Breastfeeding is the most efficient intervention for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, offering benefits for both infants and mothers. Despite extensive promotion, global adherence remains below 50 %. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both infants and mothers, including providing optimal nutrition and immunological protection for the baby and reducing the risk of certain diseases for the mother.
Estrogen is a key hormone influencing the growth and development of breast cancer, particularly in tumors expressing estrogen receptors (ER+). While estrogen doesn't cause breast cancer, it can act locally within the breast tissue to stimulate the proliferation (growth and division) of cancer cells, playing a significant role in tumor development and progression.
Recent studies suggest a significant link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Specifically, research indicates that individuals with a history of HSV-1 (oral herpes) infections may be more susceptible to developing dementia later in life.
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in influencing pregnancy outcome. Dominance of the vaginal niche by Lactobacillus species has been widely reported to be associated with a healthy, full-term pregnancy, specifically Lactobacillus crispatus. In contrast, diverse microbial communities depleted of Lactobacillus species and enriched with bacteria associated with Bacterial Vaginosis; a clinical syndrome characterized by vaginal discharge odor and polymicrobial overgrowth, increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage and preterm birth. Preterm birth represents a significant global health burden.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Comprising 15–20% of breast cancers, TNBC is typically high-grade, affecting mainly premenopausal women, and individuals with inherited gene alterations, such as the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes 1and 2 (BRCA 1and 2) mutations. At diagnosis the tumor demonstrates aggressive biological behavior with a proclivity to be higher grade, often has lymph node involvement at diagnosis, and a tendency to metastasize even after curative treatment. TNBC has a poor prognosis when compared with other Breast cancer subtypes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Many women experience dysphoria and physical symptoms approximately two weeks before menstruation. The discomfort, both physical and psychological, is associated with the luteal phase, the second half of the menstrual cycle, and typically resolves when menstruation ends. The global prevalence of premenstrual syndrome is estimated at 47.8%, while the most severe form of PMS - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects 3-8% of women of reproductive age. The most common psychological symptoms of PMS include irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and depressed mood. Physical ones, on the other hand, mainly involve abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly more prevalent in women than in men, with women being three times more likely to develop the condition. This increased prevalence is likely due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. One theory holds that the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) region on the X chromosome is involved in regulating the immune system. Variations in this region can increase the risk of RA. Since women have two X chromosomes, they have a higher chance of inheriting these genetic variations.
Coronary small vessel disease (CSVD), also known as microvascular angina or microvascular coronary disease, is a condition that affects the heart's tiniest arteries. Unlike traditional coronary artery disease), which involves blockages in the larger arteries of the heart, CSVD involves dysfunction in the small vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. This condition can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms that resemble those of traditional coronary artery disease. Women are most often affected by this disease.
Endometriomas are cystic ovarian masses filled with old blood and tissue, stemming from endometriosis, a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus, the endometrium grows outside the uterus. Endometriomas are often referred to as "chocolate cysts" due to the dark, reddish-brown fluid they contain. Endometriomas are a common finding in women with endometriosis and can indicate a more advanced stage of the disease. About 10% of young women will develop endometriosis, and about 17% to 44% of these women will also develop ovarian endometriomas and 28% of these women will have bilateral endometriomas.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This damage slows or blocks nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is significantly more common in women. Women are up to three times more likely to develop MS with the most common type, relapsing-remitting MS, being particularly prevalent among women. MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.