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12 06, 2025

The Relationship Between Migraine and Mental Health

By |2025-06-12T22:40:11+03:00June 12, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

When Stephanie Weaver plans a vacation, her very first thought is, “What if I get a migraine attack?” The possibility causes her so much anxiety that she goes over a game plan with her therapist in case it happens. She packs multiple medications, a hat to shield her eyes from bright lights and Ziploc bags to make an emergency ice pack. “I know I’ll have to deal with whatever comes,” she said.

Weaver, who’s in her 60s and lives in southern California, has struggled with unpredictable migraine attacks most of her life, and they’ve affected her mental health. “I can’t trust my body to behave, and the anxiety that comes with these feelings has never gone away,” she said.

The link between migraine and mental health disorders

According to a 2022 Migraine and Mental Health Connection Survey by the American Migraine Association, migraine disease and mental health strongly impact one another. Even though migraine disease and mental health disorders are separate diseases, they have a correlation with each other. Their links are not fully understood, but the relationship is likely the result of several factors. These can include abnormal brain structures, genetics, sex hormones and stress.

Up to half of people with chronic migraine disease have an anxiety disorder, compared to around 19% of the general U.S. population. And 25% of people with chronic migraine disease have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is thought to affect 5% of the general population in the U.S. Other mental health issues linked with migraine disease include a three times higher likelihood of having bipolar disorder and an increased tendency for suicidal ideation (thoughts of taking your own life).

Childhood trauma also plays a role. People who have experienced trauma early in life are 48% more likely to have a headache disorder. The more traumatic events a person experiences as a child, the more likely they are to have migraine disease.

This creates a vicious circle where mental health issues can lead to migraine attacks, and migraine attacks can lead to mental health issues. “When someone is dealing with chronic pain or chronic headache, it’s very understandable why they can also then experience mental health problems too,” said Rashmi Halker Singh, M.D., FAHS, FAAN, a neurologist specializing in migraine at Mayo Clinic and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council.

Migraine disease affects more women than men

A study from the National Library of Medicine says that more than twice as many women (43%) suffer from migraine attacks compared to men (18%). This is partially due to the fluctuation of estrogen in a woman’s body. “About a third of women who have migraine experience onset at the time of puberty. Menstruation and perimenopause are times when migraine can really be a problem,” said Halker Singh.

Racial discrimination plays a role

People of color are less likely to receive treatment for migraine attacks and mental health disorders compared to white people. Many BIPOC don’t receive proper treatment because of distrust of the healthcare system and racial and socioeconomic discrimination in healthcare.

And they’re less likely to be diagnosed with migraine as well. In fact, the American Migraine Foundation found that only 47% of Black people and 50% of Latinos are likely to receive a migraine diagnosis compared to 70% of white people.

In turn, if patients don’t have a diagnosis, they are less likely to receive the treatment they need. And this means they’re less likely to feel better both mentally and physically.

Two invisible diseases

People with migraine and mental health disorders often struggle to get the support they deserve. This is, in part, because migraine and mental health disorders are invisible diseases, making it difficult for others to understand what you’re going through. Unlike other diseases that are visible, people can’t always see outward signs of migraine and mental health disorders.

It’s important to remember that migraine disease is not something you can control. Halker Singh said her patients often worry about how their migraine attacks impact other parts of their life, including their relationships with their loved ones.

Getting the right treatment

Luckily, there are a lot of treatments available for both mental health disorders and migraine disease. And some of the treatments for each condition are the same, including some overlapping medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs (two types of antidepressants), cognitive behavioral therapy, other forms of psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques.

Halker Singh helps her patients come up with a comprehensive treatment plan, including finding the right medication. “We have so many amazing options,” she said. She also makes sure to discuss ways to prevent attacks. And if a patient is struggling with their mental health, she refers them to a mental health specialist.

Similarly, Weaver takes a whole body approach. “Finding a therapist who works with people with chronic illness, taking a meditation class and learning about my specific triggers have all helped with my anxiety,” she said.

Advocating for better care

In the Migraine and Mental Health Connection survey, 87% of people who experienced migraine and 94% of healthcare providers (HCPs) felt that mental health would improve with better migraine control. This is why it’s important to have an honest conversation about both your mental and physical health with your provider.

Halker Singh said it might even be a good idea to get a second opinion. Asking another HCP to review your diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if you feel it isn’t working well, can make all the difference. Finding an HCP who listens to your concerns and works with you to find the treatment that’s right for you is the key to helping you feel better.

This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer.

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12 06, 2025

Questions and Answers About Migraine Treatments

By |2025-06-12T20:39:08+03:00June 12, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

Migraine attacks aren’t just head pain. They’re part of migraine disease, a neurologic disorder, and they involve a wide variety of symptoms that can include intense headache attacks, particularly occurring on one side of the head; sensitivity to light, sounds and smells; tingling or numbness in your arms and/or legs, mood changes and intense fatigue, among other symptoms.

This chronic condition can be difficult to treat, but there are a lot of different migraine treatments out there. We reached out to Jessica Ailani, M.D., FAHS,, neurologist and director of Georgetown Headache Center, to find out more about treatment options for people living with migraine disease.

What types of treatments can I use for the onset of symptoms from a migraine attack? (non-prescription, prescription)

Treatment used at the beginning of migraine symptoms are called acute treatments. These range from over-the counter medications and treatments such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen to acetaminophen, and combination treatments like aspirin/acetaminophen/caffeine to devices and prescription medications.

Some people find ice packs and cold rubs to be helpful during an attack as well. Though there are not many studies that support this, it is common for people with migraine disease to use ice on their head and neck during an attack.

If over-the-counter treatments are not effective, it’s time to speak to your healthcare provider (HCP) about prescription medications.

Neuromodulation devices are a non-medication way to treat a migraine attack after it starts but may still require a prescription. Devices work in different ways to reduce the abnormal signaling in the brain involved during a migraine attack. FDA-cleared devices for acute treatment of migraine prevention include sTNS (Cefaly), remote electrical neuromodulation (Nerivio), sTMS (e-Neura), eCOTs (Relivion) and nVNS (gammaCore).

The most common prescription medication prescribed for migraine is a class known as triptans. These are medications you use as needed for an attack that work on blocking chemicals that are released during the pain phase of a migraine attack. Triptans can be tablets you swallow, tablets that dissolve in your mouth or nasal sprays, and one comes as a self-injection.

The different forms are important because migraine can cause nausea and vomiting. If nausea or feeling like you can’t eat or drink during an attack is common for you, using a medication by nose or by injection is important. Triptans should not be used more than 10 days a month or they can cause something known as rebound headache or medication overuse headaches (MOH). They also do not work well late in a migraine attack.

Another category of acute treatment are gepants. Gepants are also used specifically for migraine attacks and can be taken as a tablet, an oral dissolvable tablet or a nasal spray. They have fewer side effects than triptans and can be used in a wider range of populations, but they may not be as effective as triptans for some people. Gepants block a protein called CGRP that is involved in what can bring on a migraine attack. One gepant has been shown to work if taken during the prodrome phase or aura (before the pain of migraine starts). Gepants are not thought to cause rebound headache and can be beneficial for those with more frequent attacks.

A third category of acute treatment are ergots. Ergots block a wider number of chemicals involved in migraine, so they can sometimes be effective when other treatments are not. Ergots can be taken as a nasal spray or injection and can work early or later in a migraine attack.

Are there treatments available to prevent migraines? (non-prescription, prescription)

To reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improve disability, preventive treatment is used. Preventive treatment includes behavioral therapies, vitamin supplements, neuromodulation devices and medications that can be prescribed by your clinician.

For all people with migraine, lifestyle changes should be considered. These include:

  • Regular sleep and wake schedules
  • Regular eating times
  • Good hydration with water — drink water when you are thirsty
  • Regular exercise — move your body every day even if you’re having a headache attack. Try stretching in place or holding a gentle yoga pose.
  • Regulate stress — meditate, practice deep breathing, get regular exercise and movement, journal, listen to calming music, step away from negative situations

Behavioral interventions can be used alone or in addition to medication to help reduce migraine frequency. The best studied behavioral techniques to reduce frequent migraine attacks include biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy if you’re experiencing generalized anxiety or anxiety about your migraine attacks or struggling to cope with chronic pain.There are other types of intervention that are being studied, including mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Vitamin supplements that have good evidence for migraine prevention include riboflavin, magnesium and butterbur. Butterbur should be used under the instruction of an HCP because using the wrong type may be dangerous for your liver health. There are other supplements used for migraine prevention, but the studies are not as strong that they are effective.

Many medications are available to prevent migraine. There are migraine-specific treatments that block CGRP, which is a protein involved in causing migraine. Tablets that block CGRP can be given daily or every other day. Injections of monoclonal antibodies that block CGRP can be given monthly or every three months. Tablets can be easier for some people to take, but a monthly or quarterly injection may be more convenient. To make a decision about what medication may be best for you, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your HCP and review potential side effects.

Read: How Shared Decision-Making Can Lead to Better Healthcare >>

There are also medications that are older and inexpensive because they have been around for decades that have been found to be effective in reducing migraine frequency. These include some blood pressure medications, some anti-seizure medications and a few specific antidepressants.

For people with chronic migraine (more than 15 migraine days per month for three months, where eight headache days have migraine characteristics), injections with onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) is an FDA-approved treatment option as well. A trained injector follows a specific injection protocol to give the treatment every 12 weeks to reduce migraine frequency and disability.

Finally, there are the neuromodulation devices mentioned above.

When should I consider using preventive therapy?

If you have six or more migraine attacks per month, you should consider starting preventive therapy.

You should also discuss preventive therapy with your HCP if you have two or more migraine attacks per month and you’re missing work or life events, you don’t have a good acute treatment that works for attacks, or you have attacks associated with severe symptoms (such as muscle weakness during the migraine attack).

How can I determine what treatment will work well for me?

At this time, there is no great way to know what treatment will work for you without trying different options and seeing what works.

Are there any alternative therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acupuncture, or biofeedback, that I should consider?

There is a body of evidence that biofeedback reduces the number of migraine attacks people experience and how bad their migraine attacks are compared to people who are not taking medication, but the evidence does not show that it helps more than medication or CBT, which also has robust evidence supporting its effectiveness. Acupuncture has mixed evidence, but I do recommend that patients who are interested (and can afford the cost and the time off work) give it a try because it can help reduce attack frequency.

Should I go to a headache specialist? How can I find one?

A good place to start treatment is with your primary care provider or a general neurologist, as there are very few headache specialists in the U.S. If you feel you are not improving or have multiple types of headache disorders or conditions that go along with your headache attacks, then a headache specialist would be the next step.

To find a headache specialist certified in headache medicine, you can search the United Council of Neurological Subspecialty directory.

This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer.

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11 06, 2025

Pelvic Floor Expert Sara Reardon

By |2025-06-11T20:24:57+03:00June 11, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


Sara Reardon, aka “The Vagina Whisperer,” has been very vocal online about the importance of women’s pelvic floor health since 2017. And with more than 680,000 followers and 13 million views on social media — people are listening.

“The account has organically grown, and I think that’s a real testament to how much women really want this information about their pelvic floor — and they aren’t getting it elsewhere,” Reardon said.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, Reardon helps women strengthen, relax and rehabilitate the muscles and tissues in the pelvic region of the body. Problems with the pelvic floor and weakening of the muscles can cause a wide range of issues such as bladder leakage and the inability to orgasm. So, yeah — really important stuff.

Reardon talks all things pelvic floor in her new book, Floored: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage. “The real mission behind The Vagina Whisperer and also writing the book was that everybody should know about the pelvic floor. We get period education and sex education — we should get pelvic floor education because we are more vulnerable to pelvic floor issues as women. So that’s really my goal — to help enlighten people and not normalize the problems, but normalize the conversation,” Reardon said.

We talked with Reardon about how to care for your pelvic floor (Hint: it’s more than Kegels) and the right way to pee. (Spoiler: A lot of us have been doing it all wrong.)

Our interview follows, edited for clarity and length.

HealthyWomen: We’re big fans of the name “The Vagina Whisperer.” Tell us how it started.

Sara Reardon: Every summer after graduate school, I would get together with my group of friends and we would hang out over the Fourth of July weekend. One summer, we were all hanging out and I ended up sitting in a hot tub with a bunch of my friends’ moms, and I was talking to them about aging and their bladder issues and vagina problems — and my friends were like, “Oh my gosh, Sara is the vagina whisperer!” And so they came up with the name.

A couple years later, I started my Instagram account, The Vagina Whisperer, and it was really for my group of girlfriends because we were pregnant and all having babies, and they would continuously ask me what they should do for pregnancy exercises. So I said, I’m just going to put it on Instagram so that everybody can see it, and it’s there whenever you need it. And that was the start of The Vagina Whisperer.

2024 (Photo/Sarah Beaker)

HealthyWomen: Congratulations on your new book, Floored: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage. What’s the most important thing women should keep in mind regarding pelvic floor health?

Sara Reardon: Although all genders have a pelvic floor, women go through different hormonal fluctuations every month and experience pregnancy, postpartum and menopause — and all those stages of life affect our pelvic floor and put women at risk for pelvic floor issues.

Pregnancy can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor, and we don’t have standardization for rehabilitation for women after birth like you would after other surgeries. In menopause, you have less estrogen, testosterone and collagen — all of those things put you at risk for more pelvic floor problems, typically weakness and sometimes even tension or pain.

HealthyWomen: Your TikTok post telling women not to push when you pee went viral with more than 10 million views. Were you surprised at how many people said they’ve been doing it all wrong? And what’s your advice to break the habit if you push to pee (asking for a friend)?

Sara Reardon: It does surprise me, but it also is exactly the reason why I’m doing what I’m doing. I think that it’s really important for people to know that. And I’ve posted don’t push to pee probably 50 times before, and then you see that millions of people are still learning. But we’ve never been taught — when do we teach people how to pee? My advice: Pee when you have the urge to pee — don’t go just in case. And don’t over delay. Sometimes people hold it for hours, but that can over tense your pelvic floor muscles.

Always sit down to pee so that you’re not hovering. That’s going to help your pelvic floor muscles relax better so you don’t have to strain or push. And when you are peeing, you don’t need to push — your bladder has a muscle that actually pushes the urine out for you.

I say put your feet flat on the floor and lean forward onto your elbows and just take some big deep breaths. Breathing can help your pelvic floor muscles relax.

Read: 15 Minutes With: Ashley Winter, M.D., Talks Urology, Sex and All Things Vaginas >>

HealthyWomen: I only recently learned that hovering is bad for you.

Sara Reardon: I can’t tell you how many people are like, “Sara, every time I pee, I think of you,” and I’m like, you know what that means? I’m doing my job alright and that’s really what I want. I just want people to be aware of what they’re doing because these small changes really go a long way. And it’s the same thing with pooping. Put a stool under your feet so that your muscles are more relaxed and you’re in a squatting position, and exhale when you’re pushing instead of holding your breath to have a bowel movement.

The thing is, many people know that women who are pregnant and postpartum are menopausal or at a higher risk for pelvic floor issues, but you can develop these problems at any age.

HealthyWomen: Another recent post of yours says to prioritize your pelvic floor now, so your organs don’t protrude out of your vagina later (pelvic organ prolapse). What’s your go-to exercise or tip for women to avoid this?

Sara Reardon: It’s actually more of a lifestyle. When you have pelvic organ prolapse, those pelvic floor muscles are not supporting your organs as well. So your bladder, your uterus, your cervix, your bowels can drop into the vaginal canal and it feels like something’s in your vagina or something’s falling out of your vagina. The biggest thing is not straining. You can do exercises and kegels until the cows come home but if you’re straining — pushing when you pee — or if you’re straining during constipation or pooping — all of that pressure just pushes down over and over and can create weakness of these muscles and prolapse.

Stop straining and start strengthening. These muscles are like any other muscle in your body — they need to be able to contract, and they also need to be able to relax.

HealthyWomen: Are Kegels good for your pelvic floor?

Sara Reardon: Yes, if you have weakness. But what’s interesting is that many, many women have tension. So, just like any other muscle or body, it can be weak and need strengthening, but it can also be really tight and tense. Think of how you get tension in your shoulders, and that makes you feel like you need a massage. It’s the same thing in your pelvic floor muscles. Those muscles can get tight and tense and they don’t relax well, and that can lead to a hard time starting your urinary stream or difficulty having bowel movements.

It can also cause pain with sex, hip pain and low back pain — a variety of things — because those muscles can even lead to issues like leakage and prolapse because if they’re tight and tense, they can’t contract well either.

What’s really important is, before you start a strengthening regimen, to know whether you have weakness and you need strengthening, or if you have tension and need to work on that tension first. Once that tension is relieved, then you may have some weakness underneath.

The other thing with Kegels — it’s not like a one size fits all prescription. There are different types of Kegels. So, there are quick contractions where you squeeze and relax, and then there’s longer contractions where you hold for five, 10 or 20 seconds. And those are the endurance muscle fibers that we really need to work as well. So, quick ones and longer Kegels and making sure that you’re relaxing completely and then also doing them in different positions.

HealthyWomen: What are your thoughts on the pelvic floor trainer devices?

Sara Reardon: I think they can have a role. For some people who struggle to know if they’re doing a pelvic floor contraction properly or relaxing properly, they can be helpful. But once you start working in standing or with movement and squats and lunges and lifting — you can’t really wear those devices. So, I think that they can be a helpful place to get started, but move away from them over time.

HealthyWomen: As a pelvic floor therapist, can you settle the debate: Is it OK to pee in the shower?

Sara Reardon: Yes, it is totally fine to pee in the shower. I think one of the misunderstandings here is that peeing in the shower is totally fine, but if you turn the shower on and it creates the urgency to pee, that’s a sign of overactive bladder, which can be helped with pelvic floor therapy. So, it’s fine to pee in the shower, and I think it’s actually really quite convenient.

Pelvic Floor Expert Sara Reardon

HealthyWomen: On the homepage of your website you’re wearing a vulva costume — we’re assuming it’s couture. Do you wear it around the French Quarter in New Orleans where you live?

Sara Reardon: I actually bought that costume online for $100 bucks in 2018! The store closed down and I’ve tried to contact them many, many times with no response. It’s the only one I have so I don’t wear it out in public — I don’t want anyone to spill beer on it or have something bad happen to it. So, it’s tucked away in my closet. My kids do pull it out from time to time and they’re like, “Here’s the hot dog costume, Mom!”

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11 06, 2025

Datos comprobados de las investigaciones de lupus

By |2025-06-11T18:24:27+03:00June 11, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


English

Aproximadamente 1.5 millones de personas en Estados Unidos tienen lupus, un trastorno que ocurre cuando el sistema inmunitario ataca órganos y tejidos saludables. De ellas, 9 de cada 10 son mujeres.

El lupus es un trastorno complicado que puede ser difícil de diagnosticar e incluso más difícil de tratar. Los científicos estudian el lupus desde muchos ángulos diferentes para poder entender de mejor manera qué lo desencadena y cómo ayudar de mejor forma a las personas que viven con ese trastorno.

Investigaciones impulsadas por los pacientes: RAY

Otro recurso de Lupus Foundation of America es una plataforma informática llamada RAY: Research Accelerated by You[Investigaciones aceleradas por ti]. RAY hace posible que personas con lupus y sus cuidadores compartan sus experiencias con lupus y participen activamente en el estudio del trastorno. La información recolectada por RAY es útil para que los investigadores desarrollen tratamientos nuevos que identifiquen métodos para mejorar las vidas de personas que viven con lupus.

Inscribirse en RAY solo requiere contestar una encuesta virtual. Tu información se compartirá anónimamente con investigadores, lo cual quiere decir que se mantendrá completamente confidencial.

Estudios observacionales: Lupus Landmark Study

En un estudio observacional los investigadores evalúan un grupo de personas sin proporcionar ningún tratamiento ni otro tipo de intervención para recopilar información.

Actualmente, Lupus Research Alliance realiza un estudio observacional que será útil para el tratamiento del lupus. Tiene el nombre de Lupus Landmark Study [Estudio de referencia de lupus] (LLS) y monitoreará y recolectará información de 3,500 personas que viven con lupus.

Lupus Research Alliance está buscando personas para que participen en el LLS. Eres elegible si tienes el tipo más común de lupus, el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) y:

  • Tienes 18 años o más en el momento de la inscripción
  • Puedes dar consentimiento
  • No estás embarazada
  • Puedes asistir a las visitas requeridas del estudio

Registros de pacientes: Investigaciones financiadas por los CDC

iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

Un registro de pacientes es una recolección de información de personas con un trastorno o diagnóstico médico específico. Los Centros para la prevención y control de enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) actualmente financian cinco registros regionales de lupus en Estados Unidos.

Estos registros son:

  • La Universidad Emory (Georgia)
  • La Clínica Mayo (Minnesota)
  • La Universidad de Nueva York
  • La Universidad de California, San Francisco
  • La Universidad de Utah

La meta de estos registros es incrementar la concientización de a quiénes les da lupus y de cómo esta enfermedad les afecta. Estos registros también son útiles para entender de mejor forma las formas en que las disparidades de la salud afectan a las personas que tienen lupus.

Las disparidades de la salud son diferencias de la salud que se asocian con problemas más importantes de desigualdad de recursos y desventajas sociales, económicas y medioambientales. Estas incluyen diferencias de desenlaces clínicos de las expectativas de vida, de las condiciones de salud y de las tasas de mortalidad y de enfermedades prevenibles de una población.

Las disparidades de la salud se asocian con factores tales como la raza, el género, la geografía, los ingresos y el acceso a atención médica. Por ejemplo: El lupus afecta a personas de toda raza y etnia, pero ese trastorno es tres veces más frecuente para mujeres de raza negra que para mujeres de raza blanca, y las mujeres de raza negra son más propensas a tener trastornos graves.

Los expertos no están seguros de por qué el lupus afecta mucho más a personas de raza negra, pero piensan que la genética, las hormonas y factores medioambientales juegan un papel en eso.

Encontrar esperanza con las investigaciones

El lupus es un trastorno complejo con una amplia variedad de síntomas que afectan muchas partes del cuerpo. Aunque esto dificulta su tratamiento, también crea muchas oportunidades de investigación.

Ya sea que participes en una clínica o desde una computadora, puedes contribuir con el desarrollo de tratamientos nuevos para el lupus. Además de revisar los recursos que se mencionaron anteriormente, habla con tu proveedor de atención médica acerca de ensayos clínicos u otros tipos de investigaciones que podrían ser útiles para ti y para todas las personas que viven con lupus.



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10 06, 2025

Facts About Lupus Research – HealthyWomen

By |2025-06-10T22:13:56+03:00June 10, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


About 1.5 million people in the United States have lupus, a disease that happens when the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. Of these, 9 out of 10 are women.

Lupus is a complicated disease that can be hard to diagnose and even harder to treat. Scientists are looking at lupus from many different angles so they can better understand what triggers it — and how best to support those who are living with the disease.

Patient-powered research: RAY

Another resource from the Lupus Foundation of America is a data platform called RAY: Research Accelerated by You. RAY allows people with lupus and their caregivers to share their lupus experiences and be actively involved in studying the disease. The information collected by RAY helps researchers develop new treatments and figure out ways to improve the everyday lives of people living with lupus.

Joining RAY involves nothing more than filling out an online survey. Your information is shared with researchers anonymously, meaning it stays 100% confidential.

Observational studies: Lupus Landmark Study

An observational study is one where researchers study a group of people without giving them any treatment or other intervention so they can gather information.

Right now, the Lupus Research Alliance is doing an observational study to help treat lupus. It’s called the Lupus Landmark Study (LLS), and it will follow and collect information from 3,500 people living with lupus.

The Lupus Research Alliance is looking for people to join LLS. You’re eligible to join if you have the most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are:

  • 18 years or older at the time of enrollment
  • Able to consent
  • Not pregnant
  • Able to attend required study visits

Patient registries: CDC-funded research

iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

A patient registry is a collection of information about people with a specific health condition or diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently funding five regional lupus registries across the United States.

These registries are:

  • Emory University (Georgia)
  • Mayo Clinic (Minnesota)
  • New York University
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • University of Utah

The goal of these registries is to help increase understanding of who gets lupus and how living with the disease affects them. These registries also help improve understanding of the ways health disparities affect people with lupus.

Health disparities are differences in health that are linked to bigger issues of unequal resources and social, economic or environmental disadvantages. These differences in health outcomes include life expectancy, health status, and rates of preventable disease and death in a population.

Health disparities are linked to factors such as race, gender, geography, income and access to healthcare. For example: Lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities, but the disease is three times more common in Black women than white women — and they’re more likely to have severe disease.

Experts aren’t sure why Black people are hit so much harder by lupus, but they think genetics, hormones and environmental issues may all play a part.

Finding hope through research

Lupus is a complex disease with a wide variety of symptoms that affects many parts of the body. While this makes it tricky to treat, it also creates many opportunities for research.

Whether you’re participating in a clinic or are in front of your computer, you may be able to contribute to the development of new treatments for lupus. In addition to checking out the resources mentioned above, talk to your healthcare provider about clinical trials or other types of research that may help you — and everyone else living with lupus.



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10 06, 2025

Pasé años sin saber que tenía migrañas menstruales

By |2025-06-10T20:13:07+03:00June 10, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


English

Junio es el Mes Nacional de Concientización de Migrañas y Dolores de Cabeza.

Tal como lo relataron a Nicole Audrey Spector

Estaba en la universidad cuando tuve mi primer episodio de migrañas. Fue tan grave que me tumbó por tres días. El segundo día, me encerré en un cuarto oscuro, donde vomité sin parar y estuve a punto de desmayarme.

Aterrada, pensando que tenía un aneurisma cerebral, fui a la clínica médica del campus en cuanto pude caminar y tolerar la luminosidad del aire libre. Todavía estaba agitada mientras describía los síntomas al doctor, pero me examinó, me dijo que no tenía nada malo y me dijo que vaya a casa.

Llamé a mi mamá, con quien tengo una relación muy cercana, y ella insistió que paguemos una consulta con el doctor de cabecera de la familia. Me recogió y me llevó a su consultorio. Afortunadamente, él se preocupó y consiguió una consulta ese mismo día con un neurólogo para una TC cerebral para descartar tumores, derrames y convulsiones. Los resultados fueron normales. También me hicieron un ECG porque sentía que perdía la conciencia. Tuve resultados normales para eso también.

Ninguno de los profesionales médicos que visité tenía idea de lo que me pasaba. Regresé a la universidad con analgésicos que no necesitan receta y con la esperanza de que no ocurra eso otra vez. Pero ocurrió. Estos episodios ocurrían sin razón aparente cada cierto tiempo, acompañados de mucho dolor, debilidad, mareo y miedo.

Jaclyn con su madre y su sobrino

Un aspecto positivo, supongo, fue que eventualmente podía anticipar cuándo ocurriría un episodio de migrañas, lo cual me permitía programar mis actividades para hacerlas en momentos en los que no tenía esos episodios. Después de la universidad, empecé a trabajar en lo que se convertiría eventualmente en una carrera larga en el sector de la educación pública, inicialmente como profesora sustituta. Programaba mi vida en función de estos episodios y si sentía que iba a tener un episodio de migrañas, no me comprometía con posibles trabajos.

Cada vez que tenía un episodio de migrañas, sentía que me moría. Siempre eran así de graves. Una vez, cuando tuve un episodio, fui a la sala de emergencias. Estaba embarrada con vómito, tenía ojos somnolientos y claramente estaba en muy mal estado. El doctor de turno me acusó de ‘fingir’ mi episodio de migrañas para recibir narcóticos. Finalmente, una vez que confirmé que podía pedir que alguien me lleve a casa, me inyectó un analgésico. No estoy segura de lo que me dio, pero dormí durante 12 horas seguidas. Pero ese periodo de tiempo fue la única vez que sentí un alivio real del dolor. Todos los productos que no necesitaban receta que tomaba eran inútiles. Lo vomitaba todo.

Sufrí esta agonía misteriosa durante 10 años. En ocasiones, vivir con episodios de migrañas me deprimía y angustiaba. A menudo pensaba que me estaba volviendo loca, así de simple, pero debo decir que pude tener una vida independiente y gratificante incluso con dichos episodios. Fue realmente difícil. Siempre era yo la mujer que tenía una enfermedad rara que ocurriría en forma espontánea.

Cuando tenía 28 años, fui a una consulta con mi ginecólogo obstetra para una examinación de rutina y le hablé de mis episodios de migrañas. Me escuchó con atención y dijo, “creo que tienes migrañas menstruales”. No lo sabía en ese momento, pero esas palabras cambiaron mi vida milagrosamente.

Pasé años sin saber que tenía migrañas menstrualesJaclyn con su hermana y su sobrina

Nunca había escuchado que episodios de migrañas podían relacionarse con tu período menstrual, pero mi ginecóloga obstetra me explicó que eso era común. Para algunas personas, cuando nuestras hormonas fluctúan mucho, particularmente durante la ovulación y la menstruación, pueden ocurrir episodios de migrañas. Podría parecer que tus episodios de migrañas ocurren en forma aleatoria, especialmente si no tienes tu período menstrual cuando tienes un episodio de migrañas, pero, de hecho, esto puede tener cierto ritmo.

Mi ginecóloga obstetra recomendó que tome algún tipo de anticonceptivo para interrumpir mi período menstrual por tres meses y evitar que mis hormonas fluctúen, lo cual desencadenaba mis migrañas. Estaba ansiosa de encontrar un alivio y empecé sin dudarlo. Una vez que empecé a tomar los medicamentos, los episodios de migrañas disminuyeron radicalmente. Los experimenté un día en vez de seis días al mes. Ese medicamento fue efectivo por un tiempo, pero eventualmente dejó de funcionar. Empecé a usar otro anticonceptivo que fue muy útil.

Durante este tiempo, tuve una consulta con el doctor de mi familia, justo antes de que se retire. Le dije lo que estaba sucediendo. Me recetó un aerosol nasal para tratar la aparición de episodios de migrañas y para reducir significativamente el dolor y las náuseas. Esto, también, funcionó por un tiempo (aunque tenía el efecto colateral desagradable de hacer que sienta que el mundo estaba en cámara lenta). Después de algunos años, el aerosol dejó de funcionar también, así que empecé a usar otro medicamento. Todo bien hasta ahora. ¿El lado positivo de que un medicamento deje de funcionar? Usualmente hay algo que puede reemplazarlo o por lo menos eso es lo que me ha pasado. No me preocupa eso.

Acabo de cumplir 44 años y estoy bien. Mis episodios de migrañas están bajo control casi por completo y cuando ocurren puedo combatirlos antes de que se vuelvan graves. Estoy en mi mejor momento, enfocada en mi carrera, fortaleciendo los lazos con mi familia y simplemente haciendo lo que deseo hacer en mi vida.

Quiero que otros sepan que si padeces algo que no se ha diagnosticado o que se ha diagnosticado erróneamente, no debes rendirte. ¡Sigue hablando de eso! Si un doctor te trata con insensibilidad, visita a otro profesional médico. Encontrarás a alguien que te atienda y te ayude, incluso si es después de una década. Desde luego, espero que no pase tanto tiempo.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Pfizer.

¿Eres una mujer con historias reales que te gustaría compartir? Avísanos

Nuestras historias son experiencias auténticas de mujeres reales. HealthyWomen no avala los puntos de vista, opiniones y experiencias expresadas en estas historias y no necesariamente reflejan las políticas o posiciones oficiales de HealthyWomen.

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10 06, 2025

Questions and Answers About Nasal Polyps

By |2025-06-10T00:02:08+03:00June 10, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop inside the nose or in your sinuses. Although nasal polyps are usually painless, they can produce uncomfortable symptoms like pressure and fullness in the nose and face, a stuffy nose with thick and discolored drainage, breathing issues and a loss of smell and taste.

Anyone can get nasal polyps, although they’re more common in middle age. They can’t be cured, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms. We reached out to Andrew Lane, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Sinus Center and of the Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, for more information.

What is the goal of treatment for nasal polyps?

The goal of treatment is to help patients manage and improve symptoms. That can be done by reducing or eliminating the polyps and then preventing their recurrence or regrowth.

Read: Nasal Polyps 101 >>

What are the different types of treatments for nasal polyps and what benefits do they offer?

Corticosteroids, endoscopic sinus surgery and biologics are treatments for nasal polyps.

  • Corticosteroids include systemic steroids (steroids that you put in your body), such as oral prednisone or injections, and topical steroids that are applied in the nose, like sprays or saline rinses. Corticosteroids can shrink nasal polyps and improve nasal polyp symptoms.
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery removes nasal polyps and opens the sinuses widely, helping relieve symptoms. Following surgery, patients can better use nasal rinses and sprays for maintenance, because those medications can now enter the cleared sinuses.
  • Biologics are the newest option for treatment. They’re not chemicals, but medications made by living cells in culture. They also have a longer history as an effective asthma treatment, making them a good choice for nasal polyp sufferers who also have asthma. Biologics are injected under the skin once or twice a month, and they circulate through the body, hitting every part of the sinuses.

Read: Biologics, Biosimilars and Generics: What’s the Difference? >>

What treatments work best for minimizing the chance of recurrence?

The best treatment for minimizing recurrence depends on the severity of a patient’s symptoms. But corticosteroidsare the first and main option for many patients since they can shrink the polyps and improve symptoms.

Systemic steroids provide fast relief, but the downside is that there are longer-term side effects that are common with continual steroid use. These medications can help patients feel better for a period of time, but nasal polyp symptoms can recur within months, weeks or even days after the medication is stopped. Sprays and rinses don’t carry the same side effects as systemic steroids and can be used indefinitely, but they’re less effective due to the method of application. Unless your sinuses have been surgically opened, the medication might not get in the affected areas enough to make an impact.

With surgery, most patients who undergo the procedure and use nasal rinses and sprays for maintenance minimize the chance for recurrence — which occurs in 40% of patients. About 15% of patients might need additional procedures to remove polyps that grow back. Those procedures involve making extra-large sinus openings to maximize the ability of rinses to get to difficult-to-reach areas where the polyps recur.

How do you determine which treatments to offer patients?

Medication is offered first in most cases, withsurgery usually reserved for people who don’t find relief from medical therapy. However, surgery could be the first choice for patients who can’t take systemic corticosteroids. Also, in patients with polyps that are the result of an abnormal response to fungus, sometimes there is fungal material trapped in the sinuses that has to be surgically removed for patients to feel better.

If medication and surgery fail to provide relief, or if other conditions make patients poor candidates for surgery, biologics will be offered. Biologics are approved for use as an add-on treatment to a steroid spray or rinse, so patients must remain on topical therapies while using biologics.

Can people with nasal polyps expect to get full control of their polyps with treatment?

Keeping up with your treatment routine is key to helping prevent existing nasal polyps from growing or stopping new nasal polyps from developing.

Staying consistent with rinses and sprays after surgery in particular is important to prevent the recurrence of symptoms. If patients are vigilant with the use of rinses or sprays, that can help prevent polyps from growing or returning if they’ve been removed or shrunk with systemic steroids.

Even if you think you’re doing well, polyp regrowth may occur before symptoms show up, so you should make sure you’re maintaining the routine that’s been working and have regular check-ups from an otolaryngologist — often called an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT).

This educational resource was created with support from GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Regeneron.

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9 06, 2025

Vitamin D for Women: The Key to Better Brain Health

By |2025-06-09T11:55:57+03:00June 9, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


When we think of Vitamin D, our minds often go straight to bone strength or immune support. But emerging research (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/vitamin-d-especially-important-brain-health-women-not-men-2025a1000daa) has highlighted another powerful role of this nutrient—brain health. From stabilizing your mood to sharpening memory and protecting against age-related decline, Vitamin D is proving to be one of the brain’s unsung heroes—especially for women.

Let’s explore why this “sunshine vitamin” is critical for your cognitive well-being and mental clarity at every stage of life.

1- Brain Cells Have Vitamin D Receptors:

Vitamin D isn’t just circulating in your bloodstream—it’s actively used by your brain. Receptors for vitamin D are found in areas of the brain responsible for memory, planning, and mood regulation, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

This suggests that vitamin D has neuroprotective effects—supporting the growth of neurons and reducing inflammation that can damage brain tissue.

2- Mood and Emotional Balance:

Several studies have linked low vitamin D levels with depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when sunlight is limited.

Vitamin D for Women: The Key to Better Brain Health

A 2013 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found a significant link between low vitamin D and depression.

Vitamin D helps regulate serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters responsible for feel-good brain chemistry.

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from mood disorders, especially during hormonal transitions like postpartum and menopause. Vitamin D can offer natural support.

3- Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Risk:

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

A large study published in Neurology found that participants with low vitamin D levels had a 53% increased risk of developing dementia.

Vitamin D appears to reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. For women over 50, protecting brain health with vitamin D becomes even more critical, as the risk of dementia increases with age and hormonal changes.

4- Brain Development During Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, vitamin D helps with the neurodevelopment of the fetus, influencing brain structure and function.

Studies suggest that maternal vitamin D deficiency may be linked to delayed language development, behavioral disorders, and even autism spectrum disorders in children.

Adequate vitamin D during pregnancy supports both the mother’s mental health and the baby’s cognitive growth.

5- Signs of Low Vitamin D Affecting the Brain:

  • Brain fog and forgetfulness
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Poor concentration
  • Sleep disturbances

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and haven’t had your vitamin D levels tested, it’s worth speaking with your doctor.

How to Get More Vitamin D for Brain Health

Sunlight: Just 15–30 minutes of sun exposure on arms and face, 3–4 times per week.
Foods: Fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), eggs, mushrooms, and fortified dairy or plant milks.
Supplements: If you’re deficient or at risk (e.g., low sun exposure, darker skin, age over 50), a supplement of 800–2000 IU may be needed. Always test before supplementing.

A Brighter Brain Begins with the Sun

Vitamin D may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about brain health—but it should be. From lifting your mood to defending against cognitive decline, this sunshine vitamin has a vital role to play in your mental wellness, clarity, and emotional resilience.

So take a mindful moment to step into the sun, fill your plate with nutrient-rich foods, and prioritize your brain’s natural glow from within.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.



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6 06, 2025

Rebounding: The Mini-Trampoline Workout Celebrities Swear By

By |2025-06-06T11:18:15+03:00June 6, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


Rebounding doesn’t just sound fun — it feels fun. It takes you right back to those carefree childhood days when jumping on a trampoline felt like flying. No calorie counting, no pressure — just movement, freedom, and pure joy.

It’s more than just a fitness trend — it’s a low-impact, full-body workout with serious health benefits. And yes, celebrities, wellness coaches, and fitness lovers can’t stop bouncing.

Rebounding is a mini-trampoline workout that involves a variety of low-impact bouncing movements — from light jogs and jumps to core and strength exercises — all done on a rebounder (a small, high-quality trampoline designed for fitness). It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels and offers a powerful mix of cardio, strength, and detox benefits.

5 Health Benefits of Rebounding

  1. Boosts Heart Health and Cardiovascular Fitness
    Rebounding raises your heart rate and improves blood circulation, stamina, and aerobic capacity — all while staying gentle on your joints. A short 15–20-minute bounce session can be as effective as a run, without the wear and tear.
  2. Promotes Lymphatic Drainage and Natural Detox
    The vertical motion of bouncing helps stimulate the lymphatic system, flushing toxins and waste from the body. This supports immune health, reduces bloating, and helps you feel lighter and more energized.
  3. Builds Muscle and Bone Strength
    It may feel like play, but rebounding engages over 400 muscles, including your core, legs, and stabilizers. It also helps strengthen bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis through gentle, weight-bearing motion.
  4. Improves Balance, Coordination & Body Awareness
    The unstable surface of the rebounder challenges your coordination and enhances proprioception (your body’s ability to sense movement and position). It’s ideal for athletes, seniors, or anyone recovering from injuries.
  5. Lifts Mood & Reduces Stress Naturally
    Rebounding stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, boosting your mood, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity. Just a few minutes of bouncing can make you feel energized and uplifted.

How To Start

You don’t need a gym membership or a celebrity trainer. Just a little space, a good mini-trampoline, and the motivation to start bouncing back to better health.

  • Choose a Quality Rebounder: Look for one with durable springs or bungee cords, non-slip feet, and a sturdy frame.
  • Start Small: Begin with 5–10 minute sessions daily. Listen to your body and gradually increase intensity.
  • Mix Movements: Alternate between gentle bounces, light cardio moves, and resistance training for a well-rounded routine.
  • Stay Consistent: Aim for 3–5 sessions per week to see results in energy, tone, and overall wellness.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a wellness seeker, or someone looking for a fun and effective home workout, rebounding may be your best fitness investment in 2025. It’s joint-friendly, space-saving, and packed with feel-good benefits that go beyond weight loss or toning.

Rebounding is more than just a fitness trend — it’s a joyful, energizing way to move your body, boost your health, and connect with your inner child.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.



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5 06, 2025

Why COPD Is the 4th Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

By |2025-06-05T23:12:00+03:00June 5, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

We partnered with The Great Girlfriends Show and COPD Foundation, with support from Sanofi and Regeneron, to bring this critical conversation to light.

Key topics include:

  • Understanding COPD: What it is and why it’s affecting millions in silence.
  • The importance of early detection and proactive health measures.
  • How community support and advocacy can transform patient outcomes.
  • Ways you can get involved in raising awareness and supporting those impacted.

Listen to the podcast here.



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