Recently discovered 17 donor siblings? Unsure when to tell your cousin about her secret sister?



No genetic testing conundrum is too big—or too complicated—for Chelsea Handler.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dear-chelsea">Dear Chelsea</h6>



The comedian and TV personality brought her signature blend of caustic, straightforward humor to the latest episode of<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spit/id1422827494"> Spit</a>, an iHeartMedia and 23andMe podcast.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-larger"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dear_Chelsea-880x880.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30778"/></figure>



Spit, which is hosted by Baratunde Thurston, explores how DNA gives us a new perspective on who we are and how we are all connected. The show looks at both the personal and the broader implications of genetic testing with a mix of analysis, camaraderie, and the intimacy that comes from people sharing their stories.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-history">Family History</h6>



Over the course of 47 minutes, Chelsea answered listener questions and doled out expletive-laden advice.&nbsp;



She reflected on her family history (she’s 50% Ashkenazi Jewish) and revealed some of the health insights she discovered after taking the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service, including one of her Pharmacogenetic reports that predicted she was an ultrarapid drug metabolizer* and may process certain medications faster (a result she deemed “very on the nose”).&nbsp;



When caller Katie wondered if she should spill the beans about a secret sister just a week before her cousin’s wedding, Chelsea dove into the notion of responsibility, and suggested that Katie’s dad should be the one to break the news. “I would encourage your dad to have that conversation and also let him know – if he doesn’t, you will,” she said. “I like threatening people,” she joked, “I think that’s a great approach.”



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-foreground-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-foreground-background-color has-background is-style-wide"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-note">NOTE</h6>



*23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. 



Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetics reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Comedian Chelsea Handler Has (Almost) All the Answers

This week, we released a new 23andMe+ report Powered by 23andMe Research on Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that leads to damage to the thyroid gland and a decline in the production of thyroid hormones.



For those with Hashimoto’s disease, the damage to the thyroid often leads to thyroid hormone deficiency, known as hypothyroidism.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-hashimoto-s-disease">Understanding Hashimoto’s disease</h6>



The thyroid is a small gland in the lower part of the neck just in front of the trachea. The gland produces thyroid hormones that help regulate such things as our metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. The overproduction or underproduction of those hormones can lead to a host of problems.



In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis, the body’s own immune system triggers inflammation of the thyroid. This damages the thyroid and over time it can’t produce enough hormones to properly regulate these bodily functions. This is known as hypothyroidism.



In some cases, the inflammation of the thyroid might also lead to noticeable swelling in the lower neck, which is called a goiter.



It’s estimated that about five percent of the population in the US have hypothyroidism. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-report">A New Report</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30678" width="283" height="391" title="hashimotos-story-1.b2dd63bb9ff2" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-2.jpg 566w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-2-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px" /></figure>



23andMe’s new Hashimoto’s disease report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research. It uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing Hashimoto’s disease.



This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes 11,786 genetic markers associated with Hashimoto’s disease, as well as information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. See our <a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodology_May2020.pdf">white paper</a> to learn more about the science behind the report.



Beyond genetics, there are other factors that influence a person’s likelihood of developing Hashimoto’s disease. There’s medical consensus that a healthy lifestyle&nbsp; promotes a healthier immune system and thyroid. So, a balanced diet with healthy levels of vitamins and minerals is important for keeping one’s thyroid healthy, as is regular exercise and sleep.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hashimoto-s-disease-symptoms">Hashimoto’s Disease Symptoms</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30677" width="304" height="418" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-1.jpg 608w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hashimoto-1-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /></figure>



For those with Hashimoto’s disease, the symptoms can vary between people and change over time as the thyroid produces fewer hormones.



Some of the more common symptoms are profound fatigue, a sensitivity to cold, stiffness in the joints or muscle pain. In addition, those with the condition may also gain weight or deal with constipation. Many also suffer from depression.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-hashimoto-s-disease">Managing Hashimoto’s Disease</h6>



Treatment for Hashimoto’s disease typically involves the use of thyroid hormone supplements. This can help alleviate many of the symptoms, and it can reduce the risk of developing some long-term problems with the disease.



However, left untreated, hypothyroidism from the condition can lead to other health problems. Some of those problems include heart disease, complications in pregnancy and reproductive dysfunctions.



If you have concerns about Hashimoto’s disease, talk to a healthcare professional.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h6>



23andMe’s new Hashimoto’s disease report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to 23andMe+ members. To view your report, go <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.hashimotos/">here</a>.



Not a customer? Find out more<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here</a>.

New 23andMe+ Report on Hashimoto’s Disease

By&nbsp;Brianne&nbsp;Kirkpatrick,&nbsp;MS, LCGC*



Genetic counselors are in demand now more than ever, and yet many people don’t understand the vital role they play in healthcare.&nbsp;So, in honor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsgc.org/page/genetic-counselor-awareness-day">Genetic Counselor Awareness Day</a>&nbsp;(November 10th), we’re sharing about this valuable genetics profession and profiling our very own genetic counselors at 23andMe who make the work we do possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-genetic-counselors-do">What do genetic counselors do?</h6>



Genetic counselors have specialized training and education in both medical genetics and counseling. Their role is to help guide and support people and their families so they better understand their options for genetic testing and how results may affect them and other family members.&nbsp;



As their professional title suggests, genetic counselors lean upon their background training in counseling skills to help people looking for support to interpret and understand their test results. In most cases, genetic counselors work in clinics or hospitals where they might specialize in areas such as prenatal care, pediatrics, oncology or cardiology.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-23andme-have-genetic-counselors">Does 23andMe have genetic counselors?</h6>



We are proud to have four genetic counselors in various roles at 23andMe.&nbsp;While 23andMe genetic counselors do not provide individual genetic counseling services to our millions of customers, they are able to help customers at a broader level.&nbsp;



The work our genetic counselors do is diverse and supports the various&nbsp;<a href="https://www.23andme.com/about/">values that guide our company</a>.&nbsp;What this looks like day-to-day ranges from ensuring that reports customers receive are clear, accurate, and understandable to answering questions from other clinicians about 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service.&nbsp;



Our counselors have been instrumental in developing videos and written content, as well as providing training for our growing network of Lemonaid Health clinicians in supporting customers seeking out a Genetic Report Consultation. As part of the genetic report consultation, Lemonaid Health clinicians offer consultations to help their patients understand the role genes could play in their health, within the context of their health history and overall risks. Together, these services help customers and their families, as well as their clinicians, make use of their genetic health information.



Here’s a little more about each of our genetic counselors and in their own words, what it’s like to be a genetic counselor at 23andMe.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/After-the-Click-Featured-Image-1024x323.png" alt="" title="After the Click Featured Image"/></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stacey-detweiler-ms-lcgc-medical-affairs-manager-medical-device-and-clinical-genetics-nbsp">Stacey Detweiler, MS, LCGC – Medical Affairs Manager, Medical Device and Clinical Genetics&nbsp;</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="608" height="607" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30666" style="width:152px;height:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square.png 608w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-574x574.png 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" /></figure>



Stacey joined 23andMe in 2016 as a Medical Affairs Associate, having worked beforehand as a genetic counselor and clinical research coordinator at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She’s an active member of the <a href="https://www.aboutgeneticcounselors.org/">National Society of Genetic Counselors</a>, previously serving as co-chair for their Precision Medicine Special Interest Group. As part of her role as a Medical Affairs Manager, Stacey focuses on product, clinical, and educational development. This means she helps ensure our product and marketing include consumer-friendly information that’s medically accurate.



“I love the people! In my role, I have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the company.&nbsp; Every day I’m working with people who are passionate about genetics and, just like me, they want to share that passion with others. Being part of a team focused on making genetics accessible and paving a path towards precision medicine is an honor and a joy.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anne-greb-ms-cgc-nbsp-director-clinical-genetics-education-and-outreach">Anne Greb, MS, CGC –&nbsp;Director, Clinical Genetics, Education and Outreach</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="250" height="250" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31068" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1.jpg 250w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anne Greb, MS, CGC, 23andMe Lead, Medical Education</figcaption></figure>



Anne joined 23andMe in 2018 and leads our Clinical Genetics and<a href="https://medical.23andme.com/medical-team/"> Education Team</a>. She specializes in educating clinicians on how to answer questions from patients about their 23andMe test results. Anne is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 30 years of experience in genetic counseling program leadership, medical education, and patient care. Before coming to 23andMe, she directed the genetic counseling program at Sarah Lawrence College, where she increased the program’s training capacity in order to graduate more genetic counselors. She served as president of the American Board of Genetic Counseling, the agency that ensures certified genetic counselors meet high standards for clinical care.



“For the past three decades, I eagerly anticipated this new era of precision and genomic medicine. What I didn’t anticipate was the widespread enthusiasm in genetics as people want to know more about their <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">health, ancestry</a>, and other <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">human traits</a>. At 23andMe I develop educational resources and programs so clinicians can take advantage of this enthusiasm and answer patients’ questions about the role genetics plays in health and wellness.“



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-31069" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-768x768.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-880x880.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1180x1180.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-574x574.png 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-980x980.png 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O.png 1899w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlena-orthlieb-nbsp-mgcs-lcgc-medical-affairs-associate">Marlena Orthlieb,&nbsp;MGCS, LCGC – Medical Affairs Associate</h6>



Marlena joined 23andMe as a Medical Affairs Associate in 2022, having spent the three prior years in a perinatal genetics clinic. In her role as a perinatal genetic counselor at LabCorp Women’s Health, she provided direct patient care and provider support at a maternal-fetal medicine clinic. Marlena brings to 23andMe a passion for making genetics more understandable and accessible to everyone with a heart for advocacy around diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. 



Her roles are varied at 23andMe’s, ranging from communication and research efforts to product and service development. 



“For me, the best part of working at 23andMe is the opportunity to be creative! I love that I get to use my genetic counseling expertise in ways I never have before while working towards creating a new future of precision and preventative care. Wellness is not a “one size fits all” approach, but a lot of times we have silos in health care, especially when it comes to genetics. I am thrilled that we are building unprecedented opportunities for people to access and benefit from their genome so that they can apply these insights towards living their healthiest life!”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amy-sturm-ms-cgc-director-of-population-health-genomics">Amy Sturm, MS, CGC – Director of Population Health Genomics</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30664" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-768x767.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-880x880.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-574x574.png 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-980x980.png 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square.png 1054w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Amy also joined the 23andMe team in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor to her new role as Director of Population Health Genomics at 23andMe. Having worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University Medical Center, and Geisinger Health, her roles have ranged from taking care of patients and families as a clinical genetic counselor to heading large research initiatives to developing new programs including population genomic screening and cardiovascular genetics programs. Amy works within the Product Organization at 23andMe and interacts with many teams, including product science and research and development, with the goals of building new products and bringing to life 23andMe’s vision and commitment to integrating genetic information into care for all. 



“I’m thrilled to help build a path for individuals on their health journey. They can come to 23andMe, get their DNA insights, and learn personalized, preventive, proactive recommendations for their health and actions they and their families can take. We can provide the next steps on that journey and can also now deliver telehealth services via Lemonaid Health, now part of the 23andMe family.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-would-i-need-to-go-to-a-genetic-counselor-nbsp">Why would I need to go to a genetic counselor?&nbsp;</h6>



There are several reasons you might benefit from genetic counseling. If you’re seeking to better understand a test result, for example, or have a known genetic condition in your family. You might also meet with a genetic counselor if you are planning to start a family and are concerned about an inherited condition or are working with a fertility specialist and considering genetic testing as part of the process. 



Here are a few more reasons: If you have a family history of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, a heart disorder, or another genetic condition, a genetic counselor may help you better understand what that specific history might mean for your own risks or for others in your family. Some people seek out genetic counseling after having a genetic test and learning that they have a genetic variant that puts them at a higher risk for a condition.&nbsp;



In all of these cases, genetic counselors can help you explore what the next steps might be for you and your family.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-can-i-find-a-genetic-counselor-to-work-with">Where can I find a genetic counselor to work with?</h6>



There are several resources out there for you if you might be considering or interested in working with a genetic counselor. Our recent post on&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/report-for-healthcare-provider/">sharing your 23andMe report with your healthcare provider</a>&nbsp;helps 23andMe customers get started on the path.&nbsp;Customers may also work with a healthcare provider from Lemonaid Health,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/lemonaid-health/genetic-report-consults/">which is now part of the 23andMe family</a>.&nbsp;This is a group of clinicians who work with our genetic counselors and have been trained to answer questions about a growing number of 23andMe reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Another option is to search the website of the&nbsp;<a href="http://aboutgeneticcounselors.com/">National Society of Genetic Counselors</a>. The site is loaded with helpful information and offers a useful start in exploring whether using a genetic counselor is right for you among the many resources in the NSGC’s Find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.findageneticcounselor.com/">A Genetic Counselor</a>&nbsp;tool. You can use the tool to search a database of thousands of genetic counselors who work in the U.S. and Canada by name, location, or even by area of specialty.&nbsp;



Beyond that great resource, you can also either seek help from your doctor or other healthcare providers. They may be able to provide you with a recommendation for a genetic counselor. Finally, there is also great information at the&nbsp;<a href="https://customer.abgc.net/abgc/ABGCwcm/Find_Counselor/ABGCwcm/Contact_Management/FindCounselor.aspx?hkey=94273207-1a6e-4c6d-ac24-0c6b3793c8cd">American Board of Genetic Counseling</a>.



Genetic counselors, learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.23andme.com/careers/jobs/6399846002/">current opportunities to join the team at 23andMe</a>.



*Brianne Kirkpatrick is a consultant for 23andMe.

Genetic Counselors and Their Roles at 23andMe

When Jane Beery learned that she carried a BRCA1 mutation, she was shocked but not surprised.



Jane, who is now 66, had been going in for mammograms and screenings since her early 30s. Her mother died from breast cancer and she has Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.



“I’ve lived with this whole breast cancer cloud hanging over me for my whole life,” she explained.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="709" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-1024x709.jpg" alt="Jane Beery" class="wp-image-30649" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-1024x709.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-300x208.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-768x532.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-880x609.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708-1180x817.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/84799b76-525c-46da-9262-588bc225f940-e1666905935708.jpg 1512w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



So in 2018, when the 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report* became available, she opted to receive the information.



“I remember hesitating before opening the report,” she said. “I thought about it for a while, and I thought about my life, and I went ahead.”



The report indicated that she had the BRCA1 variant – one of the three variants for which 23andMe tests.



After digesting her report, she told her nurse practitioner – who advised her to make an appointment for confirmatory testing with a genetic counselor – and her two daughters. “They were young adults, and I decided they needed the information.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-brca-genes">Meet the BRCA Genes</h6>



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/brca/">BRCA genes</a> themselves do not cause cancer. Instead, they normally act as tumor suppressors – helping to prevent cancer by repairing and protecting DNA. But BRCA variants cripple this DNA repair process, which can spur tumor growth and increase the risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">Sticking your head in the sand isn’t a good strategy, especially when there is so much that can be done</blockquote>



People with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage are particularly likely to carry these variants. Whereas one in 400 people in the general population carries a BRCA variant, about<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/hereditary_breast_cancer/jewish_women_brca.htm"> one in 40</a> people of Ashkenazi descent has one of the three variants included in 23andMe’s report.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">23andMe Customers</h6>



More than 6,000 23andMe customers with a variant – including Jane –&nbsp; have viewed their&nbsp; BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report.&nbsp;



But recent research estimates that less than 20 percent of people with a BRCA variant know they have one.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Taking Action</h6>



For Jane, knowing her BRCA status has allowed her to take proactive steps to protect her and her daughter’s health. Since the discovery, she elected to have preventative surgery to remove her ovaries as well as a double mastectomy – significantly reducing her chance of developing breast cancer and nearly eliminating her risk for ovarian cancer.&nbsp;



And this knowledge became even more critical when one of her daughters found a lump in her breast at the age of 32 and was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer.



“[The hospital] had me scan and email my 23andMe reports to the geneticists while they waited for my daughter’s genetic test results to come back,” Jane recalled. “It was helpful in the time before they got her testing back, and they were able to confirm [her BRCA status].



Today, Jane is dedicated to sharing her BRCA story in the hopes that it can help others.



 “Power comes from knowledge,” she reflected. “Sticking your head in the sand isn’t a good strategy, especially when there is so much that can be done.”



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



*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 certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk report, visit<a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/"> 23andme.com/test-info/</a>.

Discovering a BRCA Gene in the Family

Most of us intuitively know what we need to do to stay healthy — eat better, exercise, get more sleep and reduce stress.



But knowing and doing are two different things.&nbsp; Many of us struggle to take the necessary actions to improve our health. Some of us just need a little nudge to get started. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we wanted to raise awareness about the risk but also shine a light on people who after learning of their own risk got educated and took action to lower it.&nbsp;



For Tracy, the nudge came from a 23andMe report, powered by 23andMe Research,&nbsp; indicating that she had a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes based on her genetics. It wasn’t that the result was a surprise — the condition runs in her family. It was simply seeing the report, spending the time to read it, and knowing that it confirmed what she already knew: She needed to take better care of herself.



”Seeing it there, in your face&nbsp; … I actually have to do something about that,” Tracy said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-heavy">This is Heavy</h6>



Part of the promise of 23andMe is it offers people the information they and their healthcare provider can use to make better decisions about their health.



&#8220;The potential for 23andMe is really to massively change the way we are approaching our own health in terms of prevention,&#8221; said Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe’s CEO and co-founder. &#8220;I hope in 10 years we can have a society where people are proactively managing their health and getting information that helps them avoid disease.&#8221;&nbsp;



But what about right now?



According to the CDC, the number of Americans with diabetes has more than <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/quick-facts.html">doubled in the last two decades</a>. More than a third of adults in the United States are pre-diabetic. The vast majority of them, 84 percent, don&#8217;t even know they are at risk. About 34 million people in the US have diabetes.



The staggering number is a testament to how hard it is to make changes. Understanding the emotional and psychological hurdles people need to clear before taking the actions they already know they need to take to be healthy is essential.



There isn’t a perfect solution, but knowing your risk — whether from being overweight or having a higher genetic likelihood for the condition — is a first step to preventing developing type 2 diabetes. Finding the motivation to make a change is the next step.



We talked to a few 23andMe customers who used their 23andMe reports to help motivate them to make healthy changes. Here’s what they shared with us.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-what-you-can">Change What You Can</h6>



For Tracy, a 54-year-old mother of three adult children, this information came right as she was thinking about the next stage of her life.



Contemplating being both a mother and grandmother. She wanted to avoid some of the health issues her own mother and grandmother dealt with in their lives. The 23andMe report, coupled with some concerning blood work indicating she was pre-diabetic, was all she needed for motivation. She started eating better, exercising more, and focusing daily on her health.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30386" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-200x300.jpg 200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-587x880.jpg 587w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-788x1180.jpg 788w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-scaled.jpg 1709w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tracy</figcaption></figure>



Since making those changes she’s lost 15 pounds, and her A1C levels — a measure of blood sugar levels over time — have returned to normal. Her weight loss has not always been consistent, rising and falling over the months. Still, she’s focused on the positives. She’s kept the weight off and has plans to lose 15 more pounds. And the positive changes she’s made started with her understanding of the role genetics together with lifestyle plays in one’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;



“I can’t change the DNA, but I can change what I do daily,” Tracy said.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-being-prepared">Being Prepared</h6>



Much like Tracy, Erick, a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete, used his 23andMe report as motivation to keep focused on his health.



Erick, who served five tours in Afghanistan and is now in the Army reserves, is all about staying focused and prepared for what is to come. He said the health information within 23andMe’s report gives him the information he can use to be healthier and more prepared for the future.



“I want to know as much about my body as I possibly can so that I have the best advantage to train and compete,” Erick said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="728" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Erick-728x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30588" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Erick-728x1024.png 728w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Erick-213x300.png 213w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Erick-626x880.png 626w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Erick.png 758w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Erick</figcaption></figure>



He’s already in great shape, but he wants to do everything he can to stay healthy for his baby girl and&nbsp; two young sons. Seeing that he had a higher genetic likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, he decided to talk to his doctor about it. One of the first things that he focused on was the type of food he eats.



“I grew up in the Midwest and was a real meat and potatoes guy!” he said.



That changed after seeing the report and a discussion with his doctor. It motivated him to reduce his consumption of red meat, replacing it with more fish and chicken. He and his coaches tweaked his training, and those simple changes helped him lose some excess weight.



He feels better and is as prepared as ever.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-control">Taking Control</h6>



Unlike Erick, Kat (who uses the pronouns they/them) felt their weight issues were a given. Obesity runs in their family and they had sort of accepted it as their destiny.&nbsp;



But 23andMe’s report changed Kat’s point of view. Kat had an increased genetic likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. But reading it made Kat realize that actually, their DNA wasn’t their destiny.



“With 23andMe, it made me feel like maybe I should care about my health and live my life like I’m going to make it after all,” Kat said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kat-Photo-scaled-e1666044631750-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-30408" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kat-Photo-scaled-e1666044631750-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kat-Photo-scaled-e1666044631750-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kat-Photo-scaled-e1666044631750-660x880.jpeg 660w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kat-Photo-scaled-e1666044631750-885x1180.jpeg 885w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kat</figcaption></figure>



Kat realized that yes their genetics plays a role but so does diet and lifestyle. Kat decided to make some healthy changes, eating better, exercising more, and changing their perspective on the future. After making those changes, Kat has already lost 50 pounds. And the transformation has inspired others in Kat’s family. Kat’s mom also adopted a healthier lifestyle, losing 15 pounds thus far.&nbsp;



“What’s cool about 23andMe is (it) gives me the inspiration that a lot of diet programs don’t provide,” said Kat.&nbsp;



And that success motivated Kat’s mom to also take action.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Self-Coaching</h6>



When she was on campus, Lucy helped fellow students as a volunteer with the University of Wyoming’s wellness program. As a wellness ambassador, her job was to help others through education, conducting health screenings, health coaching, or simply lending an ear to listen. She never expected that she would use some of those skills for her own wellness.



An adoptee, Lucy used 23andMe to learn a little bit more about her ancestry, but it was her health reports that ended up drawing most of her attention. Learning that she had a substantially increased genetic likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes prompted Lucy to act.



“I was shocked,” she said.



It prompted her to go back and look at her most recent blood work, and she saw that she was on the cusp of being pre-diabetic.



Her 23andMe report and blood test drove her to act.



“It has really given me the motivation to start eating healthier and exercise more,” Lucy said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="819" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-1024x819.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30409" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-300x240.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-768x614.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-880x704.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia-1180x944.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lucylucia.jpg 1750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucy</figcaption></figure>



With a weakness for sweets, Lucy knew she had to work at maintaining a healthy lifestyle but she got some help from those she loved. At home, Lucy’s mom made sure to stock the house with food options to support Lucy’s goals, and at school, her boyfriend, now her husband, helped her by changing his diet and working out with her at the gym. She’s already noticed a change, even in how her body responds when she strays and eats something sugary. It’s also helped her in her volunteer role, allowing her to share her own experience of making healthy choices every day. Now that she’s married and recently graduated from school, she’s carrying those lessons with her. She knows that those decisions don’t only help her but her family and the people she cares about and who care about her.



“I do not want my health problems to negatively affect the people I love the most,” she said. “I am so thankful to have learned about this earlier rather than later.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Staying Around Longer</h6>



David was always curious about what he could learn about using 23andMe, but he didn’t try it until some friends gave it to him as a gift for his birthday. All the curiosity had been focused on what he might learn about his ancestry. He didn’t expect that his health reports would have much more impact on his life.



Among the things he learned about his health was that he had an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The father of a 13-year-old, and on the cusp of getting married again, the result got his attention.



“It prompted me to make myself healthier,” he said&nbsp;



After seeing his report he talked to his doctor.



“I went to my doctors and asked what the best course of action would be,” David said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="675" height="675" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30347" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc.jpg 675w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc-271x271.jpg 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc-372x372.jpg 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1xmtzc-574x574.jpg 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David</figcaption></figure>



It wasn’t too complicated, his doctor told him.



“Primarily, it’s diet and exercise,” David said.



Although the advice seemed generic, for some reason it felt more personal. David could see that he not only had a higher genetic likelihood but that his lifestyle choices put him at a higher chance for type 2 diabetes.



“I know that sounds like a catchall but honestly it really is (what you need to do),” he said.&nbsp;



David started with the simple things. He cut out fast foods, processed meats, and cheese from his diet. The latter was a little hard for him.



“I love cheese,” he said.&nbsp;



But he kept at it, motivated to act not just because of his genetic likelihood and his overall health but because he saw how diabetes had ravaged his mom and his grandmother. He knows what it means to live with the condition, and that’s what kept him going.&nbsp;



“It’s a journey,” he says.&nbsp;



A surgery set him back but he’s recently started to get into the gym again, and he’s running training for a 5K, as well as some obstacle races that some of his friends are doing.



“I’m ready to catch up with them,” David said.



But it’s not just about doing stuff with his friends. He thinks about his son.



“ I want to be the role model he needs,” David said. “I don’t want to lead by a bad example of what not to be. I need to be around for a long time.”



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



*Important Note: The 23andMe Type 2 Diabetes report is based on 23andMe research and incorporates more than 1,000 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.&nbsp; The report does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Click <a href="http://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes">here</a> for additional important information.

Healthier Every Day 

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

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

After the Click: Adverse Drug Reaction 

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

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

Sharing Your 23andMe Report With Your Healthcare Provider

By Janie Shelton, PhD, MPH
Are you confused about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? You’re not alone. <a href="https://pcosawarenessmonth.org/about-pcos-awareness-month/">September is PCOS awareness month</a> and it’s a great time to learn more about this condition. Let’s dive in.
<h6>About PCOS<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-26788 size-medium" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PCOS-Image.jpg 1253w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h6>
Many women live with PCOS for a very long time and don’t know it.<a id="f1" href="#a1">[1]</a> Occurring in an estimated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20one%20of%20the,beyond%20the%20child%2Dbearing%20years.">6-12 percent of females of reproductive age</a>, it is common to only get the diagnosis after experiencing infertility or unexplained missed or absent periods.<a id="f2" href="#a2">[2]</a> Currently, there are no common proactive screenings to help identify this issue early on.&nbsp;
Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or absent periods, weight gain, excessive body or facial hair, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. People with PCOS are at an elevated risk for infertility and pregnancy related complications along with other conditions including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. Polycystic ovaries — cysts within the ovaries —are sometimes spotted through a transvaginal ultrasound, but not always. Because polycystic ovaries are observed in people without PCOS, this observation alone does not lead to a diagnosis.
While the general clinical features of PCOS include all of the above, specific diagnostic criteria are hard to nail down. Generally, healthcare providers are seeking evidence of two out of the three features to make the diagnosis:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Irregular or missed periods</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Elevated androgen hormones (including testosterone)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Polycystic ovaries</li>
</ul>
To further confuse things, the presence of the physical manifestations, in particular excess body hair, has substantial variation by ancestral group. In particular, Asian women with PCOS often do not present with excess facial hair,<a id="f3" href="#a3">[3]</a> potentially reducing suspicion of this condition during clinical exams.
<h6>What causes PCOS?</h6>
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however we know heritability may account for as much as 70% of the development of the disorder.<a id="f4" href="#a4">[4]</a> High risk groups include those with a first-degree biological relative (for example a mother or sister) with the condition. There is some evidence ancestries such as Mexican American<a id="f5" href="#a5">[5]</a> and Aboriginal Australians<a id="f6" href="#a6">[6]</a> have a higher risk compared to other populations, but due to a lack of proactive screening the true prevalence is unknown around the world. Finally, a common anti-seizure medication (valproate) has also been associated with inducing PCOS.<a id="f7" href="#a7">[7]</a>
<h6>How can I get tested?</h6>
If you suspect you may have PCOS or have a family history of PCOS, your OB/GYN can carry out an exam to detail your health history. They might carry out a transvaginal ultrasound, and order a series of blood tests, including hormone screening as described <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443">here</a> by the Mayo Clinic. In addition to the lab results, other features of PCOS as mentioned above are needed to confirm a diagnosis.
<h6>What can I do if I have it?</h6>
A healthy lifestyle can help mitigate some of the health risks associated with PCOS. For example, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise will help reduce the risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Hormonal birth control options may help manage symptoms and regulate menstrual cycles. For those who know they want to have children, proactively discussing fertility and family planning options with a healthcare provider is important.&nbsp;
<h6>The 23andMe+ Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Report (Powered by 23andMe Research)</h6>
Our report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing PCOS.
This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes more than 1,300 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. In this<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodologyAppendix_2021.pdf"> white paper</a>, you can learn more about the science and methodology behind our report.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
23andMe’s Polycystic Ovary Syndrome report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ members who report their birth sex as female. To view your report, go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.polycystic_ovary_syndrome/"> here</a>.
Not a 23andMe+ member? To become a 23andMe+ member, or to find out more go<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> here</a>.
<hr>
<h6 class="footnotes">References:</h6>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> 
</code><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f1" href="#a1">[1]</a> Gibson-Helm ME, Lucas IM, Boyle JA, Teede HJ. (2014). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24925927/">Women&#8217;s experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis</a> &#8221; Fam Pract. 2014 Oct;31(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"></code> <a id="f2" href="#a2">[2]</a> Gibson-Helm M, Teede H, Dunaif A, Dokras A. (2017). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27906550/">Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information Associated With Dissatisfaction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome</a>&#8221; J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Feb 1;102(2)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"></footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f3" href="#a3">[3]</a> Gibson-Helm ME, Lucas IM, Boyle JA, Teede HJ.(2014). &#8221; <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24925927/">Women&#8217;s experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis</a>” Fam Pract. 2014 Oct;31(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code></footer>
<a id="f4" href="#a4">[4]</a> Mykhalchenko K, et al (2017) &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602111/#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20a%20complex%20genetic,the%20development%20of%20the%20disorder.">Genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome</a>&#8221; &nbsp;Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2017 Jul;17(7)
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code> 
<a id="f5" href="#a5">[5]</a> Engmann L, et al. (2017). &#8220;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5420474/">Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Metabolic Phenotype</a>&#8221; Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;216(5)</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><code style="display: none;"> </code><a id="f6" href="#a6">[6]</a> Boyle JA et al. (2015). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26387977/">Polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome in Indigenous Australian women</a>&#8221; Intern Med J. 2015 Dec;45(12)&nbsp;</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><a id="f7" href="#a7">[7]</a> Bilo L et al. (2008). &#8220;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19012099/">Polycystic ovary syndrome in women using valproate: a review</a>&#8221; Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008 Oct;24(10)
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Health + Traits — Page 11