A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway at Columbia Fertility in New York City, aiming to delay menopause and extend the fertile years of women. This ambitious research seeks to reduce the adverse side effects associated with menopause and provide women with more time to grow their families before the onset of this life stage.
One of the participants in the trial is actress and director Bonnie Discepolo. Although she works in an industry that often prioritizes youth, her decision to delay menopause goes beyond professional considerations. In an interview with Today, Discepolo explained: "Your life is on a great trajectory and then you hit this, and then there's a cascade of negative health impacts. It looks like a cliff."
Discepolo also expressed frustration with the typical responses she has received from the medical community. "Most doctors will say 'Oh, it's normal, it's healthy, you know, you can't fight it, you shouldn't fight it.' But I would say, erectile dysfunction is normal and healthy, and men want to fight that." When asked if menopause has been overlooked by the medical community, she responded, "I think women have been ignored by the medical community."
Leading the research at Columbia Fertility is Dr. Zev Williams, who is focusing his efforts on the ovaries to delay menopause. He explained, "The ovary for so long has been viewed as just a source for eggs. But we really now appreciate that this little organ does so much more in terms of a woman's health and well-being. The hormones from the ovaries have an impact that goes as wide as how the patient feels, skin and appearance and wrinkles, protecting the heart, cardiovascular disease, and dementia."
Dr. Williams’ approach to delaying menopause involves understanding and manipulating the rate at which eggs are used up in the ovary. By slowing this process, he hopes to extend the functional life of the ovaries, thereby postponing menopause and its associated health issues.
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As this clinical trial progresses, it represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs and health concerns of women. By extending fertility and delaying menopause, scientists are paving the way for a future where women can have greater control over their reproductive health and overall well-being.
To learn more of this fascinating research, click the video!
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