The COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but our immune systems are still feeling the impact. After years of battling constant viral threats, from COVID-19 to seasonal flu and other infections, our body’s defense system is exhausted. Many people continue to experience lingering inflammation, frequent illnesses, and slower recovery times. This extended state of immune stress has compromised us further to chronic illness, including autoimmune diseases and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. So why is our immune system still in trouble? And how do we give it its power back? Understanding immune exhaustion is the beginning of rebuilding our body's natural immunity.

A weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to disease, mental illnesses, and even sleep disorders. Now, new research indicates that immune system depletion may play an important role in the onset of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurologic disorder that compromises movement and cognition.

Role of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Dysfunctional immune response is a leading cause of long-standing inflammation within the body, that has been found to contribute towards a multitude of conditions, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

As people age, their immune system naturally becomes less effective. This deterioration, referred to as immune exhaustion, may be a key contributor to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Rebecca Wallings, a Parkinson’s Foundation Launch Award grant recipient and senior postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida, believes that an accumulation of exhausted immune cells could be driving neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s patients.

How a Tired Immune System Might Affect Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is most commonly linked with the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons—motor nerve cells that produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter for movement. While researchers have long suspected inflammation is involved in this neurodegeneration, the mechanisms are not yet well understood.

Wallings' study is on immune cell exhaustion, a process by which aging immune cells fail to control immune responses effectively. Her research indicates that instead of dampening inflammation in Parkinson's patients, attempts should be made to rejuvenate the immune system to regain its functionality.

Energy Deficiency in Immune Cells

One of the major findings of Wallings' work is the function of mitochondrial impairment in immune cell exhaustion. Mitochondria are commonly called the powerhouses of cells, as they are vital for generating energy. As mitochondria age and become inefficient, immune cells fail to function well, potentially accelerating neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Wallings has found that mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a recognized genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, are linked with defective mitochondrial function and immune cell exhaustion. Her current work includes testing various therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial function in immune cells with the potential to enhance the immune system and potentially prevent or treat Parkinson's disease.

Will Rejuvenating the Immune System Help in Treatment?

For decades, the standard practice in treating Parkinson's has been to suppress brain inflammation. Yet Wallings' work indicates that instead of slowing down immune responses, restoring the immune system could be a more successful strategy. By addressing mitochondrial impairment and immune resilience, researchers can potentially reverse or slow down Parkinson's disease.

Wallings is now looking into how to rejuvenate immune cells by fixing mitochondria. She studies immune cells from patients with Parkinson's as well as from healthy subjects and performs experiments on animal models to determine if rejuvenation of the immune system could result in improved disease outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors That May Affect Parkinson's Risk

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, some lifestyle adjustments may decrease the chances of developing the illness. Since neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, developing habits that enhance immune function might prove helpful.

Diet: There is evidence to suggest that eating in accordance with the Mediterranean or MIND diets, both high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods, can encourage brain wellness and reduce Parkinson's risk.

Avoiding Dangerous Substances: Restricting alcohol and nicotine use can maintain a robust immune system and suppress inflammation.

Reducing Stress: Chronic stress weakens immune function, so methods such as meditation, exercise, and sufficient sleep can lead to improved overall well-being.

The choice of quitting oral contraceptives is a personal one, usually related to shifting life priorities—whether it's switching to another type of birth control, getting pregnant, or just needing a break from hormone synthetics. But for many women, going off the pill isn't only about changing periods. For some, it can also mean the return of unwanted acne—sometimes more stubborn and long-lasting than the breakouts of your teenage years.

If you assumed your days of fighting breakouts were over, stopping the pill can be a rude shock. Why does this occur, and how can you prevent it? As a health editor to a worldwide audience, I've spoken to dermatologists and sifted through the most recent evidence to give you an in-depth guide to managing post-pill acne.

Why Does Acne Suddenly Break Out After Stopping the Pill?

The birth-control pill is not only a pregnancy-prevention tool—it's also a hormone controller that has a major impact on skin health. Some women are put on the pill simply to manage acne due to its effect of inhibiting androgens (male hormones) and sebum (skin oil) production. When you discontinue the pill, your body needs to re-balance its hormones, which often means a short spike in androgens. This hormonal storm can put the oil glands in your skin into overdrive, producing clogged pores and breakouts.

The transition phase has been likened to "hormonal chaos." Your ovaries, which had been maintained with artificial estrogen and progesterone, suddenly take over their natural role, sometimes compensating by producing more androgens than previously. This rush of oil production sets the stage for the acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

The birth control pill, particularly combination pills containing estrogen and progestin, inhibits this androgen activity. When the pill is discontinued, the body's natural hormonal cycles return, including the production of androgens, which can overburden the skin's oil-controlling systems—especially if your body is genetically predisposed to be sensitive to these hormones.

Not necessarily. How your skin reacts after coming off the pill depends heavily on your genetics and any underlying hormonal imbalances. For instance, some women start the pill in their teens before acne ever truly develops. In these cases, the pill may be silently suppressing a genetic predisposition to acne, which becomes apparent only after discontinuation.

In some women, the recurrence of acne can indicate a pre-existing covered-up hormonal issue, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—a prevalent endocrine disorder that involves high levels of androgens. In these women, the pill corrects PCOS's evident signs, but when it is withdrawn, the underlying imbalance reappears.

Where and How Does Post-Pill Acne Appear?

Hormonal acne tends to appear in the lower third of the face—jowl, chin, neck—and sometimes the shoulders, chest, or back. It tends to be made up of cysts or inflamed, painful pimples that are deep, not blackheads or whiteheads you may have experienced in puberty.

This pattern is related to sites of increased androgen receptor concentration and oil gland function. But everyone's experience is different: some people have solo flare-ups, others experience more widespread outbreaks.

Women with a history of acne in their families or those with naturally higher androgen levels are at increased risk. Stress, food intake, and even gut health can also determine the intensity and longevity of post-pill breakouts.

What Does Post-Pill Acne Look Like?

Hormonal acne tends to appear on the lower third of the face—chinion and jawline, basically—but can crop up on the chest, shoulders, or back. The eruptions can be as mild as blackheads and whiteheads, or as severe and painful as cystic acne. For some, the flare-up fades in a few months; for others, it can last for a year or more, particularly if there are strong genetic components involved.

The timeline is different. Most women see their acne flaring two to six months after stopping the pill. In some, it could improve a few months later as the hormones balance out. But for others—particularly those with a strong genetic inclination toward acne—it might continue for up to a year or even longer.

In the opinion of dermatologists, your acne's severity and duration will usually reflect your body's sensitivity to hormones. If your body responds strongly to even minor hormonal changes, post-pill acne can be more serious and persist for a longer period.

Can Skincare Alone Treat It?

Here's the bad news: skincare can't change your hormones or your genetic sensitivity to androgens. Although regular skincare can help maintain healthy skin, prevent breakouts, and downsize inflammation, in most cases, it is seldom sufficient to treat post-pill acne in moderate to severe forms.

Over-the-counter remedies such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids might provide relief. But dermatologists sometimes prescribe stronger medications, such as:

• Topical antibiotics or retinoids to decrease bacteria and inflammation
• Oral antibiotics in moderate to severe cases
• Hormonal treatments such as spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe, cystic acne that is nonresponsive to other treatment

Could This Be a Sign of a Bigger Hormonal Imbalance?

Yes. In many cases, post-pill acne acts as a window into your natural hormonal landscape. If your acne is accompanied by other symptoms—like irregular periods, excess facial hair, or unexplained weight gain—it might be worth exploring conditions like PCOS or insulin resistance with your healthcare provider.

Coming off the pill can reveal long-standing imbalances that were previously being managed rather than resolved.

When to See a Dermatologist?

If your acne is bad, ongoing, or emotionally distressing, see a dermatologist. They can diagnose underlying hormonal imbalances, provide effective treatments, and offer advice specific to your needs. Women with symptoms of PCOS—irregular menstruation, excessive hair, or weight gain—may need a referral to an endocrinologist.

Post-pill acne isn't your fault, and it's not permanent. Although it can be an infuriating obstacle, particularly if you thought you could put acne behind you after adolescence, it's also a chance to learn more about your body's individual hormonal map.

If you’re thinking of coming off the pill, talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect and how to prepare. Remember, you’re not alone—and with the right support, clearer skin is within reach.

Falling asleep to the gentle hum of white noise might seem like a good idea, but a brain doctor warns it could actually cause problems later on, especially if you make one big mistake. This expert, Dr. Baibing Chen (known as Dr. Bing online), suggests that trying to sleep better with loud white noise could raise your risk of getting dementia in the future. He personally avoids three things before bed, and making white noise too loud is one of them.

Hidden Danger of Loud White Noise

Dr. Bing explains that many people use white noise machines to block out annoying sounds like traffic, a partner's snoring, or even a dog licking its paw in the middle of the night. But he warns that if the machine is too loud, it can slowly damage your hearing. He highlights that losing your hearing is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia when you get older. While there's no strong proof that white noise itself directly causes dementia, some studies do suggest that being exposed to a lot of noise over time, including very loud white noise, might be linked to a higher chance of developing dementia.

What Exactly Is White Noise and Does It Help You Sleep?

The Sleep Foundation describes white noise as a type of "broadband noise" that includes all sounds our ears can hear. Think of the static hiss from an untuned radio or the gentle hum of a fan – these are common examples of white noise. Studies on whether white noise actually helps you sleep have shown mixed results.

Some research found that white noise helped newborn babies fall asleep faster, and also helped adults living in noisy parts of New York City drift off more quickly and get better sleep. However, in some cases, white noise actually made it harder for people to fall asleep. This suggests that whether it helps or not really depends on each person and their specific situation.

How to Use White Noise Safely

You can buy special white noise machines from stores, or you can use cheaper options like smartphone apps, which you can find in app stores. If you enjoy nature sounds, pink noise might be a better choice for you, as it includes calming sounds like rain, waterfalls, and flowing rivers. The Sleep Foundation says that some therapists often use pink noise to help treat hearing problems or ringing in the ears (like tinnitus). Here are some safety tips for listening to white noise.

Keep the volume low

Dr. Bing advises setting your white noise machine to a maximum of 50 decibels. This is similar to the quiet hum of a refrigerator.

Maintain a safe distance

Place the machine at least 30 centimeters (about a foot) away from your bed, especially for children.

Address hearing loss

Untreated hearing problems can lead to loneliness and a decline in thinking abilities, both of which increase dementia risk.

Get your hearing checked

The Alzheimer's Society recommends regular hearing tests, especially if you're between 40 and 65, as hearing loss can be an early sign of dementia or increase your risk.

Consider hearing aids

There's evidence that using hearing aids might help slow down thinking problems related to dementia.

A PubMed search for “ivermectin” and “cancer” yields hundreds of preclinical studies, many conducted on cell cultures or mice. In the sector of alternative cancer treatments, few drugs have generated as much buzz—and controversy—as ivermectin. Once lauded for its ability to treat parasitic infections and awarded a Nobel Prize for its contribution to global health, ivermectin has more recently been at the center of misleading narratives, first as an alleged cure for COVID-19 and now as a so-called “cancer breakthrough.”

Social media, podcasts, and even some patient communities are abuzz with stories of miraculous recoveries and scientific “breakthroughs.” But what’s driving this surge of interest, and does the science live up to the hype?

For decades, ivermectin was best known as a safe and effective treatment for parasitic diseases like river blindness and scabies. Its impact was so significant that it earned its discoverers the Nobel Prize in 2015. But after being widely discredited as a COVID-19 treatment, ivermectin found new life in online cancer forums and alternative health circles, where it’s now promoted as a cheap, accessible alternative to mainstream cancer therapies.

The renewed interest in ivermectin as a potential cancer therapy has largely been driven by non-scientific sources. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Substack, and YouTube, influential figures promote ivermectin as a natural, low-cost cure "suppressed by big pharma."

One viral moment came during a widely viewed episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, in which actor Mel Gibson recounted how three friends with stage IV cancer reportedly became cancer-free after taking ivermectin and fenbendazole. That snippet, viewed by nearly 20 million people, has fueled speculation—despite the anecdotal nature of the claims.

Further fanning the flames, public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have accused health authorities of deliberately suppressing ivermectin to favor profit-driven cancer treatments—a claim lacking credible evidence but resonating with those distrustful of traditional medicine.

What Is Ivermectin Approved For?

Ivermectin is a U.S. FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, used for treating river blindness (onchocerciasis), strongyloidiasis, lice, and scabies in humans. It’s also commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections in animals.

Its development and application in tropical medicine were so impactful that the researchers behind ivermectin received the Nobel Prize in 2015. However, its uses have always remained confined to parasitic infections—not viral illnesses like COVID-19, and certainly not cancer.

How Ivermectin Might Work Against Cancer?

Ivermectin’s anticancer effects appear to be unrelated to its anti-parasitic action. Instead, the drug disrupts cancer cell signaling, impairs mitochondrial function, induces autophagy (a process that can kill cancer cells), and inhibits cancer stem cells. It also weakens the mechanisms that allow tumors to resist chemotherapy and evade the immune system.

In the Brazilian rat study, nano-encapsulated ivermectin not only shrank tumors but also improved the health of surrounding brain tissue and reduced abnormal blood vessel growth—suggesting multiple avenues of attack against cancer.

What the Science Says About Ivermectin and Cancer?

A search of scientific literature reveals hundreds of studies linking ivermectin to cancer research. Some of these suggest that ivermectin may interfere with cancer cell metabolism, inhibit tumor growth, or boost immune response in lab-controlled environments. But—and this is critical—lab results do not equal human results.

Dr. Peter P. Lee, chair of the Department of Immuno-Oncology at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, has studied ivermectin's immune-stimulating effects in mice. While findings hinted at some tumor-modulating potential, they fell far short of demonstrating therapeutic value in humans.

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, early results from a phase 1/2 trial combining ivermectin with immunotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients showed no significant benefit. Of the eight patients evaluated, six experienced disease progression, one had a partial response, and one achieved stable disease.

Risks of Using Ivermectin as a Cancer Therapy

Promoting ivermectin for cancer without evidence carries several dangers:

Neurological toxicity: High doses can lead to seizures, confusion, blurred vision, or even coma.

Drug interactions: Ivermectin can interfere with common cancer medications, such as blood thinners or immunotherapy agents.

Treatment delays: Perhaps most concerning is the risk that patients may delay or forgo evidence-based cancer treatments in favor of unproven, alternative drugs. Such delays can allow the cancer to progress unchecked.

False hope and financial exploitation: Some patients may spend time, money, and emotional energy pursuing unproven remedies, only to face worsening outcomes.

Why the Sudden Surge in Popularity?

Several factors have converged to make ivermectin a hot topic in cancer circles. Social media amplification has played a major role, with influencers and alternative health advocates promoting ivermectin as a cheap, “natural” alternative to mainstream cancer treatments. These promotions often rely on cherry-picked studies or anecdotal stories of success, rather than clinical evidence. Distrust in conventional oncology also fuels interest—many patients, disillusioned by the side effects, financial burden, or perceived limitations of standard therapies, are increasingly drawn to off-label or experimental alternatives like ivermectin.

Preclinical breakthroughs, such as the much-publicized Brazilian nano-ivermectin study in animals, add to the intrigue by generating hopeful headlines, despite lacking human trial data. Finally, political and cultural overtones stemming from ivermectin’s controversial use during the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the drug into a rallying point for individuals skeptical of established medical authorities, further complicating the public narrative around its potential role in cancer treatment.

Where Does This Leave Patients and Doctors?

While the science around ivermectin and cancer is evolving, the consensus among oncologists and researchers is clear: There is no solid evidence that ivermectin can cure or significantly treat cancer in humans. The most promising findings are still limited to laboratory and animal studies, and ongoing clinical trials have yet to show meaningful benefit in people.

That said, the safety profile in small studies is reassuring, and the innovative use of nanotechnology to deliver ivermectin to brain tumors is a genuine scientific advance—one that warrants further research but not premature celebration.

Curiosity Is Good—But Let's Stick to the Science

The buzz around ivermectin as a cancer cure is based more on anecdotes and viral claims than on real science. While early lab data may inspire future studies, there is currently no evidence that ivermectin can treat or cure cancer in humans. Ivermectin’s journey from Nobel-winning anti-parasitic to cancer “miracle drug” is a testament to both the power of scientific curiosity and the dangers of viral misinformation.

Patients facing cancer deserve hope—but not false hope. Turning away from proven therapies in favor of unproven ones could have devastating consequences.