Women of Wearables (wearables, health tech & femtech)’s Post

Endocrine News: Share Your Reflections on the October 2024 Issue: https://bit.ly/4dElsDB “This month’s focus is in an area that has actually been in the mainstream media quite a bit in the past few years: reproduction. However, we are putting an endocrinology-focused spin on it with several stories about the impact endocrine science has made on human reproduction. “— Mark A. Newman, Executive Editor Cover Story:  · Texas Nexus: A Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team Finds a Lifesaving Link Between Research and Clinical Practice Features: · Peak Performance: Previewing the Endocrine Society’s AI in Healthcare Virtual Summit · New Perspectives on PCOS: As the incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome grows, so does an increased awareness · Oral Arguments: Getting the Word Out About Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy · Shouldering Responsibility: Could a male contraceptive gel be a birth control game changer? #reproductivehealth #reproduction #PCOS #Testosterone #TRT #Contraceptive

🌟Our PCRM doctors have been popping up in the news a lot lately. This week we're thrilled to share insights from the brilliant Dr. Caitlin Dunne, MD, FRCSC, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and Reproductive Specialist at PCRM. 👩⚕️ In a recent article featured on Today's Parent, Dr. Dunne sheds light on a crucial aspect of women's health—Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). She highlights the significance of understanding the complexities of PCOS, particularly its impact on fertility and overall well-being. 🔍 The article delves into the optimal age for women with PCOS to conceive, addressing concerns and providing invaluable guidance. Dr. Dunne emphasizes that there are serious complications associated with PCOS that tend to worsen over time, underlining the importance of proactive management and support. "For example, women with PCOS are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and depression," says Dunne. 🌈 As advocates for women's health, it's essential to stay informed and empowered. Dr. Dunne's expertise illuminates pathways for individuals navigating the challenges of PCOS, offering hope, guidance, and personalized care. Read the insightful article here: https://lnkd.in/gYrdqeeq #PCOSAwareness #FertilityJourney #WomenHealth #ExpertInsights #EmpoweredChoices #PCRM #DrCaitlinDunne #ReproductiveMedicine

Some reflection in honour of #PCOSAwarenessMonth 💭⬇️ ❤️🩹I have always suffered from debilitating period pain. The kind where I get lightheaded, nauseous, and sometimes even pass out. When I was 16, rather than run any blood or hormone tests, I was put on contraception to stop my periods entirely. I was always told it was "normal" and not to worry. 🙃As an adult creating content for period care brands, it became clear to me that something was wrong... but I was too afraid to find out what. This willed ignorance "worked" until March, when, during a business trip, I found myself curled up on the floor of a Sheffield Tesco at 6am. I'd waited outside the shop for over an hour because I needed pain meds, and it became unbearable once I reached the till. After more tests and an ultrasound, I received a PCOS diagnosis. It was actually such a relief for my pain to (formally) be seen. 🩺 I had a lot of follow-up questions for the doctor, particularly about fertility and hormone health. His response? “Honestly… there’s still so much we don’t know about the condition.” 🌍 Which is ❗️WILD❗️ considering that, according to the WHO, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women. That's approximately 116 million people. And these numbers are just estimates since up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide. 🇺🇸 In the United States, 315 medical conditions receive federal support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and PCOS ranks near the bottom. Until 2022, PCOS was so underfunded that it wasn’t included as a line item in the NIH list.  🫠 HOW, in 2024, can something that impacts hundreds of millions of people, both in terms of fertility outcomes and quality of life, be so under-explored? 💌 I'm aware this may seem like a personal post, but to me, it's not. What I'm describing above is the result of global, institutional shortcomings that consistently deprioritise innovation, research, funding, and understanding of female healthcare. Growing up, I used to whisper and wince through what felt like a super personal experience. Now, I see it as part of a much larger issue that needs to be openly talked about and addressed. ☀️My final note: The things that make us feel most alone, are often what bind us together. If you're one of the other 100 million + people living with PCOS, know that you're not alone. And for those 70% who don't yet know you've got it (like me 6 months ago) I promise to keep creating educational content that aims to give you autonomy and understanding of your body. 🫡 loads of love x #PCOS #FemaleHealthcare #FemTech #PCOSAwareness

Research Reveals a Correlation Between Urinary Incontinence and the Risk of Disability in Women Urinary incontinence is a common issue that affects many women at various stages of their lives. However, new research conducted by the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging has raised concerns about a significant correlation between urinary incontinence and the risk of future disability. #disease #high #medicine #Research #stress #study

We were delighted that My Moves Matter was selected as 1 of the 11 winners for Health Innovation Hub Ireland first Femtech Innovation call competition. It is perfect timing for us as we launch today a world-first study on hormonal impact on women with Parkinson’s disease. We are collaborating with researchers at University College Cork (UCC) with a view to understanding how hormonal changes in women impact their symptoms. The study with UCC is so important for women with Parkinson’s as it will be the first prospective study of its kind to track the impact of the menstrual cycle on Parkinson’s symptoms. There are no clinical guidelines for the management of symptoms worsening in relation to hormonal changes in women. My hope is that this study may help to lay the foundations for the development of such guidelines, which would be transformative for many women who have worsening of their symptoms for 1-2 weeks of every month which can be very debilitating leading to work absences, inability to look after their families and often giving up work. Professor Aideen Sullivan, Head of Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and lead researcher on the study said: “There is increasing global awareness of the unmet need for patient-specific treatment and management of Parkinson’s disease. This is particularly important for women with Parkinson’s, who have unique needs. Women may experience Parkinson’s symptoms differently at distinct stages of their monthly menstrual cycle, and of their reproductive lifecycle". Co-lead on the study, Dr Lucy Collins Stack, said: “The knowledge gained from this study will further the advancement of gender specific treatment for women during the peri-menstrual period.” https://lnkd.in/e33VqX5p

New research in the International Urogynecology Journal Journal raises serious concerns about testosterone use among trans-identified female patients. Researchers found that: ✔️ 94% of the patients they studied had developed pelvic floor dysfunction ✔️ 87% suffered from issues with bladder control ✔️ 53% reported sexual dysfunction, such as pain during intercourse ✔️ 74% reported experiencing issues with bowel movements, such as constipation or faecal incontinence. There’s a serious disconnect between emerging evidence of transition’s risks and harms, and the ways young people view these interventions. Read more in UnHerd:

It is estimated that 40% of women do not receive post-partum care. Lot's of prenatal checkups, pop that baby out, then get on with your new life including little sleep, new baby care, continued family care, return to employment, and ohbytheway, take care of yourself too. And don't get me started about the insufficient screening for pelvic floor disorders. Postpartum wellness checks are so important and should always include screening for pelvic floor disorders, which often falls by the wayside. Good study! https://lnkd.in/gG_2T8YW #APOPS #womenshealthempowerment #BelowtheWaist #TheBiggestSecretinWomensHealth

“Being a woman” is not a straightforward attribute. The perceived inferiority that this entails results in many inequalities in our society. Some are more apparent, while others not so much. This perspective is from a collective of women’s health leaders who focus on studies of aging females. They provide an analysis of how the lack of account for unique characteristics of aging females is a limitation in most preclinical models of aging biology research. As a result, female patients present higher morbidity and adverse effects from treatments of age-related diseases. The Perspective provides an overview of how specific events in female health might impact long-term health. In turn, the authors provide recommendations of how to include events like menopause and pregnancy into models of aging biology in a call-to-action to address this gap in research. Full article: https://tr.ee/irnsE1gY18

Increasing awareness of women’s health is important - in 2024, 543 words will NEVER be all that you need to know about a lifelong medical condition 12% of the population. But taking a step back… why are their ovaries producing extra androgens? What if the patient has had irregular cycles since menarche, regardless of different weights they’ve had? What if weight loss doesn’t resolve it? What about the increased risk of eating disorders in this population? If insulin resistance is a driver of this (very heterogeneous) condition, why are patients not given detailed advice about preventing insulin spikes and education about how insulin works in their bodies and how insulin sensitivity varies throughout the day? Why are the research and recommendations unclear about carb load for people with PCOS - there’s a lot out there about keto, paleo, eating moderate carb intake and increasing carb intake. What about generating muscle mass and how muscle plays a role in glucose metabolism/insulin response? This article centers pregnancy and fertility but also doesn’t mention miscarriage and other pregnancy related challenges. For people who don’t want kids or aren’t in that season of life - what about bone health, cardiovascular disease, impact of alcohol and cannabis use? This is far from settled science and the patients, providers, and researchers in this space deserve better. I’ve added links in the comments. If PCOS impacts you, feel free to reach out. You don’t have to settle for surface level, not quite helpful information. #womenshealth #pcos #research

Interesting study by Pulsenmore and Kaiser Permanente showing potential of remote care to replace in person #prenatal visits. The study confirms that remote prenatal care provides same outcomes plus #convenience and #flexibility for patients; it also allows access to care for #disadvantaged population. Very important findings given poor #maternal outcomes in remote areas and for minorities in the US.