Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Age-Related Changes, Influencing Factors, and Crosstalk Between Vaginal and Gut Microbiota: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Pre- and Postmenopausal Women.
Objective: The ideal vaginal environment is maintained by Lactobacillus species, which keep the vagina clean and free of infections, boost fertility and immunity. Age-related decline in estrogen affects Lactobacillus population, leading to dominance of nonoptimal species and increased diversity in vaginal microbiota. In this study, we compared the differences between the vaginal microbiota of pre- and postmenopausal women. ⋯ Conclusion: Postmenopausal women had significantly low Lactobacillus and high nonoptimal species in their vaginal flora, whereas such age-related differences were not identified in gut microbiota. Urinary equol concentration had significant correlation with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women only. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trial Registry (Trial registration No.: UMIN000043944).
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Recommendations for Improving Women's Bone Health Throughout the Lifespan.
Osteoporosis is a common condition in which deteriorating bone tissue results in an increased risk of low trauma fracture. Influenced by the role of estrogen in building and maintaining bone mineral density, women have different patterns of bone accrual and loss compared with men, resulting in a lower peak bone mass and a greater lifetime fracture risk. Moreover, fracture risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women who have depleted estrogen levels. ⋯ The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) convened an interdisciplinary Bone Health Working Group to review the current state of science and practice concerning women's bone health and osteoporosis care and to explore strategies to address gaps in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease in women. Women's bone health care must shift its paradigm from one of postmenopausal and post-fracture care to a preventive model that engages touchpoints throughout the lifespan. To achieve this paradigm shift, the Working Group recommends prioritizing efforts to build public awareness and clinical education of preventive bone health care for women, increase access to screening tools, improve patient-provider communication, and treat osteoporosis using a broader risk stratification approach.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Preconception Cardiometabolic Markers and Birth Outcomes Among Women in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.
Background: Associations between preconception cardiometabolic markers and birth outcomes have been noted, but data are scarce for Hispanics/Latinos. We examined the association between preconception cardiometabolic markers, birthweight and preterm birth among U. S. ⋯ Results: In adjusted linear regression models, elevated fasting glucose was associated with higher birthweight z-scores (β = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.14 to 0.99), even after further adjustment for maternal percent body fat (β = 0.53, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.95). In adjusted logistic regression models, high blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = 2.57, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.88) and increased insulin (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.14, for a 10 mU/L increase) were associated with higher odds for preterm birth. Conclusions: Infant birthweight and preterm birth may be influenced by selected cardiometabolic risk factors before pregnancy among Hispanic/Latina women.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Gender Representation Among United States Medical Board Leadership.
Objective: To assess the gender composition of the American Board of Medical Specialties' (ABMS) member boards and evaluate the equitable inclusion of women and a subset of women physicians. Methods: The gender of individuals on 24 boards as of March 1, 2022, was assessed. Two benchmarks-parity (50:50 representation) and equity (compared to the proportion of practicing physicians in each medical specialty)-were utilized to determine if women are equitably represented on medical boards. ⋯ Conclusions: This study reveals mixed results in the equitable inclusion of women on ABMS boards. Our findings suggest that progress should not be assumed and that it may be subject to setbacks when it occurs. There is a need to continue to monitor the equitable inclusion of women on ABMS boards.
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Background: Despite nearly one in five U. S. women of reproductive age reporting a disability, limited research exists on opioid behaviors in this vulnerable population. This study examined associations between disability and past-year prescription opioid use and misuse, and described types of opioids, sources, and motives for opioid misuse among nonpregnant women of reproductive age. ⋯ For their last opioid misuse, 5.2% attained the opioids from a dealer or stranger, and 22.1% used opioids to get high. Conclusion: Women with disabilities are at an amplified risk for prescription opioid use and misuse. Improved medical provider education, training and capacity, and reinforcing related community-based support programs for this population are imperative.