Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Perceived Ineffectiveness of Pharmacological Treatments for Dysmenorrhea.
Background: Dysmenorrhea affects most reproductive-aged women. Common dysmenorrhea treatments vary in their effectiveness across individuals. Little is known about factors associated with perceived treatment ineffectiveness. ⋯ Conclusion: A significant percentage of women reported ineffectiveness of dysmenorrhea treatments. Phenotypes, clinical, and psychobehavioral factors were associated with treatment ineffectiveness. Future research should test if symptom-based phenotypes are associated with treatment effectiveness in clinical trials and investigate other factors that affect dysmenorrhea treatment effectiveness, so treatments can be tailored to individuals.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Awareness and Use of Contraceptive Methods and Perceptions of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Among White and Non-White Women.
Background: Unintended pregnancies continue to account for half of all pregnancies in the United States, primarily due to incorrect or inconsistent use of contraception methods. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods are safe and highly effective, yet underutilized. Low uptake of LARC may be due to inadequate education, misconceptions, and cultural factors such as race, ethnicity, or religion. ⋯ Conclusions: Differing patterns of awareness, use, and perceptions of contraceptive methods between white and non-white women were revealed. By understanding factors that influence contraceptive awareness, use, and perceptions, clinicians can better address the contraceptive needs and concerns of their female patients. Clinical Trial # NCT03486743.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Sex Differences in Subclinical Cardiovascular Organ Damage After Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Cohort Study.
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death after renal transplantation (RT). Sex-specific differences in CVD in the general population are well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-specific differences in prevalence and course of subclinical cardiovascular (CV) organ damage in RT recipients during the first year after RT. ⋯ Conclusions: Our findings indicate a sex-specific association between RT and changes in LVMI. CCBs seem to have a positive impact on CV risk after RT, especially in women. Further studies on the effect of sex and CCB use in RT recipients are warranted.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Sex Differences in Hemoglobin A1c Levels Related to the Comorbidity of Obesity and Depression.
Background: Obesity (OB) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are chronic conditions associated with disease burden, and their comorbidity appears more common among women. Mechanisms linking these conditions may involve inflammatory and metabolic pathways. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of MDD on relationships between OB and cardiometabolic function, and sex differences therein. ⋯ Women with comorbid recurrent MDD and OB had higher HbA1c levels compared to obese women without MDD (5.75% vs. 5.44%, p < 0.05); an interaction between MDD and BMI status was not observed among men. Conclusions: We demonstrated sex differences in the interaction between BMI and recurrent MDD status on a primary biomarker for diabetes risk, suggesting a common metabolic pathway predisposing women to these comorbid conditions. Further investigation is needed to identify mechanisms that may lead to more effective, sex-dependent screening and therapies.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Younger Women Living with Chronic Disease: Comparative Challenges, Resiliencies, and Needs in Heart Disease and Breast Cancer.
Background: Younger women with chronic disease (<60 years of age), especially women with stereotypically "men's" heart disease (HD), are understudied. Unique difficulties may occur with HD, which is less commonly associated with women, compared with breast cancer (BC). Similarities may also exist across younger women, as chronic disease is less normative in younger people. ⋯ New information provided by the younger women includes limited illness-related optimism in women with HD facing age and gender stereotypes, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of peer availability in BC. Conclusions: Greater public awareness of younger women with chronic disease, alongside structural support and connection with similarly challenged peers, is suggested. As advocacy for BC awareness and action has strengthened over past decades, similar efforts are needed for younger women with HD.