Hormonal Birth Control Use Research Articles

Sex and gender differences in adverse events following influenza and COVID-19 vaccination

IntroductionActive and passive surveillance studies have found that a greater proportion of females report adverse events (AE) following receipt of either the COVID-19 or seasonal influenza vaccine compared to males. In a predominately young adult female population of healthcare workers, we sought to determine the intersection of biological sex and sociocultural gender differences in prospective active reporting of vaccine outcomes, which remains poorly characterized.MethodsThis cohort study enrolled Johns Hopkins Health System healthcare workers (HCWs) who were recruited from the mandatory annual fall 2019–2022 influenza vaccine and the fall 2022 COVID-19 bivalent vaccine campaigns. Vaccine recipients were enrolled the day of vaccination and AE surveys were administered two days post-vaccination for bivalent COVID-19 and influenza vaccine recipients. Data were collected regarding the presence of a series of solicited local and systemic AEs. Open-ended answers about participants’ experiences with AEs also were collected for the COVID-19 vaccine recipients.ResultsFemales were more likely to report local AEs after either influenza (OR = 2.28, p = 0.001) or COVID-19 (OR = 2.57, p = 0.008) vaccination compared to males, regardless of age or race. Males and females had comparable probabilities of reporting systemic AEs after either influenza (OR = 1.18, p = 0.552) or COVID-19 (OR = 0.96, p = 0.907) vaccination. Hormonal birth control use did not impact the rates of reported AEs following influenza vaccination among reproductive-aged female HCWs. Women reported more interruptions in their daily routine following COVID-19 vaccination than men and were more likely to seek out self-treatment. More women than men scheduled their COVID-19 vaccination before their days off in anticipation of AEs.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the need for sex- and gender-inclusive policies to inform more effective mandatory occupational health vaccination strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential disruption of AEs on occupational responsibilities following mandated vaccination for healthcare workers, a predominately female population, and to more fully characterize the post-vaccination behavioral differences between men and women.

Deteksi Perubahan Berat Badan Akseptor KB Hormonal dengan Menggunakan Model Regresi Linear Berganda

Hormonal contraception, which uses estrogen and progesterone preparations, is a contemporary method of contraception that is popular among active birth control participants. Apart from stopping population growth, it also has negative effects on its users. The side effect of increasing body weight can occur due to the nature of the acceptor and the use of hormonal contraceptives for a long period of time. The aim of the study was to detect changes in body weight of hormonal birth control acceptors based on age, parity and length of use of contraception using a multiple linear regression model. Non-experimental quantitative analytical research method with a cross sectional design. The research was conducted at several PMBs in Palembang City in July-September 2023 with samples consisting of hormonal birth control acceptors taken using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and body weight measurements and analyzed by multiple linear regression. The results of the research show that the prediction model for weight change = 5.789 - 0.098 Age + 1.4 Parity - 0.008 Length of birth control. Weight gain will definitely affect the health of the recipient and can increase the risk of obesity if it continues. To maintain a stable weight, birth control acceptors must pay attention to their daily diet and exercise regularly. It is very important to obtain information about the effects caused by the use of hormonal birth control with a high number of parities and ages at risk.

Examining the proportions of food addiction among women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome who do and do not take hormonal birth control

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder driven by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may increase weight gain and increase the rewarding intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Individuals with PCOS may be more susceptible to the reinforcing properties of UPFs, increasing the risk to consume UPFs in addictive-like ways, operationalized by food addiction (FA). Additionally, hormonal birth control, commonly prescribed to women with PCOS, are found to increase food cravings and overeating. This study examined the relationships between PCOS status, FA, and hormonal birth control use. The study sample (N = 365, assigned female at birth) was drawn from Amazon Mechanical Turk, with half of the sample (n = 181) reporting having PCOS and the other half not (n = 184). Participants answered questions about women's reproductive health (i.e., PCOS, hormonal birth control use) and completed the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0). A chi-square test found that 51.9 % of participants with PCOS (M = 6.23, SD = 3.82) met diagnostic criteria for FA (assessed by the mYFAS 2.0) compared to 16.8 % of participants without PCOS (M = 2.47, SD = 3.39). A hierarchical linear regression found independent main effects of PCOS status (β = 0.40, t(352) = 8.61, p < .001) and hormonal birth control use (β = 0.16, t(351) = 3.59, p < .001), to be associated with higher mYFAS symptom count scores. No differences were found between the types of hormonal birth control participants reported taking. The finding suggests that FA is an overlooked, understudied psychological condition impacting these individuals in weight loss treatments. Future studies are needed to understand the relationship between FA and PCOS in clinical samples.

Analysis Of The Relationship Of Factors Triggering Breast Disorders With The Results Of Ultrasound Image Expectation In The Implementation Of The Mammae Organ Scanning Protocol

This study aims to determine the relationship between trigger factors for breast abnormalities with the results of ultrasound image observation. This study is an analytical observational study with a retrospective approach. The research design used was a control case design. Data collection will be carried out from April to June 2023 at the MCU Clinic in the Jabodetabek area. The study data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. The results of the bivariate analysis showed p values = 0.000 &lt; 0.005 for each of the internal and external trigger factor variables. The conclusion in this study is that there is a significant relationship between the history of BSE, history of childbirth, history of breastfeeding, history of hormonal birth control use, genetic history, history of alcohol consumption, history of smoking, history of menarche, history of menopause, history of consumption of junk food, and history of consumption of soft drinks (p-value = 0.000) with observation of ultrasound images on the breast organ scanning protocol. Higher Diagnostic Accuracy through consideration of the triggering factors of breast disorders in ultrasound image results. Guide to the Development of Scanning Protocols that are More Effective in detecting breast disorders. Identify Risk Factors that allow special attention in the management of breast health. Increased Public Awareness of the importance of routine breast exams. Direction for Advanced Research to understand more deeply the relationship between trigger factors and ultrasound image outcomes. Potential Improvement of Clinical Practice and Guidelines by considering research findings.

Concerning Trends in Hormonal Birth Control Use among Adolescent Females between Politically Conservative versus Liberal States

Concerning Trends in Hormonal Birth Control Use among Adolescent Females between Politically Conservative versus Liberal States

Endogenous estradiol contributes to vascular endothelial dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundEndogenous estrogen is cardio-protective in healthy premenopausal women. Despite this favorable action of estrogen, animal models depict a detrimental effect of estradiol on vascular function in the presence of diabetes. The present study sought to determine the role of endogenous estradiol on endothelial function in women with type 1 diabetes.Method32 women with type 1 diabetes (HbA1c = 8.6 ± 1.7%) and 25 apparently healthy women (HbA1c = 5.2 ± 0.3%) participated. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a bioassay of nitric-oxide bioavailability and endothelial function was performed during menses (M) and the late follicular (LF) phase of the menstrual cycle to represent low and high concentrations of estrogen, respectively. In addition, a venous blood sample was collected at each visit to determine circulating concentrations of estradiol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), biomarkers of oxidative stress and nitric oxide, respectively. Data were collected in (1) 9 additional women with type 1 diabetes using oral hormonal birth control (HBC) (HbA1c = 8.3 ± 2.1%) during the placebo pill week and second active pill week, and (2) a subgroup of 9 demographically matched women with type 1 diabetes not using HBC (HbA1c = 8.9 ± 2.1%).ResultsOverall, estradiol was significantly increased during the LF phase compared to M in both type 1 diabetes (Δestradiol = 75 ± 86 pg/mL) and controls (Δestradiol = 71 ± 76 pg/mL); however, an increase in TBARS was only observed in patients with type 1 diabetes (ΔTBARS = 3 ± 13 µM) compared to controls (ΔTBARS = 0 ± 4 µM). FMD was similar (p = 0.406) between groups at M. In addition, FMD increased significantly from M to the LF phase in controls (p = 0.024), whereas a decrease was observed in type 1 diabetes. FMD was greater (p = 0.015) in patients using HBC compared to those not on HBC, independent of menstrual cycle phase.ConclusionEndogenous estradiol increases oxidative stress and contributes to endothelial dysfunction in women with diabetes. Additionally, HBC use appears to be beneficial to endothelial function in type 1 diabetes.

Duration of Use of KB Injections 3 Months Against Spotting Events in KB Participants

Spotting is bleeding between 2 menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalance in the body due to the use of hormonal birth control that is used by the community, namely 3-month injection birth control. Spotting occurs due to an increase in the amount of the hormone progesterone in the body due to injections. This study aimed to determine the effect of the duration of using 3 months of injectable birth control on the incidence of spotting. The research method uses an analytical survey with a retrospective approach. A sample of 246 KB injection participants for 3 months was taken by systematic simple random sampling. Statistical analysis using Fisher's Exact test. The results showed that most of the 3-month injection KB participants who were less than 2 years old experienced spotting side effects, while those who used injection KB for more than 2 years did not experience spotting. A p-value of 0.000 was obtained (p-value &lt;0.05) so that there was an effect of the duration of using 3 months of injection contraception on the incidence of spotting. It is hoped that this research can be used for PUS who will use 3-month injectable birth control or who are currently using 3-month injection birth control as an illustration of the side effects that will be experienced when using 3-month injection birth control, so there are no dropouts and switching to using non-hormonal birth control.

Intersectionality in Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Female Sex and Black American Race in the Development and Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease.

It is well known that vascular factors and specific social determinants of health contribute to dementia risk and that the prevalence of these risk factors differs according to race and sex. In this review, we discuss the intersection of sex and race, particularly female sex and Black American race. Women, particularly Black women, have been underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials and research. However, in recent years, the number of women participating in clinical research has steadily increased. A greater prevalence of vascular risk factors such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, coupled with unique social and environmental pressures, puts Black American women particularly at risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Female sex hormones and the use of hormonal birth control may offer some protective benefits, but results are mixed, and studies do not consistently report the demographics of their samples. We argue that as a research community, greater efforts should be made to not only recruit this vulnerable population, but also report the demographic makeup of samples in research to better target those at greatest risk for the disease.

Stress-Evoked Hormone Changes Associated with Depression Severity in Students Using Hormonal Contraceptives

Globally, millions use hormonal contraception. Conflicting evidence regarding potential associations between hormonal birth control use and depression has not been adequately addressed. Data are from a longitudinal study that investigated hormone reactivity as a predictor of distress and performance in response to an acute stressor (the Trier Social Stress Test, or TSST) in UT-Austin students. Regularly cycling women in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle (N = 63) completed self-report measures, participated in the TSST, and provided salivary samples for hormone assay. Depression severity was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze potential associations between hormone responsivity to stress (AUCI) and depression severity. For females taking birth control (N = 21), higher levels of cortisol and progesterone in response to stress (AUCI) were significantly positively associated with CES-D scores (Cortisol: β =.2, p = 0.043; Progesterone: β =.313, p = 0.0463), and higher levels of estradiol in response to stress (AUCI) were significantly negatively associated with CES-D scores (β = -.438, p = 0.0424). There were no associations between stress-evoked hormone changes and CES-D score for females not taking birth control (N = 42). Testosterone was not associated with CES-D score. For females taking birth control, stress-evoked changes in progesterone, cortisol, and estradiol activity were associated with depression severity. Results suggest that altered or dysregulated hormone reactivity to acute stress (via hormonal contraceptive use) may moderate an individual’s risk for depression.

Impact of hormonal contraceptives on sex differences in fear conditioning and fear extinction in PTSD.

Sex differences in the neurobiological mechanisms involved in fear conditioning and extinction have been suggested to contribute to differential vulnerability for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women compared with men. Reproductive hormones, such as estradiol, have been shown to facilitate fear conditioning and extinction learning and may explain some of these differences. However, the effect of commonly used hormonal contraceptives on the neurobiological mechanisms of fear conditioning and extinction is poorly understood. A laboratory study was conducted in trauma-exposed men and women with and without full or partial PTSD to examine effects of sex and use of hormonal birth control on fear conditioning, fear extinction learning, and extinction retention. Participants underwent fear conditioning with stimuli that were paired (CS+) or unpaired (CS−) with shock. Extinction learning occurred 72 h later, and extinction retention was tested 1 wk after extinction. Women on hormonal contraceptives (HCs) demonstrated enhanced acquisition of fear conditioning and enhanced extinction of fear as compared with women off hormonal birth control and men. While clinical implications have yet to be determined, these results suggest that hormonal contraceptives may facilitate learning during both fear acquisition and extinction. Understanding the impact of sex and hormones on fear conditioning and extinction processes may lead to new insights into the pathophysiology of PTSD and result in advancements in treatment that may vary by sex.

GAMBARAN PENGGUNAAN KB HORMONAL DENGAN SIKLUS MENSTRUASI DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS GAMBIRSARI SURAKARTA

Introduction: Hormonal contraception is a type of contraception that contains estrogen and progestron hormones and a combination of both. Types of hormonal contraception consist of pills, injections, implants and one of the side effects of using hormonal contraception is a disruption of the menstrual cycle. Objective: to describe the use of hormonal birth control with the menstrual cycle in the working area of ​​the Surakarta Gambirsari Health Center. Method: Type of quantitative descriptive research. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The instrument used is a checklist. Results: based on the results of the 3-month injection univariate KB test as many as 95 (26.2%) experienced a change in elongated menstrual cycle&gt; 35 days by 70 (35.5%), implantable family planning with respondents 83 (22.9%) experiencing prolonged menstrual cycles &gt; 35 days 66 (33.3%), 1 month injection KB with respondents 93 (25.6%) also experienced changes in the normal menstrual cycle 23-35 days 52 (39.1%), birth control pills with 92 respondents (25, 3%) the majority experienced a normal menstrual cycle of 23-35 days as many as 62 (66.0%). Conclusion: Most family planning acceptors have normal menstrual cycles. 1 month injection KB acceptors have the majority of normal menstrual cycles. Actors with 3 months injection KB are mostly long menstrual cycles. Most implantable KB acceptors have a long menstrual cycle.&#x0D; Key Words: Hormonal, KB, Menstrual Cycle

Relationships Weight Loss Mother With Hormonal Birth Control Usage

Family planning, according to WHO (world health organization) expert commite 1970 is action that helps couples to avoid unwanted pregnancies, getting birth highly desired, set the interval between pregnancies and determine the number of children in the family (Sulistyawati, 2018). Objective To determine the relationship research Mom Weight Loss with use of hormonal birth control in the village Pekan Tebih Puskesmas Rokan Hulu. The research method used is Analytical Survey and the type of cross-sectional study. The population in the study were all women taking hormonal birth control as many as 129 people and the sample is saturated sample as many as 129 people. Results of research on the relationship of maternal weight with the use of hormonal birth control only get 69 respondents who are willing to be investigated, while the rest are not willing to study for a variety of reasons given by the respondents. Based on the data obtained is processed using computerized women taking birth control pills that there were 18 respondents (23.1%) and taking injections were 51 people (73.9%). Conclusion There is a relationship Weight Mom With Hormonal birth Pemakian Pekan Tebih Village Puskesmas Kepenuhan Hulu. Expected advice for other researchers can continue research on the use of mother Weight Loss Hormonal birth control and be used as a reference / reading especially things related about hormonal birth control.&#x0D; Keywords: Hormonal Birth Control, Birth Control, Weight Loss

Cellular and transcriptional diversity over the course of human lactation

Human breast milk (hBM) is a dynamic fluid that contains millions of cells, but their identities and phenotypic properties are poorly understood. We generated and analyzed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to characterize the transcriptomes of cells from hBM across lactational time from 3 to 632 d postpartum in 15 donors. We found that the majority of cells in hBM are lactocytes, a specialized epithelial subset, and that cell-type frequencies shift over the course of lactation, yielding greater epithelial diversity at later points. Analysis of lactocytes reveals a continuum of cell states characterized by transcriptional changes in hormone-, growth factor-, and milk production-related pathways. Generalized additive models suggest that one subcluster, LC1 epithelial cells, increases as a function of time postpartum, daycare attendance, and the use of hormonal birth control. We identify several subclusters of macrophages in hBM that are enriched for tolerogenic functions, possibly playing a role in protecting the mammary gland during lactation. Our description of the cellular components of breast milk, their association with maternal–infant dyad metadata, and our quantification of alterations at the gene and pathway levels provide a detailed longitudinal picture of hBM cells across lactational time. This work paves the way for future investigations of how a potential division of cellular labor and differential hormone regulation might be leveraged therapeutically to support healthy lactation and potentially aid in milk production.

Association Between Hormonal Birth Control, Substance Use, and Depression.

ObjectiveThe current study examined the impact of the use of hormonal birth control, cannabis (CB), and alcohol on depression symptoms.Study DesignSurvey data from 3,320 college-aged women collected over a 2-year period. Depression symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9.ResultsIndividuals taking hormonal birth control (N = 998; age = 19.1 ± 1.6 years) had lower overall depression scores than did those not taking birth control (N = 2,322; age = 19.1 ± 1.8 years) with 15.2% of those not taking hormonal birth control had depressive symptoms while 12.1% of those in the birth control group had depressive symptoms. Additionally, those taking hormonal birth control had higher scores on the alcohol and CB use assessment. A between-subjects ANOVA with depression score as the dependent variable found significant effects hormonal birth control use, CB and alcohol use, as well as a significant interaction between CB use and hormonal birth control use.ConclusionsWhile there are some limitations (e.g., the between subjects design makes it such that there may be uncontrolled differences between groups), the results suggest that hormonal birth control use may help to reduce depressive symptoms.ImplicationsMore studies examining the impact of hormonal birth control and substance use on depression are required. The results suggest a potential interaction between CB and hormonal birth control use on depression symptoms that is not observed for alcohol. This implies that alcohol and CB may be linked to depression via different mechanisms.

School-Level Poverty and Rurality Associated With Differences in Sexual Risk Behaviors Among U.S. Public High School Students

PurposeThis study examined associations between student sexual behaviors and both school-level socioeconomic status and metropolitan status. MethodsNational Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2017 (N = 14,765, response rate = 60%) and 2019 (N = 13,677, 60%) were combined. School-level socioeconomic status (low-, mid-, and high-poverty based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals) and metropolitan status (urban, suburban/town, or rural) were identified for students attending public high schools. Sexual behaviors included currently sexually active, four or more lifetime sexual partners, condom use during the last sexual intercourse, hormonal birth control use during the last sexual intercourse, condom and hormonal birth control use during the last sexual intercourse, and drank alcohol or used drugs before the last sexual intercourse. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using logistic regression models, controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and grade. ResultsCompared to students attending low-poverty schools, high-poverty school students were significantly more likely to be currently sexually active (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.4 [95% confidence interval = 1.1–1.8]) and have four or more lifetime sexual partners (1.6 [1.0–2.5]), but were significantly less likely to have drank alcohol or used drugs before the last sexual intercourse (.7 [.5–.9]) and have used hormonal birth control during the last sexual intercourse (.7 [.6–1.0]). Compared to students attending rural schools, urban school students were significantly less likely to be currently sexually active (.8 [.7–.9]) and have four or more lifetime sexual partners (.7 [.5–.9]). ConclusionsSchool-level socioeconomic status and metropolitan status were associated with differential risk in sexual behaviors.

Analyzing The Use Of Kb Pill Contraception Equipment With Hypertension In Fertilizer Age Women

Hypertension in couples of childbearing age can be caused by the use of hormonal birth control which continues to be used by women of childbearing age, it can cause fatal complications, such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Hypertension can also cause blindness, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure. The aim of analyzing the effect of contraceptive use is the birth control pill with the incidence of hypertension in women of childbearing age in the village of Paleleh, Paleleh District, Buol District.&#x0D; The design used in the study was a cross sectional survey. Population is all women of childbearing age who have become KB pill acceptors. The sample size was 40 respondents using Accidental sampling technique. The independent variable of the study was the use of pill contraception. The dependent variable is the incidence of hypertension. Data was collected using a questionnaire, then data were analyzed using the Spearman Rho test, with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; The results of the study showed that at most respondents had a duration of using the Pill for 24 months as many as 10 respondents (52.6%), the incidence of stage 2 hypertension was 15 respondents (37.5%), the results showed that the statistical test obtained p = 0,000 with a = 0.05, which means that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted so that it can be interpreted that there is a significant relationship on the variable length of birth control pills with the incidence of hypertension, with a correlation coefficient of 0.851 which means having a strong relationship.&#x0D; Birth control pills can affect blood pressure which can cause hypertension in women of childbearing age.

Abstract C088: Assessing vitamin D and mammographic breast density in a population of Alaskan Native women

Abstract Background: Several studies have suggested that vitamin D may have antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic properties and a protective effect against breast cancer. Alaskan Natives have demonstrated high rates of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in young individuals. Hence, high breast density has been associated with increased breast cancer risk. Therefore, we examined the association between serum vitamin D levels and mammographic breast density in a population of Alaskan Native women. Methods: Patients seen in the Mayo Clinic-Alaska Native Medical Center telemedicine program from December 2014 to December 2017 were offered to enroll in the study. Consent was obtained by a study coordinator in Minnesota using a telemedicine platform. Participants were asked to complete the Breast Cancer Risk Questionnaire, which includes questions on hormonal, lifestyle factors and family history. Serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3) were obtained and later correlated with mammographic breast density (percent density). Data were summarized with frequencies and percentages or medians and interquartile ranges (IQR), as appropriate. Pearson correlation was used to estimate the association between breast density and vitamin D levels. Results: 33 women were included; median age was 53 years (IQR 45-58), 70% self-identified as American Indian/Alaskan Native, 12% as White, 6% as Native Hawaiian/Pacific islander and 12% as other. Median BMI was 31 kg/m² (IQR 26.4-34.3), menarche was at age 12 or older for 23 (70%) of the participants and 20 women were postmenopausal at the time enrollment. 10 participants had a hysterectomy, of whom 60% also had oophorectomy. 76% reported history of hormonal birth control use and 23% postmenopausal hormonal supplementation. Median number of pregnancies was 3 (IQR 2-5), and 20 women reported breastfeeding. Fifteen women were current or former smokers (&amp;gt;100 cigarettes) and 19 reported none or low alcohol consumption. Median serum vitamin D level was 39 ng/mL (IQR 30-52) and 9 (27%) women had low vitamin D levels. In regard to breast density, median percentage (average of images) was 15% (IQR 7.5-24.9) with a median dense area of 21.8 cm² (IQR 16.4-34.2). Median time from blood draw to mammogram was 110 days (IQR 41-172) and 19 (58%) participants were taking vitamin D supplementation at the time of study enrollment; doses ranged from 400 to 50,000 units. No correlation was identified between breast density and serum vitamin D levels (correlation=0.02). Conclusion: In this cohort, no association between serum vitamin D levels and breast density was observed. More than half of the participants were on vitamin D supplementation and this could have obscured our observations. Larger studies controlling for vitamin supplementation are needed, as this association could potentially impact breast cancer rates in populations at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Citation Format: Narjust Duma, Ivana Croghan, Sarah Jenkins, Loni Neal, Karthik Ghosh, Sandhya Pruthi. Assessing vitamin D and mammographic breast density in a population of Alaskan Native women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C088.

Adoption of a Digital App-Based Fertility Awareness Based Method of Birth Control in the US [04I

INTRODUCTION: In August 2018 the FDA cleared the first digital app-based fertility awareness method of contraception. We aimed to investigate patterns of adoption of this method since August 2018 and to explore the motivations of women who switched from other methods of birth control. METHODS: An electronic web based survey was sent out in the fall of 2018 to Women in the U.S. using the Natural Cycles app as a method of birth control. 1,218 Women responded, answering questions regarding age, marital status, parity, education, religion and political beliefs. Furthermore, they answered questions on their birth control preferences, previous methods, reasons for switching to a digital FABM and their view on the use of the Natural Cycles app. RESULTS: Demographics of Natural Cycles Users in the U.S were as follows: Mean age 30, 51% married, 82% nulliparous, 49% bachelor’s degree and 45% no religious belief in particular. The majority of users lived in California and had a presence in New York, Texas and Colorado. 60% of users had switched birth control method twice or more in their lifetime. 71% of users started using Natural Cycles to avoid using hormones. CONCLUSION: Over 560,000 women in the us have registered for the app since August 2018, the majority of whom live in California. Demographics of users include approximately 30 years old, in long term relationships, do not have children and are educated. Most of these women are driven to use a digital FABM to avoid the use of hormonal birth control.

Low‐Dose Dihydrotestosterone Lowers Lipogenic Master Regulator in Liver and Adipose Tissue from Female Mice

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility among women caused by high androgen levels and affects 1 in 10 women. Due to the premature use of hormonal birth control, a large population of women are unaware they have symptoms of PCOS. Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a continuum of inflammation that limits the livers ability to function properly.Lean hyperandrogenic (HA) women who are diagnosed with PCOS have been associated to also have insulin resistance (IR) and Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). We hypothesized that low dose (dihydrotestosterone) DHT would interrupt hepatic lipid metabolism leading to NAFLD. Proving that the HA and HFD induced insulin resistance pathways are connected would be beneficial for the lives of women with Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS, as it could aid in early screening and detection for NAFLD.We used a low dose DHT animal model to induce the PCOS symptoms onto the mice. Protein concentration assay was run on the liver, adipose, and skeletal muscle tissues using bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay. Proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes to be prepared for Western blot analysis. They were blocked then incubated with primary antibodies (SREBP1, SREBP2, p‐ACC, ACC, and FAS; 1:1000 dilution), using GAPDH as a loading control. After incubation with secondary antibodies (goat anti‐mouse IgG; 1:5000 dilution), enhanced chemiluminescence was used for detection of proteins. Densities were quantified using myImageAnalysis software and analyzed by two‐tailed t‐tests with Prism software.The increased hepatic lipid content of DHT mice signifies that the low dose DHT causes NAFLD. Low dose DHT mice displayed decreased inactive and active forms of cytosolic SREBP1c and increased levels of FAS. Inactive and active forms of SREBP2 and p‐ACC levels were the same in control and DHT mice. Low dose DHT lowered the active form of SREBP1c but not the inactive form in WAT compared to controls. In comparison to the controls, p‐ACC was decreased in low dose DHT mice. FAS and the inactive and active form of SREBP2 were unaltered in low dose DHT mice compared to controls. ChREBP protein levels were not readily detected and unchanged in WAT tissue of low dose DHT mice compared to controls. ASCVL1 (FATP2) protein expression was increased in WAT of low dose DHT mice. PPARy was unchanged in WAT of low dose DHT mice compared to controls. FXR protein levels were trending towards being increased but were not significantly different in WAT of low dose DHT mice compared to controls. Visfatin protein levels were not readily detected or altered in WAT tissue of low dose DHT mice compared to controls.Overall, the findings suggest that low‐dose DHT is causing the translocation of SREBP‐1 from the cytosol into the nucleus leading to increased lipogenic gene expression. Low‐dose DHT does not affect overall lipogenic gene expression in skeletal muscle of female mice. Future studies may focus on nuclear extraction to isolate key nuclear proteins (SREBP‐1, SREBP‐2) in order to see whether they are translocated to the nucleus.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the APS STRIDE Fellowship and Howard University Faculty Start up funds. Preliminary data collection and analysis completed by Tina Seidu, Patrick McWhorter, Rabita Alamgir, and Dilip Bogle.Low‐dose DHT (a mouse model of lean PCOS) caused NAFLD.Figure 1

Interactions between a Polygenic Risk Score and Non-genetic Risk Factors in Young-Onset Breast Cancer

Most gene-environmental studies have focused on breast cancers generally, the preponderance of which occur after age 50. Young-onset breast cancers (YOBC) tend to be aggressive and may be etiologically different. The goal of this analysis was to assess interactions between an established 77-SNP polygenic risk score (PRS) and non-genetic risk factors for YOBC. We constructed the PRS using a family-based study of 1,291 women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 and their parents and unaffected sisters. We used conditional logistic regression to analyze interactions between the PRS and 14 established risk factors. In further analyses we assessed the same interactions, but for invasive cancer, estrogen receptor (ER) positive cancer and with broader inclusion of racial/ethnic groups. Results showed a decreased association between the PRS and YOBC risk for women who had ever used hormonal birth control (odds ratio [OR] = 2.20 versus 3.89) and a stronger association between the PRS and YOBC risk in pre-menopausal women (OR = 2.46 versus 1.23). Restricting the analysis to ER+ cancers or invasive cancers or using samples from all ethnic groups produced similar results. In conclusion, the PRS may interact with hormonal birth control use and with menopausal status on risk of YOBC.