The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2026 brought together over 4,500 delegates from 111 countries to experience the latest endocrine research and developments. The Congress celebrated the Society's 20th Anniversary and featured groundbreaking studies on hormone disruption, bone development, insulin resistance, and polycys...
Research found that girls born to mothers with higher insulin resistance during pregnancy are more likely to have more abdominal fat at age 7. Maternal insulin resistance was not associated with body fat in boys, suggesting girls may be more susceptible to the mother's insulin resistance during late pregnancy.
Research suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants in early life can negatively affect bone development. A study of 88 healthy infants found associations between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and lower bone mineral density, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable windows during pregnancy and after birth.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
A large-scale Nordic study found a link between PCOS and heart disease, with women at increased risk even in normal weight. The study also highlighted the importance of regular medical screenings for women with PCOS.
Research in male sheep fetuses finds that excessive prenatal progesterone exposure alters the SRD5A1 gene, crucial for processing sex hormones in brain development. The study highlights the importance of hormones in fetal development and potential links to adult disease.
A new study has found that individuals with insulin-requiring type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without diabetes. The study, which examined over 1.3 million adults in South Korea, suggests that dementia risk is not the same for all types of diabetes.
Researchers developed an AI-driven wearable skin sensor patch to track reproductive hormones and detect hidden endocrine dysfunction, which can improve conception. The study found that men with normal testosterone levels may still have disrupted hormone rhythms associated with reproductive dysfunction.
The ECE 2026 brings together researchers and clinicians to share the latest endocrine research and developments. Key sessions include Plenaries, Symposia, Awards, Meet the Experts, Debates, and Oral Communications.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
Dr. Anna Gloyn has been awarded the fifth Transatlantic Alliance Award for her pioneering research on genetic mechanisms of diabetes and precision medicine. Her collaborative work with colleagues across Europe and the United States has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic basis of diabetes.
The European Society of Endocrinology is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hormone health. The #BecauseHormonesMatter initiative aims to improve public understanding of hormones and promote practical steps for better hormone health, following the success of last year's campaign.
The European Society of Endocrinology has published a revised clinical practice guideline for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults, featuring a new definition and treatment algorithm. The guidelines aim to provide practical guidance for healthcare providers involved in diagnosing and managing the condition.
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has announced the winners of the 2026 ESE Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to improving knowledge and expertise in endocrinology. This year's winners include Martin Reincke for his work on neuroendocrinology and Maria-Christina Zennaro for her research on hypertension.
The European Society of Endocrinology has published a new Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management and Evaluation of Menopause and the Perimenopause. The guideline provides guidance on evaluating and managing women with menopause-related symptoms, including hormone therapy benefits and risks. It also discusses alternative treatme...
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
The EndoCompass project aims to guide future studies and funding programs with a research roadmap for better hormone health in Europe. Manuel Heitor will share his perspective on the future of research in Europe, emphasizing the need for greater investment and coordination.
Professor Sadaf Farooqi has been awarded the inaugural Joint ‘Endocrinology Across the Life Course Award’ for her groundbreaking research on human eating behaviour and severe childhood obesity. Her work has changed attitudes towards people with severe obesity by demonstrating its biological basis.
A new study has discovered a link between delayed puberty and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in boys. According to the research, adolescent boys who experience delayed puberty are 37% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in early adulthood, regardless of their weight or socio-economic status.
Researchers developed tiny human ovary organoids using stem cells to understand gonad development and disease. The models replicate key aspects of ovarian follicles, offering a powerful platform for studying gene function in a controlled environment.
Research found that early-life growth plays a significant role in determining final adult height, accounting for about 67% of the variation. Childhood growth also accounted for a substantial proportion of the difference in adult height.
Women who experience menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease and its related metabolic risk factors. The study found that early menopause is associated with increased risks of pre-diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Research reveals individuals taking oral steroids for over 3 months are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency than those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Long-term users of inhaled steroids also face increased risk without hospitalisations.
Research shows that low phosphate levels in blood are associated with reduced sperm motility and poor semen quality. The findings suggest a potential link between phosphate and male fertility, highlighting the importance of understanding biological factors involved in reproductive health.
Research found that boys born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or higher testosterone levels during pregnancy are less physically active at age 7. Girls exposed to similar levels of testosterone had lower muscle strength, highlighting the role of maternal testosterone and PCOS in future development.
Research suggests that antibiotics taken during infancy, especially in the first three months, may lead to earlier onset of puberty in girls. The study, which analyzed data on over 322,000 children in South Korea, found a significant association between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of central precocious puberty.
The inaugural Joint Congress brings together paediatric and adult endocrine specialists to learn from each other, collaborate, and celebrate endocrinology. Over 7,500 delegates from 100 countries attend the event to experience the latest research and developments.
The event aims to create a positive scientific and policy legacy from the Congress in Denmark, Europe, and internationally. The conference will focus on key research presented at the Joint Congress and future priorities from the EndoCompass Research Roadmap.
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation launch a global campaign to raise awareness about hormone balance and its impact on chronic diseases. Small steps can make a big difference in improving hormone health.
The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology will host the first-ever joint Congress on May 10-13, 2025. The event aims to bring together paediatric and adult endocrine specialists from across Europe and the world to collaborate and celebrate endocrinology.
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and ESE Foundation will host the first-ever World Hormone Day on April 24, 2025. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of good hormone health and improve national political engagement for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disease.
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has published an updated curriculum for endocrinology training, aiming to harmonize training standards across Europe. The new curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning and professional skills, such as communication and leadership, to foster greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The Joint Guideline provides guidance on diagnosing and treating GC-AI, a condition affecting at least 1% of the global population. The guideline aims to improve patient care and outcomes worldwide.
Research links higher blood sugar levels at gestational diabetes diagnosis to complications in newborns, including low blood sugar and large birth weight. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after birth.
A large-scale Finnish study discovered a significant link between premature menopause and increased mortality risk. Women with spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency were more than twice as likely to die of any cause or heart disease, but hormone replacement therapy reduced this risk by half for those using it for over six months.
Higher cortisol levels in the womb may lower a boy's IQ score at age 7, while higher urine cortisone levels may improve a girl's IQ score. Research suggests that prenatal exposure to cortisol affects cognitive function in children independently of sex.
A new study finds that fezolinetant significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flushes in menopausal women for up to 24 weeks without serious side effects. The drug, approved by the FDA and EMA, works by blocking a brain protein involved in regulating body temperature.
Researchers discovered a link between high arm fat and low bone quality, particularly in the spine. Those with excess body fat, regardless of BMI, had lower bone quality and strength in their vertebrae.
Researchers found that four weeks of shift work-like patterns in female mice disrupted their biological clock and reduced fertility. The study suggests that circadian disturbances impact female fertility and may lead to future prevention strategies.
A long-term study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes after menopause are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and hypertension. Hormone replacement therapy may help prevent these conditions.
Researchers have created the first humanized mouse model for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a rare genetic disease affecting 1 in 15,000 births. The mouse model accurately mimics human symptoms and allows for testing of novel treatments and stem cell therapies.
The European Society of Endocrinology, ESE Foundation, and other partners mark the second European Hormone Day to promote better understanding of hormone roles and encourage change in health policy. The 'Milano Declaration' calls for stronger inclusion of endocrine health perspective in European policies.
Research finds that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing long COVID syndrome in patients who have previously contracted COVID-19. The study suggests that individuals with low vitamin D levels should have their levels checked after recovering from COVID-19.
High levels of cortisol during the third trimester of pregnancy have been linked to improved speech and language skills in young children. Research found that boys exposed to high cortisol had better word-saying abilities, while girls showed enhanced understanding skills.
Two studies found that social isolation and quarantine can cause significant psychological and/or physical distress on individuals with diabetes and hypocortisolism. These effects include increased anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, weight gain, and decreased physical activity.
A two-year study found that testosterone therapy normalised testosterone levels, reduced NAFLD, and suppressed symptoms of hypogonadism in obese men. Testosterone therapy may help obese men with functional hypogonadism and type-2 diabetes reduce the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A low-calorie ketogenic diet has been found to increase total testosterone and sex hormone (SHBG) levels in overweight men. After four weeks on the diet, body weight, fat mass, and BMI decreased significantly, while testosterone and SHBG levels substantially increased.