Join us for an exciting and informative episode as we dive deep into the critical issue of syphilis in pregnancy with experts, Roisin and Emma, from the Women's Health Research Institutes, Reproductive Infectious Disease Team. In recent years, Canada has seen a troubling rise in syphilis cases, particularly among those of reproductive age, leading to serious health implications for pregnant people and their newborns.

In this episode, we’ll explore epidemiological trends, learn about the impact of untreated syphilis on fetal health, and understand the urgent need for increased awareness and testing. Further, we will discuss the challenges faced by healthcare providers, the importance of timely screening during prenatal care, and the barriers that marginalized populations encounter in accessing vital health services.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or someone interested in women’s health issues, this conversation will provide valuable insights into preventing congenital syphilis and promoting better health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to combating this public health challenge!

Resources:

Reproductive Infectious Diseases Program Page

Supporting a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy Syphilis Resource

Maternal and Congenital Syphilis Resource List

Overview of Syphilis in Pregnancy in British Columbia

In this episode of Women’s Health: Under the Mic-roscope, co-hosts Ananyaa Prabhu and Shreyasi Dutiya delve into the multifaceted world of research on birth control, focusing on its biological and psychological impacts. The discussion begins with an exploration of hormonal contraceptives and their mechanisms, highlighting how they prevent pregnancy by halting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining. Immediate benefits, such as menstrual regulation, acne reduction, and easing PMS, are balanced against potential side effects like nausea and headaches. Long-term effects, including impacts on bone density, cardiovascular health, and cancer risks, are also examined. The conversation emphasizes how contraception effects vary across life stages, from adolescence to menopause.

The hosts transition into a discussion on the psychological effects of birth control, addressing its link to mood swings, depression, and emotional changes. Studies reveal that these mental health concerns are particularly prominent in younger users, with testimonials echoing experiences of heightened emotional sensitivity. The episode underscores systemic healthcare challenges, including inadequate research and the dismissal of women’s and gender-diverse people's concerns, particularly among marginalized groups. We conclude by advocating for better education, compassionate healthcare, and more research to ensure informed choices and holistic support for those navigating contraception. Tune in for a novel and well-rounded discussion, and stay curious!

Works Cited:

BBC. ‘It sucked’: Eight women open up about being on the pill. 2018. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180823-women-speak-about-side-effects-of-the-birth-control-pill

Fruzzetti, F., Fidecicchi, T. Hormonal Contraception and Depression: Updated Evidence and Implications in Clinical Practice. Clinical Drug Investigation 2020; 40:1097–1106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-020-00966-8

Johansson T, Vinther Larsen S, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å. Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525

Tello, M. Can hormonal birth control trigger depression? Harvard Health Blog, 2019 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-hormonal-birth-control-trigger-depression-201610172517

Zettermark, S., Perez Vicente, R., Merlo, J. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of psychotropic drug use in adolescent girls but not in adults: A pharmacoepidemiological study on800,000 Swedish women. PLoS ONE 2018; 13(3): e0194773. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194773

Cover art by Seppi Satchi.

In the latest episode of Women’s Health: Under the Mic-roscope, co-hosts Brianna and Alessia are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Asheena Khalakdina, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and Head of the WHO office in Uzbekistan. With an extensive background in epidemiological research and international public health advisory, Dr. Khalakdina kindly tells us more about the World Health Organization and her role in assisting governments and ministries of health in delivering effective and equitable health policy. She highlights the United Nations agency’s work towards advancing women’s and girls’ health globally, with an emphasis on universal health coverage and health promotion, reproductive and maternal-child health, gender-based violence, and access to water and sanitation. Dr. Khalakdina shares keen first-hand insights into the socioeconomic determinants of women’s and girl’s health in Global South countries such as India, Thailand and Cambodia, advocating for the transformation of societal norms and public messaging to empower women and girls to exercise agency over their health.

Listen along to learn more about the international landscape of women’s and girl’s health and the World Health Organization’s role in reforming it! An insightful and ultimately inspiring episode, we hope you can join us in zooming out the microscope to see women’s health in global perspective. Stay curious!

Learn more about Women's Health at WHO

Cover Art by Seppi Satchi

Join us for today’s episode of Women’s Health: Under the Mic-roscope, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Our host Sirat welcomes Angela Marlatt, Vice President of Missions and Advocacy at Breast Cancer Canada, for an enlightening discussion on the realities faced by breast cancer patients.

With breast cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women and affecting 1 in 8 women in Canada, it is crucial to understand both the recent advancements in treatment and the ongoing challenges in our healthcare system, including access to screening and equity.

Together, we can make a difference! Learn how your contributions, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, can help raise awareness and support those impacted by breast cancer. Tune in and join the fight against Breast Cancer!

In this fourth, captivating episode of the Women’s Health: Under the Mic-roscope podcast, join co-hosts Rachel and Ruby for an enthralling conversation with Dr. Amy Inkster, whose groundbreaking research on placental DNA allows us to dive into the fascinating world of epigenetics and its profound impact on pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Inkster's research has helped to uncover the complex interplay between sex differences and DNA methylation, shedding light on the intricacies of maternal health and fetal development. From the challenges of consolidating sex chromosome data into genomic analyses to the many implications of maternal SSRI treatment on placental DNA methylation, each study reveals unique insights into the mechanisms used to shape prenatal health. Listen along to gain valuable insights into the intricate tapestry of sex, methylation, and pregnancy, and discover how these findings pave the way for improved prenatal care and maternal health outcomes. Stay curious!

In this third episode of Women's Health: Under the Mic-roscope, we dive deep into the complex world of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with valued researchers Dr. Prior and Kaitlin Nelson. PCOS affects millions of people worldwide, however, it remains widely misunderstood. Dr. Prior and Kailin are thankfully here with us today to shed some light on this often-overlooked condition, providing valuable insights into its causes, symptoms, management strategies, and treatments. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Prior and Kaitlin break down the intricacies of PCOS, together we discuss intricate hormonal imbalances, metabolic implications, and possible treatments. Drawing from their extensive clinical experience, they explore the challenges those with PCOS face in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and navigating treatment options, with a focus on treatment via progesterone supplements. Listen along to improve your understanding of PCOS, including its impact on mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

Dr. Prior and Kaitlin offer practical and scientific advice for individuals living with PCOS, empowering those affected to take control of their health journey and seek the best possible care for themselves.

Tune in to this informative and illuminating episode as we unravel the mysteries of PCOS and empower individuals to seek help and thrive despite the challenges that come with PCOS. Remember, your health is always of the utmost importance!!!

Learn more at The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research 

In this episode of Women's Health: Under the Mic(roscope), join co-hosts Rachel and Kyana for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Rideout, a dedicated researcher whose innovative work in the field of insulin biology and diabetes mechanisms is reshaping our understanding of these crucial health aspects. Dr. Rideout's laboratory employs animal models to delve into the intricacies of diabetes, with a unique focus on both sexes.

Traditionally, research in this domain has predominantly centered on male animals, inadvertently neglecting the complex biological processes inherent in female animals. Dr. Rideout sheds light on why it's essential to include female animals and women in diabetes studies, emphasizing that such inclusion is essential for a comprehensive grasp of fundamental biological mechanisms. The outcomes of her research not only address existing knowledge gaps but pave the way for fellow researchers, clinicians and scientists to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, particularly for women living with diabetes.

Tune in to discover how Dr. Rideout's groundbreaking insights are transforming our approach to diabetes research, offering hope for more targeted and inclusive healthcare solutions. This episode provides a compelling glimpse into the world of diabetes research, we hope you will join us and listen along! 

In our very first episode of Women’s Health: Under the Mic(roscope), co-hosts Alessia and Amy delve into the nascent and evolving field of gender-diverse health research – how far it has come, what it looks like today, and where it’s headed. Through an exploration of selected scholarly articles and literature reviews, they touch on gender-affirming care and its associated risks, as well as the mental and physical health effects of stigmatization faced by the gender-diverse community. 

Cover art by Seppi Saatchi. Edited by Brianna Thompson and produced by Sahel Mirrazavi and Shadi Madani.

Abbreviations

TGD – Transgender and Gender-Diverse

SGD – Sexually and Gender Diverse

LGB – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

LGBTQ2S+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Two Spirit +

RH – Reproductive Health

AFAB – Assigned Female at Birth

AMAB – Assigned Male at Birth

BMD – Bone Mineral Density

Sources

Agénor, M., Murchison, G. R., Najarro, J., Grimshaw, A., Cottrill, A. A., Janiak, E., Gordon, A. R., & Charlton, B. M. (2021). Mapping the scientific literature on reproductive health among transgender and gender diverse people: a scoping review. Sexual and reproductive health matters, 29, 1886395. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1886395

Ciancia, S., Dubois, V., & Cools, M. (2022). Impact of gender-affirming treatment on bone health in transgender and gender diverse youth. Endocrine connections, 11(11), e220280. https://doi.org/10.1530/EC-22-0280

Diamond, L.M., Dehlin, A.J., Alley, J., (2021). Systemic inflammation as a driver of health disparities among sexually-diverse and gender-diverse individuals. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 129, 105215. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453021000895 

Jones, N. C., Otto, A. K., Ketcher, D. E., Permuth, J. B., Quinn, G. P., & Schabath, M. B. (2020). Inclusion of transgender and gender diverse health data in cancer biorepositories. Contemporary clinical trials communications, 19, 100597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100597

Marshall, Z., Welch, V., Minichiello, A., Swab, M., Brunger, F., & Kaposy, C. (2019). Documenting Research with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Other Gender Diverse (Trans) Individuals and Communities: Introducing the Global Trans Research Evidence Map. Transgender Health, 4, 68-80. http://doi.org/10.1089/trgh.2018.0020 

Peckham, H., Webb, K., Rosser, E. C., Butler, G., & Ciurtin, C. (2022). Gender-Diverse Inclusion in Immunological Research: Benefits to Science and Health. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, 909789. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.909789 

Rosenthal, S.M. (2021). Challenges in the care of transgender and gender-diverse youth: an endocrinologist’s view. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 17, 581–591. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00535-9

Sloan, C. A., & Shipherd, J. C. (2021). Transgender and gender-diverse health: A work in progress. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 28(2), 206–209. https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000021