-1.webp)
Women's Health News
Your Home’s Microbiome Needs Love Too: The New Approach to Cleaning
Our homes, much like our bodies, have a microbiome that requires proper care, yet this topic is often overlooked compared to gut and skin health. The cleaning products we choose drastically impact our home’s air quality and our overall well-being. Many products marketed as "non-toxic" can either be ineffective or contain harsh chemicals, leading consumers to feel they must choose between cleanliness and health.
Alter:Bio aims to change this perception by treating homes as ecosystems rather than sterile environments. The founder experienced firsthand the drawbacks of traditional cleaning products, including skin reactions and the ineffectiveness of so-called natural cleaners. Recognizing a gap in the market for safe yet effective cleaning solutions, Alter:Bio focuses on products that are both safe for individuals with specific health needs, such as pregnant women and asthma sufferers, and powerful enough to clean effectively.
Utilizing synbiotic technology—similar to the beneficial bacteria used in gut health—Alter:Bio products work by using good bacteria to outcompete harmful ones, promoting a healthier living environment without the dangers often associated with traditional cleaners. This innovative approach allows the cleaning agents to remain active for extended periods, continuing to clean surfaces long after application. This method supports not just cleanliness but the establishment of a healthier, self-regulating home microbiome.
Research has revealed that the harsh chemicals in many household cleaning products can adversely affect our immune systems, air quality, and even lead to neurological issues. Conscious of these risks, Alter:Bio uses high-quality, biodegradable ingredients, carefully avoiding neurotoxic compounds typically found in conventional cleaners. This commitment aims to provide a safer and healthier cleaning experience for our homes.
Wellness brand Pee Safe closes a $32 million in funding round with OrbiMed
Wellness brand Pee Safe has successfully closed a $32 million funding round led by OrbiMed, a private equity firm focused on healthcare. This funding includes both new investments and a secondary sale from early investors. Pee Safe aims to use these funds to enhance its offline retail presence, boost marketing efforts, and expand its reach on quick commerce platforms.
Founded in 2013 by Vikas Bagaria and his wife Srijana, Pee Safe started with a toilet seat sanitizer and has since grown into an FMCG brand that offers a wide range of personal hygiene products. The company now operates in over 50,000 retail outlets across more than 100 cities and exports to 23 countries. It has reported an annual revenue run rate exceeding Rs 150 crore and remains profitable.
The investment comes as interest in sexual health and wellness is rising, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z and millennials. OrbiMed representatives expressed confidence in Pee Safe's brand loyalty and potential for growth, having joined the company's board following the investment.
Circulating metabolites, genetics and lifestyle factors in relation to future risk of type 2 diabetes
The study explores the relationship between circulating metabolites, genetics, and lifestyle factors to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Researchers integrated data from over 23,000 participants initially free of T2D, examining 469 metabolites in relation to their future T2D risk over as long as 26 years. They found 235 metabolites linked to an increased risk of T2D, including 67 that had not been reported in earlier studies.
The findings indicated that various metabolic pathways—such as bile acids, lipids, and amino acids—play significant roles in the development of T2D. The research also highlighted the importance of lifestyle factors, especially physical activity and diet, in influencing metabolite levels associated with T2D. Certain metabolites were identified as potential mediators between lifestyle choices and diabetes risk.
Moreover, a specific 44-metabolite signature was found to enhance the prediction of T2D risk beyond traditional risk factors. These insights can help deepen the understanding of T2D mechanisms and potentially guide targeted prevention strategies that focus on specific metabolic pathways.
Adding Comfort and Dignity to the Breast Cancer Journey
Breast cancer is a significant concern for many women in the U.S., with over 250,000 diagnoses in 2022. Eileen "Birdie" Keenan Skrobacz, a breast cancer survivor, launched an initiative called "Robes for Comfort" after a personal experience during her treatment. Her journey began with a surgery followed by radiation, where she felt uncomfortable wearing standard hospital gowns.
Feeling that the gowns were uncomfortably big and itchy, she asked if she could wear her own robe during treatment. This simple question changed her treatment experience for the better, allowing her to feel less like a patient and more like herself. Wearing her robe improved her mental outlook significantly during her 15 sessions of radiation.
As her story circulated, Keenan Skrobacz realized that her experience could help others. She began to advocate for other patients to wear their own robes, promoting comfort and dignity during a challenging time. Her initiative not only transformed her treatment experience but also aimed to create a supportive community for women battling breast cancer.
This Life-Saving Cancer Treatment Forces Us Into An Unwanted Spotlight — And We Need To Talk About It
Chemotherapy can have devastating effects on a person's identity, especially for women. Hair loss is often viewed as one of the most traumatic side effects of cancer treatment. Alex Zaragoza shares her personal experience watching her hair fall out, feeling overwhelmed by its physical presence, and ultimately deciding to shave her head.
Studies indicate that 58% of cancer patients consider losing their hair to be the worst part of chemotherapy, with many women even choosing to skip treatment to avoid this experience. For some, like Chris McQueen, who has leukemia, a shaved head isn't unusual, but it still reduces their identity to that of a "cancer patient," stripping away their individuality and humanity.
Chemotherapy indiscriminately attacks fast-growing cells, affecting hair follicles along with cancer cells. Experts recommend gradually cutting hair short before treatment begins to make the transition easier. However, Zaragoza emphasizes that even with preparation, the emotional impact of losing one’s hair and not looking like oneself can be a significant challenge on the path to recovery.
Women’s Health Market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 65.23 Billion by 2031, Globally, at 5.3% CAGR: Verified Market Research®
Prevention strategies and modifiable risk factors for spine, chest, abdominal and/or pelvic injury and pain in female/woman/girl athletes – What do we know and where do we go from here?
Female athletes are gaining more visibility in sports, but injury rates are also rising. A systematic review was conducted to identify prevention strategies and risk factors specifically related to injuries and pain in female athletes' spines, chests, abdomens, and pelvics. This research is part of a broader effort by the International Olympic Committee to improve injury prevention strategies.
Many female athletes suffer from these injuries, yet there is a lack of understanding about their causes and how to prevent them. The information gap partly arises from an overreliance on male-focused data, leading to an underrepresentation of women’s specific needs. Existing studies provide limited insights, often combining results with male counterparts, which hinders the development of tailored prevention strategies.
The review analyzed 105 studies, with participants comprising 24% female athletes. Key findings indicated that while low back pain was common, data specific to female athletes was inadequate to draw definitive conclusions about risk factors or effective prevention methods for various injuries. Overall, the evidence surrounding injury risks and prevention for female athletes showed very low certainty, underscoring the need for more focused research.
This review highlights significant gaps in current understanding and stresses the importance of including female athletes in research. The absence of adequate data limits effective prevention strategies and reflects a need for immediate action to ensure the health and safety of female athletes in sports.
The rising climate toll on body and mind
The impact of climate change is increasingly affecting both physical and mental health, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. A young woman in Chennai shared her experience of how extreme heat disrupts her daily life, influencing her mood, appetite, and overall well-being, reflecting a growing trend where climate change affects mental health in significant ways.
The latest report from the Lancet Countdown highlights that health risks associated with climate change are escalating, with a 23% increase in heat-related mortality since the 1990s, resulting in over 546,000 deaths annually worldwide. The direct consequences include heatwaves, floods, and droughts, causing immediate health issues like dehydration and injuries. Indirectly, climate stress impacts nutrition security, allows disease vectors to thrive, and contributes to chronic mental health issues.
Women, children, and low-income groups in developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to their higher exposure to risks and greater existing health challenges. While India has made strides in addressing climate issues, adapting health systems to these changes is critical. Implementing parametric insurance can help gig and daily-wage workers cope with lost income during extreme weather, stabilizing their health and finances.
To protect public health, India needs to create cooler urban environments with better building designs and increase green spaces. The health system should also prepare for the rise of climate-related illnesses by training healthcare workers to recognize heat stress and related conditions. Overall, improving air quality through reduced pollution is essential for enhancing health outcomes in the context of climate change.
8 Wellness Trends Taking Over in 2026 (& Why We’re Excited To Try Them)
As we move into 2026, wellness is shifting towards more authentic and sustainable practices. Many people are opting for realistic approaches that emphasize overall well-being rather than quick fixes or extreme routines. This transformation highlights the importance of maintaining long-term habits for better mental and physical health.
One notable trend is the rise of social wellness spaces, which aim to combat loneliness through communal activities like group sauna sessions and run clubs. These shared experiences help lower stress and improve health while fostering connections among people. Eating together and sharing nutritious meals is also being recognized as a vital part of wellness, promoting healing and lower stress responses.
Travel preferences are changing as well; individuals are seeking quieter and more intentional experiences in nature, aiming to avoid overtourism. Cool-cations, which focus on relaxation in serene settings, are becoming popular. Similarly, there is a resurgence of analog hobbies as people seek to reduce digital fatigue through activities like crocheting, puzzles, and journaling.
Nutrition is evolving beyond generic diets, with a focus on personalized approaches that cater to individual microbiomes. This trend emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods and high-quality supplements. Additionally, advancements in technology are introducing AI wellness coaches that provide tailored advice and support, helping individuals make more informed health choices.
Lastly, there is a growing emphasis on brain health as a long-term investment. Interest in cognitive-enhancing products and tools is rising, indicating that people are prioritizing brain function and overall mental wellness amidst their health journeys.
2026 is the year of obesity pills. Here’s how they could reshape the GLP-1 market
In 2026, the market for obesity treatments is shifting with the introduction of new GLP-1 pills, marking a significant change from the current focus on weekly injections. The first GLP-1 pill from Novo Nordisk, which shares the brand name Wegovy, is already available, and a similar pill from Eli Lilly is expected to receive U.S. approval soon. These oral medications could offer a more convenient and potentially cheaper solution for patients struggling with obesity.
While the pills may not lead to greater weight loss than current injection options, they could attract new users to seek treatment, including those who fear needles or those who feel their condition isn't severe enough for injections. Health experts believe that expanding the treatment options will be beneficial, as it may encourage more people to address obesity and diabetes. Analysts forecast that pills could capture about 24% of the global weight-loss market by 2030, potentially translating into billions in sales for drug companies.
The availability of pills could significantly expand the obesity treatment market by making it more accessible for patients. Many may prefer pills as they are often seen as more approachable than injections. Although not everyone may find pills as effective as injections, having multiple treatment options allows healthcare providers to tailor care to individual needs. Cost is also a consideration, as the monthly cash price for the new pills is typically lower than that of injections, which could make them a more attractive option for those paying out-of-pocket.