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To prescribe or not to prescribe?

Research suggests doctors are more likely to prescribe growth hormones for slow-growing children if the child's family requests it or if they believe in its intangible benefits. This raises concerns about access, overuse, and cost of life-enhancing products, which can be expensive and create financial burdens.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 20, 2016

Testosterone therapy decreases hospital readmissions in older men with low testosterone

A large-scale population-based study found that older men using testosterone therapy had lower rates of hospital readmissions compared to non-users. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, analyzed data from over 6,000 men and showed a 9.8% rate of 30-day hospital readmissions among testosterone users versus 13% for non-users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 13, 2016

New, less toxic therapy for stage-4 breast cancer

A new treatment combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant has been shown to significantly extend progression-free survival in women with stage-4 breast cancer. The study found that patients treated with the combination experienced a prolonged disease control, which may translate to improved survival.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 2, 2016

Study shows positive psychological effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals

A systematic review of hormone therapy's effects on transgender individuals found significant improvements in mental health status and quality of life after as little as 3-6 months of treatment. Researchers suggest that increased access to hormone therapy could help eliminate or reduce depression and anxiety in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTransgender Health·DateFeb 9, 2016