#how much does a clinical research associate make

[nanamiscocksleeve]

Natural Breeding Clinic - Prologue

warnings: MDNI, breeding kinks, general sex, mention of infertility and insemination methods

a/n: It's here. Finally.

Teaser - Prologue - Patient 1

You take a deep breath and sit down in front of the laptop, waiting for the other person to join the call. Never in your life had you heard about such a unique reproductive center but lately, you’d been feeling the pull to start your own family. You’d discussed this with relevant people in your life. Everyone had said if you really wanted a child, then you should go with the options you thought were right for you.

You’d done the research, looking into different doctors and fertility clinics, but this one just stood out. There were testimonials from several happy families, saying their methods, though unconventional, were effective, and the doctors showcased on the website were all incredibly striking, each one handsome in their own way. But it was the success rate that caught your eye. A 98% guaranteed rate that you would be pregnant, and that pregnancy would be healthy. The site didn’t go into too much detail on their method, but the wording caught your eye.

“A natural breeding clinic” they’d called themselves. You’d finally bitten the bullet and called, requesting an information session. The screen suddenly lightens and you focus your attention as an attractive woman with shoulder-length brown hair comes into view. She smiles in a welcoming way before speaking.

“Hello. Am I speaking with Mrs. L/n?” You nod and smile back, trying not to look awkward or uncomfortable. 

“Perfect! My name is Shoko Ieiri, I’m the main coordinating nurse here at Jujutsu Fertility. Thank you for scheduling an information session with us.”

“Yes, of course. I just needed more details before I booked an appointment.”

“Indeed.” Shoko claps her hands together before continuing. “Let me start by telling you a little bit about ourselves. We’ve been around for almost 6 years now. What sets us apart is that we focus more on women’s comfort than most other clinics. And we are sought out by people who are willing to use a sperm donor. We do not perform insemination services with sperm that are not from our own stock.”

“Your own stock? Are you associated with a sperm bank? And screen all the donors yourself?”

“Not a sperm bank in the conventional sense. We have 5 doctors who keep excellent health and their sperm is regularly screened to ensure quality. They are the only stock we allow for insemination.”

You blink to make sure you haven’t misheard. “The…doctors? Are you saying the fertility doctor I’d be meeting with will also be my sperm donor?”

“That is correct.” Shoko nods her head to confirm. “You will be meeting with the doctor of your choosing for at least 5 sessions. They will need to be at least once a week. Some women take the week off and come in 5 days straight.”

“5…sessions?” you ask, confused by the wording.

“Yes. It’s to ensure the insemination process has occurred an optimal number of times.”

“Wait…so…I’m going to be inseminated multiple times? How much downtime do I need in between each insemination?”

“Hardly any. Our method isn’t like a typical clinic. Most women leave feeling very normal and a lot more satisfied than when they came in.”

“Not like a typical clinic? So…you don’t use the catheter method?”

“We use minimal medical equipment in our inseminations.”

“Minimal…so what does the procedure entail?”

Shoko clears her throat and continues. “So it begins with you choosing one of our doctors. We highly recommend spending some time on this part. It’s essential that you feel attraction towards your doctor. Once you make a choice, they will reach out to discuss how your insemination experience can be optimized for you. You will receive a biodata on their sexual profile, their preferred methods of arousal, and other relevant details.”

“I’m sorry, but what?” You are at the edge of your seat wondering if you’ve entered an alternate dimension. Surely, this was all being made up? “Arousal, sexual profile- why would I need all these details? I thought sperm donors only gave information like height, weight, medical history and stuff like that.”

“Why wouldn’t they? You’re choosing to be bred by them. They would have to make sure their patient is satisfied with the experience.”

“Bred?” You bleat the word stupidly.

“Yes. We are a natural breeding clinic. We use the method nature has provided to us to ensure a pregnancy.”

The gears in your brain start turning and something finally clicks.

“Are-are you saying…I would be having sex with my doctor?”

“That is correct.” Shoko smiles gently at you, pleased that you have finally caught on.

“The human body doesn’t necessarily enjoy having medical equipment inserted into it. All that cold plastic, and the mechanical methods of insertion. It puts the body in a state of stress. Not good for implantation. So our doctors will inseminate you through the process of intercourse.”

 Her words fall like a fog around you. You can feel your heart racing, a flush creeping into your cheeks. It was…insane. The doctor of your choosing was essentially going to fuck a baby into you. As your mind starts pulling up the images of their doctors, each one impossibly handsome and striking, you feel a familiar throb starting between your legs. Wetting your lips, you try to talk to continue with the information session.

“I see. And…there are benefits to this?”

“Yes. Intercourse allows the body to relax, releasing happy hormones. In this stress-free state, in addition to the knowledge that your doctor is someone you’re attracted to and trust, the chance of an implantation doubles.”

You gape at Shoko, your mind reeling from all the information.

“And…when you say the insemination process will be optimized for my best experience…?”

“The doctor you choose will ask you extensive questions about your preferences. What turns you on, positions, dislikes, toys. It’s to determine if they will satisfy your breeding experience. If they feel they might not be a good fit, they’ll recommend another one of our doctors.”

You swallow, your mouth going dry. “I see. And…what else do I need to know?”

“We will start by collecting your medical history and run some blood work to make sure your body is ready for an insemination process. Women who have a domestic partner will need to get both a waiver and a consent form signed by their partner that they have been informed what happens for the insemination.”

“Of course. Makes sense.”

“You will be assigned an emotional support companion during this process. It will either be myself or Mr. Ijichi Kiyotaka. We are there to help ease your nerves and ensure you enjoy the process. And all patients must think of a unique safeword to use during the insemination process.”

“Safeword?” you parrot back, still processing.

“Yes. At any point during the process, should you feel uncomfortable, your safeword ensures all actions cease and your doctor will give you some space to breathe and reassess the situation.”

All you can do is nod along. Shoko gives you a look of reassurance. “I can guarantee that most women are pleased with the results. And our doctors are quite skilled in what they do. It’s natural to feel a little shy and embarrassed but at the end of the day, we all share a common goal- a healthy baby.”

Despite your initial shock, you feel some of your trepidation fade away. Shoko continues.

“If you are ok with all of this, I can send you the forms to get the process started. Once those are filled, you can take some time to decide on your doctor. Then we’ll set up a call with them.”

“Thank you.” You make a split-second decision. “Please go ahead and send the forms.”

“Excellent. I’ll send them to the email you put in your inquiry. Was there anything else?”

You shake your head no. “I think I have all I need.”

“Great! I look forward to assisting you again.” Shoko ends the call and you immediately go the the website again to look at the doctors, one of which will end up fathering your child. Such a hard decision. How will you ever make the choice?

@thesunxwentblack @kentocalls @actuallysaiyan

@belle-oftheball34 @jesssicapaniagua

@figmentforms

[star-anise]

So I've been watching this series of videos where a research-focused psychologist goes through Jordan Peterson's work to see which of his ideas and arguments are based on solid empirical evidence. I love it, even though she does mistakenly say his background is in counselling psychology (my field) when he's actually a clinical psychologist.

Anyway, that's got me thinking about Jordan Peterson, and how his response to criticism is, "People have been after me for a long time because I’ve been speaking to disaffected young men — what a terrible thing to do, that is. [...] I thought the marginalized were supposed to have a voice.”

So, here's my theory: Young men of the 21st century have grown up in a culture that is specifically hostile and punitive towards them. However, I think that while girls and women can participate in this culture, it is as much or more the work of boys and men. And I think that the problem with Peterson is that he's not particularly good at helping his audience escape the maze they are trapped in--and he's absolutely opposed to any attempt to dismantle a maze that is actually of fairly recent manufacture.

Case in point: The metrosexual.

The word "metrosexual" was coined in 1994 by Mark Simpson, a gay writer whose settings seem to be perpetually fixed at "critique the shit out of it".

"Metrosexual" describes heterosexual men who might be mistaken as gay, because they are interested in things very common among gay men, including: Caring about whether they're attractive; caring about how their hair is cut and what products they use in it; caring about what clothes they wear; working out to make their bodies look better; frequenting nightclubs. To be "metrosexual" was, in some people's opinions, to be a "man-boy" searching for his "inner girl".

To be metrosexual was, in some ways, to be called someone who looked gay.

The term didn't really catch on until the early 2000s, when media became briefly obsessed with talking about which celebrities were "metrosexual" or not. In that era of hotly divided opinions over the acceptability of homosexuality and queerness, it was implicitly asking, "Who looks gay? Is he gay? Tell me, fellow broadcaster: How gay does this guy look to you?"

(They got to have their cake and eat it too. A liberal audience, desperate to gather as many LGBTQ+ people and allies as possible in their race for 50% acceptance of gay marriage, cherished any signs that people with social clout might be on their side. And a conservative one, watching the same discussion, would heartily enjoy seeing a rogues' gallery of degenerate Hollywood types paraded before them, their every effeminacy pointed out in loving detail.)

Which of course got us: The Retrosexual!

When everybody's helpfully compiling lists of all the things a man can do that look gay or unmanly, dudes who don't want to get the shit kicked out of them by homophobes know all the things not to do!

Therefore, being "manly" became strictly defined by what was off-limits. To be a Real Man meant you shouldn't care about whether you're attractive, or what soap you use, or how your hair is styled. You shouldn't enjoy dancing or get too enthusiastic about music. A Real Man cares about sports and beer and being on top! Dominant!! A WINNER!!!

And, so like, here's a secret: In Anglophone culture, we are very affected by the Puritan legacy that says pleasure is inherently sinful. Vanity and pride--caring about how you look and whether you're attractive--are literal gateways to the Devil. Gluttony, and therefore seeking pleasure at all, is another such. And in Puritan religious theology, women are inherently more sinful. Yes, it goes back to Adam and Eve, and how Eve was tempted into sin first. Long story short, things associated with women became associated with sinfulness, and sinfulness became associated with effeminacy. And for centuries, you haven't even needed to be religious to drink these attitudes from the groundwater.

Okay, that's not the secret, this is the secret: Pleasure is not inherently sinful.

And liking how you look and feeling attractive and paying attention to your sensuality and your emotional life and connecting with art in a real and vulnerable way can feel really good, if you're able to handle it well.

Being raised to be a Real Man in a world where masculinity is perceived to be actively under threat is so uniquely painful, I believe, because every attempt to define yourself as "not gay" means denying yourself one of life's pleasures, and telling yourself you never even wanted it in the first place.

And then those desperate to be Real Men found a way to take some of those things back in what is surely the most painful context possible: They are allowed strictly as tools of your heterosexuality and masculine need for dominance. You are allowed to care about grooming and dancing, etc, purely as a strategy in playing a game called "Getting Girls", where you either score or you don't, where not scoring means you're worthless and unlovable, and scoring is often... strangely unfulfilling and certainly not enough to fill the aching void inside of you.

The mistake both Peterson and his fanbase make is that they get to this point, and then think: The reason I feel so empty inside is... I just haven't gotten enough girls!

Maybe some guys get out of the maze by finding a woman who is allowed to care about things like affection and love and dancing and looking nice, and their connection with her lets them express all the other parts of their souls that didn't fit in the Real Man box, but can come out in roles like Boyfriend or Father.

But humans aren't telepathic, so relationships can only "fix" you so much as you're willing to do the work of nurturing your own soul in a safe environment, so for a lot of men the maze never ends, and sometimes they don't even get the fleeting joys of relationships or sex, since they're so fucked up about them!

At this point, I as a queer woman am like, "Solution's obvious! Dismantle the maze."

And Peterson, who has worked his whole life to achieve the status of Best Maze-Runner in All of Christendom, is clinging to it like, "NO! DOWN, YOU DARK CHAOTIC MOTHER! THIS MAZE GIVES MY LIFE MEANING! THIS MAZE CONNECTS ME TO MY FOREFATHERS! I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THIS MAZE!"

At which point, like... what can you do but just leave him there?

At least he's not in my area of specialization. The world would be too unkind if I had to deal with him in any professional capacity. I wish Clinical Psychology all their continued joy of him.

[sophieinwonderland]

Dealing With More Anti-Endos Invading Endogenic Spaces! This Time With a Dash of r/Systemscringe

This is just a straight-up lie.

While @thelunastusco did identify as endogenic at one point, that was a VERY long time ago.

I won't go into too much detail about this. You can see their response here:

Wait... are endogenic systems faking or not? 🤔

You seem like you're having a really hard time deciding.

If endogenic systems don't say they have a disorder, they literally can't be faking it.

If endogenic systems do think they have a disorder, then how would they be groomed into thinking they don't?

In the future, try your best to make a rationally coherent point.

Because you've clearly failed here.

Also, not what grooming is. Anti-endos, stop comparing endogenic systems to abusers.

Now, normally, I would go into the whole spiel of how actually endogenic systems are recognized by the majority of psychiatrists who have researched the subjects, by the World Health Organization, etc. But @cambriancrew already tried that, pointing to studies that have been done, and this was how @problematicpooch responded:

So essentially, don't trust the many, many professionals telling you endogenic plurality is real because some studies are wrong! 🙄

And WHAT RESEARCH HAVE YOU DONE?

Have you managed to find even one paper by a psychiatrist or psychologist anywhere stating it's impossible to be plural without trauma? Anywhere?

Because I think it's safe to say that our research is more valid than yours. Ours comes from respected doctors in the field. Yours comes from r/systemscringe. (Don't worry. I'm getting there.)

By the way, the Crew didn't say all studies need to be true if they're published. They said a book specifically peer reviewed and published by the American Psychiatric Association wouldn't have been published if the reviewers felt it contained untrue information.

Why are anti-endos always wanting to traumatize a bunch of children?

Why not just try testing alternative hypotheses for the formation of plurality?

Does anyone else get the feeling that anti-endos attack research into endogenic systems because they're scared?

"Research into endogenic systems is taking away from research into DID" is a pretty silly argument. A lot of research into DID and OSDD has been conducted by trauma specialists. Very little of the research into endogenic systems have been. Doctors who have traditionally focused on traumagenic plurality still are focused on that.

There's zero merit to the idea that this is taking away from research into DID in any way.

And again, the ICD-11, written by World Health Organization, is clear that you can experience multiple distinct identity states without a disorder.

The Hearing Voices Network has been fighting for the 80s to normalize that voice hearing isn't inherently pathological.

Just because someone has experiences similar to a mental illness doesn't mean they have a mental illness. Especially if the don't meet criteria for distress or impairment.

Okay... you know what... I AM going to whip out the ICD-11 here because I want to zero in on another part of this. In the criteria, for DID, you need to experience impairment in areas of functioning due to the disorder.

The DSM-5 has a similar criterion, worded as a requirement of "clinically significant distress or impairment" in important areas of functioning.

The ICD-11 contrasts this with non-aversive distinct personality states that aren't associated with impairment.

No, it's not ableist to say that DID is harmfull.

And the criterion I mentioned in the DSM is literally called the harm criterion, and establishes that a disorder can't be a disorder if it doesn't harm the person in some way.

Referring to dissociative disorders as being harmful isn't ableism. If they weren't harmful, they wouldn't be disorders. That's how disorders work!

Having other people in your head isn't inherently a disorder if it doesn't come with distress or impairment.

This doesn't mean that people with dissociative disorders are monsters. It just means they have a disorder that causes some for of distress or impairment.

Though maybe you, specifically, are.

r/systemscringe

After being torn apart, Problematicpooch ran to r/systemscringe where xe goes by u/Mikeyboi3000

Now, xe tried pulling this in the discussion with Cambrian too, who addressed it here:

Obviously, no correction from u/mikeyboi3000.

That would require a shred of intellectual honesty xe doesn't possess.

Anyway, while we're here, let's take a deeper look at the comments.

Casually accusing someone you don't of being an abuser while you have THAT as your flair is absolutely wild!

Also, they described symptoms the OP says are OSDD-1. At no point did the Crew actually claim OSDD isn't a disorder.

I think most people should have a general code of conduct for themselves. At least basic moral principles.

I would think it's weird that this person doesn't, but then I remembered that this is on r/systemscringe. Of course they wouldn't have any moral principles.

I don't think I've ever seen the Crew use that word for themselves. u/Mikeyboi3000 just stuck that in quotations for some reason.

By the way, if anyone's forgotten who u/sleep-bread-dough is, I debunked their r/systemscringe posts last week.

This is the user who makes system-friendly-sonas to pretend to be supportive of their system friends, and doesn't think DID systems should be allowed to work.

The problem isn't about consciousnesses.

While it may not be fair, if you're unable to hold a single member of the system accountable, then society's laws quickly break down.

Imagine if ghosts were real and could permanently possess someone. Ghosts start possessing people, and permanently are locked into those bodies. The ghosts then commit crimes. If you say, "well, we can't hold this person accountable because they're possessed," then they can commit more crimes without penalty.

If punishing a group is the only way to hold an individual accountable, then the whole group needs to be held accountable.

For example, if anti-endos routinely invade endogenic tags, crosstagging into our spaces, and they refuse to change and stay in their own corners when they're asked, then I have no choice but to crosstag my responses into their tags with the hope the rest of the anti-endo community can rein them in, punishing the entire group for the actions of an individual.

Maybe it doesn't seem fair, but sometimes things that seem unfair are necessary for maintaining order.

I think system responsibility is one of those things, where even if a system were made up of completely 100% separate people, all would need to be held accountable for the actions of one or nobody would be held accountable.

This wasn't the only post u/Mikeyboi300 made either after Tumblr arguments in the past few days. Xe also did one after being corrected by LunastusCo on their origins.

To anyone who may engage with this user, please be warned that doing so may result in them posting you to r/systemscringe in retaliation.

If you're worried about being posted on r/systemscringe, the best thing you can do is to block @problematicpooch.

[mrs-sharp]

I did a bit of research and scraped together memories from a few semesters of psychology, hoping I haven’t fundamentally gotten anything wrong. I attempted a small (clinical) psychological analysis of Sharp in which, of course, some things had to be shortened, trying to determine how the events in Scarborough might have affected him.

TW: Mention of PTSD, trauma, personality disorders

Does Sharp suffer from PTSD?

What is PTSD?

• Trigger: uncontrollable, unpredictable event

• Stress reaction where people suffer from the persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event (flashbacks, nightmares)

-> Guilt for surviving

-> In addition to chronic stressors, everyday stressors also influence the course of the illness and mental state (noise, stressful events (I’m looking at you, Garreth), job stress)

• There are several stages to diagnose PTSD:

1. Trauma

In psychiatric classification systems, trauma (in relation to PTSD) is defined as follows: (only) exceptional, (potentially) life-threatening events or events associated with severe injuries; applies to Scarborough, but:

-> not every trauma leads to PTSD; while an estimated 60% have had a traumatic experience, only about 8% of the male population develop PTSD (for women, it's 20%); the likelihood increases if the trauma was inflicted intentionally, which applies to Scarborough.

2. Flashbacks, nightmares (explanations follow below)

3. Avoidance behavior

-> Avoidance of stimuli related to the trauma:

So, we have this: Sharp claims that fear played no role in his decision to leave the Ministry:

-> there is a study (Lanius et al. 2003) that compared traumatized individuals with and without PTSD: those with PTSD showed lower brain activity when experiencing emotional memories (people with PTSD thus suffer from a disorder in emotion processing)

-> What does this mean? Either the emotion is present, but Sharp's brain can not process it, or maybe he simply doesn’t want to discuss his emotions with a student

-> Repression might also play a role in this statement, as well as the fear of making himself vulnerable (if someone uses my fears against me, I have to relive them)

4. Overstimulation

-> constant state of alertness

-> sleep disturbances, irritability

5. Duration > 1 month

6. Psychosocial impairments

Problem: We don’t see much: Does he have nightmares, flashbacks, concentration issues? Does he relive the trauma? Does the experience restrict him?

Between the lines, it can be seen that he feels guilt, but there is hardly any indication of the extent of it (if he didn’t feel guilt, to be honest, that would worry me too).

Counterarguments / Ambivalences:

• He speaks relatively openly about what he experienced

• He admits his mistake: this could be a sign that he has come to terms with it or that he blames himself for it

• He actively seeks a cure and even takes a new job for it, which argues against avoidance behaviour.

7. Differential diagnosis

-> Reactions to trauma can cause disorders of varying severity

-> Trauma can also bring other psychological disorders, including adjustment disorders, or:

• a persistent personality change after extreme stress:

Aesop mentions that success can make one complacent. From this, it can be concluded that the trauma has profoundly changed his personality:

• in the above-mentioned disorder, the personality change includes:

-> among other things, a hostile and distrustful attitude (thinking of the first encounter with MC, see this post),

-> social withdrawal (new job)

-> as well as constant internal tension and restlessness out of fear of being threatened (his extreme perceptiveness could be a sign of this; when MC talks to Garreth, Sharp knows exactly what they discussed afterward)

-> all this therefore applies to Sharp

However, this disorder tends to occur with persistent stress that can begin in childhood, which either indicates that Scarborough, though a one-time event, still burdens him, or that his personality changes cannot be classified as a disorder.

Conclusion: Sharp probably does not have PTSD, but Scarborough caused severe trauma. We can assume that the event has profoundly shaped his personality. Whether it can be called a personality disorder, I can not judge. However, I do wonder what the "old" Sharp was like. But that’s a question for another post.

[multiplicity-positivity]

Hey!! Do y'all know where we can find any resources/symptom lists/etc specific to osdd-1b?? We've been questioning whether or not that might be a thing we have going on, but when we try to look into it, most of what we're finding groups DID and OSDD together and emphasizes memory gaps, which we dont really have.

Hey, we’re not a clinician or expert, but from what we know about DID and OSDD:

- there’s really not a huge amount of difference between these two disorders. The differences may be minor or arbitrary, and honestly the difference in diagnosis may vary vastly from clinician to clinician.

- that being said, there’s likely even less of a difference between OSDD-1a and OSDD-1b. We’re not a clinician and we have trouble sometimes understanding clinical language, so researching the differences between these subcategories (without turning to community-created content) has been difficult for us. Vaguely, we understand OSDD-1a to mean a dissociative disorder with amnesia but no parts/alters, and OSDD-1b to mean a dissociative disorder with parts/alters but no amnesia.

These things being said, we’ll include the information we could find. Please don’t disregard resources that have information on OSDD along with DID! Like we said, these disorders are closely linked, so it makes sense that they’re often grouped together.

Trying to find accurate, reliable info on OSDD-1b if anything reminded us how horribly under researched dissociative disorders are. We couldn’t find much that isn’t unsourced in a wiki or written on a personal blog.

^ this is an ask we answered in the past. A lovely system reblogged it with their thoughts and info regarding OSDD 1a and 1b

^ we really love the CTAD clinic! This video may be useful, though the clinician speaking here does advise against self-diagnosis and proposes renaming OSDD as “minor DID” which we don’t entirely agree with.

Please use critical thinking and your best judgement when exploring these links. You know yourself better than anyone else!

We’re sorry we couldn’t find more up-to-date, reliable, and accurate information for you. This might be something best brought up in therapy or with a qualified professional. Still, we hope something in this list of resources might help you.

💫 Parker and 🐢 Kip

[madamemachikonew]

More thoughts on Baizhu's story quest #2 - Baizhu's lack of self

↓ ↓ Spoilers below ↓ ↓ 

The dynamic between Baizhu and Changsheng is interesting in the sense of how Baizhu has both negated and asserted himself in the relationship. When we think of 'selfless' behaviour, it has come to mean putting other people first. But a more literal meaning is being without self. Baizhu's behaviour is quite paradoxical in that the two states exist at once.

In choosing to undertake the art of healing (before he ever made his contract) he had taken an oath under his master to practice his art for the benefit of all, regardless of wealth or status. In essence, this ethical duty requires the medic to put personal feelings aside and administer their art in a fair way without prejudice or reasonable refusal. This is the first denial of self and is common to other professions such as lawyers. You also cannot allow emotions to cloud your clinical judgment and sometimes must make difficult decisions in the best interests of the patient, no matter how they offend you morally or emotionally.

The demands and rigours of such a job are such that you never have a day off. Yes, a clinic may have opening hours, but an emergency can present itself at any time or place. The doctor's duty requires that they must assist. It becomes a way of life and long working hours end up dictating how you spend your leisure time or who you meet. It permanently alters how you think; your brain is constantly viewing the world through the lens of your profession. For example, a simple walk in the mountain will turn into 'Oh, I wonder if that flower might have a medicinal benefit?' when most people will simply stop to look at the pretty flower. In this way, Baizhu further loses his definition of self.

It is also common to vocational professions to lose one's sense of self in that your identity becomes wrapped up in your job. People forever associate the name Baizhu with him being a doctor. Not Baizhu the human being. If one were to remove his medical inclination, what would be left of him? His voicelines are all based in some way around his profession - even his hobby is research. He doesn't even commit to a favourite food in favour of dispensing some health advice about having a balanced diet. Who actually is Baizhu as a person? What are his own preferences and desires? Is there anything of him apart from his dedication to his art? Once again, he has suppressed his sense of self. Or conceals it from the people around him in a guarded way. He deliberately makes himself two-dimensional in his presentation, but it plays as being mysterious and enigmatic. He uses a mischievous sense of humour to dodge and deflect questions he doesn't want to answer. For whatever reason, he does not want others to penetrate the external layer.

In this way, and on account of his pure heart and altruistic nature, taking the contract became a self-fulfilling prophecy, as much as he wants to deny the existence of fate. Changsheng refers to him as her mannequin. But it's probably more accurate to say that Baizhu has made himself a vessel or conduit for her power for the purpose of healing. A further denial of self.

He wears a smile so as not to cause worry to the people around him and encourage his patients despite the huge suffering he experiences daily. He has invalidated his own pain for the convenience of others (something which many sick or disabled people do). Again, denial of self.

But on the other hand, according to Jiangli, Baizhu's senior apprentice, he most likely would have been able to formulate a remedy for Jialiang on his own steam had he not reverse-engineered and adapted her version. She says that his intellect is exceptional in its own right.

In other words, Baizhu is more than a vessel; he has his own knowledge and skillset and likely would have been an exceptional physician even without the contract. Changsheng's arts merely serve to amplify it or make the process of his research more meaningful and elevate his talents to miraculous. His inquisitiveness and analytical nature were always his alone. He uses her abilities as research tools to develop cures and better understand how diseases and toxins work, thus expediting the research and development process.

In spite of his ostensible modesty (he refers to himself as 'delusional' and 'troublesome' and uses humble language) Baizhu seems to be aware of his ability and I wonder if this is the reason why he is so confident - arrogant? stubborn? - that he will defy the demise suffered by his predecessors to Changsheng's contract. In this way, he asserts self. And he does so either oblivious to the love that other people hold for him, or in spite of it.

Either, through denial of self, he cannot imagine himself worthy of love. I think this is unlikely - he is aware of his brilliance and his aesthetics suggest he is equally aware he is attractive. I suspect that he simply weighs up the grief of his loved ones against the benefits that could be brought to countless more unnamed people in the future through his ability to heal them. In this way he asserts self in the strongest and most painful way possible; he will not be deterred from walking his path as a healer. The only suffering he wilfully refuses to alleviate through his single-minded actions is that of those who cherish him most.

But then, he is confident that such a possibility will never arise because he is convinced of his future success. Maybe he is even inspired by it and becomes all the more determined to succeed in his endeavours, precisely to protect them. This sort of hubris is never destined to end well.

I would hope he uses their pain to temper any temptation to be reckless, but I fear the lure of testing his limits would always win. I think he will either end up dead, or cursed to immortal agony, because he cannot find cures for all of the ailments he's accumulated and some will do permanent damage even if they are cured later. After all, Changsheng's power is eroding and she cannot balance his Qi forever.

I wonder if, with either outcome, he would regret his decision or not.  

[transenbyconfessions]

when someone is outright transphobic towards me, it hurts, it's terrifying, but it's at least simple, I think-- you're in danger and it's horrible and you feel unsafe and you know that.

but there's a specific.... grief, a mourning feeling, this sense of incomprehensible loss and isolation, that accompanies supportive transphobia. transphobia that's just... there as an undercurrent. i feel like i'm grieving and i feel unwanted and rejected for my identity and it feels like it's my fault. and i know it isn't, but it's... so hard to internalize.

so far my parents have been supportive of me and because of it i kind of trusted them. and my mom has been making an effort to learn, reading resources I've sent her to try and understand me, and i don't think she gets the non-binary thing very much but she's putting in that effort, she always genders me correctly and uses my new name, she's even helped me research local hrt clinics.

but lately I've been realizing that my dad.... actually might hate that I'm trans. When I came out to him he basically seemed neutral, like he didn't really care or thought it was normal. he says he doesn't understand what it feels like to have an internal sense of gender, and when I said that sounded like something an agender person would say and described it to him, he said, more or less "well that fits me sure, but isn't everyone?" which hurts because i have a really strong sense of gender now and it sounds like he thinks having a gender at all is delusional.

he's neurodivergent and old too so he has a hard time remembering things, and he always uses my deadname and pronouns and gendered titles associated with my agab because of this. he doesn't correct people either way but if he introduces me first it's always as my agab. I always read it as indifference/neglect/lack of care or emotional investment, but.... he was really against me transitioning, he thinks I should be grateful for the body I have, and the potential complications from medical treatment (which he sees as "unnecessary" or cosmetic basically) wouldn't be "worth it." to him.

i kind of....accepted all of this as just... side effects of his age or neurodivergence or of clearly not understanding gender at all. but recently... because my partner is trans and my partner's sister is trans and my dad recently said something that really crossed a line in my head...about how I've "changed" since I started to live with them a few years ago and how he didn't want me to make serious health decisions as part of a "trend". and a few times since then he's expressed gentle distain and distrust for my partner, especially when I try to explain things from my childhood that hurt me, he always says that's something that I think happened to me because of my partner's trauma.

and writing it all out like this it... it really does look transphobic. but he doesn't SEEM transphobic, he never "corrects" other people that use my right pronouns, he at least recognizes my real name, he understands that I want to transition and says it's my decision even if he disagrees with it. he doesn't intend to stop me or treat me worse for it or kick me out or stop financially supporting me or anything. so it feels weird to call him transphobic because he's...still so supportive? just... invalidating and not understanding.... so rather than scared or unsafe that's just this overwhelming grief. that i.... don't think he'll ever see me the way i am. i feel like i'm mourning my relationship with him. it feels alone.

[jcmarchi]

Does “food as medicine” make a big dent in diabetes?

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/does-food-as-medicine-make-a-big-dent-in-diabetes/

Does “food as medicine” make a big dent in diabetes?

How much can healthy eating improve a case of diabetes? A new health care program attempting to treat diabetes by means of improved nutrition shows a very modest impact, according to the first fully randomized clinical trial on the subject.

The study, co-authored by MIT health care economist Joseph Doyle of the MIT Sloan School of Management, tracks participants in an innovative program that provides healthy meals in order to address diabetes and food insecurity at the same time. The experiment focused on Type 2 diabetes, the most common form.

The program involved people with high blood sugar levels, in this case an HbA1c hemoglobin level of 8.0 or more. Participants in the clinical trial who were given food to make 10 nutritious meals per week saw their hemoglobin A1c levels fall by 1.5 percentage points over six months. However, trial participants who were not given any food had their HbA1c levels fall by 1.3 percentage points over the same time. This suggests the program’s relative effects were limited and that providers need to keep refining such interventions.

“We found that when people gained access to [got food from] the program, their blood sugar did fall, but the control group had an almost identical drop,” says Doyle, the Erwin H. Schell Professor of Management at MIT Sloan.

Given that these kinds of efforts have barely been studied through clinical trials, Doyle adds, he does not want one study to be the last word, and hopes it spurs more research to find methods that will have a large impact. Additionally, programs like this also help people who lack access to healthy food in the first place by dealing with their food insecurity.

“We do know that food insecurity is problematic for people, so addressing that by itself has its own benefits, but we still need to figure out how best to improve health at the same time if it is going to be addressed through the health care system,” Doyle adds.

The paper, “The Effect of an Intensive Food-as-Medicine Program on Health and Health Care Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” is published today in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The authors are Doyle; Marcella Alsan, a professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School; Nicholas Skelley, a predoctoral research associate at MIT Sloan Health Systems Initiative; Yutong Lu, a predoctoral technical associate at MIT Sloan Health Systems Initiative; and John Cawley, a professor in the Department of Economics and the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University and co-director of Cornell’s Institute on Health Economics, Health Behaviors and Disparities.

To conduct the study, the researchers partnered with a large health care provider in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., which has developed food-as-medicine programs. Such programs have become increasingly popular in health care, and could apply to treating diabetes, which involves elevated blood sugar levels and can create serious or even fatal complications. Diabetes affects about 10 percent of the adult population.

The study consisted of a randomized clinical trial of 465 adults with Type 2 diabetes, centered in two locations within the network of the health care provider. One location was part of an urban area, and the other was rural. The study took place from 2019 through 2022, with a year of follow-up testing beyond that. People in the study’s treatment group were given food for 10 healthy meals per week for their families over a six-month period, and had opportunities to consult with a nutritionist and nurses as well. Participants from both the treatment and control groups underwent periodic blood testing.

Adherence to the program was very high. Ultimately, however, the reduction in blood sugar levels experienced by people in the treatment group was only marginally bigger than that of people in the control group.

Those results leave Doyle and his co-authors seeking to explain why the food intervention didn’t have a bigger relative impact. In the first place, he notes, there could be some basic reversion to the mean in play — some people in the control group with high blood sugar levels were likely to improve that even without being enrolled in the program.

“If you examine people on a bad health trajectory, many will naturally improve as they take steps to move away from this danger zone, such as moderate changes in diet and exercise,” Doyle says. 

Moreover, because the healthy eating program was developed by a health care provider staying engaged with all the participants, people in the control group may have still benefitted from medical engagement and thus fared better than a control group without such health care access. 

It is also possible the Covid-19 pandemic, unfolding during the experiment’s time frame, affected the outcomes in some way, although results were similar when they examined outcomes prior to the pandemic. Or it could be that the intervention’s effects might appear over a still-longer time frame.

And while the program provided food, it left it to participants to prepare meals, which might be a hurdle for program compliance. Potentially, premade meals might have a bigger impact.

“Experimenting with providing those premade meals seems like a natural next step,” says Doyle, who emphasizes that he would like to see more research about food-as-medicine programs aiming at diabetes, especially if such programs evolve and try to some different formats and features.

“When you find a particular intervention doesn’t improve blood sugar, we don’t just say, we shouldn’t try at all,” Doyle says. “Our study definitely raises questions, and gives us some new answers we haven’t seen before.”

Support for the study came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL); and the MIT Sloan Health Systems Initiative. Outside the submitted work, Cawley has reported receiving personal fees from Novo Nordisk, Inc, a pharmaceutical company that manufactures diabetes medication and other treatments.

[c19library]

Known COVID-19 Health Complications

Last Updated September 8, 2023

Repeat Infections

Summary: Repeat infections, even if mild during the acute phase, cause cumulative damage to the body and increase your risk of developing health complications or Long COVID. You should aim to limit the number of times you are infected as much as possible, even if you are not currently high risk (Note: Health complications post-COVID-19 infection can make you high risk) and have been vaccinated.

Published Research

Acute and postacute sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection | Nature Medicine Bowe, B., Xie, Y, & Al-Aly, Z. (2022).

Articles & Reports

Repeat COVID-19 infections increase risk of organ failure, death – Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (wustl.edu) Sauerwein, K. (2022).

Why Getting COVID-19 Multiple Times Is Risky For Your Health | Time Park, A. (2022).

Heart & Cardiovascular Damage

Summary: COVID-19 increases your risk of heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolism, palpitations, arrhythmia, myocarditis, blood clots (thrombosis), etc. post-infection. Inflammation during the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection can damage the heart and blood vessels.

“Risks and 12-month burdens of incident post-acute COVID-19 cardiovascular outcomes in participants without any history of cardiovascular outcomes prior to COVID-19 exposure compared to the contemporary control cohort.” (Xie et al., 2022)

Published Research

Core mitochondrial genes are down-regulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection of rodent and human hosts | Science Translational Medicine Guarnieri, J. W., Dybas, J. M., ... Wallace, D. C. (2023).

Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19 - PMC (nih.gov) Xie, Y., Xu, E., Bowe, B., & Al-Aly, Z. (2022).

Articles & Reports

Blood Clotting Proteins Might Help Predict Long COVID Brain Fog - Scientific American Reardon, S. (2023, September 1).

SARS-CoV-2 can damage mitochondrion in heart, other organs, study finds | CIDRAP (umn.edu) Van Beusekom, M. (2023, August 9).

Your vascular system and COVID | Heart and Stroke Foundation Heart and Stroke Foundation. (2023).

COVID, heart disease and stroke | Heart and Stroke Foundation Heart and Stroke Foundation. (2023, April 17).

How does coronavirus affect your heart? - BHF British Heart Foundation. (2023, March 21).

COVID-19 and Heart Damage: What You Should Know (clevelandclinic.org) Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 10).

Heart Problems after COVID-19 | Johns Hopkins Medicine Post, W. S., & Gilotra, N. A. (2022).

COVID and the Heart: It Spares No One | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health (jhu.edu) Desmon, S., & Al-Aly, Z. (2022, March 14).

COVID-19 takes serious toll on heart health—a full year after recovery | Science | AAAS Wadman, M. (2022, February 9).

Brain & Neurological Damage

Summary: COVID-19 infection increases your risk of developing cognitive impairments, mental health issues, poor memory, early onset dementia, and permanent loss of smell due to brain damage and the atrophy of brain matter. "Brain fog" and problems concentrating are common complaints post-infection that have also been linked to brain damage. Damage to blood vessels due to inflammation during the infection may be responsible for this by restricting oxygen flow to the brain. COVID-19 may also directly infect the brain.

Published Research

Biology | Free Full-Text | Vascular Dysfunctions Contribute to the Long-Term Cognitive Deficits Following COVID-19 (mdpi.com) Shabani, Z., Liu, J., & Su, H. (2023).

Frontiers | COVCOG 2: Cognitive and Memory Deficits in Long COVID: A Second Publication From the COVID and Cognition Study (frontiersin.org) Guo, P., Ballesteros, B. A., Yeung, S. P., Liu, R., Saha, A., Curtis, L., Kaser, M., Haggard, M. P., & Cheke, L. G. (2022).

COVID-19 and cognitive impairment: neuroinvasive and blood‒brain barrier dysfunction - PMC (nih.gov) Chen, Y., Yang, W., Chen, F., & Cui, L. (2022).

Comparison of post-COVID depression and major depressive disorder | medRxiv Perlis, R. H., Santillana, M., Ognyanova, K., Green, J., Druckman, J., Lazer, D., & Baum, M. A. (2021).

Articles & Reports

Long COVID May Impair Memory, Cognition for Months (healthline.com) Rossiaky, D. (2022).

COVID Variants Can Affect the Brain in Different Ways - Neuroscience News (2023).

The hidden long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 - Harvard Health Budson, A. E. (2021). Harvard Medical School.

Long Covid: Even mild Covid is linked to damage to the brain months after infection (nbcnews.com) Ryan, B. (2022). NBC News.

COVID-19 Can Affect the Brain Even Long After an Infection | Time Ducharme, J. (2023). Time.

Lung Damage

Summary: COVID-19 infections can cause lung damage or scarring, and can trigger pneumonia, bronchitis, ARDS, and sepsis. Additionally, some people experience shortness of breath (dyspnea) and difficulty exercising as a post-acute sequela after infection, or multiple infections.

Published Research

At a crossroads: COVID-19 recovery and the risk of pulmonary vascular disease - PMC (nih.gov) Cascino, T. M., Desai, A. A., & Kanthi, Y. (2021).

[Pulmonary manifestations in long COVID] - PubMed (nih.gov) Sommer, N., & Schmeck, B. (2022).

Residual Lung Abnormalities after COVID-19 Hospitalization: Interim Analysis of the UKILD Post-COVID-19 Study - PubMed (nih.gov) Stewart, I., Jacob, J., George, P. M., Molyneaux, P. L., Porter, J. C., Allen, R. J., Aslani, S., Baillie, J. K., Barratt, S. L., Beirne, P., Bianchi, S. M., Blaikley, J. F., ...Jenkins, G. R. (2023).

Articles & Reports

Even mild cases of COVID-19 may cause long-term lung damage - UPI.com HealthDay News. (2022). United Press International.

COVID-19 Lung Damage | Johns Hopkins Medicine Galiatsatos, P. (2022).

Immune System & Autoimmune Diseases

Summary: COVID-19 infection can impair the functioning of your immune system. This means that those who have previously been infected are potentially immunocompromised (higher risk). For some people, the way COVID-19 impairs their immune system results in the onset of autoimmune diseases.

“Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines that persist more than 8 months following convalescence.” (Phetsouphanh et al., 2022)

“Crude incidence of each autoimmune disease by COVID-19 and non-COVID groups.” (Peng et al., 2023)

Published Research

Immunological dysfunction persists for 8 months following initial mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection | Nature Immunology Phetsouphanh, C., Darley, D. R., Wilson, D. B., Howe, A., Munier, M. L., Patel, S. K., Juno, J. A., Burrell, L. M., Kent, S. J., Dore, G. J., ... & Matthews, G. V. (2022).

Long-term perturbation of the peripheral immune system months after SARS-CoV-2 infection | BMC Medicine | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) Ryan, F. J., Hope, C. M., Masavuli, M. G., Lynn, M. A., Mekonnen, Z. A., Yeow, A. E. L., Garcia-Valtanen, P., Al-Delfi, Z., Gummow, J., Furguson, C., ... Lynn, D. J. (2022).

Risk of autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 and the potential protective effect from vaccination: a population-based cohort study - eClinicalMedicine (thelancet.com) Peng, K., Li, X., Yang, D., Chan, S. C. W., Zhou, J., & Wan, E. Y. F. (2023).

Long-term perturbation of the peripheral immune system months after SARS-CoV-2 infection | BMC Medicine | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) Winheim, E., Rinke, L., Lutz, K., Reischer, A., Leutbecher, A., Wolfram, L., Rausch, L., Kranich, J., Wratil, P. R., Huber, J. E., Baumjohann, D., ... Krug, A. B. (2021).

Articles & Reports

How COVID-19 Changes the Immune System | Time Park, A. (2023, August 18).

How COVID-19 alters the immune system -- ScienceDaily ScienceDaily. (2021, October 28).

Impacts of COVID on the immune system (medicalxpress.com) Herrero, L. (2022, September 19).

COVID-19's impact on the immune system, and how this may affect subsequent infections - ABC News Smith, B. (2022, December 1).

COVID-19 can derange immune system; survivors have autoimmune diseases (usatoday.com) Szabo, L. (2021, March 2).

Long COVID & PASC

Summary: Long COVID is an umbrella term that refers to the onset of disabling symptoms/conditions resulting from any of the previously mentioned organ, immune system, and vascular damage sustained during infection. These conditions are also referred to as "post-acute sequelae of COVID-19" (PASC). Vaccination can reduce the damage experienced by decreasing inflammation during an infection, but Long COVID/PASC can affect anyone. This is especially true in the case of multiple infections. Your risk of developing Long COVID, or worse/new symptoms, increases with each additional infection.

“Cumulative incidence and DALYs of postacute sequelae overall and by organ system at 2 years after infection.” (Bowe et al., 2023)

Published Research

T cell apoptosis characterizes severe Covid-19 disease - PubMed (nih.gov) André, S., Picard, M., Cezar, R., Roux-Dalvai, F., Alleaume-Butaux, A., Soundaramourty, C., Cruz, A. S., Mendes-Frias, A., Gotti, C., … Estaquier, J. (2022).

SARS-CoV-2 reservoir in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) | Nature Immunology Proal, A. D., VanElzakker, M. B., Aleman, S., Bach, K., Boribong, B. P., Buggert, M., Cherry, S., Chertow, D. S., Davies, H. E., Dupont, C. L., ... Wherry, E. J. (2023).

The immunology of long COVID | Nature Reviews Immunology Altmann, D. M., Whettlock, E. M., Liu, S., Arachchillage, D. J., & Boyton, R. J. (2023).

Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations | Nature Reviews Microbiology Davis, H. E., McCorkell, L., Vogel, J. M., & Topol, E. J. (2023).

Long COVID prevalence and impact on quality of life 2 years after acute COVID-19 | Scientific Reports (nature.com) Kim, Y., Bae, S., Chang, H., & Kim, S. (2023).

Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years | Nature Medicine Bowe, B., Xie, Y., & Al-Aly, Z. (2023).

Articles & Reports

Long COVID | NIH COVID-19 Research National Institutes of Health. (2023, June 8).

Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions | CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, July 20).

The Most Important Question About Long COVID | Harvard Medical School Pesheva, K. (2023, August 9).

Nearly One in Five American Adults Who Have Had COVID-19 Still Have "Long COVID" (cdc.gov) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 22).

[coochiequeens]

Women deserve a natural treatment for a natural stage of life.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/21/cannabis-menopause-symptoms/

To relieve hot flashes, sleep problems and low libido, some menopausal women are choosing to seek relief with cannabis, usually in the form of a joint or an edible, new research shows.

The study, a survey of women either in perimenopause or postmenopause, sought to gather data about how women are using cannabis to treat the symptoms of menopause. The analysis, published by Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society in August, included responses from 258 participants, more than 80 percent of whom had a history of regular cannabis use. While the survey was not a representative sample, it does offer insights into how some women use cannabis to relieve the symptoms of menopause.

The top three symptoms the participants said were alleviated by cannabis were sleep problems, mood disturbances or anxiety, and low libido. Respondents also used the drug to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, body pain, vaginal dryness and pain and to increase pleasure during sex. Some women took medical cannabis while others used recreational forms. They reported both smoking and using edibles as the most common forms of use to self-medicate for menopausal symptoms.

“These are salient targets for future clinical trials,” said study author Staci Gruber, director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery program at McLean Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “How can the data inform our next steps to optimize treatment options for individuals suffering with these symptoms?”

U.S. medical cannabis enrollments quadrupled from 2016 to 2020

The study did not look at frequency of use, dose, or whether the women had tried other treatments. Another limitation is that most participants already had a history of using the drug, so the results may not apply to women who haven’t used cannabis before.

One reason cannabis may work for these women is that substances in cannabis could mimic a chemical compound, anandamide, produced by the ovaries whose production drops during menopause, Gruber said.

Anandamide is an endocannabinoid, which are molecules produced by the body that are structurally similar to cannabinoids, the substances found in the cannabis plant. Endocannabinoids are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions such as emotional processing, sleep and temperature control. It is also known to influence the female reproductive system. For example, anandamide levels have been shown to correlate with estrogen levels, which decrease during perimenopause and trigger the onslaught of symptoms.

Javier Mejia-Gomez, a gynecological oncologist at the Mature Women’s Health and Menopause Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, noticed an uptick in patients using cannabis to manage their symptoms in recent years. The trend prompted him to search for published research on the topic, but he found very little. Out of 564 studies mentioning menopause and cannabis that he initially reviewed, only three ended up making the cut for his systematic review. The rest were either animal studies, of poor quality, or did not directly investigate the impact of cannabis on menopause symptoms.

“Due to the lack of research and evidence-based medicine on this subject, it is hard for us to accurately counsel our patients on the use of cannabis for the management of their menopausal symptoms,” Mejia-Gomez said.

Vanessa Fleeton, 53, said she found solace for a wave of debilitating perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as problems sleeping, body pain, anxiety and brain fog through an unexpected — and scientifically unproven — remedy. “Medical marijuana is much better than anything else that I’ve tried for menopause,” she said.

The most effective treatment to reduce or eliminate menopausal symptoms is hormone therapy. But the treatment, which can include estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progestin, comes with a heightened risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. An antidepressant, paroxetine, also has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hot flashes.

But many women don’t want to use hormones or take an antidepressant. Some try unproven treatments such as over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies, chiropractic interventions and acupuncture.

Nola Blackburn, 49, said she doesn’t want to use hormones, so she takes cannabis in pill form daily for her menopausal symptoms. “I find I sleep better and have less nightmares due to the anxiety caused by hormonal fluctuations,” said Blackburn, of West Kelowna, British Columbia.

Ilse Blommers, 53, who lives in Bangkok, eats half a cannabis brownie before going to bed. Her perimenopause started four years ago and brought on night sweats that would wake her up at 3 a.m. She decided to try cannabis. “I sleep like a baby,” Blommers said. “My back pain and mood swings are so much better.”

Experts warn that women interested in cannabis for their menopause-related symptoms should proceed with caution. Rigorous clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy and safety are needed, said StephanieFaubion, director for Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health.

“Everybody is jumping on the cannabis bandwagon, and I think we need to step back a bit,” said Faubion, who was not involved in the study. “There’s no proof that it works or is safe, so caution should be exercised.”

[lift-yourself]

1. No distractions!

First things first: move to a quiet area, turn off notifications on your phone or turn off your phone completely, close the door of your office and keep your workspace organized, tell people around you not to distract you for a while, play some soothing music (e.g. something like this)

2. Keep track of your body

Everybody knows what it’s like to be ‘’hangry’’. Therefore, avoid delaying or skipping meals in order to keep your mind sharp, your energy levels up, and your emotions in check.To keep energized, balance lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. If you are hungry in between meals, snack on fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, or seeds. Also, make sure you drink enough of water to stay hydrated.

3. Boost your sleep health

While a few nights of scant sleep are acceptable, sleeping less than eight hours on most nights of the week can be detrimental to your short- and long-term memory as well as your capacity to focus.Adults aged 18 to 60 are advised to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Up to 9 hours a night may be required for older folks.

4. be SMART

If a complicated project is making you feel overwhelmed, try dividing it up into smaller steps and inserting those steps into the SMART formula.

SMART is short for:

Specific: What specifically must be done? Measurable: How will you monitor your development? Achievable: Is it plausible? Will it be finished by the due date? Relevant: How does it fit into the larger plan or objective? Timely: When must it be completed?

5. write a to-do list

Of course, a to-do list can quickly grow in length. Finding the drive to do everything you set out to do might often be difficult.The positive news: According to studies, having a written plan of action can boost productivity.

6. DON’T multitask

Switching between different types of thinking or topics can be extremely exhausting for your brain. For better focus, select a group of related chores, complete them one at a time. This facilitates transitions, and by avoiding switching between different types of tasks, you might do much more.

7. Meditation

Meditation requires intense concentration, so if the adage "practice makes perfect" is accurate, it is a surefire technique to improve focus.

Scientific tests support this. For instance, a University of North Carolina study found that students who practiced meditation for just 20 minutes every day for four days outperformed their peers on specific cognitive tests.Another study from 2011 revealed that regular meditators were happier overall and less prone to "mind-wandering." 

The study's authors hypothesize that this was caused by long-term meditators showing less of what is known as default mode network activity (DMN), a brain function associated with problems with concentration, anxiety, and depression.

8. Exercise!

Running, swimming, and weightlifting are all beneficial for more than just the physical health. John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, claims that they also foster brain health, which is crucial for memory and focus.

A substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which some research suggests helps remodel memory circuits to improve their performance, may be released as a result of regular exercise, according to scientists.

9. Use small amounts of caffeine

Grab a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage if you're feeling sleepy. According to studies, caffeine may aid and improve concentration when used in moderation, especially for those of us who are tired.To avoid caffeine jitters, which often impair your ability to concentrate, don't overindulge in coffee. You may also try a cup of tea, which, unlike coffee, won't give you a sudden rush but can offer you energy for longer periods of time because it contains L-theanine molecules, which our bodies metabolize all day long.

10. Take breaks regularly!

It's important to take breaks from work occasionally, whether it's to watch Youtube videos, go for a stroll, or take a little nap.

In one study, 84 participants were given an hour to complete a straightforward computer assignment. Those who were given two small breaks over that hour fared steadily throughout, whereas those who weren't given a break eventually did worse.

[caitlinphleb]

Opening the Price Tag: How Much Does a Phlebotomy Certification Cost?

**Meta Title:** Unlocking the Price Tag:‌ How Much Does a Phlebotomy Certification ​Cost?

**Meta Description:** Are you considering pursuing a phlebotomy certification but ​unsure‍ about the ‍costs involved? This comprehensive guide will break⁣ down the expenses associated with obtaining a phlebotomy certification ‍and provide valuable​ insights for aspiring phlebotomists.

**Introduction:** If you have a ⁣passion for healthcare and want to embark on a career that involves helping people, becoming a certified phlebotomist could be the perfect fit for you. However, before diving into ‍this rewarding field, it is essential to understand the​ financial investment​ required to obtain a⁢ phlebotomy‍ certification. In this article, we will explore the​ various costs associated with pursuing a phlebotomy certification, including exam fees, training programs, and other miscellaneous expenses.

**How⁤ Much Does a Phlebotomy Certification Cost?** Obtaining a phlebotomy certification involves several expenses that aspiring phlebotomists should be aware of. Here is a breakdown⁤ of the typical costs associated with becoming a certified phlebotomist:

1. Training Program Fees: – Phlebotomy training ‌programs are essential for gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field. The cost of these programs ​can vary depending on the institution and⁢ the ‌length of⁣ the program. On average, phlebotomy training programs can range from⁤ $700 to $2,000.

2. Certification Exam Fees: – In order to become a certified phlebotomist, individuals must pass a‌ certification exam administered by organizations such as ​the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or ⁤the ‍American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The cost of these certification exams typically ⁢ranges from $100 to $200.

3.⁣ Study Materials: -⁣ Additional expenses may include the cost of‍ study materials such as textbooks, practice exams, and online resources. These study materials are essential for preparing for the certification exam and honing your phlebotomy skills. The cost of study materials can vary but generally falls between $50 to ‍$200.

4. Membership Dues: – Some certification agencies require phlebotomists to maintain active membership by paying annual dues. The cost of membership dues can range from $50 to $100 per year.

5. Renewal Fees: – Phlebotomy certifications are‍ typically valid for a ‌certain period, after which⁤ they must be renewed. Renewal fees for phlebotomy certifications can range from $50 to $100.

**Benefits ⁢of Obtaining a Phlebotomy Certification:** -‍ Increased job opportunities – Higher earning potential – Professional advancement opportunities – ⁤Job security – Personal satisfaction from helping others

**Practical⁢ Tips for Managing Phlebotomy ‍Certification Costs:** – Research different training programs to find one that fits your budget – Look for scholarships⁤ or financial aid options – Create a study budget to plan for expenses related to study materials and exam fees – Consider​ working part-time while pursuing your certification to offset costs

**Conclusion:** Becoming a certified phlebotomist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice⁤ for individuals who are passionate about healthcare and helping others. While‌ pursuing a phlebotomy certification does entail⁣ some financial investment, the benefits ‍of ​obtaining certification, including ‌increased job opportunities and earning ⁤potential, make it a⁤ worthwhile endeavor. By⁢ understanding the ⁣costs associated with obtaining a phlebotomy certification and implementing ‍practical tips for managing expenses, aspiring phlebotomists can successfully navigate the financial aspect⁤ of pursuing their career goals.

https://phlebotomytechnicianschools.net/opening-the-price-tag-how-much-does-a-phlebotomy-certification-cost/

[knowledgepanel]

How to Decide Between a Hair Transplant in the UK or Turkey: Key Factors to Consider

Choosing to undergo a hair transplant is a significant decision, and selecting the right location for your procedure is just as important. Both the UK and Turkey offer excellent hair transplant services, but there are key differences in cost, quality, and convenience that may influence your choice. In this article, we’ll explore the critical factors to consider when deciding between a hair transplant in the UK or Turkey. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and expectations.

 1. Cost Comparison: UK vs Turkey

One of the most significant factors that patients consider when choosing where to undergo a hair transplant is cost. The *hair transplant UK vs Turkey* debate often hinges on this point, as the price difference between the two countries is substantial.

- Cost in the UK: Hair transplant costs in the UK can range from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the clinic, the number of grafts, and the surgeon’s expertise.

- Cost in Turkey: In comparison, hair transplants in Turkey are typically priced between £1,500 and £3,500, which often includes all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, airport transfers, and post-op care.

If budget is a primary concern, Turkey is a clear winner due to its lower costs. However, it’s important to weigh cost savings against other factors like quality and convenience, which we’ll explore below.

 2. Quality of Care and Expertise

While cost is a significant consideration, quality should not be compromised. Both the UK and Turkey offer high-quality hair transplant procedures, but there are differences in how care is delivered.

- UK Clinics: The UK is known for its strict healthcare regulations and high standards. Many clinics are certified by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and employ highly skilled, experienced surgeons. UK clinics often focus on personalized care and patient attention, ensuring detailed consultation and follow-up services.

- Turkey Clinics: Turkey has built a strong reputation for hair transplants, with many clinics staffed by experienced surgeons who handle a high volume of international patients. The country’s booming medical tourism industry has allowed clinics to develop state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies. However, the quality of care can vary significantly between clinics, making it crucial to research and choose a reputable provider.

While both countries have highly skilled professionals, the UK may offer more personalized, boutique services, whereas Turkey’s high patient volume allows for more streamlined procedures.

 3. Experience and Volume of Patients

Experience and the number of procedures performed can also impact your decision.

- UK Surgeons: UK surgeons often focus on quality over quantity, performing fewer procedures with a more personalized approach. If you prefer individual attention and care, the UK may be the better option.

- Turkey Surgeons: Turkey's clinics perform hair transplants on a much larger scale. Many Turkish surgeons have extensive experience due to the sheer volume of patients they treat. Some of the leading clinics in Turkey handle dozens of patients daily, allowing surgeons to refine their skills through repetitive practice.

For patients who prioritize the surgeon’s experience with high volumes of procedures, Turkey may provide an advantage, but it’s essential to ensure the clinic you choose does not compromise on care due to high patient turnover.

 4. Convenience and Travel Considerations

Another important factor is the convenience of the procedure and associated travel logistics.

- UK: For residents of the UK, choosing a local clinic means minimal travel, easy access to consultations, and straightforward follow-up appointments. You won’t need to factor in additional time off work or travel expenses, making it a convenient option.

- Turkey: For patients opting for a hair transplant in Turkey, travel is required. While flights to Turkey are relatively affordable, especially with budget airlines, you will need to plan for accommodation, meals, and transportation during your stay. Many Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages, which can simplify the process, but you’ll still need to take time off work and factor in post-op recovery abroad.

For those who prefer convenience and staying close to home, the UK may be a more attractive option. However, for patients willing to travel for substantial cost savings, Turkey can be an excellent choice.

 5. Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up

Post-operative care is a critical aspect of a successful hair transplant. Proper follow-up care helps ensure the best results and minimizes the risk of complications.

- UK Clinics: Since UK clinics are local, it’s easy to schedule follow-up appointments and consultations as needed. You can regularly check in with your surgeon or medical team, ensuring close monitoring of your progress. 

- Turkey Clinics: While Turkish clinics offer comprehensive post-op care, including medications, follow-up consultations, and remote support, you won’t have the convenience of in-person visits once you return home. However, many top clinics in Turkey partner with local consultants in the UK to provide aftercare services once the patient has returned home.

If post-op care and frequent follow-ups are important to you, the UK’s proximity may make it a more suitable choice. For those who are comfortable with remote follow-up care or traveling back to Turkey for check-ups, this may not be a concern.

 6. Reputation and Accreditation

The reputation of the clinic and surgeon you choose plays a significant role in the outcome of your hair transplant.

- UK Clinics: Many UK clinics are highly regarded for their adherence to strict medical standards and regulatory compliance. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) oversees these clinics, ensuring that they meet specific guidelines for safety and patient care.

- Turkey Clinics: Turkey also boasts several internationally accredited clinics with a solid reputation for delivering excellent results. However, there are hundreds of clinics in Turkey, and the quality of care can vary. It’s essential to choose a clinic with proper certifications and a proven track record.

For those who prioritize the assurance of accreditation and local reputation, UK clinics offer a clear advantage. However, many top clinics in Turkey are equally reputable and often offer more affordable pricing.

 Conclusion

Deciding between a hair transplant in the UK or Turkey depends on several key factors: cost, quality of care, convenience, and post-op support. The hair transplant UK vs Turkey decision is ultimately a personal one, based on your priorities. Turkey offers significantly lower costs, higher graft numbers, and all-inclusive packages, making it an attractive option for patients seeking affordable, high-quality procedures. On the other hand, the UK provides personalized, local care with the convenience of easy follow-up and strict regulatory oversight.

When making your decision, it’s essential to research clinics in both countries, read reviews, and consult with surgeons. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your budget, expectations, and desired results.

[floraflorenzi]

Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: What For Your Future Family Planning?

Egg freezing in San Diego is a significant egg freezing cost in San Diego commitment that involves various costs beyond the basic procedure. Typically, the process includes several key components: initial consultation fees, ovarian stimulation medications, the egg retrieval procedure, and storage fees. Additionally, if you need multiple cycles to retrieve a sufficient number of viable eggs, these costs will multiply. On average, the cost of one egg freezing cycle in San Diego ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. However, this figure can fluctuate depending on individual needs and the specific clinic you choose. Understanding these costs helps in planning for future family-building goals and ensuring you are financially prepared for the investment in your reproductive health.

Breaking Down The Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: How Much Should You Budget?

Budgeting for egg freezing involves egg freezing cost in San Diego for both direct and indirect costs associated with the procedure. The direct costs include consultation fees, ovarian stimulation medications, egg retrieval, and storage fees. In San Diego, the total cost for one cycle can range from $6,000 to $12,000. Additional expenses might include genetic testing, embryo freezing (if applicable), and potential additional cycles. Indirect costs, such as time off work and potential travel expenses if you are not local, should also be considered. By breaking down these expenses and creating a detailed budget, you can ensure that you are financially prepared for the entirety of the egg freezing process and any additional treatments that may arise.

Affordable Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: A Guide To Planning Your Journey

Finding affordable egg freezing options in San Diego requires careful planning and research. While the average cost can be high, some clinics offer financial assistance programs, payment plans, or discounts for multiple cycles. Additionally, insurance coverage for fertility preservation varies, so it's essential to check with your egg freezing cost in San Diego provider to see if any costs might be covered. Exploring various clinics and comparing their pricing structures can help identify more affordable options. Some clinics also offer financing options that allow you to spread out the cost over time. By researching and planning ahead, you can make egg freezing more accessible and manageable within your budget.

Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: Navigating The Financial Aspects Of Fertility Preservation

Navigating the financial aspects of egg freezing in San Diego involves understanding the various costs and exploring ways to manage egg freezing cost in San Diego effectively. The primary costs include the procedure itself, which encompasses ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and cryopreservation. Additional costs can arise from required medications, pre-procedure testing, and long-term egg storage. It is also important to consider potential costs for multiple cycles if the initial cycle does not yield sufficient eggs. Developing a clear financial plan and exploring available financial options, such as clinic payment plans or insurance coverage, can help in managing the overall expense. Consulting with a financial advisor familiar with fertility treatments may also provide useful insights and strategies for handling these costs.

Exploring The Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: Investment In Your Fertility Future

Investing in egg freezing is not only a egg freezing cost in San Diego but also an investment in your future reproductive health. The cost of egg freezing in San Diego can be substantial, but it offers the benefit of preserving your eggs for future use, potentially leading to successful pregnancies at a later date. This investment allows for greater flexibility and control over family planning, especially if you are not yet ready to conceive. When considering the cost, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits of having a frozen egg reserve against the financial outlay. Understanding the long-term value of egg freezing can help you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your future family planning goals.

Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: What You Need To Know Before Starting The Process

Before starting the egg freezing process in San Diego, it is crucial to understand all associated costs and factors. The procedure involves egg freezing cost in San Diego elements, including initial consultation fees, medication costs, egg retrieval, and long-term storage. Additionally, there may be costs for additional cycles if needed, genetic testing, and any unforeseen complications. Researching various clinics and their pricing structures, as well as checking with your insurance provider, can help you gain a clearer picture of the total financial commitment. By preparing thoroughly and understanding all potential expenses, you can ensure a smoother and more manageable egg freezing experience.

Is Egg Freezing Worth The Cost In San Diego? A Detailed Financial Overview

Evaluating whether egg freezing is worth the cost in San Diego requires a detailed financial overview and consideration of personal circumstances. The procedure can be expensive, with costs typically ranging from egg freezing cost in San Diego per cycle. However, this cost should be weighed against the benefits of preserving your fertility and having the option to conceive later in life. It is also essential to consider the emotional and physical costs of undergoing the procedure. A detailed financial overview should include not only the direct costs but also any potential indirect expenses and future costs for storing and using the frozen eggs. Making an informed decision involves assessing both the financial investment and the long-term benefits of egg freezing.

Egg Freezing Cost In San Diego: How To Make Informed Financial Decisions

Making informed financial decisions about egg freezing in San Diego involves thorough research and careful planning. Start by egg freezing cost in San Diego cost estimates from multiple clinics and comparing what is included in their pricing. Consider any additional costs, such as medications, genetic testing, and long-term storage fees. Evaluate your insurance coverage and explore any available financial assistance or payment plans offered by clinics. Additionally, think about your financial situation and how the cost of egg freezing fits into your overall budget. Consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in fertility treatments can provide valuable insights and help you make well-informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Conclusion

Egg freezing in San Diego represents a significant investment in your future fertility, with costs varying based on several factors. egg freezing cost in San Diego of expenses, exploring affordable options, and planning effectively can help you manage the financial aspects of this important procedure. Whether you are looking to delay childbirth for personal or medical reasons, being informed about the costs and available financial options ensures that you can make a decision that aligns with your goals and budget. By carefully researching and planning, you can navigate the financial considerations of egg freezing and take a proactive step towards securing your reproductive future.

[molsons112000]

But this statement is right. The ph level does not tell how it's going to react with the body.. As you see here, lemons and limes and apple cider, vinegar turn to alkalinity when they interact with the body...

The pH of the food itself does not dictate how it reacts in our body. For example, one might think that fresh lemons and limes and raw organic apple cider vinegar are acidic, but they actually become alkaline when consumed. Ce

https://tacanow.org › balancing-th...

Balancing the Gut: Why do You Want to be More Alkaline?

There's no evidence that the foods you eat have much effect on the pH of your blood. However, some say that limes can alkalize the body and treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis and rheumatism. Others say that limes can supplement stomach acid, which helps break down food. 







Limes are acidic, with a pH between 2.00 and 2.35. However, when consumed, they can become alkaline. Limes can also increase the pH of water that's too acidic. 









While limes are generally safe to eat, they can cause problems if you eat too many or if they come into contact with open wounds or your skin: 





Cavities

The acid in limes can erode tooth enamel, so you should rinse your mouth with water after eating limes. 



Heartburn and digestive issues

Limes can worsen these issues in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 



Sun sensitivity

Applying limes to your skin can make it more sensitive to the sun's UV rays, which can cause inflammation. 





Tower Chiropractic Wellness Center

The Alkalizing Benefits of Lemon and Lime

Inflammatory disorders: Even though lime/lemon juice are sour and taste acidic, it is actually very alkalinizing in the body and is highly effective in the trea...



The Autism Community in Action

Balancing the Gut: Why do You Want to be More Alkaline?

The pH of the food itself does not dictate how it reacts in our body. For example, one might think that fresh lemons and limes and raw organic apple cider vineg...



Healthline

Lemon Juice: Acidic or Alkaline, and Does It Matter? - Healthline

To set the record straight, there is no evidence to support the Alkaline Diet. According to research, the foods you eat have very little effect on the pH of you...



WebMD

Alkaline Diet: Foods High in Alkaline - WebMD

Feb 12, 2024 — The theory is that foods that make your body produce acid are harmful. Celebrities like Victoria Beckman and Tom Brady helped make the diet popular.



Healthline

Limes: Nutrition, Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - Healthline

Limes are very acidic and best enjoyed in moderation. Eating many limes can increase your risk of cavities, as the acid in limes — and other citrus fruits — can...



Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

Is Lime Water Good for You? - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

Dec 12, 2022 — Supports digestion. You probably already know that the acid in your stomach helps you break down the foods you eat. But did you know that acid level...



MedicalNewsToday

Lemon vs. lime: Differences in nutrition, benefits, and uses

May 21, 2019 — Consuming lemons or limes in moderate amounts is generally safe. However, the fruits can cause a stinging pain when in contact with open wounds, suc...



Lime Association of Texas

You Put the Lime in the Water and You Mix It All Up

Apr 25, 2023 — Since lime is an alkaline substance, it has the ability to increase the pH of water that is too acidic, and therefore corrosive to pipes and plumbin...

Times of India

What's the difference between lime and lemon? - Times of India

Jan 23, 2019 — Though lime and lemon have similar acidic levels, it is proven that limes are more acidic than lemons due to slightly lower pH values. According to ...

Generative AI is experimental. Learn 

[adoctorx]

Melatonin doesn’t cause hair loss. However, topical melatonin may actually stop or reverse hair loss. Side effects reported with topical melatonin include temporary redness or other color changes, sensitivity, or itching. Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally made by your brain. It’s important for your circadian rhythm or internal clock. As it gets darker in the evening, your brain makes more melatonin in order to promote sleep. Melatonin can also have other effects in the body. For example, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can impact mood. Melatonin may affect hair health in people with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which causes male- and female-pattern baldness. Researchers estimate that AGA impacts over 50% of older men and 15% of women after menopause. Melatonin doesn’t contribute to hair loss caused by AGA. Instead, it may help to stop hair loss or even promote hair growth. Keep reading to discover more. Can melatonin cause hair loss? There’s no evidence that melatonin causes hair loss. In fact, there’s evidence of the opposite. Melatonin may help to stop hair loss or boost hair growth. What causes androgenetic alopecia? Androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are hormones that contribute to AGA. These chemical messengers have various roles in the body, including being involved in the cycle of hair growth. Too much DHT can impact the hair follicle, shortening the hair growth phase and leading to hairs that are thinner and shorter. Over time, this can lead to increased hair loss and hair thinning. Genetics also plays a role in AGA. That means that having a close relative — such as a parent or sibling — with AGA increases your risk of getting it as well. Can melatonin stop or reverse hair loss? There’s some evidence that topical melatonin, applied directly to the skin or scalp, may help stop or even reverse hair loss. A 2023 study reviewed the results of 11 studies of topical melatonin in people with hair loss. It reported that in most of the studies, topical melatonin: improved hair growth on the scalp boosted the density of hair on the scalp increased the thickness of hairs A 2024 review notes that studies have found that melatonin has anti-androgen effects and is also involved in regulating hair growth. Researchers summarized several clinical studies where melatonin was found to have a beneficial effect on hair loss. How does melatonin help with hair growth? While research is ongoing, several studies have started to pick apart the mechanism by which melatonin may help with hair growth. A 2022 study used cells in a lab to model the human hair follicle. It found that the dermal papillae, which are cells involved in sending signals for hair growth, had higher levels of melatonin receptors. This means that melatonin binding to melatonin receptors in this area may promote hair growth. The researchers found that adding melatonin to their model boosted the expression of genes associated with hair growth. A 2024 study in mice supported this, finding melatonin sped up the hair cycle. Melatonin boosted signaling related to hair growth in dermal papillae, and led to signaling in stem cells in the hair follicle that promoted hair growth. More research is needed on people. What are the side effects of taking melatonin for hair loss? Using melatonin topically doesn’t appear to be associated with significant side effects. An older review points out that participants in some studies of topical melatonin for hair loss have reported mild, but temporary, side effects like: skin reddening increased skin sensitivity burning or itching sensations You may be aware that oral melatonin supplements are often used to promote sleepiness. Because of this, it’s not a stretch to wonder if topical melatonin may also cause you to feel sleepy. A small 2016 study investigated this. Researchers asked 10 healthy participants to apply a high dosage (12.

5%) of melatonin cream to 80% of their skin. However, no significant cognitive effects, such as sleepiness, were seen. Who should consider melatonin for hair loss? You may consider topical melatonin for hair loss if other treatments haven’t worked or have caused you significant side effects, or if you’re looking for a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach to hair loss. Common FDA-approved medications for hair loss in people with AGA include topical minoxidil (Rogaine) for men and females with AGA and oral finasteride (Propecia) for males with AGA. Other medications, such as oral spirolactone (for females) and oral dutasteride (Flomax) may be prescribed off-label for hair loss. Certain procedures may also be used for hair loss, including: laser therapy platelet-rich plasma hair transplant How to use melatonin for hair growth A variety of topical melatonin products are available. These typically come in the form of a serum that you apply to your scalp. There’s no set treatment regimen for topical melatonin. A 2023 study notes that, after analyzing prior research, an effective dosage is 0.0033% to 0.1% topical melatonin applied once daily for between 90 to 180 days. It’s important to know that the FDA doesn’t regulate melatonin like a drug. So, it’s important to purchase topical melatonin from a reputable source. When in doubt, it’s always good to speak with a doctor before trying out topical melatonin for hair loss. They can give you specific recommendations on how exactly to use it. Takeaway Melatonin doesn’t lead to hair loss. However, topical melatonin may be beneficial for preventing further hair loss or boosting hair growth. More research is needed on people. There are limited mild side effects associated with topical melatonin. **FAQ: Does Melatonin ​Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows** **Q1: What is melatonin and how is it⁤ related to hair health?** Melatonin is a hormone primarily known for ‍regulating sleep-wake cycles. In ⁣the context of hair⁣ health, melatonin has been⁤ investigated for its potential effects on hair growth and loss. Research indicates that melatonin has antioxidant properties that may protect hair follicles from damage and ‍extend the anagen⁢ (growth) phase of hair. **Q2: Does taking ‌melatonin supplements lead to hair ​loss?** Current research does⁣ not support the idea that melatonin supplements cause hair loss. In fact, some studies suggest that melatonin might promote hair growth by prolonging the growth ‌phase of hair. However, ‌everyone's body⁢ responds differently to supplements, and individual experiences may vary. **Q3: ​Can melatonin be used ⁤to treat hair loss?** Some ​studies have explored the use of topical melatonin treatments for hair loss with promising results. These ​studies suggest that applying melatonin directly to the scalp may help improve hair density and reduce hair thinning. However, more widespread research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety as a treatment for hair loss. **Q4: Are there any side effects of using melatonin ​for hair purposes?** When used topically,‍ melatonin is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, when taken ‌orally as a supplement, it might​ cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or ‍headaches. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have concerns about hair loss. **Q5: Is there ‌a connection between sleep, melatonin, and hair health?** Adequate sleep is crucial for overall ⁤health, including ‍hair health. Since melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating ‌sleep, it might indirectly⁣ affect hair health. Poor‍ sleep can‍ lead to stress and hormonal imbalances, ​which ​might negatively impact hair growth and lead to hair loss. **Q6: What should I do if I experience hair loss while taking melatonin?** If you ‍notice hair loss while taking melatonin, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

They can help determine if melatonin is contributing ‍to the issue or if there are ⁣other factors ⁣at⁢ play. ​They can also⁤ offer ​advice​ on possible treatments ​or adjustments to your supplementation routine.