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Low testosterone levels associated with depression in older men

A study of 3,987 older men found that those with low free testosterone levels had a higher prevalence of depression, with men in the lowest quintile having three times the odds of depression compared to those in the highest quintile. Researchers suggest that hormone imbalances may contribute to this link.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2008

Hormone replacement therapy appears to have no effect on risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy does not significantly affect the risk of developing or exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed data from over 27,000 postmenopausal women taking part in a clinical trial, revealing no notable differences between those on hormone replacement therapy and placebo groups.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 28, 2008

LA BioMed study finds hormone therapy increases frequency of abnormal mammograms, breast biopsies

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that combined hormone therapy significantly increases the risk of abnormal mammograms and breast biopsies, compromising their diagnostic performance. The research involved 16,608 post-menopausal women and revealed a four percent greater risk of mammogram abnormalities afte...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2008

Gladstone and UCSF scientists reactivate immune

Researchers at Gladstone and UCSF found that growth hormone therapy stimulates the production of vital T-cells, leading to increased thymic mass and improved immune function. The study suggests that this treatment could help HIV-infected patients rebuild their compromised immune systems.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

A new way to boost red blood cell numbers

Researchers discovered that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment, enhancing its therapeutic potential for treating anemia. The study also found that mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 2008

Predicting growth hormone treatment success

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting optimal growth hormone dose for children with abnormal growth, showing improved predictive accuracy. The model uses data on birth weight, height before and during treatment, and blood hormone levels to determine individual response.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateDec 12, 2007

Flaxseed shows potential to reduce hot flashes

A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that flaxseed therapy decreased hot flashes in postmenopausal women by 50% and improved their quality of life. The study also showed improvements in mood, joint pain, and overall health.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the Society for Integrative Oncology·DateAug 29, 2007

Study finds estrogen therapy gives aging brain cells a boost

A new study conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that cyclical estrogen injections protected brain cells from age-related deterioration. The research suggests that a critical window of opportunity exists in which estrogen therapy may be helpful in preventing memory loss, and that timing is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2007

Estrogen therapy in younger postmenopausal women linked to less plaque in arteries

A substudy of the Women's Health Initiative found that younger postmenopausal women on estrogen-alone hormone therapy had 30-40% less coronary artery calcium than those without hormone therapy. However, the benefits of estrogen for preventing cardiovascular disease are uncertain and should not be used as a preventive measure.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2007

New WHI data show that women aged 50-59 taking oral estrogen therapy had reduced levels

New data from the Women's Health Initiative study show that women aged 50-59 taking oral estrogen therapy have significantly less coronary artery calcification compared to those taking placebo. This finding supports the initiation of estrogen therapy in these younger menopausal women to reduce bone loss and alleviate symptoms.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2007

Anti-inflammatory drugs interact with HRT, and more

Researchers found that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may counteract the heart-protective effect of hormone replacement therapy in women. Current use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack than non-use, but NSAID use negated this benefit.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007

Testosterone may help men with multiple sclerosis

A small pilot study suggests that testosterone treatment is safe and well-tolerated and may reduce symptoms, slow brain degeneration, and increase muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Testosterone treatment showed a possible neuroprotective effect on the brain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 14, 2007