Meditative practices, stress and sleep among students studying complementary and integrative health: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health (INCLD Health) is an ongoing, prospective cohort study assessing the health behaviours and lifestyles of higher education students, including their use of specialty diets and complementary and integrative health (CIH) practices. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional analysis of the INCLD Health cohort aims to (1) evaluate the associations between perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with diurnal salivary free cortisol and (2) evaluate the associations of meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance. METHODS: Serial multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle behaviours, were used to assess associations of (1) perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with salivary cortisol, and (2) meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance. Meditative and mind-body practices were evaluated using a stress-management and self-care survey; perceived stress and sleep disturbance were evaluated using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the patient reported outcome measures information system-29 (PROMIS-29) sleep sub-score respectively. Salivary cortisol was collected at 4 time points over a 24-hour period and area under the curve (AUC) calculations conducted. RESULTS: 82.5% (n = 80) of participants utilized at least monthly meditative practices. Greater disturbed sleep, but not perceived-stress, meditative, nor mind-body practices was independently associated with increased AUC cortisol (b = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.002-0.05, p = 0.03) after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and BMI. Neither meditative nor mind-body practices were associated with perceived stress or disturbed sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Among INCLD Health participants, greater sleep disturbance, but not perceived stress or meditative practices were associated with daytime cortisol.

The Launch of A Girl's First Period Study: Demystifying Reproductive Hormone Profiles in Adolescent Girls.

Limited data exist on the reproductive hormone dynamics that govern the transition from menarche to the establishment of the mature ovulatory cycles of a fertile young woman. It is also unclear how environmental and lifestyle factors could modulate this transition in contemporary girls. Here, we introduce A Girl's First Period Study, an ambitious longitudinal study aimed at charting the early post-menarchal course of a cohort of healthy girls in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

Modulation of attention and stress with arousal: The mental and physical effects of riding a motorcycle.

Existing theories suggest that moderate arousal improves selective attention, as would be expected in the context of competitive sports or sensation-seeking activities. Here we investigated how riding a motorcycle, an attention-demanding physical activity, affects sensory processing. To do so, we implemented the passive auditory oddball paradigm and measured the EEG response of participants as they rode a motorcycle, drove a car, and sat at rest. Specifically, we measured the N1 and mismatch negativity to auditory tones, as well as alpha power during periods of no tones. We investigated whether riding and driving modulated non-CNS metrics including heart rate and concentrations of the hormones epinephrine, cortisol, DHEA-S, and testosterone. While participants were riding, we found a decrease in N1 amplitude, increase in mismatch negativity, and decrease in relative alpha power, together suggesting enhancement of sensory processing and visual attention. Riding increased epinephrine levels, increased heart rate, and decreased the ratio of cortisol to DHEA-S. Together, these results suggest that riding increases focus, heightens the brain's passive monitoring of changes in the sensory environment, and alters HPA axis response. More generally, our findings suggest that selective attention and sensory monitoring seem to be separable neural processes.

Validation of dried blood spot sample modifications to two commercially available COVID-19 IgG antibody immunoassays.

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 antibody testing often relies on venous blood collection, which is labor-intensive, inconvenient and expensive compared with finger-stick capillary dried blood spot (DBS) collection. The purpose of our work was to determine if two commercially available anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IgG antibodies against spike S1 subunit and nucleocapsid proteins could be validated for use with DBS. Materials & methods: Kit supplied reagents were used to extract DBS, and in-house DBS calibrators were included on every run. Results: Positive/negative concordance between DBS and serum was 100/99.3% for the spike S1 subunit assay and 100/98% for the nucleocapsid assay. Conclusion: Validation of the DBS Coronavirus disease 2019 IgG antibody assays demonstrated that serum and DBS can produce equivalent results with minimal kit modifications.

Psychosocial stress and ovarian function in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

STUDY QUESTION: Is psychosocial stress associated with ovarian function in reproductive-aged survivors of cancer diagnosed as adolescents and young adults (AYA survivors)? SUMMARY ANSWER: We observed no association between self-reported and biomarkers of psychosocial stress and ovarian function in AYA survivors. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Psychosocial stress suppresses hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, resulting in ovulatory dysfunction, decreased sex steroidogenesis and lower fertility in reproductive-aged women. Many cancer survivors experience high psychosocial stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. The menstrual pattern disturbances and infertility they experience have been attributed to ovarian follicle destruction, but the contribution of psychosocial stress to these phenotypes is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional study was conducted estimating the association between perceived stress, measured by self-report and saliva cortisol, and ovarian function, measured by bleeding pattern, dried blood spot (DBS) FSH and LH, and saliva estradiol. We included 377 AYA survivor participants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: AYA survivor participants were ages 15-35 at cancer diagnosis and ages 18-40 at study enrollment, had completed primary cancer treatment, had a uterus and at least one ovary, did not have uncontrolled endocrinopathy and were not on hormone therapy. Recruited from cancer registries, physician referrals and cancer advocacy groups, participants provided self-reported information on psychosocial stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)) and on cancer and reproductive (fertility, contraception, menstrual pattern) characteristics. DBS samples were collected timed to the early follicular phase (cycle Days 3-7) for menstruating individuals and on a random day for amenorrheic individuals; saliva samples were collected three time points within 1 day. FSH and LH were measured by DBS ELISAs, cortisol was measured by ELISA and estradiol was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The median age of participants was 34.0 years (range 19-41) at a median of 6.0 years since cancer diagnosis. The most common cancer was breast (32.1%). Median PSS-10 score was 15 (range 0-36), with 5.3% scoring ≥26, the cut point suggestive of severe stress. Cortisol levels followed a diurnal pattern and cortisol AUC was negatively correlated with PSS-10 scores (P = 0.03). Neither PSS-10 scores nor cortisol AUC were associated with FSH, LH, estradiol levels or menstrual pattern. Waking and evening cortisol and the cortisol awakening response also were not related to ovarian function measures. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our analysis is limited by its cross-sectional nature, heterogeneity of cancer diagnosis and treatments and low prevalence of severe stress. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The lack of association between psychosocial stress and a variety of ovarian function measures in female AYA cancer survivors suggests that psychosocial stress does not have a significant impact on the reproductive axis of AYA survivors. This finding is important in counseling this population on their menstrual pattern and family building plans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): NIH HD080952, South Korea Health Industry Development Institute HI18C1837 (JK). Dr A.D. works for Bluebird Bio, Inc., Dr D.Z. works for ZRT Labs and Dr P.M.S. works for Ansh Labs, which did not sponsor, support or have oversight of this research. Other authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Salivary aldosterone and cortisone respond differently to high- and low-psychologically stressful soccer competitions.

Aldosterone and cortisone are released in response to physical and psychological stress. However, aldosterone and cortisone responses in children engaged in physical competition have not been described. We examined salivary aldosterone and salivary cortisone responses among Hong Kongese boys, aged 8-11 years, during (1) a soccer match against unknown competitors (N = 84, high psychological stress condition) and (2) an intrasquad soccer scrimmage against teammates (N = 81, low psychological stress condition). Aldosterone levels increased during the soccer match and intrasquad soccer scrimmage conditions, consistent with the view that aldosterone responds to physical stress. During the soccer match, winning competitors experienced larger increases in aldosterone compared to losing competitors, indicating that the degree of aldosterone increase was attenuated by match outcome. Cortisone increased during the soccer match and decreased during the intrasquad soccer scrimmage. Competitors on teams that resulted in a tie had larger cortisone increases compared to winners or losers. These findings highlight that the degree of cortisone change is related to boy's cognitive appraisal of the competitor type (i.e., teammates vs. unknown competitors) and the competitive nature of the game (e.g., tie). These results shed new light on adrenal hormone mediators of stress and competition during middle childhood.

4-Hydroxy estrogen metabolite, causing genomic instability by attenuating the function of spindle-assembly checkpoint, can serve as a biomarker for breast cancer.

Sex hormone metabolism is altered during mammary gland tumorigenesis, and different metabolites may have different effects on mammary epithelial cells. This study aimed to evaluate associations between urinary sexual metabolite levels and breast cancer risk among premenopausal women of Mainland China. The molecular metabolism of the cancer-related metabolites was also explored based on the clinical data. The sex hormone metabolites in the urine samples of patients with breast cancer versus normal healthy women were analyzed comprehensively. Among many alterations of sex hormone metabolisms, 4-hydroxy estrogen (4-OH-E) metabolite was found to be significantly increased in the urine samples of patients with breast cancer compared with the normal healthy controls. This was the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Several experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo to probe this mechanism. 4-Hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2) was found to induce malignant transformation of breast cells and tumorigenesis in nude mice. At the molecular level, 4-OH-E2 compromised the function of spindle-assembly checkpoint and rendered resistance to the anti-microtubule drug. Further, transgenic mice with high expression of CYP1B1, a key enzyme of 4-hydroxy metabolites, were established and stimulated with estrogen. Cancerous tissue was found to appear in the mammary gland of transgenic mice.

Does testosterone impair men's cognitive empathy? Evidence from two large-scale randomized controlled trials.

The capacity to infer others' mental states (known as 'mind reading' and 'cognitive empathy') is essential for social interactions across species, and its impairment characterizes psychopathological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Previous studies reported that testosterone administration impaired cognitive empathy in healthy humans, and that a putative biomarker of prenatal testosterone exposure (finger digit ratios) moderated the effect. However, empirical support for the relationship has relied on small sample studies with mixed evidence. We investigate the reliability and generalizability of the relationship in two large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled experiments in young men (n = 243 and n = 400), using two different testosterone administration protocols. We find no evidence that cognitive empathy is impaired by testosterone administration or associated with digit ratios. With an unprecedented combined sample size, these results counter current theories and previous high-profile reports, and demonstrate that previous investigations of this topic have been statistically underpowered.

Ingestion of Steamed and Dehydrated Placenta Capsules Does Not Affect Postpartum Plasma Prolactin Levels or Neonatal Weight Gain: Results from a Randomized, Double-Bind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical studies conducted in the early to mid-twentieth century, and recent self-reports by some maternal placentophagy practitioners, suggest that human maternal placentophagy improves breast milk quality and quantity, although little research has evaluated this claim. Some placentophagy providers and advocates suggest that increased prolactin levels after placenta ingestion could account for the purported lactation benefits. The current study was conducted to evaluate these claims by comparing plasma prolactin levels of women consuming steamed, dehydrated, and encapsulated placenta with those of women consuming a placebo. Neonatal weight gain was also compared between the 2 groups. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted in which postpartum women (N = 27) were given a supplement containing their dehydrated placenta (n = 12) or placebo (n = 15). Plasma prolactin concentrations were measured 4 times across late pregnancy and early postpartum, and neonatal weights were recorded 3 times over the first 3 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant (P < .05) differences in either plasma prolactin levels or neonatal weight gain between groups. DISCUSSION: Maternal consumption of steamed, dehydrated, and encapsulated placenta postpartum does not appear to affect maternal postpartum prolactin or neonatal weight in the first 3 weeks postpartum. Further research is needed to investigate the possible effects of variation in placenta preparation methods or daily intake on human lactation.

The Relationship Between Progesterone, Sleep, and LH and FSH Secretory Dynamics in Early Postmenarchal Girls.

CONTEXT: During puberty, LH pulse frequency increases during sleep; in women, LH pulse frequency slows during sleep in the early/middle follicular phase (FP) of the menstrual cycle. The origin and significance of this developmental transition are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between progesterone (P4) exposure, sleep-related slowing of LH pulses in the FP, and the intercycle FSH rise, which promotes folliculogenesis, in early postmenarchal girls. METHODS: 23 girls (gynecologic age 0.4 to 3.5 years) underwent hormone measurements and pelvic ultrasounds during two consecutive cycles and one frequent blood sampling study with concurrent polysomnography during the FP. RESULTS: Subjects demonstrated one of four patterns during cycle 1 that represent a continuum of P4 exposure: ovulatory cycles with normal or short luteal phase lengths or anovulatory cycles ± follicle luteinization. Peak serum P4 and urine pregnanediol (Pd) in cycle 1 were inversely correlated with LH pulse frequency during sleep in the FP of cycle 2 (r = -0.5; P = 0.02 for both). The intercycle FSH rise and folliculogenesis in cycle 2 were maintained after anovulatory cycles without P4 or Pd exposure or nocturnal slowing of LH pulse frequency in the FP. CONCLUSIONS: During late puberty, rising P4 levels from follicle luteinization and ovulation may promote a slower LH pulse frequency during sleep in the FP. However, a normal FSH rise and follicle growth can occur in the absence of P4-associated slowing. These studies therefore suggest that an immature LH secretory pattern during sleep is unlikely to contribute to menstrual irregularity in the early postmenarchal years.

Healthy Post-Menarchal Adolescent Girls Demonstrate Multi-Level Reproductive Axis Immaturity.

Context: Menstrual irregularity after menarche has been attributed to immature estrogen positive feedback activity (E+FB) but data are conflicting. Objective: To determine the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian contributions to menstrual irregularity in adolescents. Methods: Twenty-three healthy girls [aged 12.8 to 17.6 years; 0.4 to 3.5 years postmenarche; body mass index (BMI) percentile, 41.0 to 99.3] underwent serial hormone measurements and pelvic ultrasounds during two consecutive menstrual cycles. Hormones and follicle growth were compared with 65 adult historic controls with ovulatory cycles (OVs). Results: Girls had anovulatory cycles (ANOVs; 30%), OVs with a short luteal phase (short OVs; 22%), or OVs with normal luteal phase (normal OVs; 48%) without differences in cycle length, chronologic or gynecologic age, or BMI. Adolescents showed a spectrum of E+FB [midcycle LH adjusted for preovulatory estradiol (E2)]; only normal OV girls were comparable to adults. All OV girls had lower E2, progesterone, and gonadotropins during the luteal phase and luteal-follicular transition compared with adults. Normal OV girls also had lower follicular phase LH and FSH levels, a longer follicular phase, a slower dominant follicle growth rate, and smaller estimated preovulatory follicle size than adults. Follicular phase E2 and inhibin B levels were lower in normal OV girls than in adults even after adjusting for differences in FSH and follicle size. Conclusions: Early postmenarchal girls with normal OVs demonstrate mature E+FB but continue to have lower gonadotropin levels, diminished ovarian responsiveness, and decreased corpus luteum sex steroid synthesis compared with adults, indicating that reproductive axis maturity requires coordinated development of all components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Digital Delivery of Meditative Movement Training Improved Health of Cigarette-Smoke-Exposed Subjects.

Many FA who flew prior to the ban on smoking in commercial aircraft exhibit an unusual pattern of long-term pulmonary dysfunction. This randomized controlled study tested the hypothesis that digitally delivered meditative movement (MM) training improves chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related symptoms in flight attendants (FA) who were exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke (SHCS) while flying. Phase I of this two-phase clinical trial was a single-arm non-randomized pilot study that developed and tested methods for MM intervention; we now report on Phase II, a randomized controlled trial comparing MM to a control group of similar FA receiving health education (HE) videos. Primary outcomes were the 6-min walk test and blood levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Pulmonary, cardiovascular, autonomic and affective measures were also taken. There were significant improvements in the 6-min walk test, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) score, and the COPD Assessment Test. Non-significant trends were observed for increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels, decreased anxiety scores and reduced blood hs-CRP levels, and increased peak expiratory flow (PEF). In a Survey Monkey questionnaire, 81% of participants who completed pre and post-testing expressed mild to strong positive opinions of the study contents, delivery, or impact, while 16% expressed mild negative opinions. Over the course of the year including the study, participant adoption of the MM practices showed a significant and moderately large correlation with overall health improvement; Pearson's R = 0.62, p < 0.005. These results support the hypothesized benefits of video-based MM training for this population. No adverse effects were reported. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02612389.

Salivary steroid hormone responses to dyadic table tennis competitions among Hong Kongese juvenile boys.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about salivary steroid hormone responses to dyadic competition among prepubescent boys. The current study explored pre-match and post-match testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and cortisol among 22 ethnically Chinese, Hong Kongese table tennis athletes, aged 8-11 years, during dyadic competition against peers. These data provide novel comparative insight into boys' hormone responses when participating in similar forms of competition to that of adults. METHODS: Measures of salivary steroid hormones, age, outcome, and participant's self-reported perceived performance were obtained. Pre-match salivary steroid hormones and competition-induced steroid hormone changes were explored to further assess overall hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. RESULTS: Cortisol decreased for most participants, whereas testosterone measures were below the sensitivity of the assay. DHEA and androstenedione did not significantly change during the table tennis exhibitions and were unrelated to independent performance variables. Correlational analyses indicated that competition-induced androstenedione and cortisol change were positively related. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that juvenile boys' steroid hormone responses during dyadic athletic competition differ in comparison to adult males, in whom cortisol and testosterone tend to rise. Lack of significant DHEA and androstenedione change during the table tennis competition differs from our previous work that showed DHEA and androstenedione were sensitive to more physically taxing forms of athletic competition (eg, soccer). These results are discussed in light of potential factors that may have contributed to these differences.

Coalitional Physical Competition : Acute Salivary Steroid Hormone Responses among Juvenile Male Soccer Players in Hong Kong.

A large body of research links testosterone and cortisol to male-male competition. Yet, little work has explored acute steroid hormone responses to coalitional, physical competition during middle childhood. Here, we investigate testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and cortisol release among ethnically Chinese boys in Hong Kong (N = 102), aged 8-11 years, during a soccer match (n = 84) and an intrasquad soccer scrimmage (n = 81), with 63 participants competing in both treatments. The soccer match and intrasquad soccer scrimmage represented out-group and in-group treatments, respectively. Results revealed that testosterone showed no measurable change. DHEA increased during both treatments in the majority of participants and the degree of change had no relation to independent variables (e.g., performance, age, treatment, outcome) or covariate measures (Body Mass Index, Pubertal Development Scale). Most boys experienced androstenedione increases during match play, but no significant differences during the intrasquad soccer scrimmage competitions. The magnitude of change differed significantly between treatments and was positively associated with age. These latter findings suggest boys' androstenedione responses may be sensitive to competitor type (i.e., unknown competitors vs. peers). For most subjects, cortisol significantly increased during match play, decreased during the intrasquad soccer scrimmage, and differed significantly between treatments, suggesting each treatment promoted a different psychological state among competitors. Cortisol/DHEA molar ratio decreased during the intrasquad scrimmage, suggestive of a more relaxed mental state. These data shed new light on potential proximate mechanisms associated with coalitional competition among prepubescent boys, with relevance to adrenarche and life history theory.

Neonatal Hormone Concentrations and Risk of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT).

Background: Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) incidence has increased over the last 40 years in the United States. In contrast to TGCT among infants, it is hypothesized that TGCT in adolescents and young men is the result of sex steroid hormone imbalance during early fetal development. However, little is known about the neonatal period when abrupt hormonal changes occur, and direct supporting evidence is scarce due to the difficulties in obtaining prediagnostic specimens.Methods: We conducted a population-based case-control study examining hormone levels at birth among 91 infants (0-4 years) and 276 adolescents (15-19 years) diagnosed with TGCT, and 344 matched controls. Estrogen and androgen levels were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) from archived newborn dried blood spots. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between each hormone level and TGCT risk.Results: Higher levels of androstenedione were associated with increased TGCT risk among adolescents [odds ratio (OR): 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-3.97 for highest vs. lowest quartile; P trend = 0.003] but not among infants (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.28-1.77). A similar pattern was observed for testosterone (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.00-3.00,) although the trend was not significant (P trend = 0.12). Associations were stronger among non-Hispanic white subjects, relative to Hispanics. There was no difference by tumor histologic subtype. Estriol (the only detectable estrogen) was not associated with TGCT risk in either age group.Conclusions: Higher levels of neonatal androgens were associated with increased risk of TGCT among adolescents, suggesting that early life hormone levels are related to the later development of TGCT.Impact: This is the first study with direct measures of sex steroid hormones to examine the relationship between estrogens and androgens at birth and risk of adolescent TGCT. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 488-95. ©2018 AACR.

Iodine stimulates estrogen receptor singling and its systemic level is increased in surgical patients due to topical absorption.

Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production. However, recent epidemiologic studies have shown that breast cancer patients have an elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer and vice versa. A notable finding in this study is that iodine stimulated the transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) in breast cancer cells. Iodine stimulated expression of several ER-α regulated gene including PS2, Cathepsin D, CyclinD1, and PR both in vitro and in nude mice, which is consistent with its stimulation of both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of ER-α positive breast cancer cells and the effect to dampen tumor shrinkage of MCF-7 xenograft in ovariectomized nude mice. Analyses of clinical urine samples from breast cancer patients undergoing surgery demonstrated that urinary iodine levels were significantly higher than that in controls; and this increased level is due to the antiseptic use of iodine during breast surgery. The present study indicates that excess iodine intake may be an unfavorable factor in breast cancer by stimulation of ER-α transcriptional activity.

Placentophagy's effects on mood, bonding, and fatigue: A pilot trial, part 2.

BACKGROUND: Human maternal placentophagy is gaining popularity among a growing number of women who believe it provides maternal benefits, including prevention of postpartum blues/depression, improved maternal bonding, and reduced fatigue. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study (N=27) in which participants consumed either their processed, encapsulated placenta (n=12), or similarly prepared placebo (n=15). Maternal mood, bonding, and fatigue were assessed via validated scales across four time points during late pregnancy and early postpartum. Psychometric data were analyzed for changes between and within both groups over time. RESULTS: No significant main effects related to maternal mood, bonding, or fatigue were evident between placenta and placebo group participants. However, examination of individual time points suggested that some measures had specific time-related differences between placenta and placebo groups that may warrant future exploration. Though statistical significance should not be interpreted in these cases, we did find some evidence of a decrease in depressive symptoms within the placenta group but not the placebo group, and reduced fatigue in placenta group participants at the end of the study compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: No robust differences in postpartum maternal mood, bonding, or fatigue were detected between the placenta and placebo groups. This finding may be especially important for women considering maternal placentophagy as a 'natural' (i.e., non-pharmacological) means of preventing or treating blues/depression. Given the study limitations, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Small, time-related improvements in maternal mood and lower fatigue post-supplementation among placenta group participants may warrant further research.

Effects of placentophagy on maternal salivary hormones: A pilot trial, part 1.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that human placenta, processed and encapsulated for postpartum consumption, contains a host of trace minerals and hormones that could conceivably affect maternal physiology. Our objective was to investigate whether salivary hormone concentrations of women ingesting their own encapsulated placenta during the early postpartum differed from those of women consuming a placebo. METHODS: Randomly assigned participants (N=27) were given a supplement containing either their dehydrated and homogenized placenta (n=12), or placebo (n=15). Saliva samples were collected during late pregnancy and early postpartum. Samples of participants' processed placenta, and the encapsulated placebo, were also collected. Hormone analyses were conducted on all samples utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in salivary hormone concentrations between the placenta and placebo groups post-supplementation that did not exist pre-supplementation. There were, however, significant dose-response relationships between the concentration of all 15 detected hormones in the placenta capsules and corresponding salivary hormone measures in placenta group participants not seen in the placebo group. The higher salivary concentrations of these hormones in the placenta group reflects the higher concentrations of these hormones in the placenta supplements, compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Some hormones in encapsulated placenta lead to small but significant differences in hormonal profiles of women taking placenta capsules compared to those taking a placebo, although these dose-response changes were not sufficient to result in significant hormonal differences between groups. Whether modest hormonal changes due to placenta supplementation are associated with therapeutic postpartum effects, however, awaits further investigation.