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Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Internet Is Obsessed With ‘Hormone Balancing.' These Doctors Aren't Sold.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you've ever had a hunch your hormones were off, that might be because you've been hearing about it everywhere. From low cortisol workouts and cycle syncing to even drinking certain teas, it can seem like everyone is offering you a hormone-balancing hack. But what does a hormone imbalance really entail? How do you know if you have one, and when, exactly, is it a cause for concern? First, know this: The hormone craze on social media isn't necessarily a bad thing. 'I think it's fantastic that hormone health is finally getting the attention it deserves,' says Li-Shei Lin, MD, PhD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center in San Diego. 'The fact that so many people are now talking about it—especially on social media—means we're becoming more empowered to tune into our bodies and advocate for our well-being.' That said, when it comes to the idea of 'balancing' your hormones, social media doesn't always get it right. '[The phrase] 'balancing your hormones' can sometimes oversimplify what's actually a beautifully complex and finely tuned system,' Dr. Lin says. 'Our hormones fluctuate on purpose—they're not meant to stay the same every day.' For example, they fluctuate with our sleep-wake cycles, our menstrual cycles, and even our stress levels—and that's all by design. 'There's no such thing as a static 'perfect balance'—and that's not the goal,' says Dr. Lin. Basically, you don't really need to worry about whether your hormones are balanced per se—but you do want them to be functioning according to plan. 'What we're aiming for in medicine isn't balance in a static sense, but hormonal harmony—where the body's regulatory systems are working smoothly, and symptoms are manageable,' says Rekha Kumar, MD, the head of medical affairs at Found and associate professor of clinical medicine and attending endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medical College. Meet the experts: Li-Shei Lin, MD, PhD, is an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center in San Diego. Carla DiGirolamo, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist and the head of endocrinology at Eternal. Rekha Kumar, MD, is the head of medical affairs at Found and associate professor of clinical medicine and attending endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medical College. Sheeva Talebian, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist, and cofounder of CCRM Fertility New York. Ahead, endocrinologists dive into what constitutes a hormone issue versus a normal fluctuation—plus, diagnosable conditions to look out for, potential treatment methods, and natural ways to keep your hormones functioning as they should. Generally speaking, a hormone issue can occur anytime your typical hormone fluctuations are disrupted and your well-being is impacted, says Dr. Lin. 'That disruption could be due to genetic factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disease, or environmental ones like chronic stress, major weight changes, or even certain medications,' Dr. Lin says. What hormones are we talking about, exactly? Most of the time when people say their hormones are imbalanced, they're talking about estrogen and progesterone, the main players in the menstrual cycle, Dr. Lin says. But there are many other important hormones at play in our systems as well, including adrenal hormones like cortisol (which affect energy and stress), thyroid hormones (which regulate metabolism), insulin (for blood sugar balance), and even melatonin (for sleep). Keeping in mind that achieving a 'perfect balance' is a myth, things can get out of whack when there is either too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream, says Dr. Kumar. The challenging thing is, though, testing alone (at home or at your doctor's office) won't necessarily show you the whole picture, so it's important to consult your doctor if you're concerned. For example, you might test your cortisol levels using an at-home kit or in-person with your doc, but there are many limitations—like the time of day, sleep patterns, medication use, and where you are in your cycle, all of which can significantly impact results, Dr. Kumar says. In other words, context matters. 'An assessment should be made by a clinician who can assess that the fluctuations or symptoms that a woman is experiencing are within the range of health and not disease,' Dr. Kumar says. As for what your doctor is looking for: 'We look at whether hormone levels fall within healthy ranges and assess whether the patterns make sense and whether symptoms are getting in the way of daily life,' Dr. Lin says. Because everyone's body is different, your doctor will have to assess both your lab results and your specific symptoms to determine whether or not there's a potential underlying condition. Here are some of the most common signals that your hormones are off, per Dr. Lin: Irregular or missing periods Persistent fatigue or low energy Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability Trouble sleeping or waking up unrefreshed Hair thinning, acne, or skin changes Weight gain or difficulty losing weight Hot flashes, night sweats, or decreased libido Clearly, hormones affect a lot—which makes sense, considering your endocrine system is closely related to many different important functions. For example: 'Symptoms often stem from disruption in the body's natural rhythms—like poor sleep affecting melatonin and cortisol, or high stress impacting reproductive hormones,' Dr. Lin says. 'The good news is, many of these imbalances are reversible, especially when you gently restore the body's natural cycles through lifestyle support and, when necessary, medical care,' she adds. (More on treatment methods soon.) It's worth mentioning that hormone fluctuations don't always necessarily constitute a serious medical issue. For instance, it could simply be that PMS symptoms are emerging. 'Progesterone peaks about a week after ovulation—what we call the 'mid-luteal phase'—then naturally starts to decline,' says Dr. Lin. If no pregnancy occurs, a drop in progesterone can trigger symptoms like mood changes, irritability, or even depression, she says. In other words, there's a real, biological shift happening. Symptoms are to be expected throughout your menstrual cycle. But if they feel intense, last more than a few days, or significantly disrupt your life, it's worth checking in with a provider to see if it's premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or another diagnosable condition, Dr. Lin says. Also, if your symptoms are severe and ongoing to the point where they interfere with daily life or relationships, sometimes medicine is the way to go, Dr. Kumar says. 'For example, severe cramps with a normal cycle could necessitate a hormonal IUD, or mood symptoms just prior to a period might allow for intervention with a cyclical antidepressant,' she says. Here are some of the common diagnosable hormone-related conditions Dr. Lin sees in practice: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): a metabolic and hormonal condition that affects ovulation. Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may impact mood, metabolism, and cycle regularity. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): when the ovaries slow down earlier than expected. Estrogen dominance or low progesterone: can lead to heavy periods, breast tenderness, PMS, and more. Other conditions associated with hormonal abnormalities include Cushing's disease, diabetes, and hypothalamic amenorrhea, which is when your period stops or becomes irregular, Dr. DiGirolamo says. Note: Hypothalamic amenorrhea can occur in athletes and active people due to low energy availability (LEA) or relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)—basically, when the body doesn't have enough energy to support physiological functions, she says. (So if you're working out a lot without nourishing yourself accordingly, that might throw your hormones off too). If you're wondering, Wait, but what about menopause?! Yes, you're right—perimenopause and menopause do lead to dramatic hormone shifts (and, obviously, some uncomfortable symptoms). 'Research shows that 80 to 85 percent of women will experience symptoms during this stage of life, and many times, those symptoms can be debilitating,' says Carla DiGirolamo, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and head of endocrinology at Eternal, a performance health company for athletes. (Brain fog and insomnia, looking at you). However, because perimenopause and menopause are physiological experiences most women go through, they aren't technically classified as hormone irregularities, despite there being major hormonal shifts during that time, says Dr. DiGirolamo. Still, that doesn't make them any less worthy of support. If you suspect you have any hormone issues, trust your instincts—because if something feels off, it probably is, Dr. Lin says. 'Start by tracking your symptoms and cycles, and bring that info to a trusted healthcare provider who can order the right tests and really listen to your story,' she says. Depending on your symptoms, a doctor might want to test your thyroid, reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, and/or a combination of many to see what's going on. From there, exact treatment options will depend on the cause of your hormonal disruption, Dr. DiGirolamo says. For example, if you have a thyroid disorder, medication is usually required. If you're dealing with LEA or RED-S, the best course of action is to correct the energy imbalance by managing nutrition and training, and in these cases, meds usually aren't helpful, she says. For type 1 diabetes, insulin is required, and for type 2 diabetes, nutrition and exercise can often be enough, she says, along with meds that help with insulin sensitivity. Ultimately, the key to finding appropriate treatment options is personalization, Dr. Lin says. 'Treatments can include medications like hormone therapy or thyroid support, but lifestyle plays a massive role, too,' she says. 'Sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition are all incredibly powerful in helping your hormones function optimally.' There are also supplements that can be helpful in certain cases, like inositol for PCOS and magnesium for PMS, Dr. Lin says—but supplementation should always be guided by a professional. 'Supporting hormone health doesn't always mean doing more—it can mean doing what works best for your unique body,' she says. Here are the basics when it comes to giving your hormones a healthy chance, according to Dr. Lin and Sheeva Talebian, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist, and cofounder of CCRM Fertility New York. 'Regular physical activity helps regulate important hormones such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone, which have numerous effects on our physical, emotional, and cognitive health,' says Dr. Talebian. 'Exercise also helps modulate estrogen levels, which can help reduce risk of conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and even breast cancer,' she says. Even taking a walk outdoors with a friend can be helpful since it gives you sunshine exposure and social interaction, both of which can influence how your body produces and regulates hormones, Dr. Talebian says. Generally speaking, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (or a combination of both) every week. Adding in moderate- to high-intensity strength training at least two days per week can also be helpful for maintaining overall health, per the AHA. In terms of the best workout for hormone health, that's a personal decision—some women swear by cycle syncing (choosing workouts according to where they are in their cycle), but the research is mixed and experts aren't sold on its benefits. It is worth noting that high-intensity workouts tend to trigger a stress response in the body, which leads to spikes in cortisol and adrenaline. (This can be okay in the short-term, as long as you're recovering and not overtraining). Bottom line: Try to mix up your routine with lower-intensity workouts as well. 'Our entire hormonal system follows a circadian rhythm, and when sleep is disrupted, everything from melatonin to cortisol to reproductive hormones can fall out of sync,' Dr. Lin says. Poor sleep is linked to imbalances in hormones like insulin, cortisol, and leptin, per a 2018 study in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine. Also, anywhere from 40 to 69 percent of people going through menopause experience sleep disturbances, according to a 2024 review in Menopause—further highlighting the need for quality sleep when your hormones are changing (at any stage). Despite the common belief that everyone needs eight hours of sleep per night, there's no magic, one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much sleep a person should get. That said, 5 to 9 hours of sleep for most women can help combat insulin resistance and elevated leptin, both of which are associated with metabolic syndrome (having multiple conditions like high blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol) and hormone-related weight gain, Dr. Talebian says. Clearly, hormone changes can throw off your Zzzs, so all the more reason to practice good sleep hygiene and optimize your environment for quality rest. It's okay to have a bit of sugar from time to time, but consuming high amounts of sugar has been associated with type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and it might interfere with certain metabolic processes, per a 2022 review published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. (Even non-sugar sweeteners might affect your gut microbiome!) 'Eating too much sugar can cause insulin resistance and inflammation, which can negatively interfere with hormone balance,' Dr. Talebian says. Limiting sugar intake can help you reduce risk of conditions like hyperinsulinemia, which can disrupt your cycle and affect ovarian hormones, she says. The AHA recommends women consume no more than six teaspoons (about 25 grams or 100 calories) of added sugar per day. Choosing whole, unprocessed carbohydrates can help make a meaningful difference, Dr. Lin says. There are many benefits to following a high-fiber diet. First, high-fiber diets promote healthy estrogen levels, Dr. Talebian says. Eating more fiber helps keep your blood sugar in check, per Harvard Health, which can be helpful if you're navigating hormonal challenges and trying to regulate your sugar levels. Fiber also stimulates signals from the gastrointestinal tract to parts of the brain involved in appetite regulation, per a 2024 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition—so you'll stay fuller and more satiated for longer. Similarly, eating protein can help decrease ghrelin, the hunger hormone, per a 2020 study in Physiology and Behavior—and it also stimulates the production of hormones that make you feel full, per a 2020 study in the European Journal of Nutrition. Getting fiber and protein in your diet regularly will help you avoid spikes and manage your appetite and metabolism, Dr. Talebian says. Healthy fats in your diet can't hurt, either. 'Healthy fats (like avocado and nuts) can help synthesize hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are so important for women's health,' Dr. Talebian says. In general, she recommends adding fibrous foods like beans, oatmeal, and veggies into your diet, along with healthy fats like avocado and nuts. 'Disruptions in the gut microbiome have been linked with hormonal conditions such as PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and the imbalances associated with perimenopause,' Dr. Talebian says. Your gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating estrogen levels, per a 2025 review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology. There is also growing evidence to suggest that they have a 'bidirectional relationship' (meaning estrogen influences gut health, and vice versa), per the review. This bidirectional relationship could even hint at a new, untapped area for helping women who are experiencing estrogen changes during menopause, per the review. Eating a diverse diet rich in 'good' bacteria can help promote healthy estrogen activity, Dr. Talebian says. She recommends incorporating foods like probiotic-rich yogurts, as well as pickled or fermented foods, into your diet. It's no secret that stress affects just about every part of the body, including the endocrine system. 'Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with ovulation, disrupt sleep, and throw off other hormone systems,' Dr. Lin says. 'Stress management isn't just nice to have—it's a cornerstone of hormone health.' Stressful events can impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the primary driver of the body's stress response, per the American Psychological Association (APA). 'Long-term activation of this 'flight or fight' response can disrupt hormones that oversee our sex, sleep, and appetite drives,' Dr. Talebian says. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, which is helpful for dealing with threatening situations—but chronic stress can impair communication between your immune system and the HPA axis, per the APA. This impairment has been linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes (and a slew of other physical and mental health challenges). Additionally, stress can impact your thyroid hormone levels, which may exacerbate autoimmune thyroid disease, per a 2024 study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Managing your stress can look like mindfulness, exercise, deep breathing, or even stimulating your vagus nerve. Yoga and meditation can also help you regulate cortisol levels and improve your mood, Dr. Talebian says. That said, experts agree that if you're concerned about a potential imbalance—or if you simply feel something is out of whack—it's best to seek help from an endocrinologist or another trusted provider before panicking. And in a world of influencers touting their favorite hormone hacks, exercise caution. 'Try not to go down the Google rabbit hole,' Dr. DiGirolamo says. 'There is so much misinformation out there, and endocrinology is such a vast and confusing field. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be proactive in educating yourself about your hormone health—just be very careful about your information sources,' she says. At the end of the day, you deserve answers, and you deserve to feel good in your body, Dr. Lin says. 'Hormone health is such a vital part of overall well-being, and when we pay attention to it, the ripple effects are incredible.' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Buzz Feed
09-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
You Should Absolutely Not Tweeze Or Wax Your Nose Hair And Here's Why
Choosing to go hair-free on areas like your legs, arms and pubic area is your prerogative, but when it comes to the hairs living inside your nose, they're better left untouched. 'The nose is a delicate area with numerous blood vessels and mucous membranes,' said Dr. Don J. Beasley, an Idaho-based board-certified otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose and throat specialist). Whether you're DIYing it or getting serviced at a salon, yanking out your nose hairs — especially if it's done improperly or without proper hygiene practices in place — may increase the risk of infection, leading to complications such as folliculitis or nasal cellulitis. Below, we spoke with experts to learn the risks of nose hair waxing and tweezing, as well as the safer alternatives. The Importance Of Nose Hairs You may not have given your nose hairs a second thought (aside from how unpleasant they may be), but the fact is, they're there for a reason. 'The primary role of nose hairs is to trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles in the air so that the air you breathe is partially filtered,' said Dr. Michael Jacobs, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. He explained that the hairs act as a physical barrier, preventing these allergens from entering the nasal passages and potentially causing irritation or harm to the respiratory system. Nose hairs also play a protective role by alerting us to potential dangers, Beasley said. 'When something touches the nostril hairs, such as a small insect or other irritants, it triggers a reflexive sneeze, which is the body's way of expelling the intruder or irritant,' he explained. Beyond this, nose hairs help to maintain optimal moisture levels in the nasal passages. 'Nose hairs trap moisture from exhaled air, preventing the nasal passages from becoming too dry,' Beasley said. 'This moisture helps to humidify the air we breathe, making it more comfortable for our respiratory system.' Nose hair waxing can be tempting because it provides longer-lasting results compared to alternative methods like trimming. But completely removing your nose hairs means removing the filtration system that's essential to keeping you healthy and warding off infections like nasal vestibulitis and nasal abscess, said Dr. Nicole Aaronson, a Delaware-based board-certified otolaryngologist. 'While waxing doesn't necessarily weaken the immune system, it does breach the skin barrier by creating openings for bacteria to get into the deeper tissues, thus creating the opportunity for infection,' she said. Nose hair waxing can also come with some side effects, especially if performed in the hands of an untrained person ― or if you do it yourself, for that matter. For one, Aaronson said that wax that's too hot can burn the nasal mucosa, or the tissue lining the nasal cavity. This removal of the top layer of skin can also create small lesions in the nose and put you at greater risk of infection. Plus, waxing can be an irritating process in general. 'Nose waxing can be an uncomfortable experience, as the delicate nasal passages can be sensitive to the pulling sensation, potentially causing temporary pain, redness and irritation,' Beasley said. Ingrown hairs may also be an issue with nose hair waxing. 'An ingrown hair occurs after a hair is removed when the new hair that regenerates from the follicle can't break through the skin,' Aaronson explained. 'Because waxing pulls out the hair by the roots, the hair must find its way out through the outer layer of the skin again (unlike other hair removal methods where the hair is left at the skin's surface).' So, what about partial nose hair waxing (that is, removing only the hair located at the front part of the nose)? Aaronson said to avoid this practice, as it 'carries all of the same risks of nasal vestibulitis, ingrown hairs and burning.' Ultimately, Jacobs warned against nose hair waxing altogether to avoid the risk of inhaling more toxins and particles, irritating the nasal membranes and creating ingrown hairs. Waxing and partial waxing are already off the table, and you can also add tweezing to the list. Aaronson said to avoid plucking out your nose hairs, noting that she has had to perform incision and drainage of nasal abscesses related to plucking of nasal hairs. 'I would not recommend this method of hair removal for the nose,' she said. If you find that your nose hairs are reaching lengthy, unsightly heights, you can try carefully trimming them with a clean pair of eyebrow scissors, which are effective for removing straggling hairs that are visibly sitting underneath the nostril. If you're concerned with hurting yourself during this process, opt for angled scissors with rounded tips, as they reduce the risk of accidental nicks and cuts and are strategically shaped to get to those hard-to-reach areas. For trimming hairs deeper inside the nose, opt for an electric trimmer — these are both safe and easy to use, and require minimal effort on your part. These two methods of nose hair trimming — rounded scissors and electric trimmers — are much safer alternatives to waxing and help prevent the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation. HuffPost.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
New award launched honouring Chennai-based psychiatrist
Yunyu Xiao, assistant professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medical College, was the inaugural recipient of the newly-launched Lakshmi Vijayakumar Rising Star Award for Impact and Innovation by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). Dr. Xiao was recognised for her innovative work in data science and health disparities in suicide prevention, according to a press note. The recipients of the 2025 awards were celebrated at a special ceremony held during the 33rd IASP World Congress in Vienna earlier this month. IASP introduced two new honours designed to recognise leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, one of which is named after senior Chennai-based psychiatrist, Lakshmi Vikayakumar. This award was established to recognise early to mid-career professionals who have made notable contributions to suicide prevention across research, policy, practice, and community sectors.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Real risk to youth mental health is ‘addictive use,' not screen time alone, study finds
As Americans scramble to respond to rising rates of suicidal behavior among youth, many policymakers have locked in on an alarming metric: the number of hours a day that American children spend glued to a glowing screen. But a study published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA, which followed more than 4,000 children across the country, arrived at a surprising conclusion: Longer screen time at age 10 was not associated with higher rates of suicidal behavior four years later. Instead, the authors found, the children at higher risk for suicidal behaviors were those who told researchers their use of technology had become 'addictive' — that they had trouble putting it down or felt the need to use it more and more. Some children exhibited addictive behavior even if their screen time was relatively low, they said. The researchers found addictive behavior to be very common among children — especially in their use of mobile phones, where nearly half had high addictive use. By age 14, children with high or increasing addictive behavior were two to three times as likely as other children to have thoughts of suicide or to harm themselves, the study found. 'This is the first study to identify that addictive use is important and is actually the root cause, instead of time,' said Yunyu Xiao, an assistant professor of psychiatry and population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medical College and the study's lead author. Addictive behavior may be more difficult to control during childhood, before the prefrontal cortex, which acts as a brake on impulsivity, is fully developed. Xiao said interventions should focus on the child's addictive behavior, which is typically treated with cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, rather than simply limiting access to screens. 'If there are early warnings, then for parents, it's important to seek professional help for children with such addictions,' she said. 'We do not know if just taking away their phone will help. Sometimes it can create some conflict in the family, and that is even worse.' The focus on addictive behavior has important policy implications, shifting more responsibility onto the technology companies that design devices and social media platforms, said Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer at the American Psychological Association. Policymakers can address addiction by requiring technology companies to introduce 'age-appropriate design' that limits features adolescents find difficult to resist, he said. The United Kingdom introduced a code of this kind in 2020.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Real risk to youth mental health is ‘addictive use', not screen time alone, study finds
As Americans scramble to respond to rising rates of suicidal behaviour among youth, many policymakers have locked in on an alarming metric: the number of hours a day that American children spend glued to a glowing screen. But a study published June 18 in the medical journal JAMA, which followed more than 4,000 children across the US, arrived at a surprising conclusion: Longer screen time at age 10 was not associated with higher rates of suicidal behaviour four years later. Instead, the authors found, the children at higher risk for suicidal behaviours were those who told researchers their use of technology had become 'addictive' – that they had trouble putting it down or felt the need to use it more and more. Some children exhibited addictive behaviour even if their screen time was relatively low, they said. The researchers found addictive behaviour to be very common among children – especially in their use of mobile phones, where nearly half had high addictive use. By age 14, children with high or increasing addictive behaviour were two to three times as likely as other children to have thoughts of suicide or to harm themselves, the study found. 'This is the first study to identify that addictive use is important and is actually the root cause, instead of time,' said Yunyu Xiao, an assistant professor of psychiatry and population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medical College and the study's lead author. Addictive behaviour may be more difficult to control during childhood, before the prefrontal cortex, which acts as a brake on impulsivity, is fully developed. Xiao said interventions should focus on the child's addictive behaviour, which is typically treated with cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, rather than simply limiting access to screens. 'If there are early warnings, then for parents, it's important to seek professional help for children with such addictions,' she said. 'We do not know if just taking away their phone will help. Sometimes it can create some conflict in the family, and that is even worse.' The study analysed changes in screen use among 4,285 children beginning around age 10, regularly screening them for compulsive use, difficulty disengaging and distress when not given access. At 14, when the subjects were assessed for suicidal behaviour and mental health status, 5.1% of the participants had showed suicidal behaviour, such as attempted suicide or preparation for an attempt, and 17.9% had experienced suicidal ideation. Because of its design, the study did not establish that addictive use caused suicidal behaviours at age 14, but it was able to show that a prolonged trajectory of addictive use preceded the mental health problems, Xiao said. The focus on addictive behaviour has important policy implications, shifting more responsibility onto the technology companies that design devices and social media platforms, said Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer at the American Psychological Association. Policymakers can address addiction by requiring technology companies to introduce 'age-appropriate design' that limits features adolescents find difficult to resist, he said. The United Kingdom introduced a code of this kind in 2020. 'We just don't do that here,' he said. 'We have baked addictive use into the design of the product.' Debates about screen time, by contrast, tend to put the onus on parents to limit their children's use of the platforms, a task that can be especially difficult for single-parent or lower-income families, he said. 'We are talking about something that's just not feasible for some people who rely on that device to calm their kids down for a few minutes to give them a moment to fold the laundry and get dinner ready or go off to a second job,' he said. The new study found higher levels of addictive use of social media, video games and mobile phones among Black and Hispanic adolescents, and among youths from households with annual incomes less than US$75,000 (RM318,787), unmarried parents and parents without a college education. For nearly half of the children in the study, addictive phone use was consistently high from age 11; another 25% began with low addictive use, which increased steeply. For that last group, 'the risk of suicidal behaviour clearly increased, to a doubling of the levels,' Xiao said. 'So if we do not measure them repetitively, we could miss this group when they are growing up.' The new study is unlikely to quiet worries about screen time, which has become a major public health issue. US teens spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, Gallup found in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. In his 2024 book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, identified the appearance of the smartphones as a key inflection point, after which youth mental health in the United States began to deteriorate. Since then, legislators in many states have crafted laws limiting social media use or screen time, especially during school hours. Many scientists who study the relationship between social media and mental health say it is premature to issue blanket warnings, arguing that the research so far has told a mixed story of harm and benefit, and what seems to matter more is what they are doing online. 'We have known for over a decade now that screen time is a flawed measure, but we continue to tally time spent on screens instead of asking how young people are spending their time online and why they want to be there,' said Candice L. Odgers, a professor of psychological science in informatics at the University of California, Irvine. Dr Jason Nagata, who has published studies on screen time but was not involved in the new JAMA study, said the data points to the limitations of screen time as a predictive measure. But he said screen time remains useful, because it's easier to measure, and it crowds out important activities such as sleep, exercise and face-to-face socialising. Nagata and his team found a link between higher screen time at age 9 and suicidal behaviours two years later, with each additional hour of screen time associated with 1.09 higher odds of mental health problems. Another follow-up study found more screen time was linked to a range of mental health symptoms two years later, though the effect sizes were small. Nagata, an associate professor of paediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, said the difference may be that Xiao's team measured screen time at age 10 and only took mental health measurements four years later. 'Four years is a long time,' he said. 'I'm not surprised that some associations faded over that time.' Jean Twenge, a psychologist who was not involved in the new study, came to a similar conclusion. 'Kids' screen time at 10 likely bears little resemblance to their screen time at age 14,' said Twenge, the author of 10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High-Tech World. She said screen time and addictive use are both important, and her recommendations to control them are the same: Keep children off social media until they are 15, and delay giving them internet-enabled phones for as long as possible. – ©2025 The New York Times Company Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 v3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp; Jakim's (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or go to malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email sam@ This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
