekly testosterone injections. The coronavirus pandemic has cut the visits in half, said Doss.

Its customers who continue coming, even during a health emergency, that clinics say are proof of the treatments effectiveness.

The same is true at Restorative Health in Dublin, which has as many as 900 regular patients many of them women, said Don Hale, the companys business consultant and spokesman.

Whether treating men or women, the marketing is driven by the male role in relationships, he said.

"A man will do anything to get and maintain an erection," he said. "I think it comes down to a mans ego."

A clinic typically performs a full physical, blood analysis and consultation at the first visit.

Even though testosterone is a natural hormone in both men and women, it can decline 1% per year after age 30 in men.

That "low normal" is not enough alone to prescribe testosterone, said Dr. Robert Murden, a geriatric specialist at Ohio State Universitys Wexner Medical Center.

Among his many patients, only six are doing TRT due to hypogonadism, an abnormally low hormone level, resulting in either low libido, erectile dysfunction, or loss of facial or body hair.

"Its specifically not recommended for people who are just tired. You shouldnt just try it. You dont give these things, with downsides, without clinical indications."

The risks include elevated red blood cell count, elevation in estrogen, acne or other skin reactions, testicular atrophy, and cardiovascular or liver complications.

Testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter put you in Low T territory, said Dr. Gregory Lowe, an OhioHealth urologist. That might cause fatigue, lack of sexual desire, worsening erections, issues with concentration and memory, or diminished recovery from workouts.

Some men come to him after seeing the ads.

"The main thing I hear from guys is to be able to put on muscle in the weight room and to be 18 again in the bedroom," he said.

But not all symptoms are caused by low testosterone. Lowe said they might instead be remedied by exercise, stress reduction, more sleep or improved diet.

"I always want my patients to be very critical of the therapy were providing, to tell me how it is helping," he said.

Lowe said he has no major complaints with private clinics where testosterone treatments include gels, patches or pellets injected in the buttocks to release the hormone slowly.

Dr. John Oliver DeLancey, an assistant professor of urology at Wexner Medical Center, said patients should first check with their primary care physicians before seeking treatment elsewhere.

"Testosterone replacement therapy gets sort of a bad rap for being overused and without appropriate testing and monitoring," he said.

"As long as you follow appropriate guidelines and put thoughtful care into why you are doing so and for the right reasons, it can be very safe and effective," DeLancey said.

Asked whether slowing down, and some of these changes, might not be just a normal part of aging, Hale, of Restorative Health, responded: "Is it normal to lose your teeth or hearing when you age, and do nothing about it?

"If so, I dont want to be normal."

Thirteen years ago, he and his wife, then both 57, began testosterone treatments and havent stopped.

"Weve been on a honeymoon ever since," Hale said.

The cost of treatment at the Dublin clinic is $3,950 per year for men and $2,950 for women. Some insurance plans reimburse up to half of that, whats considered routine blood work.

Dee Miller, a standout wide receiver for the Ohio State University football team (1994-98), said he was lethargic, overweight and often stressed out before beginning treatments in 2016.

"My wife even thought I was cheating on her" due to his lack of energy and romance, he recalled, laughing.

Since then, he said, "I feel mentally better. As for your libido, most honestly, yes."

An insurance agent, Miller is a paid endorser of Low T Center.

The treatments, he said, "are hitting all three facets: physical, emotional and socially."

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso

The rest is here:
Ego might drive men to testosterone therapy, but it helps with certain conditions - The Columbus Dispatch

COVID-19 has been a really exhausting time for all Australians and people across the world. Particularly for those worrying about general health and limited or changed hours for medical services for anything other than directly COVID related medical issues.

These concerns are compounded within the transgender community.These patients require specialist one on one care required for their hormone replacement treatment, mental health and blood tests. All of which must be monitored regularly to ensure hormone levels are within the desired range.

These are requirements not just to ensure everything is going okay, not just for the doctor, but for the Australian government. As these prescription only medications are strictly controlled and monitored.

The Star Observer spoke with a number of members from the transgender community about their experience with medical services during this time.

Oestrogen which comes in three forms; oral pills, gel sachets and patches to put on the individuals skin.

Trans woman Jenny Doll, who relies on the oral pills for her transition, said, Due to COVID I couldnt get an appointment with the GP and it was cancelled twice. I started looking for another GP where I can get my hormones. One doctor in Burwood, NSW totally rejected me as soon as I said I am a trans woman. His opinion was to wait for my appointment with my regular specialist. I am on blood pressure medication so I also requested this GP to check my blood pressure and he suggested I can go to a chemist for that.

I am so shocked with this GP behaviour during a pandemic. But my main aim was to find my hormones scripts. I had reduced my dosage into half already so I dont run out completely. Then after two weeks I got hold of my specialist GP and asked for my scripts. She sent me an email and I didnt know it wouldnt be acceptable in the chemist. I went to at least Six chemists to get my medication for HRT. It was so shocking that the doctor didnt tell us that the email copy wont be accepted. Later I asked for another physical appointment with the same specialist later in mid-May. I was so depressed without my HRT medication.

Finn who is a trans man said, I have severe anxiety, and normally having to leave the house for an appointment or something is really a way of helping me deal with it. Since COVID, I havent had that, and that has meant I havent engaged with my trans-related medical care. The less I leave the house, the less I want to leave the house. This has meant that I am actually late for my testosterone shot, which makes me feel worse, and the cycle continues.

When I realised my mental health was affecting getting my T-shot, that was really upsetting. I felt worse, which made me want to leave the house less, and so on.

Non-binary person Olly Lawrence said, I only go to LGBTQI specific clinics like Northside. They have been booked out for weeks in advance recently which makes seeing my doctor difficult. I have a current script for Primoteston but as of April its again out of stock in pharmacies across the state. To get a new script for Reandron would mean being referred to a new Endocrinologist and having multiple appointments with my GP which arent easily available right now. Ive also had my six-month follow up for top surgery postponed for an indeterminate amount of time and havent been able to see my surgeon about revisions.

Its really frustrating and makes me feel rather helpless. My biggest concern is menstruation returning if Im off testosterone for a long period, as that would stir up my dysphoria and mental illnesses.

Another person from the community, Zoe Anne who is a trans woman, was meant to have voice feminisation surgery in April, which was put off indefinitely, meaning she will not be able to have this surgery.

My voice is a massive source of dysphoria for me and Ive been on the waiting list for this surgery since August 2019. I cried a lot. The downtime of isolation would have been the perfect recovery time too.

From speaking with these members of the community is seems that the biggest toll that this pandemic is having on the trans and non-binary community is the mental health and the lack of access to hormones administration or even access to the hormones in the first place.

Thorne Harbour Healthsupports the LGBTQI community to make sure everyone who fits under the acronym are treated with nothing but dignity and to have them participate in-full within society.

Services that are run by Thorn Harbour Healthcare include; Equinox, PRONTO! and The Centre Clinic.

Peter Locke from Thorne Harbour Health commented, Equinox has been able to continue providing nursing support for hormone injections and patients have access to tele health appointments where the doctors provide scripts, pathology requests and referrals as usual. However, there has been considerable concern in the community that these services are no longer available.

In general there is a shortage of transgender and non-binary affirmative medical services in Victoria, a situation that is being addressed by Thorne Harbour Healths participation in the Victorian Government funded The Trans and Gender Diverse in Community Health consortia. Thorne Harbour Health has developed an excellent clinician training and support package that is free for any Victorian based GP, nurse, or allied health professional to access. Unfortunately, due to physical distancing restrictions, the Equinox GP observation aspect of this package has been temporarily paused. However, the other training services remain available via video link platforms. We look forward to having GPs visit and observe our practice again when physical distancing restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.

We would like to be able to offer telehealth appointments into the future, however this all depends on ongoing MBS funding. At this time, it is expected that telehealth bulk billing item numbers will end at the end of September. If these benefits arent extended beyond this time, we will be unable to offer bulk billed telehealth services.

See more here:
COVID-19 Meant My Transition Needs Were Put On Hold! - Star Observer