Latest news with #hormones
Wall Street Journal
4 hours ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
How Weight-Loss Drugs Blew Out the U.S. Trade Deficit
Planes have been jetting from Ireland to the U.S. this year carrying something more valuable than gold: $36 billion worth of hormones for popular obesity and diabetes drugs. The frantic airlift of those ingredients—more than double what was imported from Ireland for all of last year—reflects the collision of two powerful forces: tariff-driven stockpiling and weight-loss drug demand.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Dad brain': How becoming a father changes your brain
It's not only mothers who experience profound changes around the birth of a child - fathers also show measurable adjustments in brain structure and hormone balance, according to new research led by psychology professor Darby Saxbe at the University of Southern California. Results from brain scans show: The cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, also changes in fathers, Saxbe explains in the American Psychological Association (APA) podcast Speaking of Psychology. The changes are more subtle than in mothers, but nevertheless detectable - and they appear to promote the fathers' ability to care. There are also changes in hormone levels. The testosterone levels of many fathers fall after the birth, something associated with a higher motivation to look after the baby, explains Saxbe. This means that less testosterone can mean more closeness to the child, as well as a better quality of relationship during the transition to parenthood. At the same time, it was shown that partners of fathers with lower testosterone reported fewer depressive symptoms - provided the relationship was good. Poor sleep is a constant companion of young parents. And according to Saxbe's research, lack of sleep is a consequence rather than a cause of brain changes. Those who are particularly involved in caring for the baby often sleep less well - but the brain seems to want to "remodel" itself precisely for this purpose. Her research also suggests that fatherhood is a real "development window" for the brain - comparable to adolescence or childhood. "Every window of change is a window of vulnerability, but it's also a window of opportunity," says the professor. Anyone who initially feels that they are unable to concentrate like they used to need not worry immediately. This is because children boost their parents' memory: they sharpen their cognitive skills and parents have "more ability to remember and retrieve things" that are related to the child. Another key finding: fathers who take parental leave also benefit - but mothers benefit even more. They sleep better, are less stressed and show fewer depressive symptoms, her research showed. "It was really the moms that had the biggest benefit." Parental leave is something that not only benefits fathers, but the whole family. "We know it has benefits for the children. We also know that it's beneficial for the partner. And I think that anything you can do to take the pressure off the family system is also a way of managing stress." - Darby Saxbe is Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. There she directs the Neuroendocrinology of Social Ties (NEST) Lab, where she studies how close relationships affect health, with a particular focus on the transition to parenthood. Her book "Dad Brain" is due to be published next year.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I was born with both male and female 'attributes'... here's the harsh reality of my dating life
A woman who was born intersex has lifted a lid on the realities of dating while having 'both male and female attributes.' Siera Arena, 27, from Lexington, Kentucky, grew up believing she was a perfectly normal girl. But at age 16, she began to notice that she was 'different' from her peers. She still hadn't started her period or gone through puberty, and she began to develop 'symptoms of menopause.' 'I wasn't getting any of the hormones I needed. I would get hot flashes and mood swings a lot, which was strange for a young teenager to experience,' she recalled exclusively to the Daily Mail. 'I also would get frequent headaches which I've since learned were likely hormone related as well.' She brought it up during a checkup with her doctor, who ran a series of tests and discovered that her uterus and ovaries hadn't developed correctly. Eventually, she was told she was intersex, which is when someone has 'physical sex characteristics, including sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, or chromosomes, that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.' A woman who was born intersex has lifted a lid on the realities of dating while having 'both male and female attributes' Siera Arena, 27, from Lexington, Kentucky , grew up believing she was a perfectly normal girl. But at age 16, she began to notice that she was 'different' from her peers She still hadn't started her period or gone through puberty, and she began to develop 'symptoms of menopause.' She's seen as a kid 'Being intersex basically means that you don't fall on the binary for biological sex and can have both male and female attributes or characteristics,' she explained. 'In my case, I was born externally female, but I have XY chromosomes and instead of developing ovaries or testes, I had what are called streak (sterile) gonads, which don't produce the typical sex hormones needed to reach sexual maturity. 'It was a pretty jarring realization to have. You grow up planning your life around these societal norms and so when you find out that you're different and it will impact how you have relationships or start a family it can really reshape how you see everything and your future as a young person.' When it comes to finding love, Siera said she doesn't usually bring up the fact that she's intersex 'until the topic of having kids comes up.' 'I can't conceive naturally and that's definitely something I like to be open about when having these types of conversations while dating,' she explained. Siera admitted that she used to get really nervous about how she would tell her significant other, but now, she's realized it's not that 'big of a deal.' 'When I was still dating men it was something that I thought about a lot more, but now that I date women, it's really not as big of a deal as it used to feel for me when I was younger,' she added. Siera is extremely open about her journey online, but she's unfortunately been subjected to a slew of cruel comments. She brought it up during a checkup with her doctor, who ran a series of tests and discovered her uterus and ovaries hadn't developed correctly. Eventually, she was told she was intersex 'Being intersex basically means that you don't fall on the binary for biological sex and can have both male and female attributes or characteristics,' she explained 'There are definitely some haters in the comments which can primarily be explained by ignorance,' she said in response to the trolls. 'Not a lot of people know what intersex is or means, so it makes sense people will try to invalidate something they don't understand. 'I know that I was born the way I am for a reason and I'm excited to see how that manifests, so I don't let hate comments bring me down.' While Siera felt ashamed by her differences at first, she has since come to love her body. 'As I've gotten older, I've continually strengthened my ability to not care what others think,' she stated. 'This has helped me a lot in building my confidence in speaking about being intersex. The more I talk about it openly with others, the easier it becomes to stand in who I am confidently. 'I find it really comforting to have a better understanding of who I am and what it means to be Intersex. When it comes to finding love, Siera said she doesn't usually bring up the fact that she's intersex 'until the topic of having kids comes up' While Siera felt ashamed by her differences at first, she has since come to love her body 'It's nice to be able to connect the dots on things that make me unique and different and knowing the words to describe my condition has helped me to foster a community with other intersex people online.' In the end, she said she hopes that others who were 'born different' feel inspired by her story. 'There is a lot of power in having this unique perspective we have on life thanks to being born differently,' she gushed. 'Talk to your friends and family about it and become more comfortable sharing your story with others, because it can make a huge difference in everyone's lives.'
Medical News Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Postmenopausal breast cancer: Risk, symptoms, and more
Link MHT and breast cancer Other risk factors Contacting a doctor FAQ Postmenopausal breast cancer occurs at higher rates due to cumulative hormone exposure and age-related cellular changes that increase cancer risk. Breast cancer develops when cells in breast tissue begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. The risk of breast cancer increases significantly with age, particularly after menopause, when hormonal and cellular changes create an environment more conducive to cancer development. This article explores postmenopausal breast cancer risk, symptoms to watch for, and risk reduction strategies following menopause. Curly_photo/Getty Images Yes, the risk of breast cancer can increase after menopause. Statistics show that the likelihood of developing breast cancer rises with age, with about 1 in 8 women developing the disease during their lifetime, and the majority of these cases occurring after menopause. In those ages 20 to 24, there are 1.5 breast cancer cases per 100,000. This figure jumps to more than 421 cases in those ages 75 to 79. More than 9 in 10 new female breast cancer cases occur in those ages 40 or over. This age-related increase means that postmenopausal people may benefit from regular screening. The relationship between breast cancer and menopause centers on the length of hormone exposure. During reproductive years, the body produces estrogen and progesterone every month as part of the menstrual cycle. These hormones signal breast cells to grow and divide, a process that is entirely natural. However, each time cells divide, there is a slight chance for mistakes to occur in the DNA. Over many years, these mistakes can accumulate and potentially lead to cancer development. While menopause itself does not directly cause cancer, breast cancer risk naturally increases with age. Those who experience menopause later in life, after age 55, have a higher risk of breast cancer because their bodies were exposed to reproductive hormones for longer periods. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is another consideration. Many people use MHT during perimenopause to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, but some types of MHT increase breast cancer risk. The risk appears to be higher with combined estrogen and progesterone treatment compared to estrogen alone. MHT can increase breast cancer risk, but the level of risk depends on the specific type of HRT used. Combination MHT, which contains both estrogen and progesterone, poses a higher risk than estrogen-only therapy. Estrogen-only MHT is typically used by those who have had hysterectomies. It does not appear to be linked to an increased breast cancer risk, making it a safer option for appropriate candidates. MHT may increase the initial risk of developing breast cancer and make it more likely that cancer will be detected at advanced stages. According to this occurs partly because combination MHT increases breast density, making mammograms less effective at spotting early cancers. The risk appears greater with daily progesterone use compared to less frequent dosing schedules. The dose and duration of MHT also play a significant role in breast cancer risk. Higher doses carry a greater risk than lower doses, and this increased risk can persist for more than 10 years after treatment stops. These findings apply to both synthetic hormones and bioidentical products, despite marketing claims that natural hormones are safer. Anyone considering MHT should discuss their risk factors with healthcare professionals to weigh the benefits of symptom relief against potential cancer risks. Reproductive history : Never having children or having a first child after age 30 increases the risk. Pregnancy lowers breast cell exposure to circulating estrogen. The more children a person has, the greater the protection against breast cancer. : Never having children or having a first child after age 30 increases the risk. Pregnancy lowers breast cell exposure to circulating estrogen. The more children a person has, the greater the protection against breast cancer. Lifestyle factors : A lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to increased risk. Smoking, particularly if started at a young age, also elevates breast cancer risk. : A lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to increased risk. Smoking, particularly if started at a young age, also elevates breast cancer risk. Medical factors : Previous breast biopsies showing atypical cells, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 significantly increase risk. Radiation exposure to the chest area, particularly during adolescence, also contributes to elevated risk. : Previous breast biopsies showing atypical cells, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 significantly increase risk. Radiation exposure to the chest area, particularly during adolescence, also contributes to elevated risk. Dense breast tissue: Dense breast tissue has a higher risk of developing breast cancer and may require additional screening methods beyond standard mammography. Maintain a moderate weight : Working toward and maintaining a moderate weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity significantly reduces risk. : Working toward and maintaining a moderate weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity significantly reduces risk. Exercise regularly : Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus two sessions of strength training exercises each week. : Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus two sessions of strength training exercises each week. Limit alcohol consumption : Restrict alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, as alcohol consumption is linked to increased breast cancer risk at any level of intake. : Restrict alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, as alcohol consumption is linked to increased breast cancer risk at any level of intake. Follow screening guidelines : Adhere to the recommended mammography schedules, typically once or twice a year, depending on age and risk factors. People with a higher risk may need additional screening methods. : Adhere to the recommended mammography schedules, typically once or twice a year, depending on age and risk factors. People with a higher risk may need additional screening methods. Consider preventive medications: For high risk individuals, medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene may reduce breast cancer risk by around 40% . These decisions require careful discussion with oncologists or breast specialists. A person should contact a doctor if they notice any symptoms of breast cancer. Postmenopausal individuals should be particularly vigilant because they no longer experience monthly breast changes related to menstrual cycles, making new abnormalities more significant. Any persistent change lasting more than 2 weeks warrants medical evaluation. Although regular self-examinations are not a replacement for professional screening, they can help people become familiar with their normal breast tissue and detect changes early. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) accounts for about 80% of breast cancer cases and breast cancer mainly develops in those around the age of 62. Generally, yes. After menopause, the body produces much less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that many breast cancers depend on to grow and spread. With lower hormone levels after menopause, these cancers receive weaker growth signals and tend to develop more slowly. This hormonal change creates a less favorable environment for cancer growth compared to the higher hormone levels present during reproductive years. Yes, postmenopausal breast cancer is typically less aggressive. Many breast cancers in older individuals are 'hormone-receptor-positive,' meaning they have receptors that allow hormones to fuel their growth. These hormone-positive cancers respond well to treatments that block hormones or prevent the body from making them, essentially cutting off the cancer's fuel supply. Postmenopausal breast cancer risk increases significantly with age. The relationship between menopause and breast cancer stems from cumulative hormonal exposure and age-related cellular changes. Risk factors include MHT, excess weight, family history, and lifestyle factors. People can reduce their risk by maintaining a moderate weight, engaging in regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and following screening guidelines. While postmenopausal breast cancers are often hormone receptor-positive and slower-growing, early detection remains crucial for optimal outcomes. Symptoms may be subtle but include new lumps, breast changes, and nipple abnormalities. Breast Cancer Menopause Cancer / Oncology
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I was born with both male and female 'attributes'... here's the harsh reality of my dating life
A woman who was born intersex has lifted a lid on the realities of dating while having 'both male and female attributes.' Siera Arena, 27, from Lexington, Kentucky, grew up believing she was a perfectly normal girl. But at age 16, she began to notice that she was 'different' from her peers. She still hadn't started her period or gone through puberty, and she began to develop 'symptoms of menopause.' 'I wasn't getting any of the hormones I needed. I would get hot flashes and mood swings a lot, which was strange for a young teenager to experience,' she recalled exclusively to the Daily Mail. 'I also would get frequent headaches which I've since learned were likely hormone related as well.' She brought it up during a checkup with her doctor, who ran a series of tests and discovered that her uterus and ovaries hadn't developed correctly. Eventually, she was told she was intersex, which is when someone has 'physical sex characteristics, including sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, or chromosomes, that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.' 'Being intersex basically means that you don't fall on the binary for biological sex and can have both male and female attributes or characteristics,' she explained. 'In my case, I was born externally female, but I have XY chromosomes and instead of developing ovaries or testes, I had what are called streak (sterile) gonads, which don't produce the typical sex hormones needed to reach sexual maturity. 'It was a pretty jarring realization to have. You grow up planning your life around these societal norms and so when you find out that you're different and it will impact how you have relationships or start a family it can really reshape how you see everything and your future as a young person.' When it comes to finding love, Siera said she doesn't usually bring up the fact that she's intersex 'until the topic of having kids comes up.' 'I can't conceive naturally and that's definitely something I like to be open about when having these types of conversations while dating,' she explained. Siera admitted that she used to get really nervous about how she would tell her significant other, but now, she's realized it's not that 'big of a deal.' 'When I was still dating men it was something that I thought about a lot more, but now that I date women, it's really not as big of a deal as it used to feel for me when I was younger,' she added. Siera is extremely open about her journey online, but she's unfortunately been subjected to a slew of cruel comments. 'Being intersex basically means that you don't fall on the binary for biological sex and can have both male and female attributes or characteristics,' she explained 'There are definitely some haters in the comments which can primarily be explained by ignorance,' she said in response to the trolls. 'Not a lot of people know what intersex is or means, so it makes sense people will try to invalidate something they don't understand. 'I know that I was born the way I am for a reason and I'm excited to see how that manifests, so I don't let hate comments bring me down.' While Siera felt ashamed by her differences at first, she has since come to love her body. 'As I've gotten older, I've continually strengthened my ability to not care what others think,' she stated. 'This has helped me a lot in building my confidence in speaking about being intersex. The more I talk about it openly with others, the easier it becomes to stand in who I am confidently. 'I find it really comforting to have a better understanding of who I am and what it means to be Intersex. 'It's nice to be able to connect the dots on things that make me unique and different and knowing the words to describe my condition has helped me to foster a community with other intersex people online.' In the end, she said she hopes that others who were 'born different' feel inspired by her story. 'There is a lot of power in having this unique perspective we have on life thanks to being born differently,' she gushed. 'Talk to your friends and family about it and become more comfortable sharing your story with others, because it can make a huge difference in everyone's lives.'
