Hear are the top things to know in women’s health and wellness so far this week:
Mother Jones points out that abortion was indirectly on the ballot in many states today. So far, the results are looking good, most notably in Pennsylvania which maintained a Democratic majority in the state’s highest court.
Inflammation is a health influencer buzzword. The Atlantic looks at how that’s affecting treatment, particularly of autoimmune diseases (where the majority of patients are women.)
Postpartum psychosis needs its own entry in the handbook doctors use to treat mental health issues, so women suffering from it can get faster, more precise care.
JUMP TO…
EVERYTHING
What: The Atlantic digs in to how the word “inflammation” has drifted from its medical meaning into vague wellness-speak, creating confusion between real autoimmune illness and everyday discomforts. One doctor shares the story of treating patients with severe autoimmune disease and how it muddies understanding and delays proper care.
Key Line: "One recent study showed that, among people with an autoimmune condition, more than 80 percent have tried some form of complementary and alternative medicine. In my experience, most patients gravitate toward interventions on the milder end of the spectrum, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, but even these can be problematic if taken to the extreme. One patient of mine told me that, at a certain point, he was consuming 60 supplements a day, putting him at risk of adverse interactions with his prescription medications.'
My Take: The vast majority of patients with autoimmune diseases are women.
Source: The Atlantic
What: The president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association warns that Medicare payment cuts that start next year could reduce access to hundreds of diagnostic tests vital to women’s health, including those for breast cancer, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and diabetes. The cuts stem from a 2014 law that based Medicare rates on incomplete private lab data.
Key Line: "Protecting women’s health requires access to the tests that provide important and actionable insights to improve care and save the lives of our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Absent action by Congress, reimbursement cuts will go into effect that could jeopardize early detection, prevention, and treatment for millions of women nationwide."
My Take: Another important issue, flying under the radar. But also one that seems like it could have a shot if it gets attached to a big "must pass" bill in Congress.
Source: SWHR
PREGNANCY + POSTPARTUM
What: A review in Biological Psychiatry called for postpartum psychosis to be recognized as its own mental illness category in the DSM-5, the official handbook for diagnosing mental health conditions. They argue that clearer classification would speed diagnosis, enable proper treatment, and save lives, since the condition can lead to suicide or infanticide if untreated.
Key Line: "The experts argue that postpartum psychosis does not fit into the existing categories of mental illness in the two billing and coding resources. The current descriptions only recognize 'peripartum onset,' meaning the illness strikes during the period around childbirth. This, the authors say, incorrectly describes how postpartum psychosis can set in weeks or months after delivery."
My Take: A good reminder how the arcane elements of medical bureaucracy can affect real life treatment.
Source: Biological Psychiatry
ABORTION ACCESS
What: The article explains how state elections in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia—though not directly about abortion—could heavily influence reproductive access nationwide. From California’s redistricting measure that could reshape who runs Congress next year to Texas’s “Parents Bill of Rights” amendment and Virginia’s battles over a constitutional abortion-rights amendment, the threat to abortion access exists through many elections.
Key Line: “In five states, the results will also have major statewide and even national implications for access to reproductive care."
My Take: I've got the benefit of writing this after some election results have come in, and we can consider New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia safe for now. The results in California will take much longer -- and have the greatest potential consequence for the nation.
Source: Mother Jones
MENOPAUSE
What: A Mayo Clinic survey of nearly 5,000 women ages 45–60 found that over 75% experience menopause symptoms, yet more than 80% never seek medical help. About one-third reported moderate to severe issues that affected their daily life, including sleep problems and weight gain. Researchers say the findings show a major care gap and urge more proactive, accessible menopause management in primary care.
Key Line: "While many women said they preferred to manage symptoms on their own, others said that they were too busy or unaware that effective treatments exist."
My Take: None of this is shocking, but more data is always better to get treatments we deserve.
Source: Mayo Clinic