Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A large study published in The BMJ found that HRT tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots, particularly those containing equine oestrogen. No increased risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. The study provides important information for women and their doctors to make informed treatment choices.
Women taking HRT tablets are up to two times more likely to develop potentially life-threatening blood clots. The study found a higher risk for tablet treatments, particularly those containing horse urine-derived oestrogen, but no increased risk for patch, gel, or cream forms.
A new study of over 25,000 women from the Women's Health Initiative trials found that those experiencing persistent vasomotor symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The study also identified other risk factors, including high body mass index and current alcohol use.
Researchers found that aromatase inhibitors suppress estrogen synthesis, but paradoxically increase estrogen levels in the brain, leading to memory and thermal regulation deficits. The study calls for new therapies to prevent breast cancer recurrence while minimizing side effects.
The new TAILORx trial data reveals racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, with 83.1% white women alive and cancer-free after nine years, compared to 78.9% black women. The study suggests biological factors contribute to the differences, regardless of treatment type or duration.
Treatment with oxybutynin significantly decreased the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, improving their quality of life. The study found that patients on both oxybutynin doses experienced significant reductions in hot flash symptoms and improvements in overall quality of life.
A phase III trial found that using circulating tumor cell count to guide treatment choice can lead to a significant gain in overall survival. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who received chemotherapy based on high CTC counts had better progression-free and overall survival rates.
A large clinical trial found that black women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer had a higher risk of recurrence and death compared to white women, even when treated equally. The study suggests biological differences may contribute to the disparity in outcomes.
A phase III trial found T-DM1 significantly reduced invasive disease-free survival risk in patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer and residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab. The treatment also showed promise in reducing recurrence risk across various subgroups of patients.
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that DHEA therapy increased bone mineral density in older women, particularly in the lumbar spine, total hip, and trochanter. However, the increases were not as large as seen with other treatments like bisphosphonates.
A new study has identified a novel molecular driver of lethal prostate cancer and a molecule that could be used to attack it. The findings, if confirmed in humans, could lead to more effective ways to control certain aggressive types of prostate cancer.
A live debate at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference explores the roles of gut and brain hormones in regulating appetite and metabolism. Experts argue over whether the gut or brain is more important, with implications for treating obesity and diabetes.
A Kansas State University researcher is studying the impact of sex hormones on trauma survival in both men and women. She aims to identify differences in response to medication and surgery after traumatic events and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers found that combining surgery with post-operative low-dose radiation and hormone therapy reduces prostate cancer death risk to less than 10% for men with aggressive prostate cancer. In contrast, surgery alone increases the risk of death from prostate cancer within five years.
Researchers have created an oral formulation of semaglutide, a successful type 2 diabetes therapy, that can be more readily absorbed in the stomach. This development has the potential to improve treatment flexibility and patient adherence to T2D treatment programs, offering patients a less invasive route of administration.
A triple therapy combining two immune checkpoint inhibitors with standard-of-care chemotherapy has shown a complete response rate of 43% and projected one-year overall survival of 58%. The treatment approach showed promising results, but more study is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A study led by CNIO has defined a blood-based biomarker that can determine the most effective treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. The biomarker, which analyzes the presence of a specific gene in circulating tumour DNA, shows promise for improved survival rates and personalized therapy.
Researchers at Yale University found that progestin-therapy effectiveness depends on PR status in endometriotic lesions. Women with PR-positive lesions respond better to therapy, while those with PR-negative lesions find little relief. This study suggests a personalized approach to treating endometriosis may be more effective.
A phase III clinical trial found that palbociclib improves overall survival in women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The drug, used in combination with standard treatment, led to a clinically meaningful improvement in median overall survival, even in patients who showed sensitivity to prior hormone therapy.
A study found that progesterone receptor levels can predict response to progestin-based therapy in endometriosis. This discovery may lead to faster and more effective treatment options for women with the condition.
The HOBOE-2 trial found that zoledronic acid plus letrozole improved disease-free survival in premenopausal women with HR+ early breast cancer, with a 5-year DFS probability of 0.93 compared to 0.85 for tamoxifen. The combination treatment reduced breast cancer recurrence and mortality by nearly half.
The SPPORT trial found that adding pelvic lymph node treatment and short-term hormone therapy to standard treatment extends time before cancer spreads. This combination therapy resulted in higher freedom-from-progression rates and lower distant metastasis rates compared to standard treatments alone.
Combining a targeted drug with hormone therapy substantially extends survival for women with advanced breast cancer. The combination treatment lived seven months longer than hormone treatment alone, with benefits strongest in women who had previously responded to hormone therapy.
A large study found that drugs approved for women's breast cancer are also effective and well-tolerated in men. Men with metastatic breast cancer received similar treatments to women, including hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, with similar outcomes.
The PALOMA-3 study found that the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. In a new analysis, palbociclib plus fulvestrant was shown to improve overall survival by 6.9 months compared to placebo plus fulvestrant.
A French prospective study found that nearly one in six premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer do not adequately adhere to tamoxifen therapy after one year, potentially leading to increased risk of recurrence. The study aimed to identify clinical and social characteristics associated with poor adherence to endocrine therapy.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center developed a metal-coordinated molecule, poly-zinc-liothyronine (PZL), which works well in laboratory studies and may provide an improved therapy for all hypothyroid patients. PZL's slow release of active hormone can supplement standard therapy, offering a more effective solution for treatme...
A new study from the University of California found that light therapy can alter circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles, leading to improved mood and sleep in perimenopausal women. This non-pharmacological treatment option may provide symptomatic relief for those struggling with depression and sleep problems.
New hormone and non-hormone options are available to help women maintain a healthy sex life during menopause. Topical lidocaine, pelvic floor therapy, and vaginal laser therapy show promise in reducing pain and friction.
A recent study analyzing 21 randomized clinical trials with 2,200 participants found that thyroid hormone therapy was not associated with improved quality of life or thyroid-related symptoms in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism. The results suggest that routine use of thyroid hormone therapy may not be necessary for this condition.
Testosterone treatment over 10 years can improve or reverse type 2 diabetes in men with low testosterone, leading to significant weight loss. The study found that average fasting blood glucose levels decreased and HbA1c levels fell in the testosterone-treated group, while worsening in the control group.
A new study reveals that black women are more likely to skip hormone therapy treatments for breast cancer, with barriers including cost, side effects, and difficulty adhering to treatment plans. The study highlights the need for culturally competent behavioral interventions to improve outcomes for all women with breast cancer.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that testosterone replacement therapy reduces respiratory hospitalizations in middle-aged and older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD in these individuals.
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for depressive symptoms, with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and life stressors contributing to its development. The new guidelines recommend using proven therapeutic options like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy as front-line treatments.
Researchers developed a new way to identify molecular markers of breast cancer tumors using machine learning. This technology can rapidly sort images of breast tumors to determine prognosis and treatment options, potentially leading to faster and more cost-effective treatments for millions of women.
A large genomic analysis has linked certain DNA mutations to a high risk of relapse in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, while other mutations were associated with better outcomes. The study identified three genes - DDR1, PIK3R1 and NF1 - with relatively uncommon mutations that were associated with cancer recurrence and spreading.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discovered how hormone therapy can cause prostate cancer to spread by transforming some cancer cells into aggressive neuroendocrine cancer-type cells. A potential simple blood test may help predict when this type of therapy resistance will occur, according to the study.
A new web-based calculator, CTS5, can accurately predict the long-term risk of breast cancer returning in other areas of the body. The tool helps clinicians decide whether to continue or stop hormone therapy, improving patient quality of life and reducing unnecessary treatment.
A meta-analysis of 99 studies found that levothyroxine, a common medication for hypothyroidism, is inadequate in controlling high cholesterol levels. The study's findings suggest that patients may require additional therapies or adjustments to their treatment plans.
Researchers studied the correlation between radiation therapy dosage to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and development of endocrine dysfunction in pediatric and young adult patients. The study found a strong association between radiation dose and age on the development of hormone deficiencies, supporting the benefits of advanced ...
A review published in Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders suggests that transgender women on estrogen therapy are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. The data is unclear for transgender men, but the review highlights the need for further research on hormone therapy's effects in older populations.
A new procedure has been developed to quickly diagnose drinking by the liter, a condition that can be caused by rare hormone disorders like diabetes insipidus. The test, which measures biomarkers in blood, has a high diagnostic accuracy and can treat patients with primary polydipsia through behavioral therapy.
A blood test can predict which treatment is most likely to extend a patient's life with advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that patients who tested positive for the protein AR-V7 responded best to taxane-based chemotherapy, while those who tested negative responded better to hormone-targeting therapy.
A study on human brain tissue and preterm rabbits suggests that estrogen treatment can restore the balance of interneurons in the cerebral cortex, which is disrupted in premature birth. This finding implies that mimicking the in utero environment may have the potential to improve developmental outcomes for preterm infants.
Research suggests that reproductive factors, including number of children, miscarriages, age at first menstrual period, and reproductive period, may contribute to dementia risk in women. Women who had three or more children were found to have a lower risk of dementia, while those with earlier onset of menstruation or shorter reproducti...
A new study, based on a subgroup of KEEPS participants, found no effects of hormone therapy cessation on carotid artery intima-media thickness. The results support the use of hormone therapy for menopause symptom relief or bone loss prevention, with potential benefits on heart disease reduction.
New research reveals that gut hormones play a crucial role in addiction treatment, with ghrelin and GLP-1 analogs showing promise in reducing cravings. The study suggests that medications affecting these hormones could be repurposed to help manage drug craving and relapse.
Researchers used computer modeling to study aspirin-receptor interactions and found that low-dose aspirin treatment activated PPAR-alpha in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This activation improved hippocampal plasticity and memory, suggesting the therapeutic potential of aspirin in dementia-related illnesses.
A recent study found a significant link between cross-sex hormone use in transwomen and elevated risks of venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The study analyzed data from Kaiser Permanente health systems and compared rates of vascular events among transwomen to those in cisgender men and women.
A new form of immunotherapy has been found to reactivate the response to hormone treatment in advanced prostate cancer, a study in mice and human prostate cancer cells has found. The drug blocks a protein produced by immune cells, restoring sensitivity to hormone therapy and potentially improving outcomes for men with advanced disease.
Researchers found that estrogen therapy changes microbial composition and activity in the gut, affecting how estrogens are metabolized. Probiotics may be used to manipulate the gut biome to improve estrogen-replacement therapy's benefits without increasing cancer risks.
A new study found that combination CC+AZ therapy is safe and effective for patients with elevated estradiol or low testosterone/estradiol ratios. The treatment improves testosterone levels and reduces estradiol levels by lowering conversion of testosterone to estradiol.
The TAILORx trial found no benefit from chemotherapy for 70% of women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Treatment with hormone therapy alone after surgery was as effective as hormone therapy plus chemotherapy in reducing invasive disease-free survival and overall survival.
A new study found that hot flashes and night sweats can persist well into women's 60s, 70s, and 80s. Researchers suggest that women with these symptoms should discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers.
Researchers found that growth hormone treatment improved cognition, reduced brain tissue loss, and promoted plasticity in the brain of mice with induced strokes. The treatment showed promise for facilitating rehabilitation and improving quality of life after a stroke.
A UK analysis of 18,730 patients found that surgery reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40%, compared to primary endocrine therapy. The study suggests that surgery may be a more effective treatment option for older women with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
A study found that androgen deprivation therapy prolongs QTc interval duration, increasing risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in men with prostate cancer. Researchers urge oncologists to monitor QTc interval in patients receiving ADT.
Researchers at UTA found that 98% of veterans who participated in the Artopia program reported improved coping mechanisms for service-related trauma and everyday life through art therapy. The study showed significant reductions in mood disturbance and increased enjoyment of art therapy sessions.
A study found that only a minority of transgender teens and their parents are willing to delay hormone therapy to preserve fertility, with parents being significantly more likely to consider this option. The majority of youth and parents cited wanting more information as a major factor in their decision.
Researchers found improved measures of cardiovascular health, beneficial changes in fat tissue, and reduced risk of diabetes in obese women with PCOS who used a hot tub regularly. Heat therapy may reverse some of the inflammation in fat that causes metabolic health impairment.