Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center studied 120 men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer and found that neither soy protein nor an antidepressant provided relief from hot flashes. The study highlighted the need for treatments specifically developed for men with hot flashes.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a promising vitamin D-based treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can halt and even reverse the course of the disease in a mouse model. The treatment involves giving mice with MS symptoms a single dose of calcitriol, followed by ongoing vitamin D supplements throug...
A recent study found a modest connection between low testosterone and an increased risk of developing or dying from heart disease. However, treating low testosterone with hormone replacement therapy did not have any beneficial effect on cardiovascular health.
A secondary analysis of the historic RTOG 9202 prostate cancer trial found no additional benefits with long-term hormonal therapy compared to short-term therapy in intermediate-risk patients. The study suggests that administering less treatment can reduce side effects and healthcare costs without compromising survival rates.
A study by American Society for Radiation Oncology found that proton therapy can prevent costly side effects in children with medulloblastoma, making it both cost-effective and cost-saving compared to photon therapy. Proton therapy reduced the risk of hearing loss, secondary malignancy, and heart failure.
A new observational study suggests that bioidentical hormones in transdermal patches may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack, while FDA-approved products may carry a slightly lower risk of stroke compared to synthetic hormones. The findings are inconclusive and require confirmation by randomized trials.
The NIH's Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program aims to develop treatments for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans. Four new pre-clinical projects target retinitis pigmentosa, hypoparathyroidism and LEOPARD syndrome, marking the first use of stem cells and collaboration with Eli Lilly.
A new gene-expression-based biomarker, the Breast Cancer Index (BCI), accurately identifies patients at continued risk of breast cancer recurrence after five years of treatment. The BCI distinguishes between high and low-risk patients, enabling prolonged treatment for those who remain at risk and avoiding unnecessary side effects.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women, but the relationship varies depending on factors such as race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and breast density. The study suggests that HRT may be used for some women without increasing thei...
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published new guidance for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a condition affecting up to 45% of women after menopause. The guidance emphasizes the importance of effective treatments, including simple vaginal lubricants, estrogen therapy, and nonhormonal options.
A Baylor University study found that hypnotic relaxation therapy improves sexual satisfaction and pleasure, as well as reduces discomfort in postmenopausal women with hot flashes. The therapy is a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy, which carries risks of cancer and heart disease.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings documents 146 contemporary medical practices that have been reversed due to lack of evidence. The study analyzed 10 years of original articles from the New England Journal of Medicine, finding that only a minority tested current medical practices, and 40% found them ineffective.
A combined therapy of adrenocorticotropic hormone, topiramate, vitamin B6, and immunoglobulin effectively improves infantile spasms prognosis. This treatment is superior in cryptogenic children compared to symptomatic ones. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research
A study in rats reveals that nicotine exposure temporarily changes the brain's response to alcohol, increasing its reinforcing properties through stress hormones. This finding highlights the mechanisms underlying the link between smoking and alcohol abuse, providing a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate this risk.
A Yale University study reveals that nearly 50,000 unnecessary deaths among women aged 50-69 with hysterectomies could have been avoided if they used estrogen-only therapy instead of combined hormone therapy. The decline in estrogen usage was linked to the 2002 WHI study's findings on women with a uterus, but not those without one.
A study of over 10,000 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer found that use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute kidney injury. The association remained consistently elevated across different types of ADTs, particularly in the first year of treatment.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that women with mild cognitive impairment experience higher rates of cognitive decline than men, while all women exhibit greater regional brain loss over time. The study's authors suggest that hormonal differences may play a role in these findings.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that a liver protein plays a crucial role in pregnancy and the human menstrual cycle. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that mice genetically engineered to lack the protein had defective placentas and failed pregnancies.
A large analysis of the Women's Health Initiative trial found that combining hormone therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplements significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures. The study suggests that women taking postmenopausal hormone therapy should consider taking these supplements to boost bone health.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes who start on three medications at diagnosis have better glucose control with lower hemoglobin A1c levels and fewer hypoglycemic events compared to conventional therapy. The triple-therapy regimen also promotes weight loss and preserves beta cell function.
A study of postmenopausal hormone therapy found no long-term benefits or risks to cognitive function in women aged 50-55. Cognitive assessments conducted 7.2 years after treatment cessation showed similar global and domain-specific cognitive functioning between those who received hormone therapy and placebo.
A new study reveals that British post-menopausal women are 50% less likely to access appropriate treatment for vaginal atrophy, a chronic condition caused by low estrogen levels. The condition can lead to painful intercourse and emotional distress, but local oestrogen therapy has shown beneficial effects on sex lives.
A multicenter European study found that short-term hormonal therapy for transsexualism is effective and safe, with few side effects. The treatment, which involves large doses of male or female sex hormones, was shown to be effective in changing the external characteristics of trans individuals.
A new study suggests that testosterone therapy can reduce pain perception and tolerance in men with low testosterone levels caused by opioid pain relievers. The study found significant improvements in pain sensitivity during laboratory pain testing after testosterone administration compared to placebo.
A clinical study found that kisspeptin effectively induces egg maturation in women undergoing IVF treatment, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The hormone triggers natural reproductive hormone release, resulting in healthy babies.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting found that testosterone therapy improved verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women compared to placebo. Testosterone levels increased with treatment but remained within normal female range, with no major side effects reported.
A new study finds desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) to be a safe and effective alternative to standard T4 therapy for hypothyroid patients. DTE caused modest weight loss and nearly half of the study patients preferred it over L-T4.
A clinical study found that high-dose testosterone significantly improves sexual function among women who have had their uterus and ovaries removed. Women receiving 25mg of testosterone experienced improved blood concentrations of free testosterone, related to increased sexual encounters.
A study shows that bazedoxifene, an approved osteoporosis drug, inhibits estrogen-induced gene expression and cell proliferation in breast cancer cells. The medication also reduced estrogen activity and estrogen receptor levels in cultured human breast cancer cells.
A new study presented at The Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting found that hormone treatment to halt puberty in transgender adolescents is effective and safe, relieving psychological suffering. After cross-sex hormone therapy, bone density caught up, similar to natural puberty, with no long-term harm detected.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch, Steroidogenic Factor 1, that stimulates steroid hormone production and cell multiplication in aggressive prostate cancers. This factor increases tumor growth and resistance to hormone treatment.
Researchers identified genetic variations associated with breast cancer risk among women on tamoxifen and raloxifene therapy. Women with favorable variations of the ZNF423 and CTSO genes are more likely to respond to prevention therapy, while those with unfavorable variations face a five-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer.
A new study published in Cancer Discovery identified two genetic variations associated with breast cancer risk in women receiving preventive therapy. Women with favorable variations were more likely to respond to the therapy, while those with unfavorable variations had a five-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer.
A new study reveals that hormonal treatment for endometrial cancer works by binding to stromal tissue cells, rather than directly targeting cancerous cells. Researchers hope to develop a simple test to determine patient suitability for progesterone therapy.
A study found that testosterone therapy prescriptions increased significantly over 10 years, with 2.29% of men in their 40s and 3.75% of men in their 60s taking some form of testosterone therapy. The trend is driven by direct-to-consumer marketing campaigns and the expansion of low-T centers.
Researchers at Stanford University and Akira University in Japan have discovered a new hormone called R-spondin2 that promotes follicle development and stimulates ovary growth. The hormone, produced by human female eggs, may lead to new infertility treatment options when used with traditional Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Researchers at Monash University have identified a sub-group of cells that can contribute to prostate cancer recurrence, opening up new treatment options. These previously unidentified cells are potential targets for future therapies and may be targeted before the cancer reaches an incurable stage.
The British Menopause Society and Women's Health Concern have released updated guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), providing clearer guidance on its role, benefits, and risks. The new recommendations aim to optimize clinical decisions and offer balanced advice for health professionals and women considering HRT treatment.
Research presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2013 found that heart failure accelerates the natural process of aging and favours early onset of male 'menopause', also known as andropausal syndrome. The prevalence of AS was four times higher in men with heart failure compared to healthy peers.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly improves muscle function down to the muscle fibre level in postmenopausal women. HRT has been shown to reduce age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, particularly at cellular and molecular levels.
A new study has found that about 42% of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with blast injuries have irregular hormone levels indicative of hypopituitarism. The condition can mimic symptoms of PTSD, depression, and other conditions, but is often unrecognized and treatable by replacing deficient hormones.
Research found that low-vitamin D season can reduce breast cancer treatment effectiveness by up to 30%. The study identifies seasonal and genetic factors affecting tamoxifen metabolism.
A multicenter study found that 84% of lung cancer patients taking crizotinib have low testosterone levels, with 80% experiencing symptoms such as sexual dysfunction or depression. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapies may alleviate these symptoms and provide a new treatment option for affected patients.
A study of 40 patients on high-dose opioid therapy found improved pain control and mental outlook, but also significant hormonal disturbances and signs of inflammation. Despite these complications, the majority of patients reported improvements in at least one physiologic function.
Breast cancers with high androgen receptor (AR) levels are more likely to relapse after estrogen-targeting therapies. Anti-androgen therapy shows promising responses in cell lines and preclinical models, offering a new potential target for breast cancer treatment.
A study found that growth hormone therapy can help reverse growth problems in children with kidney failure by increasing bone turnover. However, treatment may not benefit overall bone health and may interrupt the relationship between bone turnover and parathyroid hormone markers.
A new study of 1,535 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer found that taking breaks from hormone-blocking treatments may not be as effective as continuous treatment. The study suggests that patients should be counseled about the potential risks of intermittent therapy if they wish to try it.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine recommends continuous hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer, extending lives by months to years. Continuous therapy offers a better alternative to intermittent therapy with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre identify Notch signalling pathway as key driver of resistance to hormone therapies in ER-positive breast cancer cells. A companion prognostic test is proposed to predict tumour response to new therapy.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen plus progestin use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence. However, survival after diagnosis did not differ between users and non-users, suggesting higher mortality rates among hormone therapy users.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen plus progestin use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The study suggests that mortality from breast cancer may be higher for women using this combined hormonal therapy.
Women who undergo surgical menopause experience a two-fold increase in cognitive decline and dementia due to premature estrogen loss. Research suggests that this leads to increased sensitivity to stressors and abnormal protein production, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers identified a specific cell membrane protein blocking cell death in hormone-therapy-related breast cancers, which could be targeted by new therapies. Progestin, a synthetic hormone used in hormone replacement therapy, affects the protein's activity and increases cancer risk.
Researchers found increased cell proliferation and alpha-cell expansion in pancreases of individuals with Type 2 diabetes treated with incretin therapy, a widely used type of treatment. The study suggests a possible link between GLP-1-based therapies and an increased risk of neuroendocrine tumors.
A large-scale study found that oral estrogen therapy increases the risk of gallbladder surgery in postmenopausal women. Women using transdermal therapies like patches or gels were not at increased risk.
A study by Sanford-Burnham researchers found that Siah2 keeps androgen receptors constantly active in prostate cancer cells, enabling them to survive treatment. Inhibiting Siah2 may provide a new method for re-sensitizing castration-resistant prostate tumors to hormone therapy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care analyzed data from three major studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and found no clear evidence linking its decline to a decrease in breast cancer rates. The authors point out methodological flaws in the original studies, including detection...
A new study found that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may be effective in treating people with breakthrough multiple sclerosis. Participants who received ACTH had fewer relapses and no psychiatric side effects, compared to those receiving methylprednisolone.
A study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that thyroid hormone treatment reduced loss of heart muscle cells and improved heart function in rats after a heart attack. The researchers believe this could lead to improved patient outcomes and significant healthcare savings.
A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.