Imagine there are two people experiencing the same stressful situation, such as a close deadline or a family conflict. While both feel the pressure, science reveals that a woman’s brain and body often react more intensely for a longer period than a man’s. While stress is a universal experience, it is not one that is equal for all. Research indicates that women usually experience higher levels of stress with more physical symptoms, such as headaches, and additional stress-related disorders.[1]
Image by Freepik
Neuroscience of Stress in Women
The brain’s stress response comes from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, playing a crucial role in the neuroendocrine response to stress. This system regulates the body’s response to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol [2]. Studies show that women usually demonstrate higher baseline cortisol levels and prolonged stress responses in comparison to men during times of emotional stress. This can lead to women becoming more vulnerable to anxiety disorders over time [3].
MRI studies also indicate that women and men process stress differently at the neural level. When exposed to stressors, women show increased activity in the amygdala, a region in the brain involved in emotional processing. On the other hand, men show more prefrontal cortex activity associated with cognitive regulation. This difference highlights why women may experience stress as more emotionally overwhelming [4].
Hormonal Influences
Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play an important role in regulating stress responses. Estrogen has been proven to increase the HPA axis response to stress, while progesterone may have a decreasing effect [5]. These fluctuations occur during the menstrual cycle, leading to variations in the NPA axis reactivity. This can make it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent stress management strategies while also causing disruptions to fertility.
Social and Psychological Factors
Social and environmental factors largely contribute to the gender differences in stress response as well. Women are more likely to endure chronic stressors because of caregiving and other social expectations, strengthening neuroendocrine stress responses [6]. Long-term exposure to stressors such as these has been repeatedly linked to high rates of stress-related disorders in women.
Implications for Wellbeing
Recognizing the way in which stress affects women differently is crucial for the development of prevention and disorder treatments. In the meantime, methods such as incorporating physical activity into daily routine and utilizing mindfulness practices have been shown to aid in decreasing gender specific reactions to stress.[7]
Stress is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Biological and social differences combined can cause women’s stress responses to be more complex, and eventually more damaging. Acknowledging these existing differences is the first step in creating methods that genuinely meet a woman’s mental and physical needs.
References
[1] Reid, M. (2024, July 30). Are Women More Stressed than Men? Experts Say Yes—Here’s Why. Evie. https://eviering.com/blogs/news/are-women-more-stressed-than-men-experts-say-yes-here-s-why
[2] Sharan, P., & Vellapandian, C. (2024). Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis: Unveiling the potential mechanisms involved in stress-induced alzheimer’s disease and depression. Cureus, 16(8). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.67595
[3] Balhara, Y. P. S., Verma, R., & Gupta, C. S. (2012). Gender differences in stress response: Role of developmental and biological determinants. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 20(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.98407
[4] Why Men and Women Need Different Stress Strategies – The American Institute of Stress. (2025, January 22). The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/news/why-men-and-women-need-different-stress-strategies/
[5] Sun, Q., Li, G., Zhao, F., Dong, M., Xie, W., Liu, Q., Yang, W., & Cui, R. (2024). Role of estrogen in treatment of female depression. Aging. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.205507
[6] Liat Helpman. (2023). On the stress of being a woman: The synergistic contribution of sex as a biological variable and gender as a psychosocial one to risk of stress-related disorders. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 150, 105211–105211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105211
[7] Kinghorn, K. (2023, December 12). Therapy Utah. Therapy Utah -. https://www.therapyutah.org/is-womens-mental-health-taken-seriously-enough/
Telehealth and Tele-Abortion: The Unlikely Guardian of Access in Restrictive States
Sanya Talwar August 2025
A New Wave of Access
In the years since Dobbs, abortion access has fractured sharply across the U.S., yet a surprising trend is emerging—medication abortions delivered via telehealth are rising sharply, even in states with outright bans. A recent study found abortion pill provision rates were over three times higher in states that ban abortionscompared with those without bans, and more than double in states banning telemedicine abortions altogether.[2]
Shield laws in states like New York and California are fueling this shift, protecting telehealth providers from prosecution when prescribing across state lines.[3] For many, this is the only viable option where clinics have closed.
Image by Freepik
The Power and Limits of Shield Laws
Shield laws work—recently, a New York court blocked Texas from punishing a doctor who prescribed abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) to a Texas patient, reinforcing the strength of these protections.[3] But legal risks remain. Patients in banned states face higher costs, delays, and the possibility of targeted lawsuits.
Just last week, a Texas woman filed a federal wrongful death suit against Aid Access, a telemedicine abortion provider, and her ex-partner—alleging he drugged her with abortion pills without her consent. The suit cites Texas abortion law and the federal Comstock Act, raising new questions about whether telehealth abortion could be attacked through civil suits or revived federal statutes.[4]
Balancing Innovation and Equity
Telehealth and medication abortion represent a powerful tool for resilience, keeping access alive where it’s most at risk. Yet, inequality deepens—people in states where abortion is banned are more than twice as likely to receive care later in pregnancy, with greater financial and logistical burdens.[1] This burden falls disproportionately on low-income women and those with limited health literacy, who face higher risks of delayed care and complications. National data shows that women of color, particularly Black and Latina patients, are more likely to experience financial and travel-related barriers, exacerbating existing health disparities.
As legal battles intensify, the future of tele-abortion may hinge on stronger shield laws, continued innovation in care delivery, and recognition that reproductive health is inseparable from health equity itself.
[3] Nash, E., & Cross, L. (2023, December). Abortion shield laws: Protecting providers in hostile states. Guttmacher Institute. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2023/12/abortion-shield-laws-protecting-providers-hostile-states
Out of Control: Why No One Talks About Post-Partum Rage
Brenda Cali August 2025
Most people imagine new motherhood with thoughts of cozy baby snuggles, lullabies, and maybe a few tears from sleepless nights. What’s rarely discussed, both in the medical world as well as in most social circles, is the overwhelming and explosive anger that can sneak up on you at random and very unexpectedly. While most new mothers are warned to look out for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety in those early days of motherhood, they are not usually warned about the raw and intense emotions that can feel like a volcano erupting inside. This experience is called postpartum rage, and despite how common it is, hardly anyone talks about it.
Image by Freepik
If you’ve ever found yourself screaming into a pillow, snapping at your partner over something small, or feeling a sense of uncontrollable anger after having a baby, you’re not alone.You’re not wrong or failing at motherhood, but could be experiencing postpartum rage, something that’s all too real and widely misunderstood.
Postpartum rage refers to intense and often irrational anger that occurs during the postpartum period, sometimes without any warning or clear triggers. This rage can happen in the blink of an eye. You may be shocked by the sudden outburst and left shaken and scared, wondering if it will happen again.¹²³
Common symptoms include:
Explosive outbursts or yelling
Violent thoughts or uncontrollable urges
Irritability that feels constant or overwhelming
Feelings of guilt or shame after an episode
A desire to isolate or withdraw
Physical outbursts such as throwing things
It is not an official diagnosis, but it is commonly a symptom of postpartum depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Carly Snyder, “Postpartum rage is frequently a symptom of another underlying perinatal mood disorder.”⁴
What Causes It?
In many cases, this intense anger becomes the only outward symptom of the emotional overload new mothers often feel. Women are not just sad, they are quite literally enraged. There isn’t one single cause of postpartum rage but experts believe it stems from a complex mix of hormonal, emotional, and environmental factors. Partum Health Care’s article Postpartum Rage: What It Is, and How to Cope describes several causes, which can include:³
Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically after birth, affecting mood regulation.
Sleep deprivation: Chronic exhaustion can erode emotional resilience.
Mental overload: New mothers are often burdened with the invisible labor of parenting, household management, and emotional caregiving.
Underlying mental health conditions: Rage is often connected to untreated or misdiagnosed postpartum depression or anxiety.
When Does It Occur and How Long Does It Last?
Postpartum rage can begin within days, weeks, or months after childbirth.² Some mothers experience it shortly after delivery while others may not notice symptoms until they’re back at work or going through a stressful change. It can last several months to over a year if left untreated.
Who Is at Risk?
According to McLean Hospital, while postpartum rage can affect anyone, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it.⁶
Some risk factors can include:
A history of mental health challenges
Lack of social support
Traumatic pregnancy or birth
Sleep deprivation
Financial stress
Inadequate healthcare
Further, McLean Hospital reports that postpartum depression and anxiety are also more common among Black women, with some estimates showing rates more than double those of white women.⁶
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which include rage, affect 1 in 7 women after childbirth.⁷ In fact, as many as 6.5 to 20 percent of women will experience a postpartum depression more serious than the “baby blues,” indicating a much broader spectrum of maternal mental health struggles than is often acknowledged.⁸
Why Is It So Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed?
The medical system and society fail to recognize maternal anger as a valid emotional response. Because postpartum rage is not a stand-alone clinical diagnosis, many women are misdiagnosed or treated for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or simply brushed off as a shift or adjustment in hormones. Women are also dismissed and often told they’re simply just tired or overreacting. This dismissal only adds to the shame and silence surrounding the issue.
The Role of Stigma
There is a deeply ingrained cultural expectation that mothers should be patient, nurturing, and selfless. Anger doesn’t fit into this narrative. As a result, many mothers feel embarrassed or afraid to speak up.“Rage is not something society is comfortable seeing in mothers,” says Karen Kleiman, founder of The Postpartum Stress Center. “So they suffer quietly, feeling ashamed of a very human reaction.”⁵
When to Seek Help
If your anger feels out of control, is persistent, or harmful to yourself or others, it’s time to seek help.⁹ Here are a few signs it may be the right time to talk to a professional:
You’re having daily or frequent outbursts
Your anger is damaging your relationships
You feel guilt, shame, or regret regularly after reacting
You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
How Is It Treated?
The good news: postpartum rage is treatable and help is available. Common treatment options include:¹⁰
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective first-line treatment for postpartum mood disorders, helping individuals identify triggers and develop practical strategies.
Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed and can be effective in stabilizing mood.
Support groups: Peer groups—offered in-person or virtually—provide validation and solidarity.
Lifestyle changes: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and reducing overwhelm can significantly improve outcomes.
But the most important step is recognizing that you are not alone, and this is not your fault.
Current Research and Where to Seek Help
Preliminary research emphasizes the protective role of social support—leaning on friends, family, and community can help alleviate feelings of emotional overwhelm.¹¹ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are trusted resources you can access right now:
Postpartum Support International (PSI): Offers a toll-free helpline (in English and Spanish), local resource referrals, peer support groups, and online communities.¹²
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Provides free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to reach trained counselors.¹³
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York (PRCNY): Offers peer-led support, weekly virtual and in-person groups, and a statewide helpline (1-855-631-0001).¹⁴
Final Thoughts
The truth is that postpartum rage is more common than most people realize, and silence only makes it worse. It’s time we expand the conversation around maternal mental health to include all emotions, including anger. If this sounds like you, please know you are not crazy, and you are not a bad mother. You are navigating one of the most intense transitions a human being can experience. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this alone, and help is available.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. “Postpartum Rage: Symptoms, Causes, and Management.” Last modified February 28, 2023. Accessed August 27, 2025.
4. Snyder, Carly. “Postpartum Rage Is a Real Symptom of Mood Disorders.” Healthline. Last modified 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-rage.
5. Kleiman, Karen. The Art of Holding in Therapy: An Essential Intervention for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. New York: Routledge, 2017.
6. McLean Hospital. Beyond the Baby Blues: Addressing Postpartum Depression. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/postpartum-depression.
7. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Accessed August 27, 2025.
12. Postpartum Support International (PSI). “Help for Moms.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartum.net.
13. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). “National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.” Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline. 14. Postpartum Resource Center of New York. “Support Groups and Helpline.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartumny.org.
Cold plunges and cold showers have long been popular in healthy living circles although originating from traditional practices in many northern cultures. It involves either immersion or showering in cold water for a given period of time. This is done mainly to improve focus, circulation, and many other purported health benefits. However, is it truly helpful for women? Let’s take a plunge into the research and find out.
Image by Freepik
General Systemic Effects
The main effect one can notice immediately with a cold shower or plunge is that the body tries to regulate heat production to maintain the normal temperature. So, although at first you might feel cold, after some time the water feels more bearable. What exactly is happening here? Our skin gets heat from the underlying blood vessels (our blood is warm!). When we get exposed to cold, our body first tries to preserve warmth by restricting the vessels, then after a few minutes it dilates the vessels to try and get that area warm again. [1] A secondary response to cold exposure is shivering, which attempts to increase heat production by continuous contraction of the skeletal muscles.[1] This activity in turn increases the body’s metabolism and makes us warmer. Typically shivering starts when the body’s core temperature falls between 36.2°to 36.5° C. [1]
Pros and Cons
Now coming to some benefits of cold water immersion, the first noticeable benefits are mental. Many people report that they feel sharper, more alert and focused after just a few minutes, and in a study the participants also had significant positive changes in their mood. [7] There is also evidence that regular cold showers can help boost our immunity, specifically through increasing immunoglobulin, interleukin levels, and T-lymphocytes. [1] Another key benefit of cold water immersion is increased insulin sensitivity due to the changes in fat cells. [1] There are also cardio-protective effects in cold-adapted individuals; research participants were found to have reduced levels of homocysteine and oxidative-stress markers in their blood samples. [1] So as we can see, this is a practice that can help improve general well-being, but are there any downsides? The answer is yes. Staying in the icy water for too long may lead to hypothermia, but how long is too long? [2] That may vary based on a person’s weight, body fat percentage, and other factors. Generally in water at 0°C, it takes less than 30 minutes for the body’s core temperature to decrease to the point of entering into a hypothermic state. [2] There are also cardiovascular risks, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, caused by the shock of icy water leading to arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. [2] And studies show cold water swimming can increase blood pressure and cardiac troponin even in healthy individuals, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. [2] Finally, there is also the risk of drowning when plunging into cold water, caused by the initial shock and subsequent hyperventilation [2]
Effects on Women
Studies show that there are some differences between the genders when it comes to bodily responses to the cold water, men tend to have more of a metabolic response while women tend to have more of an insulative response. [1] Meaning men’s bodies increase heat production via shivering while women’s bodies prioritize the basal temperature and reduce the skin temperature. [3] This is because women tend to have more body fat, and men tend to have more skeletal muscle. [3] Men also have more neuroendocrine and immune responses compared to women. [1] Cold water immersion is used to help muscle recovery after exercise, however a recent study determined that it did not have a similar effect for women. [6] In another small study, it was shown that women tend to have more cardiovascular strain compared to men when doing cold water immersion. [4] It’s also interesting to note that general exposure to cold is a factor (among many) that can increase dysmenorrhea. [5] In general there are fewer gender-specific studies on the effects of cold water-immersion, so more research is needed to get a clearer picture.
Conclusion
Cold water immersion is a practice that has the potential to improve our health when done safely, it is best to start small at first and slowly let the body get adapted to the cold water. After all, research indicates that cold adapted individuals tend to experience more benefits compared to others. [1] It may be helpful for women to avoid the practice during and a few days before menstruation. People with cardiac conditions should use caution when attempting cold plunges, and should talk to a medical professional before starting.
References:
[1] Esperland, D., de Weerd, L., & Mercer, J. B. (2022, September 22). Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing subject of debate. International journal of circumpolar health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518606/#s0003
[2] Knechtle, B., Waśkiewicz, Z., Sousa, C. V., Hill, L., & Nikolaidis, P. T. (2020, December 2). Cold water swimming-benefits and risks: A narrative review. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7730683/#sec14-ijerph-17-08984
[3] Solianik, R., Skurvydas, A., Vitkauskiene, A., & Brazaitis, M. (2014, May 6). Gender-specific cold responses induce a similar body-cooling rate but different neuroendocrine and immune responses. Cryobiology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001122401400087X?via%3Dihub
[4] Tsoutsoubi, L., Loannou, L., Mantzios, K., Ziaka, S., Flouris, A., & Nybo, L. (2022, July 5). Cardiovascular stress and characteristics of cold-induced vasodilation in women and men during cold-water immersion: A Randomized Control Study. Biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36101432/
[5] Wang, L., Yan, Y., Qiu, H., Xu, D., Zhu, J., Liu, J., & Lu, H. (2022, May 3). Prevalence and risk factors of primary dysmenorrhea in students: A meta-analysis. Value in health : the journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35523614/
[6] Wellauer, V., Clijsen, R., Bianchi, G., Riggi, E., & Hohenauer, E. (2025, May 7). No acceleration of recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage after cold or hot water immersion in women: A randomised controlled trial. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0322416#:~:text=The%20findings%20of%20this%20study,72%20h%20follow%2Dup%20period. [7] Yankouskaya, A., Williamson, R., Stacey, C., Totman, J. J., & Massey, H. (2023, January 29). Short-term head-out whole-body cold-water immersion facilitates positive affect and increases interaction between large-scale brain networks. Biology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9953392/#sec4-biology-12-00211
I first became grossly aware of South Asian femicide when I picked up Rupi Kaur’s “the sun and her flowers.” Published in 2017, “the sun and her flowers” was Kaur’s second collection of poetry, desired for its minimalistic illustrations and simplistic but preeminent language. Needless to say, I enjoyed flipping through her array of relatable and beautifully descriptive poems; however, there was only one page that moved me deeply to the point where I think about it today. It was a page controversial for not even being a poem: her timeline of South Asian female infanticide.
As the name suggests, femicide is the intentional murdering of girls or women. Sexism to the point of murder is rooted in centuries of cultural norms, religious beliefs, patriarchal societal structures, and in specified cases, wartime.
For decades, women have been subjected to several forms of violence and murder whether it be honor-killings, dowry-related, societal downpour, or even just pure domestic violence.[1] Historically, the most common reason for femicide is due to social stigma, often resulting in infanticide. As South Asia’s origins were rooted in deep-seated patriarchal structures, the thought of birthing a girl has been, and sometimes still is, negatively provoking. Today, in several South-Eastern Asian countries, including the likes of China, parents are prohibited from learning the sex of the fetus. From the 1990s to 2017, 10.7 million female infants were documented as missing in India alone.[2] The sex ratio for male versus female has always been off balance in the South-Eastern region, notoriously always favoring males. Today, several organizations in South Asia such as The Pushpa Project and the Invisible Girl Project have branched together to raise awareness and prevent female infanticide from materializing. However, this doesn’t mean cases don’t occur. On September 1st of 2024, a 28-year-old Khyala woman strangled her 6-day-old daughter to death. During the investigation, they found the newborn in a bag lying on the terrace of the house across from hers. The woman told the police she had already faced extreme social stigma for birthing three daughters previously and wanted to repel the suppositions that she was cursed.[5]
Honor killings usually occur when a woman is subjected as “impure,” usually through the breaking of purity norms. A woman’s actions that are deemed dishonorable to her family may result in a homicide, usually committed by a close male relative. The justification for this mindset can only be explained through the common systematic devaluing of women which can be found across many cultures historically. Honor killings are most prevalent in countries where family reputation, societal norms, and community cohesion is significantly important to daily living. In contrast to domestic violence, honor killing is a decision typically made carefully and under the right set of standards where the costs and benefits are weighed. One might assume punishment acts as a deterrent, but the prospect of jail time isn’t an impending concern when it comes to honor killing. Acts of impurity include: refusing an arranged marriage, courting a man other than her husband, divorcing and remarrying, or having an extramarital entanglement.[4] In some cases, the murder is even publicly announced in a boast of glee. In Syria, a woman remembered, “I had just reached the police station…when I saw my classmate Aziz joyfully descending a hill…and chanting ‘I’ve killed her and saved my family’s honour! I’ve killed my sister and have come to hand myself over for justice.’ The three of them strolled slowly into the police station, chatting amicably.”[3] Globally, it’s believed that around 5,000 to 20,000 female lives are taken from honor killing in a year alone.
Although the cited cases of femicide and female infanticide occurred in South-East Asia and the Middle East, domestic violence against women is a global issue—it’s everywhere. Regardless of location, gender-based discrimination persists in every society. In much larger and recent cases, when a country is subjected to wartime, gender violence heightens tremendously. The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been engulfed by a savage war since the mid 1990s. Enriched militant groups have employed sexual violence towards women as a tactic of war, and hasn’t stopped. General Secretaries of the International Trade Union Conference (ITUC) Burrow and Warda wrote, “Violence against women is the worst manifestation of women’s powerlessness and subordinate position at home, at work and in society.”[6] A UN report announced over 55,000 cases of sexual violence documented in the second quarter of 2024.[7] Sexual violence is systematically being used as a method of war in places such as Congo and Sudan.[6]
Femicide isn’t just a cruel grievance against the individual woman or girl; it’s a feature of a deeply-set sexist society that has failed to protect half its population. No law or paper will ever change the normality of femicide—it demands a change in cultural perseverance and a global commitment to valuing men and women equally. The ongoing difficulties women battle each day serves only as a reminder of the pressing problems we have to face.
References
[1] CORRADI, C. (2021, November 22). Femicide, its causes and recent trends: What do we know? European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/653655/EXPO_BRI(2021)653655_EN.pdf
[2] Cultural and Social Bias Leading to Prenatal Sex Selection: India Perspective. (2022, June 13). PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234277/
[3] Churchill Robert Paul. 2018. Women in the Crossfire: Understanding and Ending Honor Killing. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
[4] Aksoy, O., & Szekely, A. (2025, April 11). Making Sense of Honor Killings. SageJournals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00031224251324504#bibr11-00031224251324504
[5] Jalali, U. (2024, September 1). Female infanticide: Mother of three girls, Khyala woman kills fourth daughter. The New Indian Express.
[6] ITUC. (n.d.). Violence Against Women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
[7] United Nations. (2024, September 30). DRC: MSF publishes alarming figures on sexual violence admissions. https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict
Reactivated X Chromosome Boosts Brain Health in Older Females: A New Frontier to Preserve Cognition
Carina Garcia August 2025
It is well-established that women have longer life expectancies and a slower rate of cognitive aging.[1,2] Recent research from UCSF potentially explains differences in aging between sexes. Females possess two X chromosomes – an active X and inactive X, otherwise known as the Barr body. The X chromosome comprises 5% of the genome, however, there are limited studies focusing exclusively on the role of X chromosomes in the brain.[3,4,5] UCSF researchers found that in older female mice, gene expression of the “inactive” X promoted brain connectivity and cognition. “Cognition is one of our biggest biomedical problems, but things are changeable in the aging brain, and the X chromosome clearly can teach us what’s possible,” said neurology professor Dena Dubal, MD, PhD, and David A. Coulter, Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease at UCSF.[5] Therefore, research of the sex differences in aging can not only aid our understanding of health and illness in women, but also highlight potential therapeutic interventions to benefit human health.[3]
Reactivated X Genes Linked to Brain Function
In March 2025, UCSF researchers engineered two strains of laboratory mice, with the X chromosome from one strain silenced. This hybrid mice sample allowed researchers to gather data of genetic expression from each X chromosome. Researchers concentrated their collection in the hippocampus, a critical site for learning and memory known to decline with age. Remarkably, in older-aged mice (equivalent to a 65-year-old human), the X chromosome expressed about 20 genes in different cells of the hippocampus – one including Plp1, a component of myelin that is integral to neural signaling.[3,5]
“We immediately thought this might explain how women’s brains remain resilient in typical aging, because men wouldn’t have this extra X,” said Margaret Gadek, a graduate student in UCSF’s combined MD and PhD Medical Scientist Training Program.[5]
Another study analyzing the association of X chromosomes with cognitive changes among a cohort of 508 older individuals (mean age of 88.4) demonstrated that the higher expression of specific X-linked genes were significantly related to slower cognitive decline only in women. Therefore, the gene activity of the X chromosome may contribute to cognitive resilience in aging women.[2]
The Promise of X-Linked Interventions in Aging Brains
“Are there interventions that can amplify genes like Plp1 from the X chromosome to slow the decline – for both women and men – as we age?” said Dubal.[5]
Plp1 is a myelin component that supports neural insulation and signal transmission.[5] UCSF researchers found elevation of Plp1 in the hippocampus of aging female mice, ultimately improving cognition.[3] To investigate the relation between Plp1 and cognitive resilience, researchers expressed Plp1 in the hippocampus of aging females and male mice. This elevation of Plp1 improved cognitive resilience and performance on learning and memory tests. Given these compelling findings, this is promising for extending the understanding of cognition in older women, the association with the gene expression of the second X, and overall human health.[3,5]
[2] Davis, E. J., Solsberg, C. W., White, C. C., Miñones-Moyano, E., Sirota, M., Chibnik, L., Bennett, D. A., De Jager, P. L., Yokoyama, J. S., & Dubal, D. B. (2021). Sex-specific association of the X chromosome with cognitive change and tau pathology in aging and Alzheimer disease. JAMA Neurology, 78(10), 1249. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2806
[3] Gadek, M., Shaw, C. K., Abdulai-Saiku, S., Saloner, R., Marino, F., Wang, D., Bonham, L. W., Yokoyama, J. S., Panning, B., Benayoun, B. A., Casaletto, K. B., Ramani, V., & Dubal, D. B. (2025). Aging activates escape of the silent X chromosome in the female mouse hippocampus. Science Advances, 11(10). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads8169
[5] UC San Francisco. (2025, March). The ‘Silent’ X chromosome gives the aging female brain a boost. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/03/429571/silent-x-chromosome-gives-aging-female-brain-boost
Modern Birth Control—De-stigmatizing Birth Control
Kashish Patel August 2025
Even with decades of research, birth control is still one of the most misunderstood topics of women’s health. Misinformation, which is often rooted in social stigmas and outdated science, continues to influence public perception, often impacting the decisions women make. Myths about long-term fertility to hormonal effects discourage women from accepting the reproductive care that would be suitable for them. [1] Understanding the truth behind birth control is essential to get closer to a healthcare culture rooted in knowledge, not fear.
Woman hand holding a contraceptive panel prevent pregnancy
Common Myths About Birth Control
Despite 65% of U.S. women aged 15-49 using contraceptives, myths about birth control still fuel confusion and have prevented women from making decisions that could improve their health.[2] These are some of the most common misconceptions and what science has to say:
Myth 1: Birth control causes infertility
There is no evidence that birth control causes long-term infertility. While birth control can prevent pregnancy while you are on it, most women regain their fertility within weeks to months after stopping. Some forms of birth control can be prescribed to help regulate cycles or manage hormonal conditions such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which makes it easier to conceive later. [3]
Myth 2: IUDs can get lost inside your body
In rare occasions, complications like expulsion or shifting can occur, but IUDs do not “get lost” in the body. They remain in the uterus where they are placed by a healthcare provider. [4] With regular check-ups and by monitoring for signs such as pain, abnormal bleeding, or changes in the menstrual cycle, users can help ensure the IUD remains properly in place.
Myth 3: The pill is only for preventing pregnancy
While contraception is the primary use, many women turn to the pill for other health reasons such as regulating periods, reducing acne, and controlling the symptoms of medical conditions. [5] Birth control is a powerful tool all around and can serve to improve overall reproductive health.
Your Body, Your Birth Control
Choosing birth control is different for everyone. There are many factors that should be considered: health, lifestyle, future plans, and comfort with contraceptives. Many women feel overwhelmed by the number of options or are unsure which contraceptives are best for them.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to birth control. It is important to consider factors such as age and medical history. [1]
Some women consider a conversation with a gynecologist or primary care provider to help them narrow down options to find one that satisfies their reproductive needs. In addition, they can assess your medical history and explain how different methods will affect your body and answer any questions about side effects.
Choosing birth control is an emotional decision as much as it is a medical one. Letting cultural taboos, external pressures, or common misconceptions influence choices can be harmful to one’s future.
At the end of the day, birth control is a personal choice which should not be influenced by outdated misconceptions.
References
[1] Facts are important: Hormonal birth control. ACOG. (n.d.). https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/hormonal-birth-control
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, February 14). Products – data briefs – number 327 – December 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db327.htm
[3] ColoCRM. (2025, March 31). Can birth control cause infertility?. CCRM Fertility. https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/can-birth-control-cause-infertility/
[4] Grey, H. (2024, November 28). Common birth control myths and misconceptions. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/common-birth-control-myths#withdrawal
[5] Birth control myths. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/bc4teens/resources/birth-control-myths
Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention: The α-LA Vaccine
Carina Garcia June 2025
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of death in women globally. Current treatments require multidisciplinary care, allowing for personalized therapies and treatments accounting for certain biomarkers.[3,8] The standard course of treatment for early-stage breast cancer is breast-conserving surgery with radiotherapy or mastectomy, and dependent on the case, may also incorporate adjuvant systemic therapy as needed. Further, the treatment for metastatic breast cancer aims to optimize patient’s quality of life and survival.[8] Breast cancer care is continuously evolving with new, innovative preventive care and treatments, many of which are currently in development and undergoing trials. Among the advancements underway, a promising vaccine known as the α-Lactalbumin (α-LA) vaccine has drawn interest for its targeted approach, focusing on a breast-specific protein.[7] This novel approach could pave the way for the future of breast cancer prevention and improve women’s health.
Image by Freepik
What is α-LA?
α-LA is a breast-restricted protein only expressed during lactation, and it serves as a unique marker for breast cancer.[5,6] Notably, studies have shown that the highest α-LA expression levels were found in patients with stage IV breast cancer. These levels are comparable to those found in women in the last trimester of pregnancy and patients with gynecological cancers. Moreover, the level of α-LA in pregnant females were significantly higher than women with benign breast tumours or non-gynecological cancers and for non-pregnant females and males. Additionally, it is crucial to note that the level of α-LA in patients with stage IV breast cancer were significantly higher than patients with stage I-III breast cancer.[6] Given this context, the elevation of α-LA protein in advanced stages of breast cancer makes it a feasible target for a prophylactic cancer vaccination.[5,7] The groundbreaking concept of an α-LA-targeted vaccine strategy builds upon previous research by the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, which successfully found that the α-LA vaccination completely prevented breast cancer growth in mice at risk for the disease.[4,7] Therefore, further understanding the processes that enable the vaccine to target cancerous cells will provide valuable insights into its potential effectiveness in human patients.
The Inner Workings of the Vaccine
The α-LA vaccine intends to activate the immune system, forming a protective response against breast cancer cells expressing α-LA.[1] Studies indicate the viability of clinically-inducing a proinflammatory immune response against α-LA.[7] Further, this prophylactic vaccine does not cause any significant inflammation in normal, nonlactating breast tissue, thus minimizing the potential risks of the vaccine.[5] The vaccine also contained an immunologic adjuvant, a drug that enhances the immune response against α-LA to prevent tumor growth.[4]
The α-LA vaccine is an experimental drug not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[2] Recently, Anixa Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company, completed a phase-one clinical trial of the α-LA vaccine. This trial focused on individuals who have completed treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as well as those at high risk for the disease or its recurrence.[1,4]
The aim of the phase-one trial was to determine the optimal dosage for participants with early-stage TNBC and to enhance the immune response to the vaccine. The study also included cancer-free individuals who are at high risk for developing TNBC or who have chosen to undergo prophylactic mastectomy because they have a high genetic risk for the disease.[4]
The three cohorts of this trial included:
Participants with high-risk TNBC.
Participants scheduled for prophylactic mastectomy secondary to genetic risk of TBNC.
Participants that are post-TBNC treatment and are receiving adjuvant pembrolizumab.[2]
TNBC is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 12% to 15% of all breast cancer cases, with a mortality rate of about 25% within five years of diagnosis. At present, the only reliable preventive measure for those at high risk for TNBC is undergoing a mastectomy. Thus, the development of the α-LA vaccine represents a significant step towards alternative preventative care for those affected by or at risk for TNBC.[4]
Optimism at a Professional Level
“We believe we have made significant progress in the development of this vaccine, having recently completed enrollment in the Phase 1 clinical trial. We look forward to the next stage of development and are optimistic about the impact this vaccine could have in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer,” said Amit Kumar, Ph.D, CEO of Anixa Biosciences, Inc.[1]
The innovative vaccine strategy of the α-LA vaccine inspires a hopeful outlook for the future, where scientific advancements can yield transformative solutions for women’s health.
“Long term, we are hoping that this can be a true preventive vaccine that would be administered to cancer-free individuals to prevent them from developing this highly aggressive disease,” says oncologist Dr. G. Thomas Budd in a statement to the Cleveland Clinic.[4]
References
[1] Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (2025, June 3). Anixa biosciences’ breast cancer vaccine featured in NewsNation interview. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anixa-biosciences-breast-cancer-vaccine-featured-in-newsnation-interview-302471341.html
[2] Budd, G. T., & Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. (2025, May 23). Adjuvant Therapy With an Alpha-lactalbumin Vaccine in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. http://clinicaltrials.gov. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04674306&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1749942627723910&usg=AOvVaw3E-6rajBTKUGmPdIiRTpKp
[3] Burguin, A., Diorio, C., & Durocher, F. (2021). Breast cancer treatments: Updates and new challenges. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(8), 808. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080808
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 15). Is there a vaccine for breast cancer? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breast-cancer-vaccine-trial
[5] Jaini, R., Kesaraju, P., Johnson, J. M., Altuntas, C. Z., Jane-wit, D., & Tuohy, V. K. (2010). An autoimmune-mediated strategy for prophylactic breast cancer vaccination. Nature Medicine, 16(7), 799-803. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.2161
[6] Thean, E., & Toh, B. (1990). Serum human α-lactalbumin as a marker for breast cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 61(5), 773-775. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1990.173
[7] Tuohy, V., Jaini, R., Johnson, J., Loya, M., Wilk, D., Downs-Kelly, E., & Mazumder, S. (2016). Targeted vaccination against human α-lactalbumin for immunotherapy and primary Immunoprevention of triple negative breast cancer. Cancers, 8(6), 56. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers8060056
[8] Wang, J., & Wu, S. (2023). Breast cancer: An overview of current therapeutic strategies, challenge, and perspectives. Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy, 15, 721-730. https://doi.org/10.2147/bctt.s432526
My Body, My Data: A Federal Shift in Reproductive Privacy as of June 2025
Sanya Talwar June 2025
Congress Reboots Protection with “My Body, My Data”
On June 11, 2025, U.S. Representatives and Senators introduced the My Body, My Data Act, sponsored by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Senators Mazoe Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), with the aim to create federal guardrails around reproductive health data —including menstruation, contraception, IVF, pregnancy, and abortion records— by limiting how companies collect, store, and share it.[1] The legislation would require informed user consent, strong data deletion options, and harsh penalties for misuse.[2]
Digital Trials, Real-World Consequences
This renewed push follows documented misuse of digital data. In a 2022 Nebraska case, Facebook messages between a mother and daughter were used as evidence in an illegal abortion prosecution.[3] In Texas, prosecutors used license-plate readers to identify people visiting abortion clinics. Anti-abortion activists have geofenced Planned Parenthood clinics, delivering targeted digital ads to visitors.[4]
This isn’t just invasive—it’s dangerous. Experts warn that without regulation, reproductive health data can and is being used to criminalize people for seeking care.
What the Bill Actually Does
The Bill proposes:
Data minimization: Companies can only collect data necessary for delivering requested services.
Consent-Driven access: Users must explicitly agree to data use and can demand deletion
Transparency: Platforms must disclose data practices clearly.
Enforcement: Companies violating the law could be fined up to $1000 per user per day.[2]
These protections mirror Washington State’s 2023 My Health, My Data Act, which has become a model for reproductive digital privacy law nationwide.[5]
Backers Weigh In
Reproductive rights groups have endorsed the legislation. Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, emphasized the stakes: “No one should fear that their period app or search history could be used against them in court”[1]
Dr. Dhazaleh Moayedi, an OB-GYN, stressed that patients’ safety depends on privacy: “We cannot provide ethical care if our patients are at legal risk for seeking help.”[6]
Even tech experts are speaking out. Mozilla Foundation warned in 2024 that 87% of health apps lack proper user protections.[7]
Parallel Bill Targets Law Enforcement
In May 2025, five House Democrats introduced a complementary bill: the Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act, which would block law enforcement from accessing reproductive data in civil or criminal investigations, including fertility treatment, miscarriage records, and abortion communications.[8]
Why This Matters Right Now
A 2025 academic review of 45 health apps found that most apps transmitted user data to third-party marketers or analytics firms, often without full user consent.[7]
States like New York, Connecticut, and California have been passing their own data shield laws to counter federal inaction.[5]
Without federal legislation, people in anti-abortion states remain exposed to potential criminalization through digital footprints.[4]
A New Era of Advocacy
My Body, My Data reframed reproductive justice in the digital age. It acknowledges that the post-Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reality extends beyond clinics and courtrooms—it reaches into browsers, apps, and smart devices. Protecting personal data is now a fundamental part of defining bodily autonomy.
This legislation, if passed, would be the most comprehensive federal privacy protection for reproductive data in American history. As of now, the bill has been introduced but has not yet passed. Lawmakers expect debates and committee reviews over the summer, with a potential floor vote anticipated in the fall session of Congress. Advocates are urging swift action given the urgency of reproductive data vulnerabilities nationwide. And even if it fails in the short term, the momentum for digital rights is building state by state—and person by person.
At its core, this debate is about basic human rights—the right of every woman to control her body and her health information without fear or interference. Reproductive data privacy should not be negotiable—it must be a federally protected right.
[2] U.S. House of Representatives. (2025). My Body, My Data Act – Bill Summary. https://www.congress.gov
[3] Levenson, M. (2022, August 10). Nebraska woman charged after police obtain Facebook messages about abortion. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
[4] Brenan, M. (2024, December 15). Geofencing, health data, and abortion: The new front in digital surveillance. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com
[5] Washington State Legislature. (2023). My Health, My Data Act. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary
[6] Physicians for Reproductive Health. (2025). Dr. Moayedi’s Congressional Testimony on Data Privacy. https://prh.org
[7] Mozilla Foundation. (2024). Privacy not included: Health and period-tracking apps. https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded [8] U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (2025, May 22). Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act introduced. https://energycommerce.house.gov
Even though it may sound like a government-imposed fee, the “Pink Tax” is not an actual tax. Instead, it describes the overpricing of products and services marketed solely towards women. This “tax” encompasses a wide range of items from drugstore to professional. Women are often faced paying more than men for the same items with the only difference being the color of packaging or the gender label. It is disparities like these that quietly add up over time to contribute to the expensive cost of being a woman.
Image by Freepik
In Everyday Life
A 2015 study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs studied an estimate of 800 products. The conclusion found that women’s products cost an average of 7% more than similar items that are marketed to men. The study also showed that there was a 13% upcharge on personal care products and even a 7% price difference for children’s items. Neutrally categorized items such as razors and lotions are usually priced higher for women. They are often packaged in pink and labeled “for her”. [1]
Not only do products reflect this gendered pricing, but services do as well. For example, the dry cleaners may charge more to clean a woman’s blouse than a man’s shirt, even when the materials are nearly identical. Haircuts for women tend to be more expensive than men’s, regardless of hair length. These patterns in pricing are integrated so deeply into everyday life that most people don’t even question them. However, these common occurrences do accumulate quickly and over the course of a year, can cost women over $1,300 more than men. [2]
Compounding the Wage Gap
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women earn about 83 cents for every dollar a man earns. For women of color, the gap is even wider. Overall, women are often spending more while earning less. [3]
Critics of the term “Pink Tax” sometimes argue that women can just buy men’s products to avoid the markup of their own. While this is true, this dismisses the real issue at hand. Many women feel pressure to use products marketed specifically for them to meet societal standards of appearance or femininity. Some essential items like menstrual products have no male equivalent at all. In many U.S. states, feminine hygiene products have been taxed as luxury items.
Legal Action & What Comes Next
There are some states that have taken steps towards addressing the issue. In 2022, California passed the Gender Tax Repeal Act, which prohibits businesses from charging different prices for “substantially similar” goods based on gender. [4] While there are a couple states with legislation like this in place, efforts to pass a federal Pink Tax Repeal Act have been stalled, leaving many American consumers unprotected from gender-based pricing.
Ending the Pink Tax isn’t just about lowering prices of personal products or services. It’s about economic fairness and gender equity. While women pay more when they earn less, society silently penalizes them for their gender. Advocates and lawmakers must continue pushing for change to ensure pricing becomes fair and truly equal.
References
[1] From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer. (n.d.). https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/partners/Study-of-Gender-Pricing-in-NYC.pdf
[2]: Taylor, K. R. (2023, March 8). Pink tax: What does price discrimination cost women?. Kiplinger. https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/pink-tax-womens-products-price-discrimination
[3] Ascott, E. (2025, March 21). Women still earn 83 cents to every dollar made by men, despite pay transparency. Allwork.Space. https://allwork.space/2025/03/women-still-earn-83-cents-to-every-dollar-made-by-men-despite-pay-transparency/#:~:text=Women%20 Still%20 Earn%2083%20 Cents,By%20 Men%2C%20 Despite%20 Pay%20 Transparency
[4] California implements “Pink tax” law prohibiting gender-based pricing for substantially similar products | practical law. (n.d.-a). https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/w-037-9037?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true
