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Reality Star Bethenny Frankel Suffered a Miscarriage

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on February 21, 2012 at 10:29 am

The star of Bravo’s “Bethenny Ever After” revealed yesterday on the Today show that she recently miscarried her unborn child.

“We were pregnant with a second baby, and at eight weeks, I miscarried,” Bethenny Frankel told the show. “That was a very emotional experience.”

This would have been the second child for Frankel and her husband Jason, who already have a 21-month old daughter named Bryn.

Frankel fought tears while talking about the experience and acknowledged how difficult a miscarriage can be for a woman. After being asked if she would try again for a second child Frankel responded, “Until you become a woman, you don’t know the things that come with being a woman. I’m 41, and, I don’t know, it’s not really my choice. It’s not really my option, and the window’s closing, and it’s something I’m dealing with.”

Age and Miscarriage

While miscarriages are not uncommon, they become more likely the older a woman gets. Women who are attempting pregnancy at 45 or even starting at 35 are much more susceptible to a pregnancy loss than women of younger ages.

In most cases, the reason for the miscarriage is never investigated, however experts say that most are due to abnormalities of the developing baby.

“The principal reason for this increasing miscarriage rate with advancing age, lies in the fact that at least 60% of all miscarriages are due to genetic (i.e., chromosomal) abnormalities,” reads the website of the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), a wold-renowned authority on fertility and miscarriage. “And such chromosomal abnormalities increase with advancing female age.”

While there is no clear answer on how to prevent miscarriage, the CHR says that there are options that are available, especially for women who suffer from repeat pregnancy losses.

For Frankel, with only one miscarriage, it is not unlikely that she couldn’t have a healthy pregnancy again. However, given her age, it is possible that she may continue to have difficulties.

But, for Frankel, she is remaining optimistic.

“Thinking about other women who can’t have their own baby, even have the first baby, I am really lucky. I have the most beautiful daughter in the world,” Frankel said.

Posted in: Miscarriage

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Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC Launches FERTINATAL Micronized DHEA Supplement for Enhanced Female Fertility

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Posted by Marie on December 22, 2011 at 9:28 am

FertinatalDecember 22, 2011 (New York, NY) – Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC – a company specializing in nutritional supplements for women and female fertility enhancement – is announcing the launch of FERTINATALTM micronized dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplement.  The high-quality DHEA supplement is designed to augment female fertility.

Intrigued by anecdotal evidence received from one of their patients, physicians at New York’s Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) – a leading fertility and research center – initiated research on the relationship between DHEA supplementation and enhanced female fertility.  Although research on the effects of DHEA is still limited, the published results of CHR’s studies are encouraging.

FERTINATALTM was developed to offer the public exactly the same kind of DHEA utilized by CHR in the center’s research studies.  The product features the highest quality control standards, including a triple-step testing process with batch-testing by independent laboratories.  Furthermore, FERTINATALTM is micronized to the same particle sizes as used in those studies. The product’s three-step testing process ensures that FERTINATALTM delivers on its three promises: a plant-derived DHEA product of highest quality, micronized to appropriate sizes for good absorption.

FERTINATAL™ is the first DHEA supplement exclusively designed for women and female fertility enhancement.  To improve convenience, it is uniquely packaged in individual blister sheets, each containing seven (7) rows of three (3) daily tablets, representing one week of the suggested supply of DHEA supplementation.  Each box of FERTINATALTM contains four of these blister sheets (a four-week supply).  FERTINATAL™ is not intended for individuals under the age of 18, and potential side effects are described on the product’s packaging.

FERTINATALTM will become available exclusively through Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC in January 2012.

 

About Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC
Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC is a newly established company exclusively dedicated to nutritional supplements for women and enhanced female fertility.  FERTINATAL™ DHEA supplement is the company’s first product, with as many as 2-3 additional products expected to arrive throughout 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.fertinatal.com.

Posted in: DHEA, Miscarriage, Pregnancy in Older Women
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DHEA Treatment: Is This the Answer to Premature Menopause?

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Posted by admin on September 26, 2011 at 12:53 pm

The average age of menopause in the US is 51. Premature menopause refers to menopause that kicks in before the age of 40 which not only means dealing with the hot flushes, mood swings and irregular periods, but also the fact that any plans for pregnancy will now be a much greater challenge. However, the recently developed DHEA treatment could be the answer to premature menopause.

So what is DHEA?

DHEA is the most common steroid hormone, mainly produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is metabolized into sex hormones, including estrogen, so as its production begins to decline after the age of 35, sexual function declines with it. Therefore, DHEA replacement therapy is adopted to increase the production of hormones in the body.

Why is DHEA so effective?

Because DHEA is metabolized into various hormones, it can identify which hormone is most lacking and focus on producing more. Therefore, in women suffering from premature menopause, the production of estrogen would increase. Not only is it effective in that it produces estrogen, but DHEA itself is also needed as it is associated with libido, energy levels, bone density and strength.

How can it help?

A recent study carried out by the Center for Human Reproduction in New York found that after 2-6 months of DHEA treatment in 6 cases of women with premature menopause, all women concieved. Other studies have observed improved mood, sense of well-being, and sexual activity among women. It has shown to improve IVF success rates, improve egg quality and decrease miscarriage rates.

Are there any negative side effects?

DHEA can also increase the levels of testerone, the predominantly male hormone, that can lead to increased hair growth.

Are there any positive side effects?

Not only is DHEA treatment an answer to premature menopause, it also helps in the prevention of heart disease, high cholesterol, depression, inflammation, immune disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV, and osteoporosis.

Posted in: DHEA, Infertility, Miscarriage
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Stress Can Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure and Infertility

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Posted by Marie on August 26, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Stress can wreak havoc on a person’s mind, but it can have a strong effect on their health as well.  Studies show that stress can increase your blood pressure as well as boost your risk having a heart attack.  Surprisingly, it can also compromise a woman’s fertility.

How Stress Affects Your Heart
Stressful situations can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, but research strongly suggests a link between stress and long-term high blood pressure.  Scientists aren’t sure about the mechanisms by which this happens, and some argue that it’s possible other factors associated with stress – like alcohol or insomnia – are causing the increased blood pressure.  Others believe that the hormones emitted during periods of stress damage the heart and arterial walls.  The most solid reasoning for the link between stress and long-term high blood pressure is that the blood pressure spikes briefly while a person is under stress, and many episodes of short-term blood pressure increases can lead to long-term damage.

The hormones of everyday stress can also cause affect the functioning of the veins in the circulatory system, which many blame for stress’ influence on heart disease.  Long-term stress also increases blood levels of cortisol, a stress hormone of which cholesterol is a byproduct.  This means higher cholesterol levels with long-term stress.  And of course, short-term stress is a common cause of a heart attack – a shock or fright can easily cause immediate heart problems in someone with a weakened heart.  Individuals with high-stress lifestyles are more likely to require heart surgery northwest Florida procedures, such as carotid artery stenosis treatment.

How Stress Affects Your FertilityInfertility
A new study at the University of California found a link between infertility and stress levels that’s unique to women.  It deals with women’s subconscious response to stress compared to men’s – while men experience a “fight-or-flight” response, women’s response was more likely to be what the researchers called “tend-and-befriend.”  Women are more likely to respond to a stressful situation by nurturing their offspring and forming close bonds with other people.

This bonding means increased levels of the hormone oxytocin during periods of stress.  Oxytocin, however, can be bad for fertility – excessive amounts in the body can disrupt the menstrual cycle, which reduces a woman’s ability to conceive naturally and may also cause miscarriages.  Women with stressful jobs are advised to consider lightening their workload during pregnancy.  Another study found that women who were having trouble becoming pregnant were 40% more likely to actually conceive once they reduced their workloads.  Consider going easy on yourself for a healthier pregnancy and a healthier heart later on.

Posted in: Fertility, Infertility, Miscarriage
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Can Caffeine Cause Infertility?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on May 27, 2011 at 3:50 pm

Too much caffeine may cause infertility in women by preventing eggs from moving into the uterus, says a new study.

Researchers from the University of Medicine examined the effects of caffeine on the fallopian tubes of mice, which are very similar to those of humans. In a normal reproductive process an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm. Once fertilized, contraction of the walls of the tubes help move the egg down the tube and into the uterus.”

According to the results of the study, this process can be disrupted by caffeine ingestion. Sean Ward, lead researcher explained, “Caffeine inhibits the contractions of the muscles in the fallopian tube, so the egg stops getting transported.” If an egg is not transported to the uterus, then a pregnancy cannot result.

How Much Coffee Is Too Much?

Previous research published in 1993 indicated that more than three cups of caffeine (300mg) per day is linked to a 27 percent decrease in fertility. This current research study used an equivalent to 2 cups of caffeine. However, caffeine affects each individual differently, and the amount of caffeine that causes infertility may vary from person to person.

In addition to causing infertility, some studies also suggest that more than 200 mg (2 cups) of caffeine can increase ones risk for miscarriage. Therefore, reducing your caffeine intake to no more than 1 cup per day while trying to conceive and during pregnancy is recommended for preventing miscarriages.

The next step, Ward says, is to study the affect on human fallopian tubes.

IVF New York specialists, Center for Human Reproduction, advise that if you are suffering from unexplained infertility it is best that you consult with a specialist.

Posted in: Miscarriage
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Link between failed IVF cycles and African women discovered

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Posted by admin on May 3, 2011 at 12:09 pm

A press release was released today by the Center for Human Reproduction, a New York City based infertility clinic which links African origin women to a higher disposition for failed IVF cycles. The research states that because African women have a predisposition for Autoimmune Disease, they are more likely to have lower IVF Success Rates since female autoimmunity has been linked to infertility.

Here is the abstract from the research paper posted on the PLoS One site:

The FMR1 gene, mapping to an area of the X chromosome closely associated with autoimmunity also affects ovarian reserve, with specific genotypes associated with distinct ovarian aging patterns. They, therefore, could also be associated with differences of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, reported between races/ethnicities. We analyzed 339 consecutive IVF patients, 232 Caucasian, 59 African and 48 Asian, for FMR1 genotypes, and tested by multiple logistic regressions for associations between race/ethnicity, FMR1 genotype, autoimmunity and pregnancy chances with IVF. FMR1 genotypes were predictive of pregnancy (P = 0.046), het-norm/low most significantly and with decreasing chance in comparison to norm genotypes (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23–0.85; P = 0.014). Race/ethnicity was, overall, independently associated (P = 0.03), African demonstrating decreased odds in comparison to Caucasian (OR 0.33. 95%CI 0.13–0.79; P = 0.014). Autoimmunity did not differ but interaction of autoimmunity with FMR1 genotype almost reached significance (P = 0.07). Logistic regression with race/ethnicity and interaction between FMR1 genotype and autoimmunity in the model, demonstrated 2.5-times the odds of being associated with autoimmune positivity (OR 2.5, 1.34–4.55; P = 0.004). FMR1 genotypes offer a possible explanation for differences in IVF outcomes between races/ethnicities.

Source: IVF Success Rates found lower in African origin women linked with autoimmunity, says NY infertility clinic

Posted in: IVF, Miscarriage
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Sticker Shock: Miscarriage Prevention Drug Price Skyrockets

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on March 22, 2011 at 4:36 pm

The price of the preterm labor and miscarriage prevention drug, Makena, jumped from 10 dollars per dose to 1,500 dollars following the approval of the drug by the FDA.

The Price of Saving A Baby

The drug Makena was previously known at 17p prior to its approval. It is a progesterone injection which is prescribed to women during their pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and preterm labor. It is recommended that women undergo weekly injections of the drug between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, approximately 20 injections total.

With the new price of the drug the total cost of therapy will be around $30,000.

The cost burden will likely cause a severe limitation to patient access to the medication, especially those who are uninsured. It is uncertain whether or not insurance companies will cover Makena, however in a statement on their website K-V assures that they are doing what it takes to ensure patient access:

“We recognize the concerns that have been raised regarding the list price, patient access, and potential cost to payers of this important orphan drug. The company already has established a Patient Assistance Program with the goal of ensuring that every woman who is prescribed Makena will be able to access and afford it.”

Up until now, women have been able to access the drug through compound pharmacies for very little cost. However, now that the drug company K-V Pharmaceutical owns the drug, this will be the only source of the medication.

Posted in: Miscarriage
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