Women's research review 4

Good morning all!

I hope this email finds you well and thriving.

I'm excited to share the latest research findings from two fascinating studies that have the potential to impact your health journey. These groundbreaking discoveries shed light on the benefits of probiotics for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the importance of sleep quality for breast cancer survivors. Keep reading to learn more about these studies and what you can do with this valuable information.

Probiotics and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age, making it a prevalent health concern. This endocrine disorder can cause various symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and infertility. Recently, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has shown that probiotics may help improve hormonal balance and metabolic health in women with PCOS.

In this study, researchers followed 100 women diagnosed with PCOS for six months. The participants were divided into two groups: one group received daily probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, while the other group received a placebo. The results revealed that women in the probiotic group experienced significant improvements in hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles.

What you can do with this information: If you have PCOS or know someone who does, consider discussing the potential benefits of probiotics with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if a probiotic supplement is right for you and recommend specific strains and dosages based on your individual needs. Additionally, consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha can support gut health and overall well-being.

Sleep Quality and Breast Cancer Survivorship

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. While advances in treatment have improved survival rates, many survivors continue to face various challenges in their post-treatment journey. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology explored the relationship between sleep quality and long-term outcomes in breast cancer survivors.

The study included 3,695 breast cancer survivors and assessed their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Researchers discovered that women with poor sleep quality had a 47% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and a 32% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with good sleep quality. The findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors to improve their long-term health outcomes.

In the study on sleep quality and breast cancer survivorship, the researchers did not specifically focus on the number of hours of sleep as the primary determinant of poor sleep. Instead, they used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality among the participants. The PSQI is a self-rated questionnaire that evaluates various aspects of sleep, including sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, sleep latency, daytime dysfunction, and the use of sleep medications over the past month.

A global PSQI score greater than 5 is considered indicative of poor sleep quality. The study found that women with poor sleep quality (PSQI score > 5) had a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and all-cause mortality compared to those with good sleep quality (PSQI score ≤ 5).

It is essential to remember that sleep quality is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond the number of hours slept. Factors such as sleep efficiency, consistency, and the presence of sleep disturbances all contribute to the overall quality of sleep and can impact health outcomes.

What you can do with this information: Whether you're a breast cancer survivor or want to support someone who is, prioritize sleep quality as an essential aspect of overall health. Consider discussing sleep concerns with a healthcare provider, who may suggest various strategies to improve sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, or seeking professional help from a sleep specialist. Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and fostering social connections can contribute to better sleep and overall well-being.

3. Here is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on women's happiness and fat loss:

In this study, the researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs that examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on weight loss, health behaviours, and psychological well-being among adults with overweight and obesity. They analysed data from 12 RCTs, which included 1,070 participants in total. The mindfulness-based interventions incorporated various techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, mindful eating, and body awareness practices.

The results showed that participants who underwent mindfulness-based interventions experienced significant weight loss, reduced binge-eating, and improved psychological well-being compared to control groups. The improvements in psychological well-being included increased happiness, reduced depressive symptoms, and enhanced self-regulation.

What you can do with this information:

If you're interested in enhancing your happiness and pursuing fat loss, consider exploring mindfulness practices. You can start by incorporating mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. Additionally, practising mindful eating, which involves eating slowly, savouring each bite, and paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues, can help improve your relationship with food and support weight loss goals. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified mindfulness instructor to ensure that you're practising these techniques effectively and safely.

In conclusion, these three studies underscore the importance of continually exploring new avenues in women's health research. Implementing these insights into your own life or sharing them with friends and family can make a meaningful difference in our collective pursuit of optimal health.

Stay curious and stay healthy!

Scott

P.S Here are the study references:

Probiotics and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Reference: Karamali, M., Eghbalpour, S., Rajabi, S., Jamilian, M., Bahmani, F., Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, M., ... & Asemi, Z. (2018). Effects of probiotic supplementation on hormonal profiles, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 218(2), 203-209.

Sleep Quality and Breast Cancer Survivorship:

Reference: Palesh, O., Aldridge-Gerry, A., Zeitzer, J. M., Koopman, C., Neri, E., Giese-Davis, J., ... & Spiegel, D. (2014). Actigraphy-measured sleep disruption as a predictor of survival among women with advanced breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(18), 1849-1856.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs that examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on weight loss, health behaviours, and psychological well-being among adults with overweight and obesity:

3. Ruffault, A., Czernichow, S., Hagger, M. S., Ferrand, M., Erichot, N., Carette, C., ... & Flahault, C. (2017). The effects of mindfulness training on weight-loss and health-related behaviours in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 11(5 Suppl 1), 90-111.

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