'Coming out' can bring health benefits

Updated:

HealthMore>>
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>

TUESDAY, Jan. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Being open about their sexual orientation offers health benefits for lesbians, gays and bisexuals, according to a new study.

"Coming out is no longer a matter of popular debate but a matter of public health," said study lead author Robert-Paul Juster, of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at the University of Montreal's Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital.

He and his colleagues looked at 87 men and women, about age 25, who had different sexual orientations (gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual) and found that lesbians, gays and bisexuals who were out to others had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression and burnout.

When a person is under chronic stress, cortisol contributes to "wear and tear" on a number of the body's systems. Taken together, this strain is called allostatic load, the study said.

"Our goals were to determine if the mental and physical health of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals differs from heterosexuals and, if so, whether being out of the closet makes a difference. We used measures of psychiatric symptoms, cortisol levels throughout the day, and a battery of over 20 biological markers to assess allostatic load," Juster said in a university news release.

The researchers found that, contrary to their expectations, gay and bisexual men had lower depressive symptoms and allostatic load levels than heterosexual men. And, "lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals who were out to family and friends had lower levels of psychiatric symptoms and lower morning cortisol levels than those who were still in the closet," Juster added.

The findings, published Jan. 29 in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, highlight the positive effect that self-acceptance and being open about their sexual orientation can have on the health and well-being of lesbians, gays and bisexuals, the study authors said.

But that may only be the case in open and tolerant societies.

"Coming out might only be beneficial for health when there are tolerant social policies that facilitate the disclosure process," Juster said. On the other hand, he added, societal intolerance during the disclosure process generates increased distress and contributes to mental and physical health problems.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender health.

Sex & RelationshipsMore>>
Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality
Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality
The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >>
The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >>
White House to challenge ruling on unlimited access to 'morning-after' pill
White House to challenge ruling on unlimited access to 'morning-after' pill
The Obama administration announced late Wednesday that it would appeal a federal judge's order to eliminate any age restrictions on who can buy morning-after birth control pills without a prescription.More >>
The Obama administration announced late Wednesday that it would appeal a federal judge's order to eliminate any age restrictions on who can buy morning-after birth control pills without a prescription.More >>
FDA approves 'morning-after' pill without a prescription
FDA approves 'morning-after' pill without a prescription
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the over-the-counter sale of Plan B One-Step for use as emergency contraception by girls and women aged 15 and older.More >>
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the over-the-counter sale of Plan B One-Step for use as emergency contraception by girls and women aged 15 and older.More >>
Porn use has small effect on sexual behavior
Porn use has small effect on sexual behavior
It's easy to blame pornography for prompting young people to engage in risky sex, but a new study suggests that the use of sexually explicit material doesn't have a lot to do with sexual behavior.More >>
It's easy to blame pornography for prompting young people to engage in risky sex, but a new study suggests that the use of sexually explicit material doesn't have a lot to do with sexual behavior.More >>
More US couples living together instead of marrying
More US couples living together instead of marrying
Many more American women are living with their partners rather than tying the knot, a new government survey finds.More >>
Many more American women are living with their partners rather than tying the knot, a new government survey finds.More >>
Millions still lack access to modern contraception
Millions still lack access to modern contraception
The number of women worldwide using modern contraceptive methods such as birth control pills is increasing, but an estimated 233 million women with partners may not have access to these methods in 2015, a new study...More >>
The number of women worldwide using modern contraceptive methods such as birth control pills is increasing, but an estimated 233 million women with partners may not have access to these methods in 2015, a new study suggests.More >>
Relationship worries can make you sick
Relationship worries can make you sick
Feeling insecure and frequently anxious about your romantic relationship can actually harm your health, new research contends.More >>
Feeling insecure and frequently anxious about your romantic relationship can actually harm your health, new research contends.More >>
Use of morning-after pill on the rise
Use of morning-after pill on the rise
The number of U.S. women using the "morning-after" contraception pill has risen dramatically in the last decade, federal health officials report.More >>
The number of U.S. women using the "morning-after" contraception pill has risen dramatically in the last decade, federal health officials report.More >>
Five keys to keep your valentine's heart
Five keys to keep your valentine's heart
If you're hoping that a bouquet of flowers or a heart-shaped box of chocolates might give your relationship a boost this Valentine's Day, you might be disappointed.More >>
If you're hoping that a bouquet of flowers or a heart-shaped box of chocolates might give your relationship a boost this Valentine's Day, you might be disappointed.More >>
Valentine's Day a show of wealth for single men?
Valentine's Day a show of wealth for single men?
On Valentine's Day, single men are far more likely than married guys to splurge on a loved one, a marketing expert from Harvard Business School says.More >>
On Valentine's Day, single men are far more likely than married guys to splurge on a loved one, a marketing expert from Harvard Business School says.More >>

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

'Coming out' can bring health benefits - WXVT-TV Delta News - More Local News and Weather WXVT.com |

'Coming out' can bring health benefits

HealthMore>>

Sex & RelationshipsMore>>