Jerilynn Prior

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Jerilynn C. Prior is a Canadian endocrinologist [1] and medical doctor specializing in menstrual cycles and the effects of hormones on women's health. [2] [3] She has been called a leader in understanding and treating perimenopause and menopause. [4] She was born in the USA and moved to Canada in 1976, and has taken citizenship there.

Contents

Biography

Jerilynn Prior grew up in small Indigenous fishing village in Alaska.[ citation needed ] Ever since Prior was a young child, she knew she was destined to work in health care.[ citation needed ] Prior was inspired to work in medicine after a public nurse visited her school to administer vaccinations. [5]

Prior was granted a scholarship from the National Science Foundation for her to study English literature at Linfield College, Oregon. [6] Prior then proceeded to study at the University of Oregon School of Medicine. However, continuing into her third year of studies, Prior transferred to Boston University School of Medicine.[ citation needed ] Prior graduated with honors, completing her master's degree in medicine in 1969. [5] Prior received her first training placement at Internal Medicine in Boston.[ citation needed ] Prior became a physician and worked in various states across the USA. [6]

Prior moved to Canada in 1976 because she believed in the universal healthcare system. Prior says that her research would have been very limited had she stayed in America.[ citation needed ] Prior became a Canadian citizen in 1984 and currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Prior has been retired from clinical practice since 2009, after spending 40 years helping patients.[ citation needed ] Prior still partakes in consultations with health care practitioners in Canada and has been a professor at the University of British Columbia since 1994. Prior still works full time by doing research, writing and teaching.[ citation needed ]

Starting in 1967, Prior engaged in tax resistance to protest government spending on war, and she continued this protest after her move to Canada, refusing to pay a portion of her federal income tax equivalent to the war-related portion of the federal budget. When the government pursued the withheld money, Prior contested this in court. The Tax Court rejected her case, which she then appealed on freedom of conscience / freedom of religion grounds to the Federal Court of Appeal, which turned her down in 1988. The Supreme Court declined to hear her appeal in 1990, and a further appeal to the UN Human Rights Committee also met with no success. [7] She wrote a book about her struggle: I Feel the Winds of God Today. [8]

Scientific work

Prior has proved to be a leader in the scientific community, especially regarding the use of progesterone; in fact, unlike many of her colleagues, Prior has been prescribing progesterone for postmenopausal women and perimenopausal women to treat hot flashes, night sweats, heavy flow, and sore breasts since 1995. [9] In a 2014 study conducted by Dr. Prior and colleagues, it was proven that progesterone is an effective treatment for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. These findings debunk the beliefs that progesterone causes serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, and shows how the negative effects of progesterone have been "overblown". [9] Within the international scientific community, Prior is especially known for her studies that prove progesterone causes women's increased bone formation. [6]

Prior has also conducted extensive research regarding combined hormonal contraceptive, more commonly known as 'the pill'. Specifically, Prior has found evidence suggesting that using the pill early on can impact reproductive health. [10] In her review of the long-term effects for younger patients using the pill, Prior found that women who had been on the pill had lower ovarian reserve and also took longer to conceive a first child. [10] By focusing her research on adolescents, Prior is contributing to a field of research that has been mostly focused on older women.

Additionally, Prior has often and openly voiced hesitation for dispensing birth control for reasons "it was never designed for". [10] According to Prior, most young women taking the pill are not given a prescription for birth control, but for an array of other reasons including cramping, acne, heavy periods, and irregular cycles. However, Prior argues that it takes years for a regular ovulation to take place, that "our bodies need time to find their natural cycle" [10] and that other prescriptions or medicine are better suited. For example, taking ibuprofen for alleviate the pain of cramps is a much better solution, given that it also lessens heavy flow. For adolescents, Prior recommends either a progestin-releasing IUD [11] or a "combination of diaphragm and spermicidal gel", which are safer alternatives to the pill and more effective given that teens are not as diligent as older women when taking the pill. [10]

Academic/career accomplishments

Prior is Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, founder and scientific director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), [12] director of the BC Center of the Canadian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (CaMOS), and a past president of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. [2]

Prior is the author of three books, has over 200 publications, and holds 6 patents. She was awarded the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Medical Research Lecturer Award in 2002. Her research-based novel Estrogen's Storm Season was a finalist in the 2006 Independent Publishers Book Awards for Health. [2] She co-wrote the perimenopause chapter for the 40th anniversary edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves. [13]

Susan Love has called Prior a "champion for women's health", and she has been credited as one of the first researchers to propose that psychological and sociocultural factors must be considered in medical research on women's health. [14] Prior has been critical of the "medicalization of all things female" and has been recognized for pioneering research into women's ranges of normal experiences and physiology. [15]

Contributions to feminism

When Prior first began her career in medicine, she was one of the very few women in the field.[ citation needed ] Through all of Prior's scientific contributions and her valued reputation, she has created an environment where people are "less quick to judge someone negatively just because she is a woman.". [16] Prior has opened up new doors to research which will further benefit and educate women all around the world [16] Prior has achieved remarkable advancements as a feminist, specifically when it comes to the advancement of research on endocrinological health. Feminist approaches have seldom included women reaching the menopausal stages in life. Prior has extended the common feminist notion and pushed for inclusion of aging and senior women in movements and research.

Prior has highlighted that women were originally seen as being biologically inferior. [16] Through Prior's scientific work, she has argued that women should be deemed equal in value to men, without cultural prejudice. [16] Prior's main premise through her research is "women should have safe, appropriate treatments and the means to understand their own bodies" the same way men do. [17] Prior has taken a stance in defence of discrimination when it comes to scientific research. Women have been left out of scientific studies as a result of physiological variabilities in terms of menstruation. Prior responded to the notion by saying that in science comparing men to women is like "comparing apples to oranges." [18] In other words, men cannot adequately replace women in research because of physiological differences. As a result of scientific exclusion, women currently do not have accurate information about specific interventions. Prior says that women are more likely to have an adverse reaction to medicine, which makes it very significant for women to be heavily involved in research. [18] By advocating for the inclusion of women in scientific research, Prior is contributing to feminism.

Description of books

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Combined oral contraceptive pill</span> Birth control method which is taken orally

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), often referred to as the birth control pill or colloquially as "the pill", is a type of birth control that is designed to be taken orally by women. It is the oral form of combined hormonal contraception. The pill contains two important hormones: a progestin and estrogen. When taken correctly, it alters the menstrual cycle to eliminate ovulation and prevent pregnancy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menstruation</span> Shedding of the uterine lining

Menstruation is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menopause</span> Time when menstrual periods stop permanently

Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time when menstrual periods permanently stop, marking the end of reproduction. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the exact timing can vary. Menopause is usually a natural change. It can occur earlier in those who smoke tobacco. Other causes include surgery that removes both ovaries or some types of chemotherapy. At the physiological level, menopause happens because of a decrease in the ovaries' production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. While typically not needed, a diagnosis of menopause can be confirmed by measuring hormone levels in the blood or urine. Menopause is the opposite of menarche, the time when a girl's periods start.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menstrual cycle</span> Natural changes in the human female reproductive system

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone. The uterine cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the lining of the uterus (womb) to receive an embryo. These cycles are concurrent and coordinated, normally last between 21 and 35 days, with a median length of 28 days, and continue for about 30–45 years.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disruptive set of emotional and physical symptoms that regularly occur in the one to two weeks before the start of each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve around the time menstrual bleeding begins. Different women experience different symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome commonly produces one or more physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms, that resolve with menses. The range of symptoms is wide, and most commonly are breast tenderness, bloating, headache, mood swings, depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability. To be diagnosed as PMS, rather than a normal discomfort of the menstrual cycle, these symptoms must interfere with daily living, during two menstrual cycles of prospective recording. These symptoms are nonspecific and are seen in women without PMS. Often PMS-related symptoms are present for about six days. An individual's pattern of symptoms may change over time. PMS does not produce symptoms during pregnancy or following menopause.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estradiol</span> Chemical compound

Estradiol (E2), also spelled oestradiol, is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of female reproductive cycles such as estrous and menstrual cycles. Estradiol is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as the breasts, widening of the hips and a female-associated pattern of fat distribution. It is also important in the development and maintenance of female reproductive tissues such as the mammary glands, uterus and vagina during puberty, adulthood and pregnancy. It also has important effects in many other tissues including bone, fat, skin, liver, and the brain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Progestogen (medication)</span> Medication producing effects similar to progesterone

A progestogen, also referred to as a progestagen, gestagen, or gestogen, is a type of medication which produces effects similar to those of the natural female sex hormone progesterone in the body. A progestin is a synthetic progestogen. Progestogens are used most commonly in hormonal birth control and menopausal hormone therapy. They can also be used in the treatment of gynecological conditions, to support fertility and pregnancy, to lower sex hormone levels for various purposes, and for other indications. Progestogens are used alone or in combination with estrogens. They are available in a wide variety of formulations and for use by many different routes of administration. Examples of progestogens include natural or bioidentical progesterone as well as progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), also known as (AVB) or as atypical vaginal bleeding, is vaginal bleeding from the uterus that is abnormally frequent, lasts excessively long, is heavier than normal, or is irregular. The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding was used when no underlying cause was present. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is excluded. Iron deficiency anemia may occur and quality of life may be negatively affected.

An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle characterised by the absence of ovulation and a luteal phase. It may also vary in duration from a regular menstrual cycle.

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature attained during rest. It is usually estimated by a temperature measurement immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken. This will lead to a somewhat higher value than the true BBT.

Polymenorrhea, also known as frequent periods, frequent menstruation, or frequent menstrual bleeding, is a menstrual disorder in which menstrual cycles are shorter than 21 days in length and hence where menstruation occurs more frequently than usual. Cycles are regular and menstrual flow is normal in the condition. Normally, menstrual cycles are 25 to 30 days in length, with a median duration of 28 days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hormonal contraception</span> Birth control methods that act on the endocrine system

Hormonal contraception refers to birth control methods that act on the endocrine system. Almost all methods are composed of steroid hormones, although in India one selective estrogen receptor modulator is marketed as a contraceptive. The original hormonal method—the combined oral contraceptive pill—was first marketed as a contraceptive in 1960. In the ensuing decades many other delivery methods have been developed, although the oral and injectable methods are by far the most popular. Hormonal contraception is highly effective: when taken on the prescribed schedule, users of steroid hormone methods experience pregnancy rates of less than 1% per year. Perfect-use pregnancy rates for most hormonal contraceptives are usually around the 0.3% rate or less. Currently available methods can only be used by women; the development of a male hormonal contraceptive is an active research area.

Estrogen dominance (ED) is a theory about a metabolic state where the level of estrogen outweighs the level of progesterone in the body. This is said to be caused by a decrease in progesterone without a subsequent decrease in estrogen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anne MacGregor</span> British doctor

Anne MacGregor is a New Zealand-born British medical researcher and clinician based in London. She is a leading researcher in the field of hormonal effects on migraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catamenial epilepsy</span> Epilepsy exacerbated during certain phases of the menstrual cycle

Catamenial epilepsy is a form of epilepsy in women where seizures are exacerbated during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. In rare cases, seizures occur only during certain parts of the cycle; in most cases, seizures occur more frequently during certain parts of the cycle. Catamenial epilepsy is underlain by hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle where estrogens promote seizures and progesterone counteracts seizure activity.

Sexual motivation is influenced by hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin. In most mammalian species, sex hormones control the ability and motivation to engage in sexual behaviours.

The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) is a health research centre in Vancouver. According to the University of British Columbia, CeMCOR is the only centre in the world that focuses on ovulation and the causes and consequences of ovulation disturbances. CeMCOR is known for research on progesterone-only therapy for menopausal hot flushes, research on perimenopause as distinct from menopause, and for a focus on women's perspectives and self-knowledge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Progesterone (medication)</span> Medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone

Progesterone (P4) is a medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone. It is a progestogen and is used in combination with estrogens mainly in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and low sex hormone levels in women. It is also used in women to support pregnancy and fertility and to treat gynecological disorders. Progesterone can be taken by mouth, vaginally, and by injection into muscle or fat, among other routes. A progesterone vaginal ring and progesterone intrauterine device used for birth control also exist in some areas of the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seed cycling</span> Eating edible seeds to alter menstrual cycle


Seed cycling is the rotation of different edible seeds into the diet at different times in the menstrual cycle. Practitioners believe that since some seeds promote estrogen production, and others promote progesterone production, that eating these seeds in the correct parts of the menstrual cycle will balance the hormonal rhythm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lara Briden</span>

Lara Briden is a naturopath, women’s health speaker, and author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual, published by Pan Macmillan. She has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, and travels widely to speak on women’s health.

References

  1. ↑ Barton, Adriana (18 June 2012). "Progesterone may ease hot flushes, study finds". Globe and Mail. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 "Jerilynn Prior, Associate Member". School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine. University of British Columbia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Premenstrual mood symptoms questioned". CBC News. Oct 18, 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  4. ↑ Werschler, Laura (12 Feb 2013). "New study looks at treatment for night sweats". Troy Media. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  5. 1 2 "Dr. Jerilynn Prior: Pioneering Research in Women's Health". Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.
  6. 1 2 3 "Jerilynn Prior Biography". The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research. 5 July 2007.
  7. ↑ "Court rules objectors must pay "military" taxes". Ottawa Citizen. 13 January 1987.; Friends Journal July & October, 1987; "Jerilyn Prior and Her Supporters". The Mennonite: 541. 11 December 1990.
  8. ↑ Friends Journal June, 1993
  9. 1 2 "Using Progesterone for Hot Flashes shown safe for Women's Cardiovascular Health". Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Raising a Caution Flag on Teenagers and the Pill". Vancouver Health Research Institute.
  11. ↑ "The Menstrual Cycle and Health with Dr. Jerilynn Prior [Podcast]". Maryann Jacobs, Ms, RD. 22 August 2019.
  12. ↑ "Older hormone therapy as good as estrogen for hot flashes, trial suggests". CBC News. January 26, 2007. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  13. ↑ "DR. JERILYNN PRIOR RECOGNIZED IN RENOWNED BOOK: OUR BODIES, OURSELVES (2011 EDITION)". Vancouver Coastal Health Research. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  14. ↑ López‐Carrillo, Margarita (1 December 2007). "Aphorism of the Month". Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. 61 (Supplement 2): ii25. doi:10.1136/jech.2007.059741. PMC   2465772 .
  15. ↑ Woolley, Pieta (9 Jan 2008). "Doc offers new view of menopause pills". Georgia Straight. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Kent, Heather (June 11, 2002). "Women, heal thyselves". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 166 (12): 1583–1583–a. PMC   113827 . PMID   12074135.
  17. ↑ Woodley, Pieta (9 January 2008). "Doc offers new view of menopause pills". Straight.
  18. 1 2 Roussy, Kas. "Women's period seen as barrier to medical research". CBC.
  19. ↑ Prior, Jerilynn. "Estrogen's storm season: stories of perimenopause". CeMCOR.
  20. ↑ Prior, Jerilynn, Swan, Andrea, &, Zala, Lisaa (5 August 2014). "Transitions Through the Perimenopausal Years".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ↑ Prior, Jerilynn, & Baxter, Susan (27 January 2012). "The Estrogen Errors: Why Progesterone is better for Women's Health".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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