research

Women’s Health Research Update

Women’s health research has been in the news lately due to questions surrounding government funding for ongoing studies. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) is an important study that began before 2000 in the effort to track women as they age after menopause that has sparked debates regarding funding. Women’s health research has a  profound influence on how the medical field continues to meet the evolving needs of patients. This week on Fox17, Dr. Bitner shares the importance of the WHI and the latest update on funding. 

Fact #1

The goal of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) is to understand how lifestyle, medicine, and biological factors affect aging and disease after menopause. This research focuses on the following categories:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, blood pressure, lipid levels
  • Cancer: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine and ovarian cancer, and others
  • Osteoporosis and Bone Health: hip and other fractures, bone mineral density, and other risk factors
  • Mortality: all-cause mortality and cause-specific (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
  • Cognitive Function and Dementia: cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
  • Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: incidence of Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, weight gain, and other risk factors
  • Quality of Life and Functional Status: physical functioning, emotional well-being, daily activity limitations
  • Menopause and therapeutic options: impact of menopause hormone therapy on above conditions, symptoms, impact of menopause on all health categories

Fact #2

It’s important that the WHI and other studies continue. It was initially proposed that the WHI would be stopped completely but after public advocacy, the funding was reinstated. This study equips providers with valuable information to support healthy aging in women. One way WHI has impacted patient care is by providing a deeper understanding of menopause hormone therapy—showing that it is safe for many women, does not increase the risk of breast cancer, and can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases when started early in the menopause transition.

Fact #3

We can improve patient care by learning what makes the biggest difference in women’s lives.Public forums, like Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Women Commission, are now touring around Michigan and are providing a platform for important conversations around menopause.  But we need to continue creating valuable spaces for dialogue and stay informed about the latest research about women’s midlife health in both public platforms and clinical education. At true., this research is vital and guides our practice. Our own Dr. Bitner continues to provide education on these topics through her role as Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She works with medical students to help them understand the power of goal-based care. 

Fact #4

What you can do to help:

  • If you choose to donate to charitable organizations, consider donating to groups that support research in the areas of women’s health you care about.
  • Consider getting involved in research if you have a medical condition. If you do not have a medical condition, all studies need people who do not have the condition. Here are some studies to get involved in:

 

Patient Story:

Jane’s mother had breast cancer and Jane wanted to know the best way to screen for her own risk. At her next doctor’s appointment, she asked about high-risk screening and if there were any opportunities for her to help others in her position. Jane also wanted to get genetic testing but was concerned because her insurance would not cover it. We recommended she join the Wisdom Study and she did. Jane was able to get genetic testing done through the study and by participating she was helping to improve recommendations for women who are in similar situations as her. 

Takeaway Tip:

Women’s health research is important for all of our wellbeing and creating spaces for meaningful conversations can have a powerful impact on advocacy and the future of healthcare! Do your part and stay informed, consider getting involved, and start conversations. 

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