Millions of women in the US remain untreated for debilitating menopausal symptoms, according to a recent report from the AARP Public Policy Institute. While over 2 million women enter menopause annually, an estimated 8 to 10 million women experience severe symptoms for seven years or more due to the loss of estrogen, affecting their quality…
A new poll suggests that Republicans key to keeping the House majority may lie in embracing an Obama-era policy, as voters worry about healthcare coverage, according to a new poll. Originally passed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, individuals who purchase health insurance themselves are eligible for healthcare premium tax credits. However, that…
A documentary series criticizing the United States healthcare industry was removed from Amazon’s video-streaming platforms earlier this year after it was denounced by UnitedHealth for allegedly being “defamatory”. The docuseries, developed by Wisconsin filmmaker Mary Strause, was removed from the platform after a law firm employed by UnitedHealth sent a letter to Amazon advocating for…
Young adults diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma may no longer have to choose between survival and future parenthood. A major international study, published in The Lancet Oncology, shows that a new chemotherapy regimen, BrECADD, significantly improves fertility outcomes compared to the long-used eBEACOPP protocol — without compromising recovery rates. Led by researchers from University Hospital…
Naming genetic conditions Genetic conditions are not named in one standard way (unlike genes, which are given an official name and symbol by a formal committee). Doctors who treat families with a new, previously unknown disorder are often the first to propose a name for the condition. Later, healthcare professionals, researchers, people affected by the…
To find a genetics professional in your community, you may wish to ask your doctor for a referral. If you have health insurance, you can also contact your insurance company to find a medical geneticist or genetic counselor in your area who participates in your plan. Several organizations have tips for finding a healthcare professional:…
Some genetic conditions are caused by variants (also known as mutations) in a single gene. These conditions are usually inherited in one of several patterns, depending on the gene involved: Patterns of inheritance Inheritance pattern Description Examples Autosomal dominant One altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient for a person to be…
A particular disorder might be described as “running in a family” if more than one person in the family has the condition. Some disorders that affect multiple family members are caused by gene variants (also known as mutations), which can be inherited (passed down from parent to child). Other conditions that appear to run in…
Researchers are learning that nearly all conditions and diseases have a genetic component. Some disorders, such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis, are caused by variants (also known as mutations) in single genes. The causes of many other disorders, however, are much more complex. Common health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity do not…
To function correctly, each cell depends on thousands of proteins to do their jobs in the right places at the right times. Sometimes, gene variants (also known as mutations) prevent one or more proteins from working properly. By changing a gene’s instructions for making a protein, a variant can cause a protein to malfunction or…