Hello, lovely reader,
Thanks to everyone for the great feedback on my Millenopause report. It’s been fantastic to see the kind response from all generations, especially those who have already gone through the menopause transition - big thanks to Kate Muir who shared the report with her community.
I’d love to continue the research on this theme in the future. Drop me a message if you’re interested in collaborating.
Three ways to help close the gender health gap this week
Become a ‘BioBabes’ tester
Hormone monitoring startup, Unravel Health, is looking for women to join its tester community.
Opportunities may include testing novel solutions, participating in surveys or giving feedback on demo products.
If you’re someone who hasn’t got a clue what’s happening with their hormones (form an orderly queue), then this is for you.
Discover the surrogacy data gap
I will start by saying that, using my principles of ‘good science’ reporting, the study referenced has some limitations - namely the size of the group involved.
But, in this case, it isn’t the findings themselves that are important, but their implications.
A study based on Canadian data, suggests that surrogates are more likely to experience pregnancy complications.
The findings showed that despite environmental or socio-economic factors, the risk of giving birth before 37 weeks was 1.79 times higher in surrogates.
As is often the case in women’s health, the study generated more questions than answers as the researchers cannot currently say why this increase exists.
And therein lies the gap. There is limited accurate data on the risks and outcomes on pregnancy through surrogacy. Due to various factors, it is another deeply neglected area of women’s health.
As a vital lifeline for many people starting their family, it really deserves more attention.
Read more about the study here.
Learn more about the impact of language in pregnancy loss
Trigger warning: pregnancy loss and miscarriage
With phrases like ‘geriatric mum’ and ‘failure to progress’ being commonplace in pregnancy, I think we can all agree that maternity services have a language problem.
The insensitivity of this clinical wording can leave us feeling frightened and incapable.
But, a first-of-its-kind study by UCL, has highlighted that these words have far-reaching consequences for someone dealing with pregnancy loss.
The use of healthcare language exacerbates the grief and trauma the parents feel and impacts their physiological wellbeing.
The study makes four recommendations for clinicians including ways to soften language.
Listen to Dr Beth Mallory, the lead lecturer on the study, talk about the findings on BBC Woman’s Hour here. Or read the study report here.
The bonus this week is a fascinating insight into data integrity. We all know we need more women’s health research but what happens when those findings are flawed. This article in Nature examines if a series of preeclampsia papers, currently potentially being used to inform clinical practice, should be withdrawn. I’m going to explore this one a little further as I’m very curious as to what’s happening here.
If you enjoyed reading this, please do like or shout about it!
When not curating this email, I help women’s health brands find their voice and stand out in a busy market.
Keen for some help writing, creating or pitching an idea like the Millenopause report? Find out more about working with me here.
Thanks very much for reading,
Hannah