<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="536" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-29632" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-1024x536.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-300x157.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-768x402.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-880x461.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IBS-Blog-1200x628-2-1180x618.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
 
An estimated <a href="https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/facts-about-ibs/statistics/">10-15 percent of adults</a> in the US suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Symptoms of the disorder include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel function including diarrhea and/or constipation.
The exact cause of IBS is not well understood. <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes">Research</a> indicates that disruptions in brain-gut interactions, changes in the composition of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut, and the presence of chronic, low-level inflammation in the intestines all play a role. Life events or stressors, a history of bacterial infection in the digestive tract, and genetics can also contribute to its development.  

<h6>A New Report </h6>
This week, we released a new report on IBS for 23andMe+ members.
 The report, which is powered by data from 23andMe research participants, uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition. This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes more than 12,000 genetic markers, along with information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex.
 The report also provides an overview of the condition and actionable ways to alleviate symptoms.

<h6>Taking Action</h6>
While IBS can’t be prevented, lifestyle interventions, medication, and stress reduction techniques can effectively manage the condition.
 Many individuals can minimize their symptoms by avoiding the foods that seem to trigger them. Other dietary changes, such as gradually increasing the amount of soluble fiber (commonly found in foods like oats, beans, and apples) or adopting what’s called a low<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/eating-diet-nutrition"> “FODMAP diet</a>,” may also provide relief.
 Because of the close relationship between the brain and the gut, counseling and stress management techniques may diminish symptoms and improve quality of life. Increasing physical activity and getting sufficient sleep are also useful tools.
 And for more severe cases of IBS, medication can help alleviate troublesome symptoms like pain and cramping. 

<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all annual members to the 23andMe+ Membership. To learn more about your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.ibs/">here</a>. 
Not yet an annual member to the 23andMe+ Membership?
Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">here</a>.

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

New 23andMe+ Report on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Editor&#8217;s Note: For Twosday (Tuesday 2/22/22) We&#8217;re sharing a story we did a few years back about identical twins. Twins are endlessly fascinating for us as humans, and their stories are embedded in our folklore and mythology. But twins and the study of twins is also a cornerstone for genetic research helping us better understand the heritability of different traits, conditions and diseases. When we look at identical twins, we often are drawn more to the their <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/01/double-life.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">similarities than their differences</a>, and we&#8217;ve written about<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-customer-stories/23andme-reunites-identical-twins-separated-birth/"> identical twins separated at birth</a> and how meeting as adults reveals how uncannily much they have in common. But the differences can often be just as illuminating. Check out these stories.
<h2>Greg and Alex</h2>
The twins Greg and Alex Abbas were always really good in math and science. They sounded exactly alike on the phone. They could each play the piano, and they both became Eagle Scouts.
“We’ve always been more alike than different,” said Greg, a software engineering manager at Apple Inc.
<div id="attachment_22592" style="width: 890px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22592" class="size-larger wp-image-22592" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-and-Greg-880x660.jpg" alt="A photo of Alex and Greg." width="880" height="660" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-and-Greg-880x660.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-and-Greg-300x225.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-and-Greg-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-and-Greg.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px" />Alex and Greg</div>
In high school, they looked enough alike that they could switch places and fool the teachers. But despite all those similarities, the brothers were always told they were fraternal, not identical twins. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“That was mom’s assertion,” said Greg. “The doctor told her that there were two placentas.”<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>That old assumption, and others, led many twins and their parents to wrong conclusions about whether they were identical or fraternal twins. As many as one-third of identical twins and all same-sex non-identical twins have separate placentas. Even when there are two placentas, that might not be obvious to the delivering doctor. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code> 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>It’s no wonder correctly identifying twins as identical or fraternal is harder than you’d imagine. One recent study found that 32 percent of parents of identical twins were confused or plain wrong about whether their children were identical or not. About 29 percent of parents of fraternal twins had it wrong. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>In hindsight, it explains a lot to Greg and Alex. The two had always wondered if maybe the doctors had it wrong. Not long ago, Alex, a bioinformatician at Genentech with a Ph.D in biology, decided they should look at how similar they were genetically by testing with 23andMe. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“I thought there was a possibility that we might be semi-identical,” said Alex, referring to scarce sets of twins.
In those cases, the twins are half fraternal and half identical, having the same genes from one parent but different genes from the other. While there are plenty of critical medical reasons for knowing whether twins are identical, there are also less concrete reasons that are no less important. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“I wouldn’t say it’s a huge deal, but it is special to learn about yourself in this way,” said Alex. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>What the brothers found out from testing is that they are indeed identical twins, not fraternal.
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code> 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“The results were 100 percent shared DNA,” said Greg. “I said, ‘Wow, that’s not fraternal.’” While the brothers said they can’t claim that their lives were changed by the news or did anything differently because of what they learned, both said the information was extremely valuable. 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"></code>
<code style="display: none;"></code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code> 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“Being a twin is an intrinsic part of the way I look at my own identity, so getting it right and understanding myself is important,” Greg said.
The Abbas brothers are not the only twins who learned through using 23andMe that they are identical twins.
<h2>Mike and Matt</h2>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code> 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>When Mike Convente, a Ph.D. student in Philadelphia, learned through 23andMe that he and his brother <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/30/961626/-Our-Genome-Decoded-How-Companies-Like-23andMe-Are-Advancing-the-Field-of-Personal-Genomics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">were identical twins</a>, it made their bond somehow more special.
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>
<div id="attachment_23529" style="width: 229px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23529" class="wp-image-23529 size-medium" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mike_Matt_2-219x300.jpg" alt="A photo of Mike and Make as kids." width="219" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mike_Matt_2-219x300.jpg 219w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mike_Matt_2.jpg 525w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px" />Mike Convente (left) and his brother Matt.</div>
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“The true essence of being a twin is to be identical,” Mike said. “Otherwise, you&#8217;re just siblings born at the same time.”
<h2><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>Tim and Nick</h2>
Tim Dang, a product manager here at 23andMe, and his brother Nick also grew up being told that they were fraternal twins but learned that they were identical twins after testing with 23andMe. Like the Convente twins and Alex and Greg, learning about being identical was an important detail for Tim and his brother.
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code> 
<code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> 
</code>“Knowing we&#8217;re identical made us think hard about our similarities and differences, identity and the life choices we made up to this point,&#8221; he said.
<div id="attachment_22594" style="width: 890px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22594" class="size-larger wp-image-22594" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-880x696.jpg" alt="" width="880" height="696" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-880x696.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-300x237.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-768x607.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-1024x810.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tim-Nick-Dang-1180x933.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px" />Tim Dang (left) and his brother Nick.</div>
<h2 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">Erika and Kristin</h2>
Sometimes twins only learn that they are identical twins later in life, as in the case of Erika and Kristin.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="23andMe Story: Two of a Kind, Erika and Kristin" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVug8r-hl5o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

More Alike Than Different

Among the many strategies for staying healthy is paying attention to your digestive system.
23andMe adds a new report for 23andMe+ Premium members on diverticulitis, a common but not well-known condition that affects the gut.  
Diverticulitis occurs at weak spots in the intestinal tract, where small bulging pouches become inflamed. These pouches, most often found in the large intestine (also called the colon), are called “diverticula.” They are common, especially as we age, but usually do not cause problems.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-29498 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-10-at-2.23.06-PM-289x300.png" alt="" width="289" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-10-at-2.23.06-PM-289x300.png 289w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-10-at-2.23.06-PM.png 576w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px" />It’s estimated that more than half of people in the United States over 60 have diverticula, and most likely never have any issues. But about five percent of those individuals will develop inflammation in these pouches, a condition called “diverticulitis,” according to the<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis/definition-facts"> National Institutes of Health.</a> This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, constipation, or diarrhea. More serious complications, such as blockages or perforations, can lead to hospitalization.
Genetics, diet, a lack of exercise, being overweight, and some medications can all contribute to one’s chances of developing the condition.
<h6>23andMe+ PREMIUM</h6>
As part of 23andMe+ Premium, members can now access a Diverticulitis report powered by 23andMe research data.
The new report uses machine learning techniques to estimate a person’s likelihood of developing diverticulitis. In the report, we make the estimate with a statistical model that uses data from 23andMe research participants and includes more than 5,000 genetic variants. The report also takes into account a person’s ethnicity and birth sex.
<h6>Taking Action</h6>
Fortunately, one can lower their chances of developing diverticulitis with a healthy lifestyle. That includes eating more fiber and less red meat, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
Taking steps to learn about your genetics and your family medical history, and talking with your healthcare provider will help you understand your own chances and the right steps for prevention.
<h6>More</h6>
23andMe’s new Diverticulitis report (powered by 23andMe research) is available to all members that join the 23andMe+ Premium membership. To learn more about your report, members can go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.diverticulitis/"> here</a>.
Haven’t joined the 23andMe+ Premium membership yet?
 Find out more<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/?ban=stky"> here</a>.

23andMe+ Premium Report on Diverticulitis

Why are people attracted to specific traits in romantic partners? How can someone garnish all their dishes with cilantro and someone else recoil at the thought? What makes an individual reach for sweet snacks instead of salty ones?
&nbsp;The mystery behind why we love what we love has fascinated humanity for millennia.
But even love – that intangible emotion long contemplated by philosophers, artists, poets, and head-over-heels teenagers – is not impervious to the reach of DNA. In fact, research shows that genetics can influence our preferences and tastes.

<h6>Birds of a Feather</h6>
It turns out there might be some scientific proof to the adage “birds of a feather flock together,” at least when it comes to mate preference.
A study published in<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-016-0016"> Nature Human Behavior</a> identified genetic evidence for assortative mating, defined as the tendency to select and mate with partners who are similar to us.
&nbsp;Researchers at the University of Queensland, the University of North Carolina, 23andMe, and other institutions, looked at two specific traits in couples: height and body mass index (BMI).&nbsp;&nbsp;
They used data from more than 24,000 couples, including 11,908 consenting couples from 23andMe, and compared an individual’s genetically predicted height and BMI to those of their partner.
The study<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/you-complete-me/"> found</a> a strong correlation between people’s genetic predisposition for height and their partner’s actual height. A weaker but still statistically significant correlation was also found between people’s genes for BMI and the actual BMI of their partners.

<h6>Pass the Salt… or the Sugar</h6>
Picture your perfect snack. Is it sweet – a bowl of ice cream, or maybe a cookie? Or is it salty (think: popcorn or chips)?
Genetics may influence your choice by impacting how your brain identifies and responds to tastes.
&nbsp;It all starts with a single bite. When food enters your mouth, your taste buds get to work – sending signals to two different brain areas. These regions help you identify and decide if you like a flavor.
Scientists from 23andMe have <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/sweet-salty">identified</a> 43 genetic markers associated with a preference for salty or sweet foods.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Several of these markers are found near genes involved in brain development and function. And two are located in genes associated with food metabolism and body mass, including the FTO gene, which has been linked to obesity.

<h6>The Great Cilantro Divide</h6>
Add cilantro (also known as coriander) to the list of topics you shouldn’t bring up at the dinner table. Like politics and religion, this green, leafy herb elicits surprisingly strong reactions. Some hate it and swear it tastes like soap. Others love it and can’t imagine a dish without it.&nbsp;
What makes this herb so polarizing? Genetics offers a clue. 23andMe researchers<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/cilantro-love-hate-genetic-trait/"> found</a> two genetic markers associated with cilantro aversion located near a cluster of olfactory receptor genes. Some of these receptors help us perceive aldehydes, chemical compounds that contribute to cilantro’s “soapy” scent.
Culture and environment can also influence cilantro preference. According to a 23andMe <a href="https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-8">study</a>, only 3-7 percent of those who identify as South Asian, Latino, or Middle Eastern dislike the herb compared to 14-21 percent of people of East Asian, African, or European ancestry.&nbsp;
Researchers posit that this difference could be partially due to the ubiquity of cilantro in various regional cuisines, which results in frequent exposure to the herb.

In light of these research findings, perhaps we can offer an addition to this well-known quote by the Sufi mystic and poet Rumi: “Only Love… [and DNA] can explain the mysteries of Love.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love, Decoded

Editor&#8217;s note: Since we last posted this we&#8217;ve added two new health reports and so we&#8217;ve updated this post for Heart Health Month 2022.&nbsp;
February is American Heart Month: a time to learn about heart disease and healthy lifestyle actions you can take to prevent it.
Heart disease is responsible for over 600,000 deaths in the U.S. each year making it the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm">leading (non-pandemic) cause of death in the U.S</a>. Heart disease includes a number of different conditions that relate to your heart&#8217;s rhythm, muscle, and blood vessels. Luckily there are things we can all do to lower our risk for, or even prevent heart disease. Learning about what your genetics can tell you about your heart, can be a good first step.
<h6>Explore Heart Health</h6>
23andMe Health + Ancestry Service offers a number of reports* on heart-related conditions to explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition associated with very high levels of cholesterol in the blood, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or &#8220;bad&#8221; cholesterol. High cholesterol due to FH increases the risk for early cardiovascular disease, which can lead to a heart attack.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis is a genetic condition caused by the buildup of a protein called transthyretin in the body&#8217;s tissues and organs. This protein buildup, called amyloidosis, can damage different parts of the body including the heart, which can lead to heart failure.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, sugar builds up in the blood, which over time can lead to complications like heart disease and stroke. This report is powered by 23andMe Research and can tell you about your genetic chances of developing this condition.</li>
</ul>

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="545" height="1024" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-545x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28529" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-545x1024.png 545w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-160x300.png 160w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-768x1444.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-468x880.png 468w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1-628x1180.png 628w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Heart-Health-Intro-1-1.png 982w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px" /></figure>
 
<h6>Looking to Go Deeper</h6>
For those who want to explore, even more, we offer 23andMe+, an annual membership with 10+ exclusive reports and features delivered to you throughout the year. Some of those exclusive reports, powered by 23andMe Research, include heart-related conditions to explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the two upper chambers of the heartbeat irregularly. People with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease that is typically caused by the buildup of a waxy, cholesterol-containing substance called plaque inside the coronary arteries, which are the major blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels narrow, and blood flow to the heart is decreased.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the blood puts too much pressure on the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">HDL cholesterol, &nbsp;the so-called “good cholesterol,” higher levels of high-density lipoprotein, HDL, are &nbsp;associated with a lower risk for heart disease. That’s because HDL acts like an arterial cleanser, removing cholesterol from blood vessels and taking it back to the liver for its removal from the body. This helps prevent LDL cholesterol from building up on the walls of blood vessels and restricting blood flow.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol” can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. This report can tell customers who don&#8217;t have a genetic variant detected in their Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Health Risk report, about their chances of having high levels of &#8220;bad&#8221; cholesterol.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Triglycerides — a type of fat, or lipid, that the body uses to store energy from food for future use. High triglyceride levels are associated with an increased likelihood of developing heart disease, stroke, and sometimes pancreatitis.</li>
</ul>
Learning more about your genetics can help by raising your awareness of certain heart-related conditions. But it&#8217;s also important to keep in mind that things like your family history, ethnicity, and age can also affect your chances of developing these conditions.
Knowing about your genetics isn&#8217;t the end. Taking healthy actions to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can help lower your risk for heart disease. For many heart-related conditions, your everyday actions play a big role in your overall chances of developing (or developing serious complications from) the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating a heart-healthy diet are some of the recommended ways to keep our hearts healthy. This American Heart Month, think about any new actions you can take to keep your heart beating its best.
<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. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk report, visit 23andme.com/test-info/.

Take Action for Heart Health

Skin cancer is the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0749379714005108">most common</a> form of cancer, but it&#8217;s also one of the most preventable. 
Fortunately, knowing your risk along with protecting your skin from the sun can lower your chances of developing all three common forms. Early detection — often through self-exam and mole checks — can also go a long way toward ensuring healthy outcomes. 
In the U.S. alone, an estimated 3.3 million people are diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell cancers each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma makes up a small percentage of all skin cancers, but it is the most lethal, contributing to the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths, according to statistics from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uscs/about/data-briefs/no9-melanoma-incidence-mortality-UnitedStates-2012-2016.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.
<h6>23andMe+</h6>
As part of 23andMe+, members can now access two reports on these three common forms of skin cancer. These include a Skin Cancer (Melanoma) report, and a Skin Cancer (Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas) report. Both are powered by 23andMe Research.
The new reports use machine learning techniques to estimate a person&#8217;s likelihood of developing one of these forms of skin cancer. In the report on Skin Cancer (Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas), we make the estimate by using a statistical model that includes more than 11,000 genetic variants into account. For the report on Skin Cancer (Melanoma), the statistical model includes more than 1,800 genetic variants. The reports also take into account a person&#8217;s ethnicity and birth sex.
<h6>Skin Cancer Risk and Ethnicity</h6>
Because these types of skin cancers are so rare among certain ethnicities, we cannot provide genetic results for everyone at this time. In the cases of people of East and Southeast and South Asian descent, the likelihood of developing one of these cancers is so small that statistical models predicting these likelihoods based on genetics do not meet our scientific standards.
These models include customers’ results for thousands of genetic markers and are available for people of European, Latino, Northern African, Central and Western Asian as well as Sub-Saharan African descent. So, in the report on basal and squamous cell carcinomas, we are unable to provide a genetic likelihood for people of East and Southeast Asian and South Asian descent. In addition, in the report on melanoma, we are unable to provide a genetic likelihood for people of East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and African descent.  
While skin cancer can develop in people of all ethnicities, people of European descent have a much higher risk. The lifetime risk for melanoma is about two percent for people of European descent, but only about .1 percent among those of African descent. For people of Latino or Hispanic descent, it&#8217;s a little more than half a percent. But for people with darker skin, diagnosing melanoma often happens much later, resulting in potentially worse outcomes. In addition, people with darker skin are much more likely to develop melanoma in locations that get less sun, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, beneath the fingernails, or even inside the mouth.
That&#8217;s what makes both prevention and skin self-exam so important. Experts recommend knowing the <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at-risk/abcdes">ABCDEs of melanoma</a> and performing a skin self-exam about once a month. It&#8217;s important to keep an eye on your skin and talk to a healthcare professional like a dermatologist if you notice any changes, including new or changed moles, bumps, or sores.
<h6>A Little Bit More About Skin Cancer</h6>
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas usually develop on areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun, like the face and hands. The first sign might be a bump, growth, or a sore that doesn&#8217;t heal. For people with darker skin, these types of cancers often appear more like a dark brown or black bump that might be glossy and have a rolled border. Both are typically very treatable, tend to grow slowly, and often remain in the first layers of skin.
Melanomas are different and much more serious. While they can appear in much the same way, or develop from an existing mole, what happens below the skin&#8217;s surface is what makes them so dangerous.
That&#8217;s because melanomas are more likely than other skin cancers to spread locally or metastasize to other parts of the body. Again, this is why early detection is so important so that they can be treated before cancer can spread.
<h6>Research</h6>
In the case of skin cancer, we know that environmental factors, particularly sun exposure and repeated sunburns, increase the risk substantially. But research has found that genetic factors and specific traits also play a role.
23andMe has been involved in several research projects to create polygenic scores that would better estimate the likelihood of developing skin cancer. These <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/skin-cancer-risk-model/">statistical models</a> incorporate not just genetic variants but also family cancer history, skin pigmentation, sun exposure and body mass index, for instance. 
Not long ago, using data from consented 23andMe research participants, researchers from Indiana University found new genetic variants associated with <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-genetic-research-on-skin-cancer/">squamous cell carcinomas</a>. And a few years before, researchers at Stanford, also using 23andMe data, found new genetic variants associated with <a href="https://www.oncotarget.com/article/15230/">the risk of melanoma</a>. Most recently, a team of researchers in Australia, with the help of 23andMe data, found more than 70 genetic variants associated with melanoma and identified correlations between melanoma and <a href="https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(21)02513-6/fulltext#secsectitle0070">autoimmune diseases</a> such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. 
<h6>Taking Action</h6>
Being vigilant especially for new moles or discolored skin, and protecting your skin from the sun, all can help lower the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Self-exam is a little tougher for areas like your back so having a partner, your doctor, or a dermatologist take a look is a good idea.
Everyone should be aware of the risk for skin cancer,  but some individuals have more risk than others. Individuals with lighter-skin, or a lot of moles, or who sunburn easily, or who have a family history of skin cancer, should be particularly vigilant. 
Sun protection is important, but it&#8217;s also a good idea to avoid tanning beds. 
<h6>More</h6>
23andMe&#8217;s new skin cancer reports (powered by 23andMe research) are available to all annual subscribers to the 23andMe+ Membership.  To learn more about your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.skin_cancer_melanoma/">here</a> and <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.skin_cancer_bcc_scc/">here</a>. 
Not yet an annual subscriber to the 23andMe+ Membership?
Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership">here</a>.

New 23andMe+ Reports on Skin Cancer

For Jessica Diaz, a stroke at 36 didn&#8217;t just alter the course of her life; it&#8217;s driven her to help other women who might unknowingly be at risk for the same thing.
You&#8217;ve probably heard the maxim that &#8220;knowledge is power,&#8221; but what is the opposite of that?
It disturbed Jessica that so many people didn&#8217;t even know they might carry the risk that led to her brush with death. It bothered her that people didn&#8217;t realize that either a direct-to-consumer genetic test or blood test could easily detect it. Those tests offer people a chance to take steps to lower their risk. So, Jessica went on a mission to bring that knowledge to others.
&nbsp;

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29425" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-587x880.jpeg 587w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-787x1180.jpeg 787w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JessicaDiazAHA-scaled.jpeg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>
 
<h6></h6>
<h6>Factor V Leiden</h6>
It started with her health scare nine years ago. A massive headache, and partial paralysis along her left side, led her husband to take her to the emergency room. Lying on a hospital bed after several tests, she listened in disbelief as doctors told her the diagnosis.
She&#8217;d had a stroke.
That didn&#8217;t compute for the then 36-year-old mother of two young children. Jessica didn&#8217;t even know that people her age could have a stroke. Not only that, but she was the model of health, a Barre class instructor, and a yoga enthusiast, so it was hard to accept what she was hearing. 
Testing at the hospital revealed she had a genetic variant called Factor V Leiden, which put her at a higher risk for blood clots.
&#8220;I&#8217;d never even heard of it before,&#8221; she said.
<h6>Harmful Blood Clots</h6>
She&#8217;s not alone. Most people have never heard of it, but the condition is not uncommon. More than five percent of the population in the United States have Factor V Leiden and the variant is most common in people of Northern European ancestry. Having it increases the risk of forming harmful blood clots which can develop in the legs and are known as deep vein thromboses (DVTs). The clots can also travel to the lungs and become pulmonary embolisms. Other factors might also increase risk: breaking a hip or leg; being immobilized for a very long time while lying in a hospital bed or traveling on a very long flight; pregnancy; and taking birth control pills.
Again, Jessica knew none of this.
&#8220;How is it possible that women don&#8217;t know this?&#8221; she thought.
In her case, the doctors believed that her having Factor V Leiden in combination with a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect — a small hole in her heart known as a patent foramen ovale — ultimately led to the stroke. The clot had formed in her heart and then traveled to her brain.
<h6>Recovery</h6>
Jessica was lucky to have only spent a week in the hospital. Her recovery was relatively fast. She didn&#8217;t end up with long-term brain damage or paralysis, as can happen with other stroke survivors. About six months after the stroke, she underwent 10-hour open-heart surgery to repair the hole in her heart. Now nine years on, she&#8217;s healthy and fit. She also knows how lucky she is. Lucky that she got to the hospital within the critical early hours of a stroke. Lucky that she was near a good hospital, where they&#8217;re renowned for their treatment of strokes. And lucky that her insurance covered the costs. 
The experience changed how she approached her health. She eats a little differently now, stays hydrated, and knows to avoid estrogen-containing oral contraception and hormone therapies.
<h6>Educating Herself and Others</h6>
But after the stroke, she also began to educate herself. The experience didn&#8217;t just change the trajectory of her life,  it motivated her to help change the fate of others. Genetics played a role in her risk, so she alerted her sister, who was pregnant at the time. Her sister tested, and she too had Factor V Leiden. Her sister was put on a blood thinner through the pregnancy to lower her risk for a clot or miscarriage.
And Jessica began to do even more. She couldn&#8217;t get the idea out of her head about how few women knew of this risk. She became an ambassador for the American Heart and Stroke Association. Then she began what turned into a multi-year effort to get legislation passed in Massachusetts to have better screening for women going on birth control. 
“I wanted to ensure that women have all the available information before choosing oral contraceptives,” she said.
She&#8217;s<a href="https://www.purewow.com/wellness/i-had-a-stroke-at-36"> written about her experience</a> and talks about it to other women.

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="563" height="617" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tarin-Jessica.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29428" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tarin-Jessica.jpg 563w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tarin-Jessica-274x300.jpg 274w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" /></figure>
 
<h6></h6>
<h6>Meeting Tarin</h6>
This past April, at the beach on vacation with her family in the Caribbean, she began talking to a woman named Tarin Jackson. They learned they live just two miles from each other in Boston but had never met before. Tarin asked Jessica what she does.
&#8220;I shared that I was an ambassador for the American Heart Association and that I was working on a bill for the last six years to ask health care providers for better screening for Factor V Leiden,&#8221; Jessica said.
Tarin immediately asked, &#8220;What&#8217;s Factor V Leiden?&#8221;   
As Jessica began to explain it, Tarin blurted out.
“Wait,” she said, adding that she might have the variant. 
<h6>OMG</h6>
She grabbed her phone and then opened up her 23andMe Hereditary Thrombophilia Genetic Health Risk report. It reports on the Factor V Leiden variant and another variant in the F2 gene associated with a higher likelihood of developing harmful blood clots.*
&#8220;I opened the report and said, ‘&#8230; Oh My God,'&#8221; Tarin said recently.
She indeed had the variant. It was important information because Tarin had recently restarted taking oral contraception. After talking with Jessica, Tarin talked first to her primary care doctor and then gynecologists. 
Tarin did follow-up testing confirming she had Factor V Leiden. Her doctor recommended she stop taking her birth control pill. And then Tarin reached out to family, trying to find out if they had any history of blood clotting. It turns out her father had four blood clots following a surgical procedure after a bike accident. 
Seeing how this information could empower someone like Tarin to lower her risk and take charge of her health was thrilling for Jessica. She continues her work talking to other women like her, raising awareness, and advocating screening women before being prescribed oral contraception.
&#8220;I cannot express my gratitude and excitement to learn that people have access to finding out whether they have (the variant for) Factor V Leiden,&#8221; Jessica said. &#8220;It could be lifesaving.&#8221;
<hr />
*The 23andMe PGS 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.  The Hereditary Thrombophilia genetic health risk report is indicated for reporting of the Factor V Leiden variant in the F5 gene, and the Prothrombin G20210A variant in the F2 gene and describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing harmful blood clots. The variants included in this report are most common and best studied in people of European descent. These variants are also found in populations with European ancestry, like African Americans and Hispanics or Latinos.

A Stroke Survivor Wants to Raise Awareness for Other Women

The number of people who are nearsighted, who need glasses to see distant objects clearly, has<a href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/myopia-close-look-efforts-turn-back-growing-problem"> risen dramatically</a> over the last 50 years.
Known as myopia, nearsightedness is quite common, and occurs when the shape of the eye is elongated or the cornea of the eye is angled in a way that prevents the eye from focusing light properly.  It’s estimated that about 45 percent of adults in the U.S. aged 20 and older are nearsighted. In many parts of East Asia, the rates are much higher than that.
&nbsp;

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="536" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-29397" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-1024x536.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-300x157.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-768x402.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-880x461.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2-1180x618.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nearsightedness-Blog-1200x628-2.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
 

<h6>23andMe+</h6>
This week, we released a new 23andMe+ report (Powered by 23andMe Research) that looks at a person’s likelihood of being nearsighted and provides information about the condition as well as ways to protect your vision.
The new report uses machine learning techniques to estimate a person’s likelihood of being nearsighted. To make that estimate, we use a statistical model that includes more than 2,700 genetic variants, and also takes into account a person’s ethnicity and birth sex. Most cases of nearsightedness actually develop during childhood and then stabilize during adulthood.
Besides genetics, other factors like age, family history, and ethnicity all play a role in the likelihood of developing myopia. But research funded by the<a href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/myopia-close-look-efforts-turn-back-growing-problem"> NIH’s National Eye Institute</a> suggests that the rapid rise in cases is most likely related to lifestyle changes. More children spending more time indoors, for instance, or spending more hours doing “near work” like reading, or looking at computer screens or smartphones, may all contribute to the increase.
Nearsightedness develops as changes in eye shape move the focal point of our vision. Light from an object in our field of vision is focused first by the cornea and lens onto the retina, which is in the back of our eyeball and sends a signal to the brain. When the shape of the eye changes so the focal point is moved in front of the retina instead, distant objects appear blurry.
&nbsp;

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="380" height="197" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/nearsightedness-story-1.eca30fdefebc.svg" alt="" class="wp-image-29362"/></figure>
 
<h6></h6>
<h6>Research</h6>
23andMe scientists have contributed to research looking into genetic associations for nearsightedness, including<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/nearsightedness/"> a 2020 study</a> that found that genes involved in circadian rhythm are also associated with nearsightedness.
Data from more than 100,000 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research were also used in<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/findings-on-nearsightedness/"> a massive 2018 study</a> that identified 8,000 genetic variants associated with nearsightedness. Other 23andMe research into the genetic basis for the condition go back<a href="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ASHG2012MyopiaGWAS.jm_.pdf"> almost a decade</a>.
<h6>Taking Action</h6>
Although encouraging children to spend <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2441261">more time outdoors</a> has been one approach to try and stem the rise in nearsightedness, experts do not yet agree on what other lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow its progression.
However, they do agree that healthy lifestyle habits can lower the chances of developing other eye conditions. Among those habits are regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses to block UV light, and taking breaks from near-work or computer screen time to avoid eye strain. A healthy diet and exercise can also help by lowering the likelihood of developing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can damage one’s vision.
<h6>More</h6>
23andMe’s new Nearsightedness report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ members. To learn more about your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.nearsightedness/">here</a>. 
Not yet a 23andMe+ member? Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership">here</a>.
<hr />
*The 23andMe+ Nearsightedness report is based on 23andMe research and incorporates more than 2,700 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of being nearsighted. The report does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration.

New 23andMe+ Report on Nearsightedness

Most of us have felt the embarrassment of having an unsightly pimple at the worst possible time, but the impact can be more than just temporary mortification for those with severe acne and instead leave both literal and psychological scars.
About 85 percent of Americans have had acne, and it is estimated that less than 20 percent have experienced moderate to severe acne. While new treatments can help manage the condition and prevent scarring, there remains a lot of misinformation about the causes and best ways to deal with this common skin condition.
A new 23andMe+ Premium report Powered by 23andMe Research looks at a person&#8217;s likelihood of developing severe acne and provides information about some of the causes, and some of the ways to reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. The new report uses machine learning techniques to estimate a person&#8217;s likelihood of having severe acne. To make that estimate, we use a statistical model that looks at more than 8,500 genetic variants as well as a person&#8217;s ethnicity and sex. 
Although it is most common during puberty, acne affects people of all ages. It occurs when hair follicles in the skin become clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, which in turn can lead to many deep and painful types of pimples along with many whiteheads and blackheads. To help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts, experts recommend using gentle skin cleansers, avoiding aggressive scrubbing, and avoiding touching and picking areas prone to acne. Severe acne can be persistent and lead to scarring, especially without proper treatment, which usually includes prescription medication.

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="808" height="318" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-29207" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-18.png 808w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-18-300x118.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-18-768x302.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px" /></figure>
 
<h6>Severe Acne</h6>
Severe acne often extends deeper into the skin than a mere breakout and can last a lot longer. In these cases, the acne may consist of cysts or nodules that are painful. In addition, after severe acne heals, scars can form. Enlarged and raised scars, called keloids, are more common in people with darker skin. In addition, severe acne may change the color of the skin.  It is often associated with changes in hormone levels caused by menstruation, or high levels of androgen hormones, for instance.
While genetics plays a role, other factors such as age and family history can increase the chances of developing acne. Some conditions that are also associated with changes in hormone levels, like polycystic ovary syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, can also increase the chances of developing severe acne. Certain medications also can play a role.

 <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="774" height="340" src="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-29206" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-17.png 774w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-17-300x132.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/image-17-768x337.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px" /></figure>
 
<h6>Taking Action</h6>
Understanding more about the genetic and non-genetic factors that may influence your likelihood of having severe acne can help in understanding how to help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. Remember to talk with your healthcare provider before making any significant lifestyle changes.
23andMe&#8217;s new Severe Acne report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ Premium members. To learn more about your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.severe_acne/">here</a>.
Not yet a 23andMe+ Premium member? Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership">here</a>.
<hr />
*The 23andMe Severe Acne report is based on 23andMe research and incorporates more than 8,500 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of having severe acne. The report does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Health + Traits — Page 13