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Fertility Preservation: What is oocyte cryopreservation and why has it increased in popularity?

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Fertility Preservation: What is oocyte cryopreservation and why has it increased in popularity?

Chaimaa Riad
February 2025

What is Oocyte Cryopreservation?

Oocyte cryopreservation is also known as egg freezing. This is a procedure in which a woman’s eggs are retrieved, frozen and stored to preserve her ability to conceive later in life, while she is still of reproductive age.^[1] The eggs are specifically extracted from the body before their fertilization. Once they are ready to be used, the eggs undergo a thawing process to be transferred into the uterus and become fertilized for pregnancy.^[1] Oocyte cryopreservation is considered a form of preventative healthcare.^[2]

The first successful pregnancy recorded via egg freezing was in 1986. ^[3] Oocyte cryopreservation began to combat possible infertility in women with medical conditions like cancer, in which chemotherapy and pelvic radiation could damage their reproductive organs, or autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus. ^[4] However, there has been a large increase in the number of egg freezing procedures in the last six years for more social reasons. An increasing number of women have decided to do this procedure for financial, professional, or simply personal reasons. Studies have shown that many women believed that becoming pregnant before 35 would negatively impact their careers. ^[5] Women have been especially inclined to do this procedure with improvements in medical technology and even the use of AI in improving the freezing and thawing process for optimal fertilization. ^[4]

There are multiple risks of oocyte cryopreservation. Short-term adverse effects include general symptoms such as nausea, headache, irritability, chest pain, pelvic pain, and oliguria (decreased urine output). ^[2] Additionally, there are increased risks that come with assisted reproductive techniques (ART), which include preterm birth. This is one of the more severe risks, which also carries the potential risk of cerebral palsy. ^[5] Furthermore, women who undergo oocyte cryopreservation are more likely to be older. As women age, the complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, and the need for a cesarean section tend to increase. ^[5]

It is also important to consider both the emotional and financial impacts of this procedure on women. This process is invasive and often requires women to undergo multiple cycles of egg freezing.^[3]These procedures can cost anywhere between $5,000-$10,000 per cycle. ^[4]

It is crucial for women to connect to a team of specialists who can thoroughly explain the benefits, drawbacks, and risks of the procedure. Additionally, counselors are essential to support women throughout the process. ^[2] In essence, egg freezing allows women the opportunity to have more flexibility in their family planning. There are ongoing advancements in reproductive medicine that will allow women to preserve fertility based on their own timeline. The most crucial factors to consider when deciding to freeze eggs would be the financial and emotional costs, as well as the possible risks, both long term and short term.

References:

[1] Egg freezing. UCLA Health. (n.d.). https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility/egg-freezing

[2] Katsani, D., Paraschou, N., Panagouli, E., Tsarna, E., Sergentanis, T. N., Vlahos, N., & Tsitsika, A. (2024, January 10). Social Egg freezing-a trend or modern reality?. Journal of clinical medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10816669/

[3] Walker, Z., Lanes, A., & Ginsburg, E. (2022, January 7). Oocyte cryopreservation review: Outcomes of medical oocyte cryopreservation and planned oocyte cryopreservation – reproductive biology and endocrinology. BioMed Central. https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-021-00884-0

[4] Dimitriadis, I., (2024, February 20). Freezing Eggs: Advances in Fertility Treatment. Mass General Brigham. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/what-is-cryopreservation#:~:text=In%201984%2C%20the%20first%20baby,longer%20considered%20an%20experimental%20procedure.

[5] Varlas, V. N., Bors, R. G., Albu, D., Penes, O. N., Nasui, B. A., Mehedintu, C., & Pop, A. L. (2021, July 30). Social freezing: Pressing pause on fertility. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8345795/

The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem in Young Women

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The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem in Young Women

Kavya Kumar
February 2025

Social media has become a significant part of young women’s lives, offering ways to connect, find community, and learn new things (like how to perfectly contour your nose using only a potato and some glitter — because, priorities). However, its widespread use also raises concerns about how it affects body image and self-esteem. The often unrealistic portrayals of beauty found on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X can contribute to negative self-perception and a distorted view of reality.

Idealized Images in the Media

One major issue is the constant exposure to idealized images. These images are edited, filtered, and enhanced to present an illusion of perfection. This can cause young women to constantly compare themselves with what they see online, leading to feelings of incompetence and dissatisfaction with their own appearance.^[1] These feelings are significant risk factors for eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.^[2] Essentially, scrolling on your cell phone can lead to some serious “ugh” moments, as well as the sudden urge to throw your phone across the room in frustration — resist the urge!

The Pressure to Perform (and the Never-Ending Quest for Likes)

The performative nature of social media can make things even worse. People often carefully craft their online personas, leading to the false impression that everyone — except you — is perfect. This can pressure users to maintain an impeccable image, causing unnecessary anxiety and stress. Constantly seeking likes, comments, and followers can become a way to seek validation, tying self-worth to external approval and validation.^[3] It’s like a never-ending popularity contest, and the prize is…well, more likes. Which, let’s be honest, doesn’t pay the rent.

The Positive Side of Social Media

Admittedly, social media isn’t all bad. Some platforms offer supportive communities and promote positivity! In particular, movements that celebrate body diversity and challenge unrealistic beauty stereotypes can be really empowering. You can also use social media to find information and connect with like-minded individuals. The key is to be aware of the content you’re consuming without letting it consume you.

Learning to be Media-Savvy

Especially in this day and age, developing media literacy skills is crucial in order to navigate the digital world safely. Young women need to learn how to evaluate the images and messages they see online. This includes recognizing altered photos and understanding that social media usually shows a very selective view of reality. Learning to spot a bad Photoshop job is a valuable life skill, trust me.

It’s also important to develop a strong sense of self that doesn’t depend on what others think. The opinions of others really don’t matter because at the end of the day, you are beautiful just the way you are. Yes, you. You’re a masterpiece in progress, a unique blend of awesome, and no filter or validation-seeking behavior can change that.

Now, if you want to follow a specific diet or do an intense workout, go for it! But, and this is a huge but, only do it because you want to. Not because of some influencer’s impeccable abs or what your friends are doing. Do it because it makes you feel good and it makes you happy, and not because you’re trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Every decision we make for ourselves should come from a place of self-care, guided by what truly drives us and brings joy to our lives.

Sometimes, the best “like” is the warmth of the sun on your skin, the feel of the wind running through your hair, or simply checking something off your to-do list. Take a break from your phone, go outside, and rediscover the world around you — a beautiful, unfiltered, and unPhotoshopped experience awaits.

References

[1] Prichard, I., Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2012). The effects of viewing ultra-thin media images on women’s body image, mood, and self-esteem. Body Image, 9(1), 87–96.

[2] Smolak, L., & Levine, M. P. (1996). A cognitive-developmental model of the development of body image and eating disorders. Eating Disorders, 4(3), 165–180.

[3] Hunt, J., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No More FOMO: Reducing Social Media Envy Through Awareness. Computers in Human Behavior, 79, 265–272.

Representation in Cosmetics: Exploring the Cosmetic Industry’s Impact on Women’s Self-Acceptance

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Representation in Cosmetics: Exploring the Cosmetic Industry’s Impact on Women’s Self-Acceptance

Kashish Patel
February 2025

Beauty standards have always influenced the way women perceive themselves. During the Renaissance, beautiful women were portrayed to have soft curves and pale skin. This idealistic image of the beauty standard was represented through portraits and literature, exhibiting what “beauty” is supposed to look like. In modern day, the constant exposure to social media and advertisements has only reinforced beauty ideals, influencing women’s self-perception and mental health. While persisting beauty standards seem to define beauty, studies suggest that no absolute definition of beauty exists.[1] The standards of beauty are described to be determined through the socialization processes and media influences that define what is considered attractive.

Teenagers

Studies have found that the lack of representation for natural features have resulted in the standard for beauty to be extremely narrow for women and teen girls. This lack of visibility has had detrimental effects; teen girls faced an increase in low self-esteem leading to mental health and body image issues. According to a study in 2003, eating disorders among teen girls have only increased over 50 years with 1% to 5% of adolescents possessing traits for bulimia nervosa. The analysis of this data concluded the effects of mass media and preexisting body image issues.[2] Teenagers are especially vulnerable to the influences of the cosmetic industry as during this time of their life, they struggle to navigate self-identity while constantly being surrounded by the beauty standard portrayed on social media.

Women of Color

Women of color have long been pushed aside by the cosmetic industry. Historically, the beauty standard has prioritized Eurocentric ideals while failing to provide proper representation for diverse skin tones, facial features, and hair types.

In a recent scandal, the makeup brand Youthforia is facing major backlash. The company first faced backlash in 2023 when it released 15 new shades of foundation that were not inclusive of all skin tones. Despite releasing 10 new shades of foundation to combat this backlash, there was an even bigger uproar. Influencer Golloria George who often reviews beauty brands’ darkest shades posted a video on Youthforia’s shade 600, the darkest shade in the line which was pure black and was hard to differentiate from black paint. [3]

In an interview with TIME, Golloria shared her thoughts on the entire situation stating, “It was a really weird, surreal, out-of-this-world experience.”

This controversy sheds light on the amount of beauty brands which cater to lighter skin tones and Anglo-Saxon features in general. This blatant disregard for diverse skin tones, especially for women of color makes many women feel unrepresented and unnoticed.

The Response from Beauty Brands

The lack of inclusivity not only fosters insecurities within these groups of women, but recent controversies suggest that the beauty industry remains narrow-minded in assisting all consumers. However, in response to the consumer demand and social activism, many brands have started to make the change by expanding shade color ranges and embracing diverse advertising. Dove, a popular cosmetic company recognized the issues with diversity in their brand.[2] They implemented a movement to include more diversity into advertisements and modeling which received positive feedback from consumers and also raised the company’s revenue by billions.

References

[1]Madan, S., Basu, S., & Ai Ching Lim, E. (2018). Impact of culture on the pursuit of beauty: Evidence from five countries – Shilpa Madan, Shankha Basu, Sharon Ng, Elison Ai Ching Lim, 2018. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1069031X18805493

[2] Castillo Castro, K. (2023). Dove: Shifting Standards and Ideal Self-Perception. The International Trade Journal, 38(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/08853908.2023.2279223

[3] II, M. M. (2024). Why beauty brand youthforia is facing backlash. Retrieved from https://time.com/6972800/youthforia-dark-skin-foundation-backlash/

U.S. Withdrawal from The World Health Organization: Everything You Need to Know

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U.S. Withdrawal from The World Health Organization: Everything You Need to Know

Sanya Talwar
February 2025

On January 20th, President Trump signed an executive order that officially declared the beginning of the United States withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision has marked a significant shift in global health governance.

Background on WHO

WHO, established in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for improving international public health. It plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to global health crises, setting health standards, and providing medical assistance to areas in need.¹ The United States has been a key member and financial contributor to WHO since its inception post-WW2, underscoring its commitment to global health initiatives. ²

U.S. decision to withdraw from WHO and its implications

The U.S. government, under President Trump’s administration, announced its intention to withdraw from WHO on July 6th, 2020, citing concerns over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.³ Key points of contention included perceived delays in declaring a public health emergency, alleged lack of transparency from China, and concerns over WHO’s independence from political influence. The decision was framed as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. engagement with international organizations. ⁴

The withdrawal of the United States from WHO has far-reaching implications for global health governance. As the largest financial contributor, the U.S. provided approximately 15% of WHO’s $4.8 billion 2020-2021 budget, including $893 million in voluntary funds for specific programs.⁵ Immediate termination of these payments risked disrupting polio eradication campaigns, HIV/AIDS programs, and emergency response capacities in low-income nations. ⁶

Moreover, the U.S. withdrawal may undermine the collective response to global health challenges. WHO relies on international cooperation to address issues such as pandemics, vaccine distribution, and health equity. The absence of the United States could weaken the organization’s authority and effectiveness, potentially leading to fragmented and less coordinated global health efforts.

Potential consequences

1. Impact on COVID-19 Response: WHO’s ability to coordinate the global response to Covid-19 may be compromised. The U.S. withdrawal could lead to reduced funding for vaccine distribution, research, and support to healthcare systems in vulnerable regions of the world. For example, the WHO-led COVAX initiative, aimed at equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution, faced uncertainty without U.S. participation, potentially exacerbating disparities between high and low-income countries. ⁷

2. Global health security: The base of the United States may create a vacuum in global health leadership, potentially allowing other nations to exert greater influence over WHO’s agenda. This shift could impact the organization’s priorities and decision-making process.

3. Health Equity: WHO’s efforts to address health disparities and promote universal health disparities and promote universal health coverage may be hindered. The U.S. withdrawal could result in reduced funding for programs aimed at improving health outcomes in low and middle-income communities.

4. International Relations: The decision to withdraw from WHO may strain U.S. relations with other nations and international organizations. It could be perceived as a retreat from multilateralism, potentially weakening the United States’ position in global health diplomacy.

The U.S. withdrawal from WHO represents a significant but detrimental development in global health governance. While the decision reflects concern over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also realizes important questions about the future of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. The implications of this withdrawal are profound, affecting not only WHO’s operational capacity but also the broader landscape of global health security and equity.

References

[1]: World Health Organization. (n.d.). *History of WHO*. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about/history

[2]: U.S. Department of State. (2020). *U.S. Contributions to the World Health Organization*. Fact Sheet.

[3]: The White House. (2020). *Letter to the United Nations Secretary-General*. July 6, 2020. [4]: Gostin, L. O., & Katz, R. (2020). *The International Health Regulations: The Governing Framework for Global Health Security*. Milbank Quarterly, 94(2).

[5]: World Health Organization. (2020). *Programme Budget 2020–2021*. [6]: Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). *The U.S. Government and the World Health Organization*.

[7]: Bollyky, T. J., & Bown, C. P. (2020). *The Tragedy of Vaccine Nationalism*. Foreign Affairs.

Understanding the Gender Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Understanding the Gender Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Helena Huynh
October 2024

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition typically following exposure to a traumatic event, with symptoms impacting day-to-day functioning, causing the person to re-experience their traumatic event, and affecting overall cognition and mood.^[1]According to the World Health Organization, over half of the global population–a shocking 70% of people–will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lives, with a minority of that population (5.6%) going on to develop PTSD.^[2]However, women are much more likely to develop PTSD, with lifetime prevalence rates being almost three times as frequent for women than for men.^[3]Why does this happen?

Types of Trauma

Women are much more likely to experience high-impact trauma, including sexual-related trauma and sexual assault. The CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey conducted in 2010 found that 18.3% of women in the United States experienced rape at some point in their lives.^[3]That equates to an alarming rate of about 1 in 5 women. Exposure to sexual violence are associated with higher rates of PTSD.^[2]Additionally, women are also more likely to experience sexual abuse at younger ages compared to men.^[3]Trauma in early childhood has a strong impact on overall neurobiological development^[4]and also serves as a risk factor increasing the likelihood of developing PTSD.^[1]

Physiological Responses

Prior research has found several differences when it comes to psychobiological reactions to PTSD^[4]. For one, hormonal responses can potentially play a role in regulating trauma responses. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a neuroendocrine system within the body that regulates responses to stress, has been found to be more sensitive to stress and trauma. Additionally, studies have found that testosterone may possibly work to reduce HPA reactivity.^[5] On top of that, studies have found that women with PTSD are more likely to experience a reduced fear-extinction during the mid-luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, when oestradiol and progesterone levels are lowest.^[5]These hormones are related to cognitive-emotional processes relating to PTSD, and in trauma-exposed women without PTSD, researchers actually found the opposite result.^[5]

Understanding PTSD Symptoms and Comorbidities

When it comes to PTSD symptom expression, males and females tend to experience PTSD in a similar way.^[3]A study found that male and female veterans were about equally likely to report different PTSD symptoms on the PTSD Checklist^[3], a self-report measure looking at PTSD symptoms. However, when it comes to comorbidities, women are much more likely to experience internalizing disorders, including mood and anxiety-related disorders. Men, on the other hand, were much more likely to experience externalizing disorders, including substance abuse.^[3]

Overall, previous research has established a number of differences in the development and prevalence of PTSD in males and females. Given that much of the early research surrounding our knowledge of PTSD revolves around male war veterans^[3], we must continue adding to the literature. Increasing our understanding of why these gender differences develop can inform targeted interventions to ultimately help those who need it.

References

[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

[2] World Health Organization. (2024, May 27). Post-traumatic stress disorder. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

[3] Vogt, D. (2007, January 1). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Research on Women, Trauma and PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/specific/ptsd_research_women.asp#four

[4] Olff, M. (2017). Sex and gender differences in post-traumatic stress disorder: An update. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(sup4).

https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2017.1351204

[5] Christiansen, D. M., & Berke, E. T. (2020). Gender- and sex-based contributors to sex differences in PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports, 22(4).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-1140-y

The Renaissance Man of the Modern Era

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The Renaissance Man of the Modern Era

Tanvir Bhamra
October 2024

The term “Renaissance man” according to The Book of the Courtier is described as a well-rounded individual, who excels in both intellectual and artistic talents. In contrast, a “renaissance woman” was expected to be modest and beautiful, with little encouragement to seek personal acclaim.^[4] Enter Bridget Mendler, a multi-talented actress, singer, and entrepreneur, who defies these historical gender norms and perfectly fits this definition of a “Renaissance man.”

She rose to fame through her most well-known role as Teddy Duncan in Good Luck Charlie (2010-2014), a popular Disney Channel series that cemented her as a beloved figure in entertainment. Simultaneously, she pursued a music career, releasing her debut album Hello My Name Is… in 2012, containing her hit single Ready or Not. The Renaissance in comparison, was well known for its rich art with big artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, placed on a pedestal for their realistic portrayal of human anatomy. Although Mendler’s music and acting career may not parallel the artistic talents of Renaissance masters, her work is widely loved and cherished by her fans. She further showcased her “renaissance” capabilities to transcend her artistic career and soon expanded her focus beyond creative endeavors.

From a young age, Mendler had been exposed to the technical side of the workforce but chose to follow her childhood dreams of acting. However, this familiarity didn’t come back until witnessing the behind-the-scenes work of Joi Ito, the former director of MIT Media Lab. This sparked her interest in the more human side of social media, particularly in how it fosters communications and shifts conversational contexts.^[3] In 2018, she officially shifted her focus to academics, enrolling as a PhD student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) while earning her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mendler also carved out time for her personal life. In 2019, she married Griffin Cleverly, an engineer.^[7] The couple originally fostered a child in 2021 and later decided to adopt them the following year.^[5] In balancing career and family life, Mendler redefines the notion of “having it all,” showcasing that professional and personal fulfillment can coexist harmoniously. She exemplifies the modern “girlboss” as some may say, proving women can thrive across all aspects of life without sacrificing one for the other, challenging historical expectations.

Mendler’s entrepreneurial spirit extends even further. She is the CEO and co-founder of Northwood Space, a company aiming to revolutionize satellite technology—a field that has seen little innovation since the 1960s.^[1] Through this ambitious project, Mendler underscores her commitment to breaking barriers and advancing technology. She is making her mark by seeking to improve satellite reliability, speed, and efficiency and highlighting her broad and futuristic vision.^[2]

Far from the limited expectations placed on women during the Renaissance, Mendler’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of versatility, intelligence, and ambition in shaping a legacy that breaks historical constraints. Today, all women are more than capable of challenging restrictions against them and redefining success, embodying the modern “Renaissance person.”

References

[1] About Us. (n.d.). Northwood Space. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.northwoodspace.io/about-us

[2] Bloomberg Technology. (2024, Oct 11). Revolutionizing Outdated Space Tech [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/3IRAsJ4FhFA?si=JZ02b7Axl1qmaoRj

[3] Bridgit Mendler Music. (2018, Sep 6). Bridgit Mendler speaks about Humanity + Tech @ Atlantic Live (09.05.2018) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/bhPmzS9Ua9o?si=6_icMoHbQmfZicDi

[4] Dukes, H. (2021, May 5). On *Sprezzatura*: Baldassare Castiglione’s *The Book of the Courtier* (1903 edition). The Public Domain Review. Retrieved November 9, 2024, from https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/baldassare-castiglione-the-book-of-the-courtier/

[5] Morman, H. (2024, March 6). Hot Take: Bridgit Mendler deserves more recognition. The Reflector. Retrieved October 13, 2024, from https://reflector-online.com/28264/opinion/hot-take-bridgit-mendler-deserves-more-recognition/

[6] Overview ‹ Bridgit Mendler — MIT Media Lab. (n.d.). MIT Media Lab. Retrieved October 13, 2024, from https://www.media.mit.edu/people/bridgitm/overview/

[7] Weiss, D. C. (2024, May 30). Disney Channel actress is now a Harvard Law grad—and that’s not all. ABA Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/disney-channel-actress-is-now-a-harvard-law-grad

Silent Struggles: Women’s Mental Health in the 1950’s

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Silent Struggles: Women’s Mental Health in the 1950’s

Harshitha Chaganti
October 2024

Today mental health awareness has been deeply engraved into society; however, for those alive during the 1950’s, like Marilyn Monroe and Rosemary Kennedey, the topic of mental health was seen as a taboo. Those who expressed struggles with their mental health were quickly labeled as “lunatics’ and often faced harsh prejudices. The experiences of the women that came forward made it even more unlikely that other women would follow. Women faced heightened mental health issues due to the expectation of perfection, with emotional struggles often dismissed as “hysteria” or weakness, leading to isolation and inadequate care. The lives of many celebrities and public figures is a powerful example of how this stigma affected women in the spotlight.

Those who expressed themselves were subjected to severe discrimination. Many were labeled as “unstable” or “hysterical,” leading to social isolation or damaged reputation, particularly for women. In Hollywood, this could mean being dropped from film roles, losing contracts, or being forced into secrecy to maintain a perfect public image.

Although Norma Jean Monroe was consistently seen in the spotlight by her stage name Marilyn, she was open about her struggles with depression and anxiety, at a time when admitting to such issues would ruin her career. Her decision to seek help likely stemmed from her childhood experiences, having grown up with a mother who was frequently in and out of asylums. Despite her efforts to seek out therapy, the limited understanding and support available at the time often left her feeling misunderstood and isolated.

Tragically, on August 5, 1962, she found dead from an apparent overdose, her death was ruled a probable suicide, though conspiracy theories have persisted over the years. Monroe had long struggled with her mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, compounded with her tumultuous personal life and highlighted the immense pressures she faced and the lack of effective mental health care during her time. Her death shocked the world and became a symbol of the darker side of fame and the toll it can take on mental health.

Back then, treatments for mental health issues were often harsh and limited. Common methods of treatments include things such as: electroconvulsive therapy(ECT), which involves sending electric currents through the brain, and lobotomies, a surgical procedure that aimed to reduce symptoms but often left patients with severe side effects. Psychoanalysis was also popular, with therapists exploring unconscious thoughts, but it wasn’t always effective. Many people were sent to mental institutions, where conditions could be poor and treatment was not always helpful.

A tragic and well-known cause of one of treatment involved Rose Marie “ Rosemary” Kennedy, the sister of former President John F. Kennedy. She underwent a lobotomy in 1941, a procedure that was intended to manage her mood swings and behavioral issues. However, the surgery left her with severe cognitive and physical impairments, requiring her to live in a care facility for the rest of her life. Her story highlights the dangers and lasting consequences of the harsh mental health treatments used during that era.

The experiences of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Rosemary Kennedy and others in the 1950s revealed the harsh realities and stigma surrounding mental health during the time. Limited understanding and extreme treatments often left individuals struggling in silence, facing damaging consequences.These stories highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues with compassion and proper care, a shift that began to take root in the decades that followed.

References

[1] Blackford, M. (2024, April 20). Marilyn Monroe’s Drug Use And Mental Health Issues. FHE Health. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://fherehab.com/learning/marilyn-monroe-drug-use

[2] Danise, A. (2022, October 24). What The Life Of Marilyn Monroe Teaches Us About Mental Health And Success Against All Odds. Forbes. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshwilson/2022/10/24/what-the-life-of-marilyn-monroe-teaches-us-about-mental-health-and-success-against-all-odds

[3] Moore, S. (n.d.). Analyzing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health. News-Medical. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Analyzing-the-Stigma-Surrounding-Mental-Health.aspx

[4] Rosemary Kennedy, The Eldest Kennedy Daughter (U.S. (2024, January 24). National Park Service. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/rosemary-kennedy-the-eldest-kennedy-daughter.htm

A Tough Pill to Swallow: Women’s Overmedication and Gender Discrimination in Clinics

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A Tough Pill to Swallow: Women’s Overmedication and Gender Discrimination in Clinics

Aarya Sawant
October 2024

Historically, women have been barred from being physicians due to a number of obstacles set in place. This has resulted in a male-centric view of medicine which has often cost women their lives due to ignorance in biological sex differences. Despite advances in gender equality, this gender bias persists in hospitals to this day.

Prescription drugs are a vital part of the healthcare system, and one that is only going to grow bigger with time as technology advances. Approximately 131 million people in the United states use prescription drugs–75% of whom are women.^[1] Children born in 2019 are predicted to spend half of their life taking medication, with women likely spending an estimated 60% (around 50 years) doing so.^[2] In fact, women are more likely to take drugs overall, due to obvious factors such as birth control and contraceptives.^[2]

With this in mind, it’s shocking to discover that women are excluded from clinical trials, usually due to the reasoning that hormone cycles will provide misleading results.^[3] Additionally, women of child-bearing age have been restricted from being tested due to fear of potential birth complications. Instead, men are considered the standard patient, making sweeping generalizations that cause real harm. This begins in the initial process as well, as male cells are used in early testing stages.^[3]

As a result, women make up the majority of reported adverse reactions to drugs. Side-effects can most commonly manifest as headaches, nausea, nosebleeds. In more serious cases, patients have been known to suffer from hallucinations, seizures, and cardiac irregularities. Men and women have different levels of metabolism, and women’s kidneys and livers have been observed to process drugs at different rates, as well as drugs lingering longer in the tissue.^[2] This issue affects as many as 86 drugs according to a 2020 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This includes widely used drugs such as aspirin, morphin, heparin, sertraline, and bupropion.^[4]

This doesn’t end with lab testing either, as it extends further to sexism in clinics. While reports from men of adverse side effects from prescription medication are often confirmed and reported by doctors, women’s are largely self-reported, showing a lack of seriousness when taking these cases into account.^[5]

It’s apparent that we need to change the way we test prescription drugs, as well as managing drug reports by women with a greater degree of seriousness than at present. Only by challenging and changing the long-standing biases within the medical community can we hope to improve health outcomes for women and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. As we look to the future, it is crucial to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize gender inclusivity, ultimately leading to safer and more effective medical care for everyone.

References

[1] Georgetown University. (2019). Prescription Drugs – Health Policy Institute. Health Policy Institute. https://hpi.georgetown.edu/rxdrugs/

[2] Americans will spend half their lives taking prescription drugs, study finds | Penn State University. (2019). Psu.edu. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/americans-will-spend-half-their-lives-taking-prescription-drugs-study-finds

[3] Lerner, L. (2020, June 22). Women are overmedicated because drug dosage trials are done on men, study finds. University of Chicago News. https://news.uchicago.edu/story/women-are-overmedicated-because-drug-dosage-trials-are-done-men-study-find

[4] Zucker, I., & Prendergast, B. J. (2020). Sex differences in pharmacokinetics predict adverse drug reactions in women. Biology of Sex Differences, 11(1). https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-020-00308-5[5] Lee, K. M. N., Rushovich, T., Gompers, A., Boulicault, M., Worthington, S., Lockhart, J. W., & Richardson, S. S. (2023). A Gender Hypothesis of sex disparities in adverse drug events. Social Science & Medicine, 339, 116385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116385

The Argument for Intermittent Fasting for Women

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The Argument for Intermittent Fasting for Women

Stephanie Szylar
October 2024

Health is an important topic on many women’s minds. One aspect of health is weight management. Obesity, according to the CDC in 2023, shows that a little over a third of adults in 23 states are considered obese, and obesity is now considered an epidemic. ^[1]One of the problems with obesity and increased fatty tissue is that it keeps the body in a state of chronic inflammation. This can lead to heart disease and cancer, which are the leading causes of death for women with diabetes. ^[5]There are many diets and food habits out there, with one example being intermittent fasting or IF. Is intermittent fasting a simple and effective way to stay healthy?

A quick science lesson

During digestion, the food we eat is broken down into simple molecules. Glucose is one of the molecules and is used for energy.^[5]When glucose levels are high, the body secretes insulin to help get the glucose into the cell so it can be used right away.^[5]Unused glucose is stored in several places in the body: including in the liver and muscles.^[5]Several hormones are also secreted during digestion which help regulate when we are full and when we are still hungry (leptin decreases appetite, and ghrelin increases appetite)^[5]. Carbohydrates and proteins turn into fat cells for storage.^[5]It takes about 6-8 hours to fully digest a meal and about 2-3 hours for a healthy body to direct where to use or store glucose. ^[5]

What is intermittent fasting?

In a nutshell, intermittent fasting can be described as scheduled periods of fasting mixed with periods of regular eating. A simple example is the hours in which we sleep. This is a fasting period. Other methods include 16/8 method (fasting 16 hours and eating healthy nutrition dense foods within an 8-hour period, or window) 12/12 method (eating healthy nutrition dense foods in a 12-hour period or window and fasting the other 12 hours), and 5:2 diet (regular eating of healthy nutrition dense foods 5 days a week and restricting calories for 2 days a week). ^[5]

Benefit of Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity especially in those with diabetes. This can improve HbA1c, which is average glucose readings over the previous 3-month period. Weight loss due to the decreased caloric intake and reduced inflammation which can regulate blood sugar and decrease oxidative stress which is harmful to cells leading to cancer ^[5] One study suggests IF effects reproductive hormones like androgen markers (testosterone and the free androgen index) which can be used to treat hyperandrogenism in females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by improving menstruation and fertility ^[2]

What are the downsides and who shouldn’t practice intermittent fasting?

When long fasting begins there can be side effects such as headaches, tiredness, constipation, irritability. Also, if intermittent fasting is practiced incorrectly, dehydration and malnutrition can happen.^[3]There are also groups of people who should avoid intermittent fasting. These include those who have diabetes type 1, pregnant/breastfeeding, low bone density, eating disorders, weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy). ^[5]So it is important to work with a licensed healthcare provider and/or nutritionist to find out if fasting is a good option.

Is your interest peaked? Last thoughts

Intermittent fasting along with regular physical activity can optimize health and overall well-being now and for the future for certain groups of people. Always be sure to check with your doctor about specific health histories and any monitoring that has to be done before starting an intermittent fasting program and during the process to monitor the outcomes.

References

[1] CDC (2024). New CDC data show adult obesity prevalence remains high. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0912-adult-obesity.html#:~:text=New%20CDC%20p opulation%20data%20from%202023%20show%20that,in%20each%20U.S.%20state%20is%20l iving%20with%20obesity.

[2] Cienfuegos, S., Corapi, S. Gabel, K., Ezpelta, M., Kalam, F., Lin, S., Pavlou, V., Varady, K. (2022) Effect of intermittent fasting on reproductive hormone levels in females and males: A review of human trials. Nutrients, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112343

[3] Kubala, J. (2024). 9 Potential intermittent fasting side effects. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-side-effects#hunger

[4] Mayo Clinic (2024) Chronic inflammation: What it is, why it’s bad, and how you can reduce it. Retrieved from

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/dairy-health/chronic-inflammation-what-it-is-why-its-bad-and-ho w-you-can-reduce-it/#:~:text=Chronic%20inflammation%20contributes%20to%20diseases%20t hat%20together%20represent,that%20help%20maintain%20good%20digestive%20and%20over all%20health.

[5] Nye, K. Cherrin, C. & Meires, J. (2024). Intermittent Fasting: Exploring approaches, benefits, and implications for health and weight management. Journal for Nurse Practitioners (20)3. https://www.npjournal.org/article/S1555-4155(23)00395-1/fulltext

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Steven Shin
October 2024

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition seen primarily in elder women. It occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs become weakened or damaged. This weakening allows the organs to drop from their usual positions and cause discomfort that potentially affecting a woman’s quality of life. While pelvic organ prolapse can be distressing, treatment options exist and this can be managed without surgery [1].

Cause of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The causes of pelvic organ prolapse are multifactorial, but pregnancy and childbirth remain the most significant risk factors. During childbirth, the pelvic floor undergoes extreme stress. The levator ani muscles and the connective tissue that secures the vagina to the sidewalls of the pelvis are both vital for maintaining pelvic stability. In a healthy individual, the vagina is positioned horizontally on top of the levator ani muscles, offering robust support to the pelvic organs [2]. However, the levator ani muscles can stretch beyond their normal limits that leads to injury. This overstretching causes the vaginal opening to widen and shifts the burden of support from the muscles to the connective tissues.

Aging is the second most common cause of pelvic organ prolapse as muscle strength and tissue elasticity naturally decline over time. The lack of estrogen weakens the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor, further exacerbating the risk. Other risk factors of Pelvic Organ Prolapse include obesity, chronic conditions such as diabetes or constipation, and lifestyle habits such as smoking [2].

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Many women with pelvic organ prolapse may not notice any symptoms. On the other hand, women may experience a range of symptoms that affect their quality of life. The most common sign of prolapse is a feeling that something is “coming down” or a bulge protruding from the vaginal opening. Some women may feel or see a soft lump while washing themselves, while others might experience discomfort, pressure, or a dragging sensation in the pelvic area. Some may notice difficulty with bowel movements or find it challenging to keep tampons in place.

Treatments of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Not all cases of pelvic organ prolapse require medical treatment. Mostly, women with mild symptoms can manage their condition with lifestyle changes and conservative treatments. However, certain situations, such as sores on the vaginal wall or bladder problems like ureteral kinking may require medical treatment. Regardless, please see your doctor the moment you notice symptoms.

For women’s non-surgical options, Kegel exercises are often recommended. These exercises target the muscles that support the pelvic organs and can help strengthen them. Working with a pelvic floor therapist improves the effectiveness of these exercises. Pessaries, small silicone devices inserted into the vagina, can provide additional support to the pelvic organs [3]. These devices help relieve symptoms by holding the vaginal walls in place.

Lifestyle modifications like avoiding heavy lifting, quitting smoking, and managing constipation can also reduce symptoms. Obesity and chronic health issues like diabetes and constipation aggravate prolapse, so managing these factors is crucial.

For women with more severe prolapse that significantly affects their quality of life, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures aim to repair and reinforce the damaged tissues, restoring the organs to their proper positions. Surgery can be performed either through the abdomen or the vagina [3]. In cases where the prolapse causes more serious complications, such as difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, surgery may be the best option to restore normal function. However, about 25% of women may require additional surgeries later due to the recurrence of prolapse [3].

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that affects many women. It is often treatable, and many women can manage their symptoms without surgery. Non-surgical treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises and pessaries, can be highly effective. For those with more severe cases, surgery is an option to improve quality of life. If you suspect you have pelvic organ prolapse, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to explore the best treatment options for your individual needs.

Reference

[1] Iglesia, C. B., & Smithling, K. R. (2017). Pelvic organ prolapse. American family physician, 96(3), 179-185.

[2] Collins, S., & Lewicky-Gaupp, C. (2022). Pelvic organ prolapse. Gastroenterology Clinics, 51(1), 177-193.

[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic organ prolapse. Urogynecology, 25(6), 397-408.