A 23-year study found strong links between gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the development of type-1 and type-2 diabetes later in life. Women who experienced gestational diabetes were more prone to developing these conditions, highlighting the importance of autoantibody testing for risk assessment.
A new study suggests that night shift work is associated with menstrual irregularity and an increased risk of developing endometriosis. Researchers found altered expressions of core clock genes in ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues, indicating a disturbance of biological timing.
The European Society of Endocrinology has confirmed the strong links between hormones and COVID-19, with evidence suggesting an 'endocrine phenotype' of the disease. Diabetes and obesity have emerged as comorbidities associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19.
People with underlying endocrine diseases are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 and experiencing worse outcomes. COVID-19 is also associated with long-term effects on the hormone system, including weight loss and muscle mass loss.
Research suggests that frequent use of high-strength corticosteroid creams for skin lightening can lead to impaired cortisol function and adrenal insufficiency. Women using these products may be at risk of developing severe health problems, including extreme fatigue and even death.
A study found that administering ghrelin to older mice helped restore muscle mass and strength, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy. Unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) was shown to preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of age-related sarcopenia without causing weight gain.
A study found that obese children who took probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those on a diet only. The findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage childhood obesity.
A recent study suggests that free, circulating vitamin D levels in the blood may be a better predictor of future health risks in aging men than total vitamin D. The study found that higher levels of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with a lower risk of death, while free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was not predictive of mortality.
A recent study has found a significant link between thyroid inflammation and anxiety disorders. Patients with anxiety were found to have thyroid gland inflammation that could be reduced by taking ibuprofen, suggesting that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of anxiety.
The European Society of Endocrinology reviews evidence on hormone involvement in COVID-19 infection, disease severity, and treatment. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sex hormones are identified as risk factors.
Top female athletes have higher testosterone levels, which enhance physical performance and raise questions about fairness in competition. The European Society of Endocrinology recommends a maximum testosterone level of 5.0 nmol/L for female athletic events to ensure competitive fairness.
Research suggests that exposure to phthalates, commonly found in everyday items, may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Higher levels of phthalate exposure were associated with markers of impaired liver function, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.
Limiting evening exposure to light-emitting screens can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of fatigue and bad mood in teenagers. A one-week study found that adolescents who reduced screen time experienced earlier wake-up times and fewer symptoms of sleep loss.
Exposure to environmental pollutants alters brain development, affecting sexual development and fertility for multiple generations. Research suggests that current levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may already be causing long-lasting harm.
Anabolic steroids pose significant health risks, including damaged sperm and increased risk of heart disease and liver damage. Men are often aware of these risks but choose to continue using steroids to improve strength and physical performance.
Women who breastfed their babies are less likely to develop heart disease later in life, with a stronger effect seen in women who breastfed for longer periods. The study's findings provide further evidence for the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding and its potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Universal thyroid testing for pregnant women could detect mild thyroid problems that are currently missed in up to 75% pregnancies. However, experts debate the potential risks and benefits of this approach, with some arguing it may not provide significant improvements in pregnancy outcomes.
A study found that brain activity and structure in transgender adolescents are more similar to their desired gender than their assigned biological sex. This suggests that differences in brain function may occur early in development, making brain imaging a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people.
Obese individuals with larger waistlines are at a greater risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. The study found that lower levels of belly fat were associated with lower vitamin D levels in both men and women.
A new brain stimulation technique, dTMS, has shown promising results in reducing food cravings in obese patients. The study found that high-frequency dTMS significantly increased beta-endorphins levels, leading to a decrease in glucose and leptin levels, suggesting a potential safer alternative to treat obesity.
Fasting every other day impairs insulin function, leading to potential long-term health risks, including type-2 diabetes. This study found that even in normal-weight rats, intermittent fasting diets can cause damage to the pancreas and increase insulin resistance.
Research suggests that everyday products carry environmental chemicals that interfere with hormones, contributing to obesity. By following simple recommendations, such as choosing fresh food and reducing plastic use, individuals can minimize exposure and potentially reduce the risk of obesity.