tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.comments2024-02-14T06:42:21.988-06:00Context and variationKateClancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10266484364483890008noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-46660584069498384072013-11-26T10:50:49.329-06:002013-11-26T10:50:49.329-06:00Here's the thing that bugs me- if hormonal con...Here's the thing that bugs me- if hormonal contraception was totally not effective for a majority of the population, *this would not be news to anyone*. We'd already all know about it because we (those of us who have used the pill for years) would have gotten pregnant. I don't have the medical/statistical knowledge to figure out how much it's really working. Twice the odds of getting pregnant? Does that mean that if it's 99% effective for normal weight women it's 98% for overweight women? That's still a whole lot better than nothing.Adriennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17916355206139673025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-88838660867081300972013-03-24T20:22:41.238-05:002013-03-24T20:22:41.238-05:00Hello,
I think that what you said about women in ...Hello,<br /><br />I think that what you said about women in science is so true. I wish sometimes that we can have more African American women also opening up and blogging about their passion. Just seeing women in general blogging about science should inspire the young female who thinks about going into this field but maybe scared because they feel the male pressure.bryan chappellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322203777512183623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-89349460802122181472013-02-13T07:41:30.292-06:002013-02-13T07:41:30.292-06:00Great post and advice! Wish I could have attended...Great post and advice! Wish I could have attended that meeting. In an effort to be bold and reach a bigger audience, here goes... I've been blogging my experience as a post-doc in a virology lab at Johns Hopkins. Here's a link if anyone is interested in checking it out!<br /><br />http://postdocexperience.scienceblog.com/Melissa Hayeshttp://postdocexperience.scienceblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-57729930778176086832012-09-26T19:56:53.908-05:002012-09-26T19:56:53.908-05:00ive read so many blogs and this was the one that u...ive read so many blogs and this was the one that uplifted my spirits. thank you for sharing. my story is similar, infertility due to male factor. hubbie had hodgkin's while we were in dental school. he went thru chem like a champ, we fell in love, and i just thought things would work out for us... In a few weeks, we start our IVF journey with ICSI... feeling a bit nervouscmjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07041617374666827571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-85114228171501394232012-08-04T16:21:27.679-05:002012-08-04T16:21:27.679-05:00So the anemia symptoms are getting bad again. Migr...So the anemia symptoms are getting bad again. Migraines. Dizziness. Fatigue. Loss of appetite. Sensitivity to temperature. Shakiness. Ear ringing. Impair vision upon standing. Just everything. I cant take to iron because it messes up my stomach but that’s the only thing than makes the other symptoms go away.jackyhttp://www.irondeficiencyguide.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-11792621024750971502012-03-29T17:04:27.285-05:002012-03-29T17:04:27.285-05:00I know I am coming to this post a bit late, but he...I know I am coming to this post a bit late, but here is my story for the value of science: I had the copper IUD for four miserable years. Without underestimation I can say it ruined my life, and I am currently in the midst of a two-year recovery period (supervised by doctors) of having to take physiologic doses of hormones to restore my adrenal function. From the moment of insertion (which incidentally was accompanied by half an hour of the worst uterine spasms and pain I have ever experienced), the following symptoms grew in severity over years until I was unable to function on a daily basis. From the moment the IUD was removed, the symptoms were either greatly reduced or eliminated: <br /><br />Extreme poor coordination (I went from graceful to bumping into things multiple times per day); shortness of breath; impaired mood regulation; social anxiety; constant feeling of headache, dizziness, and inability to focus; severely impaired short-term memory; decreased visual acuity; depression; anemia due to consistent menses of 4-5 oz. or more; decreased resistance to infections; decreased attractiveness (my face lost its natural fluctuation of attractive during ovulation and less attractive during menses and simply stayed less attractive); complete loss of singing voice/ability to sing correct notes; extreme fatigue (from exercising for hours daily pre-IUD to not being able to carry laundry or go up stairs); complete disinterest in sex; premature aging (ages 27-31, I was getting wrinkles and gray hair and losing my skin tone).<br /><br />For four years none of my doctors could find what was wrong. Finally I figured it out (long detective story), and after starting progesterone, cortisol, and DHEA, I am repairing the damage done. For dozens more similar examples, see here: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/916122/copper-iud-and-side-effects <br /><br />Feel free to ask questions. Since I have been into evpsy for a long time, I did notice quite a few interesting changes due to taking and being deficient in hormones (within minutes even). For example, my husband can tell when I have taken progesterone within minutes due to a change in the sound of my voice he describes as “more attractive.” The IUD changed our relationship significantly, and all of those dynamics disappeared with the IUD’s removal and the right hormones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-45092614093254803302011-08-03T16:24:07.860-05:002011-08-03T16:24:07.860-05:00The use of copper in IUDs strikes me as a careless...The use of copper in IUDs strikes me as a careless choice, since it can contribute to oxidative stress---even though its an essential co-factor for the synthesis of superoxide dismutase. I imagine this effect contributes to the increased rate of menstruation, no? However, I imagine there is only a danger with repeated use, but wouldn't there be a similar risk with progestin? Furthermore, what about the risk of autoimmunity? Anyway, for either choice, I think the risk is functionally related to frequency of use, but nonetheless, I remain concerned about the potential effects that inflammatory reactions might have on fertility---not to mention the incidence of birth defects. <br /><br />This might seem exceedingly silly, but would it possible to create a synthetic device that has effects that are more specific to sperm, or perhaps able to mitigate the incidence of autoimmunity? But this would change price levels, of course, since it wouldn't be practical with the disposability and unit costs of these types of contraceptives.<br /><br />Regardless, I'm highly troubled by the notion of confining the choice of medical treatment to the determination of medical professionals, since it conflicts with a fundamental right that should be considered beyond the authority of governing bodies---unless, of course, such a right threatens systemic harm. To be sure, existing laws are based on this interest, but also on the false notion that medical professionals have a near monopoly on wisdom, and that ostensible differences in capacity will in most cases prevent the achievement of parity or informed decisions. <br /><br />By altering incentives, I imagine some harmony can be created between these competing interests. Preferably on a case-by- case basis, and through tying individual choice to complete ownership of liability, and a higher price for access. If professionals are liberated from the threat of liability, then there would be a greater incentive to explore a greater range of options, but due to the potential reputational costs of failure, I think an agreement on confidentiality should also be reached. For patients, differences in prices would disincentivize the assumption of greater personal risk, and thus, reduce the potential of individual harm having systemic consequences. But still, I'm not completely certain that the predicted behavioral effects will play out in accordance with theory, and I'd prefer that any change in policy be preceded by validation in small pilot studies.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07373173821076920513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-27688464104530738552011-08-03T12:18:13.535-05:002011-08-03T12:18:13.535-05:00That's good to hear, because digital communica...That's good to hear, because digital communications can sometimes present quite a barrier to communication, since it's not accompanied by body language. And although its trivial, I should probably correct my careless mistake about the mechanism of contraceptives, which of course, are anti-estrogenic, but even so, I generally dislike reducing mechanism to labels.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07373173821076920513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-55207020910990273342011-08-02T21:39:28.159-05:002011-08-02T21:39:28.159-05:00Thanks for clearing that up, Scott. No worries, it...Thanks for clearing that up, Scott. No worries, it just seemed like you were trying to provide evidence in a way that was countering, rather than adding to, what I had written. I'm always glad to have commenters share their thoughts.KateClancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10266484364483890008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-55071764474098095002011-08-02T20:58:47.626-05:002011-08-02T20:58:47.626-05:00Well, that wasn't my impression, nor the purpo...Well, that wasn't my impression, nor the purpose of my comments. However, given the mechanism of the agent in question, and because of the way that your puzzle was conveyed, I think it would be understandable if one concluded that there was an implicit suggestion that estrogen could be strongly causative. <br /><br />Anyway, if my intention was interpreted as combative, I think that's owing to a lack of clarity on my part---especially my final paragraph. Indeed, rather than criticizing your entry, my comments were largely aimed at false ideas about chemical messengers that are generally subscribed to by non-professionals---like potential visitors--- that often have little appreciation for what is an unfailing multi-variate universe. With that problem in mind, I was simply trying to elucidate estrogen's place in the signaling cascade, and bring light to the uncertainty of its importance as an independent variable. But more than any other intention, this was meant to reinforce your claim, because by illustrating the role of estrogenic drugs in this sequence, I'm basically in agreement with much of the content of your post.<br /><br />In any case, this blog is a small part of your public image, and because my comments are clearly vulnerable to misinterpretation, I probably should've communicated my thoughts privately. But even if that had been my choice, you shouldn't take my input that seriously---and you clearly didn't, since nearly all of my elective choices---be they undergraduate or graduate---were in the fields of political science and history. It was this distinction, the nature of your blog, and a fear of appearing ostentatious that led me post my thoughts anonymously---which in hindsight, might have the appearance of being both confrontational and cowardly.<br /><br />So now that my purpose is hopefully clarified, I wish you luck with your research endeavors this Summer.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07373173821076920513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-81318467599495704662011-08-01T22:41:05.885-05:002011-08-01T22:41:05.885-05:00I think the inflammatory response is secondary to ...I think the inflammatory response is secondary to what probably causes the inflammation, which I suspect to be stress induced losses of extracellular norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, and sodium. In this event, adrenergic receptors will then attempt to compensate for the loss. In the past, the chemicals produced by this reaction have been mistaken for playing a causative role in stress, but in reality, they're just markers---because catecholamines and cortisol will reduce TNF, for instance. Interleukin-6 levels, though, suggests that there's a glutamate---via Ca2 release---involvement, which judging by the mechanism of drugs that deliver the best response, is probably the most important target for stress reduction therapies. But glutamate is also one of the last results of the sequence that includes catecholamines as well. Together, they're part of a loop, because in the beginning, catecholamines will increase glutamate, but glutamate reduces the expression of their receptors. And by antagonizing glutamate receptors, dopamine and norepinephrine will be restored to more healthy levels. This interaction can be seen with administration of drugs like Memantine to Parkinson's patients, which helps to slow the loss of dopamine neurons---and sometimes increases their population.<br /><br />The release of Ca2 also interferes with blood coagulation, leading to vasoconstriction, which can influence a number of measures, including stress. Fortunately, though, the administration of an inexpensive vasodilator like aspirin can help reverse both of these effects. As would activities like exercise, which increase endogenous levels of chemicals that are vasodilatory---like endocannabinoids and opioids.<br /><br />Addressing the state of psychiatry, I think its practice has been harmed most critically by the pervasive disincentives to risk-taking, a failure to recognize the importance of disorder correlates, and a misguided focus on disorders---rather than symptoms.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-77232435248750813352011-08-01T22:07:15.164-05:002011-08-01T22:07:15.164-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07373173821076920513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-7547784921519514672011-08-01T22:00:21.658-05:002011-08-01T22:00:21.658-05:00Hmm. Anonymous, are we reading the same blog post?...Hmm. Anonymous, are we reading the same blog post? Because I'm pretty sure I agree with you, but you are writing as though I was making the claim that hormones do influence this behaviors significantly.KateClancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10266484364483890008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-81665369243251513002011-08-01T20:42:14.208-05:002011-08-01T20:42:14.208-05:00Cont.
On a separate note, it would be useful to ...Cont.<br /><br />On a separate note, it would be useful to also test the precursors to sex hormones, since they are also psychoactive---especially pregnenolone----which would help to further illuminate the synthesis/feedback cycle. Another thing to look out for would be the relationship between sex hormones and the inflammatory cascade that 5ht2a and D2 activate. The overexpression of either can lead to schizophrenia, or progress into Autism---both disorders are strongly related. But more importantly, their combined effects on cytokine expression needs to be considered, which has an indeterminate role in symptom presentation and severity.<br /><br />Putting aside chemical determinants, I think I remember reading that heaviest preferences were political orientation, physical appearance, career choice, education level, and most importantly, the mental health of the prospective partners. Also, the duration and quality of relationships don't seem to be always related to personality traits. Because two obsessive-compulsives, for instance, would be more likely to cause inter-tension. If broadly true, this means that there probably needs to have some level of difference for the sustenance of relative peace. <br /><br />In any case, whatever variable that you decide on, I think you need to guard against a possible desire to overgeneralize processes that are palpably multi-variate. However, I believe your focus on hormonally determined preferences would be a good start, but at the same time, though, I think the role hormone mediated moods might have on marital stability may yield a even greater harvest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-85472266894281098662011-08-01T20:41:29.324-05:002011-08-01T20:41:29.324-05:00Although there is certainly a hormonal influence o...Although there is certainly a hormonal influence on preferences, I'm doubtful that the causal weight is strong enough for sex hormones to be singled out. For behavioral preferences, I would imagine that serum levels of sex hormones is secondary to the downstream effects that they and the chemicals that they help biosynthesize share---strengthening nerve cell integrity, neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, inflammation, excitatory potential, higher cognitive functioning, etc. Sex hormones and other related messengers share a role in influencing these processes, but they do so through distinctive mechanisms. And although sex hormones are believed to have a paternal relationship with these messengers, they should not be considered the only and most reliable biomarkers of their status. What's more critical is the varied inputs that determine the behavior of the fundamentally important hypothalamus---circadian cycles, thermoregulation, mood, and desire----which in addition to steroids, includes blood borne stimuli, environmental variables, internal stress levels, and in some cases, pathogens. So first, I would start with the hypothalamus before quantifying the role of anything else.<br /><br />Returning to the role that chemical messengers have on the aforementioned processes, let me provide some examples:<br />-Sex hormones act in part through their influence on NMDA receptors.<br />-Dopamine has mechanistic influence through the D2 family of receptors.<br />-Serotonin acts largely through 5ht2a receptors.<br />The latter two of these receptors modulate Ca2 levels, which in turn, influence the NMDA receptors. The NMDA receptors release glutamate, which among other properties, importantly changes the action potential of other receptors that contribute to said processes. To be clear, though, these effects on other receptor sites aren't global---or evenly distributed, and I imagine dependent on the level of inputs. Lower levels, for instance, might lead to changes confined to dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in the dorsolateral and prefrontal cortexes---probably beta endorphin sites, and nicotinic receptors as well. Higher levels, on the other hand, might have a greater effect on dopamine and norepinephrine sites in the mesolimbic region, which would come at the expense of their relative expression in frontal cortical regions. The second outcome is strongly associated in extreme cases with behavioral disturbances in disorders ranging from Autism to some ADHD subgroups, which are distinguished in part by impaired judgement.<br /><br />Returning to the behavioral effects of sex hormones, if there is a significant causal relationship between serum levels and aberrant behavior, it's likely due to their modulatory effects on the expression of NMDA and GABA receptor sites---they help to restore a balance that gives the former a moderate advantage. Moreover, for a broad spectrum of disorders, a disharmonious relationship between excitatory and inhibitory receptors seems to be an important correlate---since pharmacological agents used therapeutically for multiple conditions target this imbalance. For example, disorders defined by behavioral disturbances linked to an imbalance between these dual receptor families can be treated successfully with the same agent, even though there is a great variance in symptom severity---Huntington's, Bipolar, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. <br /><br />Therefore, because sex hormones have psychoactive effects, it's possible that the reproductive cycle---and contraceptive agents---may contribute to subtle behavioral changes of a somewhat limited significance. Lower levels of sex hormones may make nerves cells vulnerable, less communicative, and more broadly, impair general cognitive measures of functions. And generally speaking, higher levels of sex hormones should bring about an improvement in measures of general cognition, but have a detrimental effect on executive decision makings, impulse control, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-12148195664551963752011-07-20T18:10:05.514-05:002011-07-20T18:10:05.514-05:00Thanks for the heads up and the continued interest...Thanks for the heads up and the continued interesting posts. As an alum on Illinois-Urbana (83 and 85), I like to engage in a bit of granfalloonery and take pride in my alma mater's bloggers, but mostly I like the thoughtful thinkology... No matter the gender.Tonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03056377038486402824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-89412822278025028112011-07-20T14:30:07.112-05:002011-07-20T14:30:07.112-05:00great article! couple questions...
is there eviden...great article! couple questions...<br />is there evidence which is riskier, exposure to synthetic or natural hormones? Is someone on the pill being exposed to natural AND synthetic hormones, or does the body stop producing natural hormone when the synthetic ones are introduced?<br /><br />Where did the data for the preindustrial pattern of menstruation come from? Do we have info on preindustrial women who did not have children, ie. Do they have higher instances of cancer/shorter lifespans?<br /><br />and finally, could you give more links to articles concerning traditional/preindustrialized reproduction in general? <br />Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-37427350151253353342011-07-14T05:11:12.456-05:002011-07-14T05:11:12.456-05:00Now its very easy to contact with doctor .Now its very easy to contact with doctor .Health Onlinehttp://www.dialurdoctor.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-40000149195929688562011-07-12T21:49:49.724-05:002011-07-12T21:49:49.724-05:001) It is very painful (and I have had three natura...1) It is very painful (and I have had three natural childbirths, and can tolerate painful);<br />2) Copper IUDs "can increase menstruation" like 40% of your month (period to period) is spent discharging an amazing amount of blood of all colors at maximum volume.<br />There are some good message boards about IUDs and I would encourage women to research this option. No accidental pregnancies, no reliance on being able to hit the pharmacy once a month, but an unlucky few get some unhappy side effects (myself included).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-48143043138156362272011-07-10T23:22:04.239-05:002011-07-10T23:22:04.239-05:00Boys are definitely easier and I believe cheaper t...Boys are definitely easier and I believe cheaper to raise. I had one of each, and my daughter was more stressing, picky, complained (still does), needy, all about me-me-me and wants and needs the best of everything and everything everyone else has.<br /><br />My son was picky with his eating, would always give in to allow my daughter to have what she wanted because "she needs more stuff", would wear what I bought as long as it fit and he fit in, name on the label or price tag was not the life or death matter of the hour.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-15090201185058988902011-07-07T00:39:13.961-05:002011-07-07T00:39:13.961-05:00I came here, late, from the link on your SciAm blo...I came here, late, from the link on your SciAm blog. My soapbox about hormonal BC is the lack of information about side effects other than breakthrough bleeding. Specifically, in the late 90's and early 00's, when my high school and college friends and I were almost all on hormonal BC, no doctor or NP EVER told us that it could cause a loss of libido, or an increase in anxiety or depression. In fact, these side effects are now note on some prescriber information. I, and many of my friends, never knew to attribute the loss of libido in long-term relationships to the BC we were using. I was also using the patch and then the ring, so that I didn't have to take the pills at the same time every day. <br /><br />A friend who worked in a hormone/pseudohormone lab warned me one week to get OFF the BC patch ASAP - they had mis-calculated the estrogen dose and how quickly it was cleared from the body. If you recall, it was not pulled off the marked but ceased all advertisement and was replaced with the ring. When I was on the patch I had weight gain and especially very unusual increase in breast size and tenderness. Scary when you think about estrogen's effect on breast tissue and breast cancer...<br /><br />Overall, I wish I had known more about the side effects of hormonal BC instead of just beginning it as a matter of course once I became sexually active. Now an adult, I got an IUD. While there are side effects to the device, the resumption of my normal hormone cycling, and a near-complete resolution of the side effects from hormonal BC, have made it an excellent choice. <br /><br />Soapbox over! <br />Source: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/nuvaring-side-effects.htmlShawna Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-51027760492914772482011-07-06T23:17:06.243-05:002011-07-06T23:17:06.243-05:00Thanks Stephanie, you are very sweet!
And Anon, a...Thanks Stephanie, you are very sweet!<br /><br />And Anon, absolutely. I have complete control over my content, so if I don't like an article, I will definitely share my thinking.KateClancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10266484364483890008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-91375271106904876782011-07-06T21:16:47.505-05:002011-07-06T21:16:47.505-05:00If you blog for SciAm, do you have the freedom cri...If you blog for SciAm, do you have the freedom critique their articles? Your link to Scicurious in the last post brings this issue up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-17937040905108686222011-07-06T14:16:08.442-05:002011-07-06T14:16:08.442-05:00This is sweet! I'm your new biggest fan and t...This is sweet! I'm your new biggest fan and thrilled that you addressed my question in your last post. Thank you :)Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16203707483549239454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7100452276682801125.post-43381646381175299112011-06-30T21:50:03.302-05:002011-06-30T21:50:03.302-05:00Thanks for your comments, all!
PI, I do think it&...Thanks for your comments, all!<br /><br />PI, I do think it's hard to get good information, and one of the articles I read suggests that older docs in particular are biased against IUDs. The older generation was definitely more dangerous, but it turns out even some of those claims are overinflated.<br /><br />Anon, yes, I have heard that about the IUD, that insertion is a bit more painful for someone who hasn't been pregnant before. But, similar to your point about the cost, it's about experiencing something up front or long term, I suppose!<br /><br />Peanut, glad your doc gave you options!KateClancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10266484364483890008noreply@blogger.com