Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A new study suggests that proton beam therapy is as safe and effective as conventional radiotherapy in treating childhood brain cancer, medulloblastoma. The treatment may also reduce the risk of long-term side effects such as hearing loss and endocrine problems.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that proton therapy is as effective as standard radiotherapy for treating medulloblastoma, a common malignant brain tumor in children, while causing fewer long-term side effects. Proton therapy reduced hearing loss and cognitive deficits compared to photon radiotherapy.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that estrogen may offer additional benefits to hormone replacement therapy or infertility treatment. The research found that estrogen dramatically reduced the amount of flu virus that replicated in infected cells from women, but not from men.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded 12 novel research grants to investigate the link between bacteria and lupus, as well as innovative approaches to treating the disease. The grants aim to develop new treatments and potentially prevent lupus through cutting-edge research.
The Endocrine Society recommends treating severe primary adrenal insufficiency symptoms immediately, even if a diagnosis is not confirmed. Patients should undergo diagnostic testing to rule out the condition and receive glucocorticoid replacement therapy to maintain cortisol levels.
In a phase III trial, DHEA showed significant improvements in vaginal discomfort after menopause, reducing pain with sex by 0.36 points and improving vaginal dryness by 0.27 points compared to a placebo. The treatment also led to increased superficial cells and decreased parabasal cells, indicating improved vaginal health.
Scientists found that brief exposure to 'asynchrony' using a pacemaker can reverse cellular damage, fix damaged motor proteins in the heart muscle, and boost the heart's response to hormones like adrenaline. The therapy uses alternating electrical shocks to push the heart into normal synchronization for part of each day.
Researchers developed an antibody targeting a hormone in adipose tissue called aP2 to improve glucose regulation and reduce liver fat in obese mice. The study found that one of the antibodies effectively improved glucose regulation in two independent models of obesity, with beneficial reductions in liver fat.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Hematology found that women on blood thinners can take hormone-containing contraception or hormone replacement therapy without an increased risk of blood clots or uterine bleeding. The study analyzed data from 1,888 women and showed similar incidence rates of blood clots and a...
The PALOMA3 trial confirms the efficacy of combining palbociclib with fulvestrant in Asian patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The combination shows positive results in progression-free survival for postmenopausal women, while a longer follow-up is needed to confirm overall survival.
The number of compounded hormone therapy prescriptions has reached 26-33 million a year, with sales expected to continue growing despite potential risks. The lack of clinical data and quality control concerns over these products is alarming.
A new study by TSRI scientists suggests a potent new therapeutic approach for hard-to-treat breast cancers, targeting the enzyme casein kinase 1´ (CK1´), which is overexpressed in many breast cancer types. The study found that a highly selective and potent CK1´ inhibitor, SR-3029, triggers rapid tumor cell death.
Researchers from the University of Otago and Japan found that administering ghrelin daily improved blood flow in affected limbs, promoting new blood vessel growth and cell survival. This suggests a potential new treatment for critical limb ischemia, an advanced form of peripheral artery disease.
Liquid biopsies may help predict treatment responses and genetic mutations that impact prognosis in advanced breast cancer. The tests analyzed tumor DNA in blood samples, revealing potential benefits and risks of combining therapies.
A study published in Menopause journal found that over half of women after menopause experience vulvovaginal symptoms, affecting lifestyle and sex life. Nearly a third haven't seen a gynecologist in two years, while most aren't receiving standard treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
A study of medical records found that men taking androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as those who didn't undergo the therapy. The longer duration of ADT, the greater the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that testosterone replacement therapy increases insulin sensitivity and reduces body fat in Type 2 diabetic men. Testosterone treatment also improved muscle mass and expression of genes that mediate insulin signaling.
A Michigan State University study found that too much FSH decreases a woman's chances of having a baby, reversing traditional thought on hormone use during IVF. The live birth rate decreased by as much as 15-20% with high FSH doses, regardless of age or treatment length.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on testosterone replacement therapy in the aging male, highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications before considering TRT. The statement emphasizes the need for careful risk versus benefit estimation and individual evaluation of co-morbid...
A new study of 1,472 healthy men found that testosterone supplementation did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Testosterone therapy was shown to reduce these risks compared to non-supplemented individuals.
A recent study presented at ASN Kidney Week 2015 found that hormone replacement therapy was associated with lower levels of microalbuminuria and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in postmenopausal women. This suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help protect kidney health in these women.
A new study suggests that perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations may enhance emotional sensitivity to psychosocial stress, leading to the development of a depressed mood. Women are at greater risk of depression than men, with rates doubling or tripling during the menopausal transition.
Researchers find that using kisspeptin instead of hCG during IVF treatment safely matures eggs and reduces the risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), even in high-risk patients. The average live birth rate was 45% across all doses, rising to 62% for women given the best performing dose.
Scientists from Van Andel Research Institute found that cabozantinib inhibits growth of triple-negative breast cancer subtypes and impedes progression by targeting the MET protein. This new therapy shows promise for treating this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A new guideline from the Canadian Men's Health Foundation provides a roadmap for diagnosing and treating testosterone deficiency in men. Key recommendations include conducting thorough patient histories, measuring total testosterone levels, and assessing patient response to treatment.
A pilot study found early insulin therapy to be as effective as 15 months of oral therapy, improving A1C levels from 10.1% to 6.7% in insulin-treated group and 9.9% to 6.8% in oral therapy group, with no severe hypoglycemia reported
A new study in Biological Psychiatry finds that hormonal treatments for sex reassignment alter brain chemistry, increasing serotonin levels in female-to-male transsexuals and decreasing them in male-to-female transsexuals. These changes may explain why testosterone improves symptoms in some forms of depression.
The Endocrine Society published a Clinical Practice Guideline on treating menopausal symptoms, recommending that women assess their individual benefits and risks of hormone therapy. The guideline suggests using various therapies, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, to manage symptoms such as hot flashes and genitourinary issues.
The MIT Deshpande Center has awarded grants to 15 research teams working on emerging technologies with potential impact in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, and more. The center provides support and guidance to innovators as they develop viable technologies.
A new population-based study found no association between testosterone therapy and aggressive prostate cancer risk over a five-year period. The study analyzed data from Medicare linked records and included 52,579 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2001-2006.
A new study found that local estrogens, such as vaginal tablets, may be more effective than cream in treating genitourinary symptoms of menopause. Women who took tablets were more likely to adhere to treatment guidelines and show improved results.
A national survey reveals that nearly a third of US women taking hormones at menopause are using unapproved and untested compounded hormones. The study found four cases of endometrial cancer among these users, highlighting the risks associated with these therapies.
A new study suggests that early initiation of menopausal hormone therapy within five years of menopause onset reduces the risk of future coronary heart disease. Conversely, late initiation is associated with an increased risk of incident coronary heart disease.
Postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy often suffer from dyspareunia despite recognizing its physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Women are not educated about treatment options or the underlying clinical cause of VVA.
A NAMS panel recommends behavioral approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis as effective in reducing hot flash symptoms. Nonhormonal prescription medications, such as SSRIs and gabapentinoids, are also recommended for their mild to moderate improvements.
Researchers found that luteolin can inhibit growth of human breast cancer cells and reduce blood vessel formation, a promising alternative for postmenopausal women at increased risk. The study suggests luteolin may be effective in reducing breast cancer risk when administered through IV supplements.
A new study found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity in breast cancer survivors, while also inducing a stronger placebo effect than oral medications. The treatment showed sustained benefits even after the eight-week treatment period ended.
A unique study found that testosterone therapy induces structural changes in areas of the brain involved in verbal fluency in female-to-male transsexuals. This may suggest that sex hormones play a substantial role in shaping human brain structure, beyond early developmental phases.
A new study by Aarhus University found that women undergoing fertility treatment can achieve similar pregnancy rates without daily hormonal vaginal gel, instead receiving a small injection of pregnancy-stimulating hormone HCG. This more natural treatment option reduces discomfort and side effects, providing a patient-friendly alternative.
A study of 515 premenopausal patients found that younger women with stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are less likely to initiate or continue tamoxifen treatment due to concerns about side effects and fertility, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study demonstrates postmenopausal women's willingness to use vaginal estrogen (VE) to alleviate painful intercourse and vaginal dryness, with benefits comparable to or exceeding systemic hormone therapy. The study suggests that VE may be a viable solution for certain urogenital problems in menopausal women.
A study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that educating medical residents about transgender identity improved their knowledge and willingness to assist with hormonal therapy. The intervention increased residents' willingness to provide care for transgender patients from 5% to 76% for female-to-male patients...
A study of over 83,000 veterans found that restoring normal testosterone levels through gels, patches, or injections reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Men who achieved normal levels saw significant benefits in cardiovascular health, while those who did not attained normal levels did not experience similar reductions.
Research suggests that normalization of testosterone levels through TRT is associated with lower mortality and fewer cardiovascular events in men without a previous history of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study used a large cohort of male veterans to establish this link, highlighting the potential benefits of adequate TRT dose
A recent study found that current smokers who experience early menopause can expect to die 2.6 years earlier than those with a later age at menopause. The study also revealed that women with late menopause were more likely to be nonsmokers and use hormone therapy.
The Endocrine Society recommends tumor removal as the first-line treatment for endogenous Cushing's syndrome. This approach is optimal because it preserves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is crucial for the body's central stress response. Other treatment options include medication and radiation therapy.
Researchers found that men with low-risk prostate cancer are increasingly opting for active surveillance, while those with higher-risk tumors are receiving more aggressive treatments. This shift aims to reduce overtreatment and improve outcomes for patients.
A large-scale study of over 30,000 men found no link between testosterone therapy and venous thromboembolism. The study suggests that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of blood clots in veins, which is a common cardiovascular illness.
A third of insured breast cancer survivors in Appalachia are not taking critical follow-up treatment, despite having insurance that would cover it. Researchers found that geographical barriers, slower adoption of new technologies, and lack of proper counseling on medication side effects contribute to the issue.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine recommends a clinical and biochemical syndrome definition for testosterone deficiency, characterized by low testosterone levels and symptoms. The new guidelines provide evidence-based guidance on testing, lifestyle modifications, and treatment options for men with testosterone deficiency.
A new study found that testosterone replacement therapy did not improve sexual function in men with ejaculatory disorders and low testosterone levels. Despite a small increase in testosterone levels, the treatment did not show significant benefits in ejaculate volume or orgasmic function.
A new technique developed at the University of Adelaide has provided a unique insight into hormone regulation of breast cancers, leading to potential new treatments. The research discovered how receptors interact with DNA to control growth, shedding light on progesterone's role in hormone-driven breast cancer.
Researchers found that stress hormones, including glucocorticoids used to treat chemotherapy side effects, can stimulate growth of breast cancer cells resistant to anti-estrogen therapy. However, adding prolactin may prevent this expansion, offering a potential countermeasure.
Researchers found that finasteride treatment led to a marked decline in erectile function and testosterone levels, while tamsulosin therapy showed no adverse effects. The study highlights the need for careful consideration of sexual side effects when treating benign prostate enlargement with 5α reductase inhibitors.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) revised its recommendations to support the judicious use of systemic hormone therapy in women over 65. The organization acknowledges that hot flashes can persist into the mid-60s, posing a challenge for treatment guidelines and clinical practice.
A young woman has become the first to give birth naturally after doctors transplanted frozen ovarian tissue from her removed at age 13. The procedure restored her fertility and allowed her to conceive without assisted reproduction.
A novel radionuclide drug, PSMA-617, has been developed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer cells, allowing for personalized diagnosis and therapy. The drug showed promising results in a human clinical trial, with effective imaging and therapeutic effects.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified interleukin-6 as a key player in driving aggressive and hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer. The discovery holds promise for developing targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes.
The PALOMA-3 study found that palbociclib significantly extended progression-free survival for women with hormone-receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, reducing cancer recurrence by 25% compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved quality of life, offering a new hope for women with advanced disease.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a specific type of non-coding RNA, known as Eleanors, plays a key role in the development of endocrine therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Resveratrol was found to repress these RNAs, inhibiting the proliferation of resistant cancer cells.