This week, we released a new 23andMe+ Premium report on asthma powered by 23andMe research.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to an environmental trigger, causing inflammation, increased mucus production inside the airways, and tightened muscles around the airways. 
While it’s more common for asthma to be diagnosed during childhood, it can develop at any time.
<h6>Understanding Asthma </h6>
It is estimated that around<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/nhis/2019/table2-1.htm"> 12 percent of people</a> in the U.S. have asthma. Besides genetics, other non-genetic factors like ethnicity, long-term irritant exposure, and age can increase a person&#8217;s chances of developing the condition.
In 2020, an<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/researchers-identify-new-genetic-associations-for-allergies-asthma-and-eczema/"> international team of scientists</a> uncovered new genetic associations for several allergic conditions – specifically allergies, asthma, and eczema – by studying the age of onset.
The researchers used data from the UK Biobank to identify 76 genetic variants associated with these allergic conditions in or near 18 different genes. They found that about 50 of these variants were associated with a higher risk of both developing allergic conditions in the first place and developing them at an early age.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-30335 size-full" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg" alt="" width="306" height="403" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-1.4435b09a0863.svg 306w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 306px) 100vw, 306px" />
<h6>A New Report</h6>
Our new Asthma report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research. It uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing asthma.
This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes 24,244 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. See our<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodology_May2020.pdf"> white paper</a> to learn more about the science behind the report.
<h6>Asthma Attacks</h6>
People with asthma may experience shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, or wheezing. Each of these symptoms can range in severity.
Symptoms often come and go, and specific triggers can cause them to worsen or flare up suddenly in episodes called asthma attacks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-30336" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg" alt="" width="221" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/asthma-story-2.3188cc48c4e0.svg 306w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" />
<h6>Common Triggers</h6>
Asthma triggers vary from person to person. However, some of the most common triggers include allergies, air pollution, tobacco smoke, respiratory infections, and cold air
<h6>Managing Asthma</h6>
Simple strategies like identifying and avoiding triggers and recognizing the warning signs of an impending asthma attack can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. 
Staying up to date on vaccines and avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke can also be helpful.
People with asthma triggered by allergies can minimize allergen exposure by using HEPA air filters and vacuum cleaners. And people who are allergic to dust mites can use impermeable pillow and mattress covers to reduce exposure. 
In addition, medications like quick-relief inhalers, and long-term asthma control medications can help manage symptoms.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s new Asthma report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to 23andMe+ Premium members. To view your report, go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.asthma/"> here</a>.
Not a customer? Find out more<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here</a>.
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23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

New 23andMe+ Premium Report on Asthma

Just two days after starting a course of citalopram, a common antidepressant, Donna Gizzi began to experience a slew of awful side effects. She felt so dizzy and disoriented that she had difficulty driving her car, recalling a frightening moment when she felt as though she was sitting still “while all the surrounding cars were going 100 miles per hour.”
She had been prepared for the mild nausea and drowsiness that often accompanies antidepressant treatment, but she was taken aback by the severity of the side effects she experienced. 
So Donna sought answers. She eventually got some from a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/">23andMe Pharmacogenetics report</a>* – offered as part of a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ membership</a> – that looked at how her genes may impact how she processes different medications. 
<h6>The CYP2C19 Enzyme </h6>
The <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/pharmacogenetics/cyp2c19/">CYP2C19 enzyme</a> (pronounced sip-two-see-nineteen) helps the body metabolize certain medications. Specific DNA variants can affect how well the CYP2C19 enzyme works, and people with these variants may process certain medications slower or faster than normal. 
In Donna’s case, she had two copies of a variant associated with reduced function of the CYP2C19 enzyme, which made her a CYP2C19 poor metabolizer. This meant that she broke down certain drugs like citalopram more slowly and that these drugs stayed in her system longer, causing an increased chance of adverse effects.
<h6>Making Sense of the Past</h6>
After reading her report, everything clicked. 
<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 300px; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px;">Editor’s Note:
We’ve talked to hundreds of people about what they did ‘after the click,’ after they opened up a report and learned about an unknown risk for breast cancer, lung and liver disease, or cardiac and neurological issues.
The response isn’t one of fear but empowerment.
Suddenly they and their doctor have information they can use to follow up on a risk in order to prevent or treat a serious illness. And this is too often for risks they wouldn’t have known of otherwise.
Here is another in an occasional series about customers who were empowered to take action after getting an important genetic insight from 23andMe.
Read some of the previous After the Click stories <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-customer-stories/after-the-click-paulo/">here</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/after-the-click-brca/">here</a> and <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/aatd-after-the-click/">here</a>.
</div>
&#8220;All my adult life, I’ve had difficulty taking drugs,” Donna said. “I seem to react to everything I take. [Drugs] either do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do or don’t do anything at all. Once I learned I was a  predicted CYP2C19 poor metabolizer, I could put it all together.” 
Genetics seemed like a key part of the explanation, although other factors may also have played a role.
Donna shared her Pharmacogenetics report with her doctor, who immediately added it to her patient chart. “Now it&#8217;s in my chart that I’m a CYP2C19 poor metabolizer, so they’ll pay close attention to that in the future,” Donna explained. 
She’s also spreading the word to her family, friends, and anyone who will listen. “I just tell everybody I&#8217;m talking to about 23andMe. I think it&#8217;s important to find out if you have issues processing medications.”
<hr />
<h6>Note</h6>
*23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetic reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetic report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.  
<h6>Warning: </h6>
Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit www.23andme.com/test-info.

After the Click: Adverse Drug Reaction 

After your 23andMe reports come back, you might have questions about what to do next. When the question around a DNA result revolves around <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/">genetics and your health</a>, that’s where a healthcare provider fits in. 
23andMe reports can provide you with powerful information about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/">health predispositions</a>*, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/pharmacogenetics/">pharmacogenetics</a>**, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/wellness/">wellness</a>, and more. Let’s talk about the path to taking your 23andMe report to a healthcare provider if one or more of your reports indicate you are at increased risk. 
<h6>Take the first step</h6>
You have your 23andMe report; now what? We have created many ways for you to learn, explore, and understand your reports on your own. Start with exploring the 23andMe <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/">Genetics Learning Hub</a>, visit our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/23andme">YouTube channel for learning videos</a>, follow the guided education provided by your report’s tutorial section, and search through information and answers to FAQs that our Customer Care team has compiled <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/115006037188-Navigating-and-Understanding-Health-Predisposition-Reports">like this guidance on navigating and understanding a health predisposition report</a>. 
Each 23andMe report is unique and includes additional sources to guide you to answers. Some reports specifically lay out the next steps for you. Familiarize yourself with your 23andMe report and all it contains. That’s often the best place to start.
<h6>Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider</h6>
Next, use that guidance to schedule a visit to your healthcare provider, like a doctor, nurse practitioner, or genetic counselor.  
Genetics information fits into care and treatment differently, depending on the area of medicine. So when you decide to take a 23andMe report to a healthcare provider, make sure the report information you wish to talk about matches the area of expertise of your healthcare provider. 
Here’s one example: If you have genetic variants identified on your <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/23andmes-new-mutyh-report/">MUTYH-Associated Polyposis</a> Genetic Health Risk report*, seeking out someone trained in colon cancer is more appropriate than a specialist who works in a different area of medicine.
<h6>Prepare for questions from your healthcare provider</h6>
Your visit is scheduled, and it’s time to prepare. Remember to print out or save to your mobile device any of your 23andMe reports that you have questions about and bring them to your appointment, or send them to the provider at the time you schedule. They will likely want to understand your desires and goals for the visit, and more information ahead of time helps everyone prepare. 
Genetic variants often run in families, meaning the sequence of DNA letters is passed from parent to child. Lifestyle and environment also are often shared factors for relatives who live and grow up together and can influence health risks. So you might also expect questions about your <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/news/family-health-history/">family’s health history</a> and your own health to come up during the visit. Healthcare providers with genetics training know to look at a DNA test result in the context of a family history. 
<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/learn-your-health-history/">Try to check in</a> with your closest relatives*** for an update before you meet with a provider to learn updates about conditions like heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure that might run in your family. Even rare and common conditions might provide clues about what a genetic result might mean for you. 
<h6>Get ready for additional screening and testing</h6>
Your healthcare provider may order additional testing during your visit. Your provider will use the skills and knowledge they have from their area of specialty alongside your result and the recommendations included on the report. Some providers will order confirmatory genetic testing of the variant or variants identified on your report, or order additional screens based on their usual approach to care with patients. 
Here are some examples: A nurse practitioner might suggest you start an annual mammogram if you do not have the three variants included in 23andMe&#8217;s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report* but you&#8217;re at an age where mammograms are recommended. And if you have a strong family history of cancer, a genetic counselor might recommend additional genetic testing that looks for many more variants in different genes. 
<h6>Learn alongside your healthcare provider</h6>
Genetics &#8211; as well as environmental, lifestyle, and other factors &#8211; can impact your likelihood of developing certain health conditions or having certain traits. Your healthcare provider may use the report to prompt confirmatory testing, recommend a more extensive genetic test for a broader picture of risk, or increase the frequency of your screenings based on the current recommendations and guidelines.
When you take a 23andMe report to your health care provider, realize it might be the first experience for them seeing a 23andMe report as well. A 23andMe test is often the starting point for learning more about how genetics may impact your body and health. The growing interest in 23andMe’s service means more healthcare providers are having the opportunity to learn and incorporate these insights into their practice. 23andMe has several ongoing initiatives to help bring greater awareness of genomics to the medical community.
<h6>Face the uncertainty together </h6>
Know that feeling overwhelmed or uncertain are common reactions to seeing a genetic report that indicates increased risk for a health condition. Don’t let that stand in your way or prevent you from taking the next step. Any time health information comes to light, there is terminology to learn, newfound knowledge to adjust to, and an opportunity to partner with your healthcare provider. 
Let your provider know how you are feeling about your result and the questions you have. Once you’re able to ask your questions and find out what comes next, you’ll likely notice a change in the way you are feeling. There are multiple ways a healthcare provider can be there with you to help you take that next step.
Your healthcare provider can become your partner in exploring the options and making choices about what to do with the information you’ve learned. If your report shows a variant detected for one of the three variants 23andMe tests for in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, it’s important that you reach out to a healthcare provider like 23andMe customers <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-customer-stories/action-for-health-brca/">Jenn</a> and <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/brca1/">Kristy</a> did. Like the providers who worked with Jenn and Kristy, your provider can become your partner as you explore the options for confirmatory testing, screening and prevention. 
At 23andMe, we believe that genetic information is core to all of us. It forms the basis for what makes us similar and unique. 23andMe was founded with the mission of helping people to access, understand, and benefit from this powerful information. 
Finding a healthcare provider who understands the value of genetic information can help create a better care plan for you that is tailored to meet your needs. 23andMe is helping customers make that step easier. Now that Lemonaid Health is part of the 23andMe family, 23andMe customers can connect with a provider in any U.S. state for a Genetic Report Consultation on certain 23andMe Health reports. Learn more about it <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/lemonaid-health/genetic-report-consults/">here</a>.
What now? In order to prepare for a Genetic Report Consultation with a Lemonaid Health provider or an outside healthcare professional, ask yourself:
What is the main area of concern that I want to talk about?
Have I gathered information about my family history related to this concern?
Have I reviewed my genetic ancestry results and might they matter in this particular circumstance?
Would a telehealth appointment work for me to review this, or would I be better served by seeing someone local who might order additional tests or screens?
Where can I find a provider who can understand and talk about my results?
<hr />
*23andMe health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk.Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health RIsk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.  The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. The MUTYH-Associated Polyposis Genetic Health Risk Report is indicated for reporting the Y179C and G396D variants in the MUTYH gene and an increased risk for colorectal cancer.  The two variants included in this report are most common in people of Northern European descent.  These reports do not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in these reports do not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action.  For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit 23andme.com/test-info/
**23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetics reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/
***If your family history is limited because you are adopted, donor conceived, have a small family, or are not connected to or in communication with genetic kin, know that family history is only one piece of the puzzle. We encourage you to visit a healthcare provider with your report even if your family history is limited, and make use of your genetic reports until you may have more information in the future.

A photo of a doctor showing a patient information on a digital tablet.

Sharing Your 23andMe Report With Your Healthcare Provider

By Janie Shelton, PhD, MPH
Are you confused about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? You’re not alone. <a href="https://pcosawarenessmonth.org/about-pcos-awareness-month/">September is PCOS awareness month</a> and it’s a great time to learn more about this condition. Let’s dive in.
<h6>About PCOS<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-26788 size-medium" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image.jpg 1253w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h6>
Many women live with PCOS for a very long time and don’t know it.<a id="f1" href="#a1">[1]</a> Occurring in an estimated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20one%20of%20the,beyond%20the%20child%2Dbearing%20years.">6-12 percent of females of reproductive age</a>, it is common to only get the diagnosis after experiencing infertility or unexplained missed or absent periods.<a id="f2" href="#a2">[2]</a> Currently, there are no common proactive screenings to help identify this issue early on.&nbsp;
Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or absent periods, weight gain, excessive body or facial hair, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. People with PCOS are at an elevated risk for infertility and pregnancy related complications along with other conditions including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. Polycystic ovaries — cysts within the ovaries —are sometimes spotted through a transvaginal ultrasound, but not always. Because polycystic ovaries are observed in people without PCOS, this observation alone does not lead to a diagnosis.
While the general clinical features of PCOS include all of the above, specific diagnostic criteria are hard to nail down. Generally, healthcare providers are seeking evidence of two out of the three features to make the diagnosis:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Irregular or missed periods</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Elevated androgen hormones (including testosterone)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Polycystic ovaries</li>
</ul>
To further confuse things, the presence of the physical manifestations, in particular excess body hair, has substantial variation by ancestral group. In particular, Asian women with PCOS often do not present with excess facial hair,<a id="f3" href="#a3">[3]</a> potentially reducing suspicion of this condition during clinical exams.
<h6>What causes PCOS?</h6>
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however we know heritability may account for as much as 70% of the development of the disorder.<a id="f4" href="#a4">[4]</a> High risk groups include those with a first-degree biological relative (for example a mother or sister) with the condition. There is some evidence ancestries such as Mexican American<a id="f5" href="#a5">[5]</a> and Aboriginal Australians<a id="f6" href="#a6">[6]</a> have a higher risk compared to other populations, but due to a lack of proactive screening the true prevalence is unknown around the world. Finally, a common anti-seizure medication (valproate) has also been associated with inducing PCOS.<a id="f7" href="#a7">[7]</a>
<h6>How can I get tested?</h6>
If you suspect you may have PCOS or have a family history of PCOS, your OB/GYN can carry out an exam to detail your health history. They might carry out a transvaginal ultrasound, and order a series of blood tests, including hormone screening as described <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443">here</a> by the Mayo Clinic. In addition to the lab results, other features of PCOS as mentioned above are needed to confirm a diagnosis.
<h6>What can I do if I have it?</h6>
A healthy lifestyle can help mitigate some of the health risks associated with PCOS. For example, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise will help reduce the risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Hormonal birth control options may help manage symptoms and regulate menstrual cycles. For those who know they want to have children, proactively discussing fertility and family planning options with a healthcare provider is important.&nbsp;
<h6>The 23andMe+ Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Report (Powered by 23andMe Research)</h6>
Our report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing PCOS.
This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes more than 1,300 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. In this<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodologyAppendix_2021.pdf"> white paper</a>, you can learn more about the science and methodology behind our report.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s Polycystic Ovary Syndrome report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ members who report their birth sex as female. To view your report, go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.polycystic_ovary_syndrome/"> here</a>.
Not a 23andMe+ member? To become a 23andMe+ member, or to find out more go<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here</a>.
<hr>
<h6 class="footnotes">References:</h6>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f1" href="#a1">[1]</a> Gibson-Helm ME, Lucas IM, Boyle JA, Teede HJ. (2014). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24925927/">Women&#8217;s experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis</a> &#8221; Fam Pract. 2014 Oct;31(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"></code> <a id="f2" href="#a2">[2]</a> Gibson-Helm M, Teede H, Dunaif A, Dokras A. (2017). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27906550/">Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information Associated With Dissatisfaction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome</a>&#8221; J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Feb 1;102(2)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"></footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f3" href="#a3">[3]</a> Gibson-Helm ME, Lucas IM, Boyle JA, Teede HJ.(2014). &#8221; <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24925927/">Women&#8217;s experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis</a>” Fam Pract. 2014 Oct;31(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code></footer>
<a id="f4" href="#a4">[4]</a> Mykhalchenko K, et al (2017) &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602111/#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20a%20complex%20genetic,the%20development%20of%20the%20disorder.">Genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome</a>&#8221; &nbsp;Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2017 Jul;17(7)
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f5" href="#a5">[5]</a> Engmann L, et al. (2017). &#8220;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5420474/">Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Metabolic Phenotype</a>&#8221; Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;216(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code><a id="f6" href="#a6">[6]</a> Boyle JA et al. (2015). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26387977/">Polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome in Indigenous Australian women</a>&#8221; Intern Med J. 2015 Dec;45(12)&nbsp;</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><a id="f7" href="#a7">[7]</a> Bilo L et al. (2008). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19012099/">Polycystic ovary syndrome in women using valproate: a review</a>&#8221; Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008 Oct;24(10)
</footer>
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What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and How Do I Know if I Have It? 

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, so we wanted to share a bit about our efforts to bridge the knowledge gap about the condition through a collaboration with Dr. Lametra Scott and the non-profit<a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/"> Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle</a> Foundation (BTSSCC).

Over the last few months, <a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/founder.html">Dr. Scott,</a> CEO, and co-founder of BTSSCC, has worked with 23andMe as part of a sickle cell awareness campaign to increase access to sickle cell trait information, promote sickle cell disease awareness, and offer resources for individuals with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders. Similar to the sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease disproportionately affects, among other groups, people with African ancestry.
The sickle cell awareness campaign offers an opportunity for individuals to learn more about their ancestral heritage and access 65+&nbsp;

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="475" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lametra-Scott.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30309" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lametra-Scott.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lametra-Scott-300x278.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>
 
health reports and features, including additional reports&nbsp;on conditions that disproportionately affect people of African ancestry, such as APOL1-related chronic kidney disease and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.*

Many people don’t know that sickle cell disease is an inherited condition caused by variants in the HBB gene. People who carry one copy of the HbS variant in the HBB gene have sickle cell trait. People with sickle cell trait don&#8217;t typically experience any symptoms unless under extreme conditions. However, their children could be at risk of inheriting sickle cell disease if their partner also carries a variant in the HBB gene. In particular, if both parents have the HbS variant, the children are at risk of inheriting the form of sickle cell disease known as sickle cell anemia. 
23andMe, which offers a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/">Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report</a>*, is uniquely positioned to help individuals learn more about their carrier status through the report.&nbsp; In addition, the report offers opportunities to learn more about the potential risks of sickle cell anemia. 23andMe is collaborating with BTSSCC on a Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness Program that offers free 23andMe Health + Ancestry kits to participants and provides education and counseling services for those interested through BTSSCC. Program participants may consent to participate in 23andMe’s Research program, but this is not required for the program. In related work, the team is collaborating with researchers at the NHGRI and Johns Hopkins University to study sickle cell trait and potentially associated conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Worldwide about 300 million people have sickle cell trait. About one in 13 Black or African American babies is born with sickle cell trait in the US alone, and about one in every 365 is born with sickle cell disease.&nbsp;
Although there are<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02138-w"> promising developments</a> in gene therapy to cure sickle cell disease and new treatment medications, the disease still plagues about 100,000 Americans. The condition is associated with increased stroke risk and often leads to debilitating pain and organ failure. Knowing whether you have sickle cell trait is important for anyone planning to have children.
This is personal for Dr. Scott, who learned she was a carrier only after becoming pregnant with her son Rickey. A pharmacist who studied biology at the University of Memphis and then received her doctor of pharmacy degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Scott said the challenge wasn’t just the lack of screening or information from doctors during her pregnancy, but the lack of training in general for people in the medical profession that prompted her to take action.
She founded BTSSCC in 2015 after Rickey’s birth. She’d learned she was a carrier about 15 weeks into the pregnancy. After her son’s birth, Dr. Scott was told Rickey was only a carrier. But that was wrong. It turned out Rickey had sickle cell anemia. The combination of the lack of information, along with the lack of training and inconsistent treatment, prompted Dr. Scott to create BTSSCC. The focus of the non-profit is to bridge the SCD&nbsp; knowledge gap and to encourage people at risk to get tested for sickle cell trait and have conversations with their families and healthcare providers.
Dr. Scott recently sat down with us and talked about her work and some common misunderstandings about sickle cell disease. Below is some of that conversation edited and condensed in places in the interest of brevity.

<h6>You didn’t learn that you were a carrier until you became pregnant. Do you think that’s a common experience?</h6>
Yes, very much so. It’s all rooted in the fact that many people don’t know their status. They don’t know whether they are carriers of the sickle cell trait until they have a child. That’s pretty much when they find out. Even though all 50 states now include sickle cell in the newborn screening panel.
That wasn’t always standard. New York was the first state to implement newborn screening for sickle cell disease in 1975; by 2006, universal newborn screening for sickle cell disease was in place across all 50 states.
The issue is that even when a baby tests positive for the trait, it’s up to the individual state health departments to follow up with those families. There isn’t always good follow through on that, and then often a child or their family forgets about (the significance of being a carrier), and the cycle can begin again when they have children.
Testing and screening often don’t happen until someone is pregnant. I found out only after I was 15 weeks pregnant, and I had my son in my mid-30s.
<h6>A lot of your work is around simply educating people about the condition. What are some of the questions you hear the most from people wanting to learn more?</h6>
We’re doing outreach on a lot of topics, including making sure people understand that sickle cell is relevant not just to African Americans but people of all ethnic groups, particularly groups with roots in geographies where malaria is endemic. So, that includes the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and South Asia.
The sickle cell trait was an evolutionary adaptation that helped people survive malaria, but it becomes detrimental when two people with the trait have a child, and that child develops sickle cell disease. Part of educating people is dispelling myths, because those myths filter into the healthcare system. A non-African American with sickle cell disease or caregiver to a child with symptoms might show up in an emergency room with symptoms, but because they are not African American, it’s assumed they wouldn’t have sickle cell disease and are often denied appropriate care.
We also get a lot of questions from people with sickle cell disease who need help navigating the system. There are not a lot of medical professionals who are knowledgeable about sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait. So some of our most common discussions aren’t questions, but patients who’re frustrated that they’re not getting the care they need. This is because medical professionals may not understand sickle cell disease. We have people who go to the emergency room in excruciating pain who might wait 10 to 12 hours and aren’t triaged quickly. Or once they get in to see someone, instead of being given a narcotic or opioid to treat their pain, they’re labeled as a “drug seeker.”
<h6>Why is there this big gap in understanding?</h6>
Some of it is the lack of training. In the ten years of medical education, you might get 15 minutes focused on sickle cell unless you specialize in hematology.&nbsp; And then there’s the issue of money or lack of money associated with research funding sickle cell disease treatments.
But I think you can’t talk about any of that without addressing racial issues and healthcare disparities that impact the African American and minority communities.&nbsp;
<h6>You have personal experience with being a carrier and caring for someone with sickle cell disease. How difficult was it to find a clinician specializing in treating sickle cell?</h6>
Well, that’s a loaded question. It depends on where you live. Luckily for me, there is a center for excellence (a clinic specializing in treating sickle cell) nearby.&nbsp;
For me, it wasn’t hard to find care for our son, but for someone in a rural area, it can be very challenging. There are not a lot of specialists in those areas or providers who are knowledgeable about sickle cell.
(Editor’s note:&nbsp; There are about<a href="https://sicklecellcenters.org/member_centers"> 50 centers that treat sickle cell across the country</a>. About two dozen facilities treat adult sickle cell patients, about 20 that treat pediatric sickle cell patients, and just 16 that do whole-life care for sickle cell patients. For comparison there are 130 treatment centers for cystic fibrosis, a rare disease that mostly impacts people of European descent with about half as many people as sickle cell disease. )
<h6>What are some programs you and BTSSCC have supported to increase the number of healthcare professionals with expertise in sickle cell disease?</h6>
So in that regard, we’ve started working with pharmacists. We chose to work with them first because they provide healthcare to all patients, and there are retail pharmacies in every community. In addition, patients depend on pharmacists for medication to manage their disease state. They have the opportunity to develop relationships with those patients and be their advocates. If a patient is going to the pharmacy more frequently or experiencing more episodes, they may need adjustments to their medication, and the pharmacists can pick up the phone and speak with their doctor about the concerns and be their advocate.
<h6>There are some promising treatments for sickle cell disease, particularly new types of gene therapy. What is most exciting to you about these recent breakthroughs?</h6>
The biggest thing is that since 2017 there are now three new medications used to treat sickle cell. This is phenomenal, but the downside of these medications is that they’re very, very expensive — $70,000 to $100,000 a month. Even though they do well to help manage the disease state, decrease pain episodes and help to prevent organ damage, which means fewer trips to the ER and thus less cost to the healthcare system; patients often encounter barriers from insurance to pay for this medication.
Before 2017, there was just one therapeutic option for treatment; hydroxyurea, which was FDA approved for treating adults with sickle cell disease in 1998 and children in 2017. It was first developed as an anticancer drug and has been used to treat myeloproliferative syndromes-leukemia, melanoma, and ovarian cancer. Its main benefit is to essentially increase hemoglobin F, which in turn helps make red blood cells bigger and less prone to sickling. It&#8217;s done wonders and prolonged people’s lives, but it’s not a cure-all. It doesn’t treat acute pain episodes, and it doesn’t work well with all genotypes. If a person didn&#8217;t respond to it, they were previously left with narcotics for pain or blood transfusions.
But since 2017, three new medications have become available: L-glutamine, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab. They are each disease-modifying drugs, and they’ve advanced care for those with sickle cell by leaps and bounds from where it was 30 years ago.
Beyond that, gene therapy is very promising. If it works like we think it will based on clinical trials, it will be a game changer.
<h6>Talk a bit about the collaboration with 23andMe. Part of the motivation for 23andMe’s Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness Program is to increase awareness by giving participants access to their sickle cell carrier status information. Why is that so important from your point of view?</h6>
I see this as an opportunity to remove a barrier to screening. Typically, young adults don’t get tested, but if you can target people in the family planning years between the age of 18 and 45, there’s more of a chance to know if you are a carrier before you decide to have children. It’s best to have that information before one begins the family planning process so you are not blindsided and you have options.
<h6>Participants in this program can also participate in research, but can you discuss the importance of having more diversity in genetic research, particularly around sickle cell disease?</h6>
Yes, it is important and when I talk to patients, they want to have the option to choose whether or not to participate in research. They like the idea of learning more about their carrier status for the sickle cell trait, and they like having access to 23andMe’s other health reports. But when you look at the history of African Americans and other minorities and clinical research, it&#8217;s a touchy subject. They don’t want to feel lied to or manipulated. It’s not that they don’t want to participate but they want the autonomy to choose to participate or opt out the entire way through the process and know that they have a voice in what happens with their information. And that’s what 23andMe does.
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**The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults for the purpose of reporting carrier status and reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. The relevance of each report may vary based on ethnicity. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future or anything about the health of your fetus, or your newborn child’s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, click <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/">here</a>.

Personal Experience Motivates Dr. Lametra Scott’s Work to Raise Awareness of Sickle Cell

This week, we released a new 23andMe+ Wellness report on seasonal allergies that is powered by 23andMe Research. 
While the sniffling, sneezing and itchy eyes that come with seasonal allergies are often triggered by pollen from blooming trees and flowers in spring and summer, many of those with seasonal allergies also have symptoms in the fall when levels of allergens from weeds and mold are at their highest.
<h6><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-26180" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-1024x678.jpg" alt="Boy blowing his nose in a field of flowers." width="1024" height="678" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-300x198.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-768x508.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-880x582.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze-1180x781.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sneeze.jpg 1259w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />A Common Condition</h6>
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are relatively common. It is estimated that around <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24522093/">27 percent of people in the U.S.</a> are allergic to grasses, trees, and weeds. Still, the actual percentage of people who develop symptoms of seasonal allergies is less clear. Many who might experience seasonal allergies are not exposed to pollens or allergens that would trigger a reaction, so remain unaware. The condition tends to hit women harder than men. A little over ten percent of males have seasonal allergies. More than 17 percent of women report having the condition, according to 23andMe internal data from customers who consented to participate in research. 
The US states with the least prevalence of seasonal allergies among 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research are Hawaii, New York, California, and Florida. Customers in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Kentucky, were the most likely to report seasonal allergies.
<a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/118/7/e2013284118">A recent study</a> indicated that climate change might worsen the situation for some due to the lengthening of the pollen season in North America. 
Beyond the common symptoms of stuffy noses and itchy eyes, seasonal allergies and their associated symptoms can also lead to other issues such as difficulty sleeping or difficulty concentrating during the day. In addition, individuals with seasonal allergies are more likely to develop asthma or experience difficulty breathing or wheezing.
<h6>A New Report</h6>
Our new report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of having seasonal allergies to trees, grasses, weeds, and or molds.
This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes more than 6,500 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. You can learn more about the science and methodology behind our new report in this<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodologyAppendix_2022.pdf"> white paper.</a> 
<h6>Understanding Seasonal Allergies</h6>
While we know that mold or pollen wafting through the air from budding trees, grasses, and weeds triggers allergic reactions, scientists are still digging deeper to better understand why.
Allergic reactions happen when a hypersensitive immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a harmful one. When the immune system detects these so-called allergens, it triggers an immune response meant to protect the body.
Research indicates that<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16083793/"> about half</a> of those living in the U.S. are sensitive to at least one common allergen. That might include pollen, which is seasonal, but also other allergens such as pet dander, dust, and insect bites. While most allergic reactions are mild, some contribute to asthma or eczema and can be very serious and even life-threatening. 
Susceptibility to allergies is in part genetic. One&#8217;s environment also plays an important role in developing allergies. 23andMe scientists and collaborators have identified many genetic variants associated with allergies. We also published studies on the genetic<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0157-1"> pathways for allergic rhinitis. </a> Our scientists have also looked into the genetic associations between<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.3985"> allergies, eczema, and asthma</a>, and the age of<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1008725"> onset</a>. That work allows us to understand the underlying causes better and offers researchers potential new targets for treatments. 
<h6>Managing and Treating Seasonal Allergies</h6>
Limiting exposure to allergens — wearing masks while working outside or staying indoors when the pollen count is highest — could reduce the chance of triggering allergy symptoms. In addition, there are also many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for allergies. 
Antihistamines or nasal sprays can treat symptoms, and nasal irrigation to wash out allergens can help alleviate symptoms. Those treatments combined with lifestyle changes to limit exposure also help. Beyond using air filters and staying indoors when pollen is highest, more frequent cleaning of household surfaces, clothing, and sheets can also help.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s new Seasonal Allergies report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to 23andMe+ members. To view your report, go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.seasonal_allergies/"> here</a>.
Not a customer?
Find out more<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here.</a>

New 23andMe+ Report on Seasonal Allergies

This August’s record-setting heat waves serve as a reminder to pay special attention to sun and heat exposure.
Many of us already understand that sun exposure can increase one’s risk for certain types of <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/new-23andme-report-on-skin-cancer/">skin cancer</a> like melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinomas. But beyond skin cancer, increased UV radiation and heat can also exacerbate several other health conditions. Learning more about some of these conditions and your genetic likelihood of developing them can help you better protect yourself this summer.
<h6>A Resurgence of Rosacea</h6>
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often causes redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels around the nose and cheeks. Symptoms come and go in response to environmental triggers.
<a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/triggers/prevent#:~:text=Think%20sun%20protection,30%20or%20higher%20every%20day.">Sun exposure</a> is a common cause of rosacea flare-ups, particularly in the summer. However, basic protection measures – like avoiding midday sun, wearing a hat, and applying a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen – can help lessen symptoms.  
It also helps to be aware of your genetics. Rosacea is likely due to a<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/new-report-rosacea/"> confluence of factors</a>, including genetics and inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.
23andMe researchers, in collaboration with academic and industry partners, identified <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/the-genetics-of-rosacea/">two genetic variants</a> associated with rosacea among people of European descent and unearthed <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-genetic-associations-for-rosacea-found/">seven gene regions</a> related to rosacea symptom severity.
Current research aims to better understand the condition and identify therapies that can help treat symptoms.
<h6>Weathering Lupus Flare-Ups</h6>
The summer sun can also spell trouble for people with lupus. This chronic autoimmune condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. The resulting inflammation can affect joints, skin, and various organs. 
Many people with lupus experience photosensitivity and flare-ups after UV exposure. A <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-insights-from-lupus-research/">four-year study</a> by 23andMe and Pfizer of 6,000 individuals with lupus found that 67 percent of participants reported skin reactions after sun exposure. 
Dermatologists <a href="https://www.lupus.org/resources/uv-exposure-what-you-need-to-know">recommend</a> a suite of lifestyle modifications that include wearing sunscreen, shading or tinting the windows of your car, and even choosing lightbulbs with lower irradiance.
<h6>Staying Safe this Summer</h6>
Too much UV exposure and too much heat can leave their mark, but with a little knowledge and preparation, you can maximize the last few weeks of the season.

Here Comes the Sun!

This week, we released a new report (powered by 23andMe Research) on Fibromyalgia for 23andMe+ Premium members.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. That pain can be intermittent and move to different parts of the body. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also include fatigue, problems sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
Because of the pain, discomfort, and chronic nature of the condition, people with fibromyalgia often experience depression and anxiety as they cope with their symptoms.
<h6><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-29987 size-large" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-1024x536.png" alt="" width="1024" height="536" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-1024x536.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-300x157.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-768x402.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-880x461.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1-1180x618.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fibromyalgia-1200x628-1.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Understanding Fibromyalgia</h6>
The causes of fibromyalgia are not well understood, but genetics and other factors influence how likely an individual is to develop the condition.
 Researchers believe people with fibromyalgia have higher pain sensitivity. That may reflect differences in the nervous system for these individuals, especially in the brain and spinal cord.
While the exact causes are not understood, certain non-genetic factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition. A family history of the condition also increases the odds of developing it. It’s also associated with other health conditions, like depression, viral infection, arthritis, and lupus. Stress or trauma also is associated with higher chances of developing fibromyalgia.
 While the condition can affect people of any age, it tends to develop in middle age. It’s estimated that as many as five million people in the U.S. live with fibromyalgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but it’s also believed that the condition is under-diagnosed, especially in men.
<h6>A New Report</h6>
Our new report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.
 This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes 13,040 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. In this <a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodology_May2020.pdf">white paper</a>, you can learn more about the science and methodology behind our new report. 
<h6>Managing and Treating Fibromyalgia</h6>
Although it’s not life-threatening, fibromyalgia can make day-to-day life difficult.
Beyond the symptoms already described like chronic pain and fatigue, people with the condition also may deal with headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or even a painful bladder.
Often those with the condition benefit from counseling or participate in support groups as part of a broader effort to manage their fibromyalgia.
In addition, many experts agree that lifestyle habits may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with fibromyalgia. Regular exercise, good sleep and sleep habits, and stress-reduction or mindfulness techniques have been shown to help manage symptoms.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s new Fibromyalgia report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ Premium members. To view your report, go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.fibromyalgia/"> here</a>.
Not a 23andMe+ Premium member? To become a 23andMe+ Premium member, or to find out more go<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here</a>.

New 23andMe+ Premium Report on Fibromyalgia

This week, we released a new report Powered by 23andMe Research on Anxiety for 23andMe+ Members.
Anxiety is a normal part of life and a natural reaction to stressful situations. But when anxiety doesn’t go away and becomes overwhelming or disruptive to daily life, it may be considered an anxiety disorder.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias.
Anxiety disorders are very common. Up to three in 10 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, and females are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety as males.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-29930" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1-1024x389.png" alt="" width="1024" height="389" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1-1024x389.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1-300x114.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1-768x292.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1-880x334.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/range-box-1.png 1076w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
<h2>Understanding Anxiety</h2>
Researchers believe that genetics combine with other factors to influence how likely an individual is to develop an anxiety disorder.
Non-genetic factors that can increase the likelihood of experiencing an anxiety disorder include: a history of stress, trauma, or abuse; a family history of anxiety; female birth sex; other health conditions, including other mental health conditions; experiencing discrimination; certain medications; and problems with alcohol or drug use.  
<h2>One Part of the Story</h2>
Your genetic report result doesn’t mean that you will or will not experience an anxiety disorder.
This is because most of a person&#8217;s overall likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder is explained by factors not accounted for in this result, including both genetic and non-genetic factors other than those included in the result.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29931" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Contextualisation-Moodule.png" alt="" width="349" height="313" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Contextualisation-Moodule.png 349w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Contextualisation-Moodule-300x269.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px" />
If you have already been diagnosed with anxiety by a healthcare professional, this genetic result does not change that. It is important to work with your healthcare provider and continue any recommended management plan.
<h2>Symptoms of Anxiety</h2>
Everyone experiences anxiety differently, but there are some shared signs and symptoms. 
Physical signs include a pounding heart, hyperventilation, muscle tension, sweating, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. 
Many people also experience a sense of uneasiness, dread, or fear.
<h2>A New Report</h2>
Our new report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing anxiety.
This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes more than 7,700 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. You can learn more about the science and methodology behind our new report in this <a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodology_May2020.pdf">white paper</a>. 
<h2>Managing and Treating Anxiety </h2>
Medication and counseling, or a combination of the two, are all ways to treat anxiety. 
In addition, many lifestyle habits may help manage symptoms. Regular exercise, stress-reduction or mindfulness techniques, and dietary changes like removing or reducing caffeine intake and limiting alcohol can reduce anxiety and help boost mood.
It’s also important to seek social support, especially during times of stress, such as significant life changes or losses.
<h2>Learn More</h2>
23andMe’s new Anxiety report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all annual members of the 23andMe+ Membership. To view your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.anxiety/">here</a>.
Not an annual member to the 23andMe+ Membership?
Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">here</a>.
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Health + Traits — Page 11