Ottawa woman overcomes endometriosis after rare surgery performed at The Ottawa Hospital

An Ottawa woman, Danika Fleury, has successfully overcome severe endometriosis after undergoing a rare pelvic-neurosurgery at The Ottawa Hospital. Fleury, 34, had been suffering from endometriosis for over a decade but only received a formal diagnosis recently. The condition involves the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus and is known to affect at least one in ten women in Canada.

Fleury's health deteriorated dramatically after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, which forced her to stop taking birth control that had previously managed her endometriosis symptoms. This led to debilitating pelvic pain and mobility issues. After struggling to get adequate care from various gynecologists, Fleury was finally referred to The Ottawa Hospital, where her condition was found to be particularly complex due to severe endometriosis affecting her pelvic nerves.

The surgical team, led by Dr. Sony Singh, performed the operation in September, marking the first time this type of surgery had been conducted at the hospital. They prepared using advanced imaging and virtual reality techniques, ensuring a high level of precision during the procedure. Fleury has reported that the surgery was life-changing, as it alleviated almost all her endometriosis pain. Although she still experiences some sensations and weakness, she considers the surgery a major success.

Experts like Dr. Nucelio Lemos have highlighted the rarity of such procedures and called for the establishment of specialized centers to better support patients with complex cases of endometriosis and similar conditions across Canada.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone - Functions, Regulation, Clinical Significance, and Health Implications - HealthWell Medica

Cortisol is a crucial steroid hormone often called the "stress hormone" due to its role in the body's response to stress. It helps maintain internal balance, influences metabolism, immune responses, cardiovascular function, and the sleep-wake cycle. Both too much and too little cortisol can lead to health issues, making it important to understand its functions and regulation.

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal cortex and is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When the body experiences stress, cortisol levels rise to support energy mobilization, enhance alertness, and modulate immune activity. While this response can be beneficial in the short term, chronic stress can lead to prolonged high levels of cortisol, which can disrupt bodily functions and contribute to health problems.

The effects of cortisol are widespread, acting on various organs including the liver, muscles, adipose tissue, immune cells, skin, bones, kidneys, and the brain. It helps maintain blood glucose levels, regulates lipid metabolism, suppresses inflammatory responses, and influences mood and cognition. Understanding cortisol's functions can provide insights into stress physiology, metabolic health, and conditions related to cortisol imbalance.

What is the Scandinavian sleep method? The trend that could save your relationship

The Scandinavian sleep method is a sleeping arrangement designed for couples who want to share a bed while accommodating their individual sleep preferences. Instead of sharing one blanket, each person uses their own blanket or doona, allowing them to maintain intimacy while addressing personal comfort needs. This method has gained popularity on social media as a solution to common sleep disputes over temperature and bedding styles.

Although there is limited scientific research specifically validating the effectiveness of using separate blankets, the method aligns well with principles of healthy sleep practices. It could potentially reduce disturbances caused by different sleeping preferences, such as one partner feeling too hot while the other feels too cold.

Factors such as age, body composition, and individual sleep tendencies influence how people experience temperature while sleeping. The choice of bedding materials can significantly affect sleep quality by impacting body temperature, so the use of separate blankets may help satisfy both partners' needs for a comfortable night's sleep.

Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition

The holiday season often brings family gatherings, which can lead to uncomfortable questions, particularly about personal topics such as relationships and reproductive health. This is especially true for women and gender minorities who may face societal pressures regarding family and personal choices. To help ease the stress of these conversations, the article shares ten important etiquette tips regarding sexual and reproductive health discussions.

Firstly, it is advisable to avoid sensitive subjects such as family planning unless the individual openly expresses a desire to discuss it. Many people may be child-free or facing challenges with conception that are not visible to others. It is important to approach topics like miscarriage or abortion with kindness and sensitivity, recognizing that some loved ones may have experienced loss.

Additionally, discussing the bodies of pregnant or postpartum individuals should be avoided as body changes can be influenced by numerous factors not open to discussion. Respecting personal space is paramount, meaning that unsolicited advice or comments about a pregnant person's body or choices should be refrained from. It's also essential to handle inquiries about sexuality and gender identity with care, ensuring that conversations remain respectful and inclusive.

Using correct pronouns and names for individuals who have transitioned is crucial. Offering supportive corrections when misidentification occurs shows respect. Overall, fostering an environment that prioritizes empathy and acceptance can significantly improve the holiday experience for everyone involved.

Postmenopause: FDA approves first libido-boosting pill for older women

The FDA has approved Addyi (flibanserin) for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women under 65, expanding its previous approval for premenopausal women. This approval, announced on December 15, 2025, comes as research shows that 40-55% of women during and after menopause experience low sexual desire, with about 9% diagnosed with HSDD.

Addyi is a non-hormonal medication that works on brain neurotransmitters to help regulate mood and enhance sexual desire. Experts believe this approval is significant for many women experiencing decreased libido, particularly in the 50-60 age bracket. This shift may help alleviate issues related to relationships, self-esteem, and body image that women often face due to low sexual drive.

With the official approval, insurance coverage for Addyi is expected to improve, allowing more women access to this treatment. While Addyi may offer benefits, potential side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and nausea. Overall, the approval represents a positive step in addressing low libido in postmenopausal women.

The Role of Doctors Is Changing Forever

The role of doctors is evolving significantly in today's healthcare landscape. Many patients are starting to question the necessity of traditional medical expertise and are exploring alternative options. One striking example is Jim, a middle-aged man who relied on social media and telehealth for health decisions rather than consulting a doctor. After experiencing health issues related to a hormone supplement he ordered online, Jim ended up in the emergency room, highlighting a shift where patients are increasingly managing their health outside traditional medical frameworks.

Historically, doctors held a dominant position in healthcare by being the primary source of medical knowledge and care. However, this monopoly is fading as patients turn to alternative sources for information and treatment, such as social media and artificial intelligence tools. This shift poses challenges for doctors, as they must adapt to a world where patients are more empowered and skeptical about their roles as traditional healthcare providers.

Doctors are urged to reconsider their position, transitioning from being seen as gatekeepers of healthcare to recognizing their role as healers. In this changing environment, it is crucial for medical professionals to engage with patients more collaboratively, acknowledging their needs and concerns while providing trustworthy medical guidance.

The breast cancer blind spot

The article highlights the urgent need for increased funding and awareness for invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), a type of breast cancer that often goes undetected due to its subtle symptoms and difficulty in diagnosis. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is called upon to address this issue, as ILC is responsible for a significant number of breast cancer diagnoses globally, yet it remains overlooked in terms of research and public knowledge.

Dr. Susan Michaelis, a key figure in advocating for ILC research through the Lobular Moon Shot Project, emphasized the lack of specific treatments for this type of cancer. After battling the disease herself and facing ineffective treatments, she urged the government to allocate funding for research that could lead to better understanding and treatment options for ILC. Before her passing, she rallied support from numerous MPs, highlighting that the majority of the public favors increased funding for ILC research.

Support has been growing, with a significant number of MPs pledging to back the Lobular Moon Shot Project. A proposal from the Manchester Breast Centre aims to conduct comprehensive studies to better understand ILC and develop targeted treatments. However, this initiative requires £20 million and a timeframe of about five years to yield results. The emotional and financial impacts of ILC are profound, as seen in the experiences of patients who face late diagnoses and expensive treatments. The article calls for immediate action to prevent further injustices faced by women with this challenging form of breast cancer.

Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of aortic stenosis enhance therapeutic target discovery and disease prediction

A team of researchers conducted genomic and transcriptomic studies on aortic stenosis to identify new therapeutic targets and enhance disease prediction. Aortic stenosis is a condition that narrows the aortic valve, affecting blood flow from the heart and leading to serious health issues.

The analyses provided insights into the genetic factors involved in aortic stenosis, allowing scientists to pinpoint specific genes and pathways that could be targeted for treatment. This can pave the way for the development of new therapies that can improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, the research improved the understanding of the disease's progression, which can aid in better predicting risks for patients. By integrating genomic data, the study aims to advance personalized medicine approaches for those affected by aortic stenosis.

Gender disparities in complex association of metabolic syndrome with dietary habits and lifestyle risk factors in Chinese population

This study investigates how dietary habits and lifestyle factors relate to metabolic syndrome (MetS) among the Chinese population, highlighting differences between genders. Researchers analyzed data from a regional study in northwest China, focusing on the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle index (ULI) and an unhealthy dietary habits score (UDHS) on the risk of developing MetS.

The findings revealed that both men and women with unhealthy lifestyles had a higher risk of MetS. However, the impact of dietary habits differed by gender. For men, unhealthy dietary habits were linked to an increased risk of MetS, while for women, such habits appeared to lower this risk. Notably, women maintaining healthy diets but leading unhealthy lifestyles showed a significantly higher risk of developing MetS.

Additionally, the study found that an unhealthy lifestyle obscured the relationship between dietary habits and MetS in women. Adopting healthier lifestyles and dietary practices is recommended to prevent and control MetS effectively.

Doctors urge vaccinations as flu and RSV cases rise among children in B.C.

Health professionals in British Columbia are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated as cases of influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) rise. Emergency room visits for children experiencing respiratory issues have surged, with many affected children being unvaccinated, according to Dr. Tom McLaughlin from B.C. Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The current flu season is dominated by the H3N2 strain, which can lead to more severe illness. Although the available flu vaccine is not a perfect match for this strain, it still helps protect against severe illness and hospitalization. Health officials emphasize that vaccination is crucial to reduce the risk of serious diseases for both children and adults.

While flu vaccines are free for everyone over six months of age, no RSV vaccines are currently approved for infants in B.C. Pregnant women can now access a maternal RSV vaccine, which costs about $300 and can significantly protect newborns from hospitalization due to RSV. There are also monoclonal antibody treatments available for some high-risk infants, though these are limited in availability.