A woman’s reproductive life encompasses several major hormonal transitions, including puberty, pregnancy and postpartum, and menopause. These transitions are accompanied by profound physiological and hormonal changes, but their effects extend beyond the reproductive system. The brain also undergoes substantial structural reorganisation in response to these changing hormonal environments. Puberty
As men and women age, bone mass and skeletal strength gradually decline. Although some degree of bone loss is a normal consequence of ageing, accelerated loss of bone mass can lead to osteoporosis, a metabolic bone disorder characterised by reduced bone mass, deterioration of bone structure and increased fracture risk.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking and other cognitive functions. It is the most common cause of dementia and disproportionately affects women. Women generally live longer than men, and increasing age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. Women also undergo substantial
In recent years, the gut has taken centre stage in conversations about health and wellbeing. Scientists and nutritionists are increasingly recognising just how important our gut health is, encouraging us to nourish it with a diverse, fibre-rich diet, plenty of vegetables and whole foods, and beneficial bacteria such as
Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately 1 in 7 individuals during pregnancy or within the first year following childbirth. Unlike “baby blues,” symptoms of perinatal depression are more severe, persistent, and can last for several months. If left untreated, perinatal depression can result in significant psychological distress
Every human being carries thousands of genes that are essential for normal biological function. Together, these genes constitute the genome, which differs between individuals in millions of ways. Genetic variation can occur as single nucleotide changes, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or as larger structural alterations, such as insertions
Just as routine cancer screening and blood tests can identify a predisposition to conditions such as diabetes mellitus, understanding that one may be predisposed to developing depression during midlife could provide an opportunity to take preventive measures, prepare for potential symptoms, and seek appropriate support at an earlier stage. During
Humans have consumed fermented foods and beverages, including yoghurt, cheese, and wine, for thousands of years. However, the microorganisms responsible for fermentation and their associated health benefits were not scientifically understood until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Researchers at the Pasteur Institute played a pivotal role in identifying
GLP-1 analogues, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), are widely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These agents mimic the action of the endogenous hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by binding to GLP-1 receptors expressed on the surface of
Human bodies are remarkably efficient at maintaining a stable internal temperature, constantly balancing changing environmental conditions with the body's core needs. This process is controlled by three key systems: the brain, the body's core (internal cavity), and the peripheral blood vessels. When the body experiences heat
Becoming a mother activates profound physical and hormonal changes, but this transformation extends far beyond the body. Research shows that pregnancy reshapes the brain too, with significant reductions in grey matter volume. Rather than being harmful, these changes are thought to support a mother's ability to form a
As medical advances extend women's lifespans, women today are living several years post their reproductive phase-around 42% of their lifespan on an average. This raises an intriguing evolutionary question: why do humans live so long after they stop having children? One leading explanation is the grandmother hypothesis.