Womb cancer needs prioritised...call for evidence

The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a call for evidence to inform development of the government's 10 Year Cancer Plan for England. They are seeking views to help understand how they can progress the NHS Long Term plan which set out to increase the number of lives saved each year by dramatically improving both diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The easiest way to have your say is to complete the online survey, link here

PCOS Vitality has provided evidence as an organisation with relation to Womb Cancer in particular as we believe there should be a national awareness campaign on the link between PCOS and the increased risk of endometrial cancer. We also believe there should be better access to gynaecology clinics in the UK.

Have your say too, whether you are an individual or an organisation. The survey closes 1st April 2022, together we can make things happen.

(c) PCOS Vitality, 2022

PCOS androgen advantage?...does it keep Osteoporosis at bay?

The risk of osteoporosis in PCOS is not well understood as few longitudinal studies of PCOS exist. I was thrilled to win an Osteolab test kit in a recent competition. It came as a perfect opportunity for me to test my personal risk of osteoporosis which is all the more timely having newly entered Perimenopause.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a slow developing condition and is often only diagnosed after a facture has occurred.[1] Osteoporosis makes bones weak and fragile and more likely to break [1].

Causes and risk of osteoporosis

As we age it is normal to lose bone but some people may experience a rapid loss of bone leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones. Women are particularly at risk of rapid bone loss in the first few years after Menopause and are more at risk of they have early Menopause (before the age of 45) or if their ovaries have been removed[2]. There is conflicting evidence on the effects of PCOS on osteoporosis risk. Recent studies suggest that accompanied with hyperandrognism, PCOS confers a higher bone mineral density and reduced risk of fractures. So when I received the Osteolab test kit I was eager to find out my results [3].

Osteolab early detection of osteoporosis risk

The quick, user-friendly home test kit from Osteolabs determines the calcium ratios in the bones using a urine sample. Simply test yourself at home and get a detailed report of your results. The test gives you the advantage of finding out your risk before large amounts of bone substance have been broken down, allowing you to seek treatment early[4]. Discover more about the test here;

Treatments and living with Osteoporosis

As well as bone strengthening medications, there is some evidence to suggest that Physical Activity also reduces the risk of fractures in Osteoporosis. HRT can also help some people protect their bone health. If you reach the menopause early before age 45 years and especially before the age of 40, it is important to consider HRT as declining oestrogen levels increases your risk. Speak to your healthcare professional. As with all medications, there are risks linked to taking HRT as well as benefits and these vary from person to person so its important to consider your personal risks and benefits to decide if you can use it and how long for. Discuss these risks with your healthcare professional, so you can make an informed choice.[2]

My results

I’m pleased to say I was surprised to find that my bone health is well above average for my age which is very reassuring. It also leaves me thinking that when it comes to PCOS there is so much yet to be discovered :)

For further information and support, visit;

https://theros.org.uk/

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-know-benefits-risks/

or join us in our Facebook Peer Support Group where you will find other likeminded PCOS peers to chat and share with.

© PCOS Vitality 2022

Disclaimer: not medical advice. This is not a sponsorship/paid partnership nor is it an advertising feature – other brands & products may exist. Please do not delay seeking healthcare as a result of information provided on our website. All information supplied in good faith and is for general information purposes only. If you need medical advice please speak to your GP.

References

[1] Osteoporosis - NHS, (n.d.). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/ (accessed March 7, 2022).

[2] Royal Osteoporosis Society | Hormone replacement therapy, (n.d.). https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/ (accessed March 7, 2022).

[3] H. Deshmukh, N. Shah, M. Papageorgiou, M.A. Abdalla, F. Lhaf, M. Aye, T. Sathyapalan, Genetic risk for the polycystic ovary syndrome, bone mineral density and fractures in women and men: A UK Biobank Mendelian randomisation study, Bone. 155 (2022) 116285. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BONE.2021.116285.

[4] Detect osteoporosis early - osteolabs, (n.d.). https://osteolabs.co.uk/osteotest-home (accessed March 7, 2022).

Advancements and challenges in Women's Health Research...

A report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), looks back on key events and advancements in its 30 years coordinating research aimed at improving women’s health. The report also discusses challenges that lie ahead for the health of women and the need to continue striving for equity in biomedical research.[1]

Recent advancements in women’s health

The first advancement was the recognition of the paradigm shift from reproductive health and maternity to a life course approach. Women in the past had been viewed to be the same as men except for reproduction/maternity. The aim became a more personalised medicine boosted by the inclusion of sex and gender awareness in clinical care. Knowledge and the impact of the environmental exposures on women of all ages including the acknowledgement of the developmental origins of disease and the effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on health was the second accomplishment. The third scientific advancement was the progress made in our understanding, detection, and treatment of Postpartum depression. While the inclusion of adequate numbers of women and under-represented minorities in clinical trials was the fourth. Lastly, increased numbers of women working in labs, medical schools and academic research has been another crucial advancement. This innovative approach has led to improved women’s representation in leadership.[1]

Future Challenges in women’s health

Regards the future challenges in women’s health, top of the list are the effects of Covid-19 on health despite women’s mortality risk being lower. More research is needed on effects of Covid on all women including immune response, sex differences in risk profiles, mental health effects, vaccine efficacy, novel therapeutics, Covid-related maternal health, and pregnancy outcomes. Maternal morbidity and mortality including racial disparities are more challenges that we face. Followed by the need for analysis and reporting of sex-specific results in scientific articles. This will improve visibility of patterns of results, accuracy, and guide future research needs. Finally, there exists a need to see more women in leadership roles in STEMM fields in academia which is currently being addressed by innovative collaborative programs aimed at fostering leadership opportunities and opportunities.[1]

Women’s health research can have a huge impact on society and everyone in it, bringing large returns from even the smallest of health improvements, so here is to the next 30 years!

REFERENCES

[1] R. Douthard, L.A. Whitten, J.A. Clayton, Research on Women’s Health: Ready for the Future, J. Women’s Heal. 31 (2022) 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1089/JWH.2022.0014.

© PCOS Vitality 2022