Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A study of 372 men with prostate cancer found that 49% had osteoporosis, with those receiving hormone therapy and having undergone radical prostatectomy being at highest risk. The authors suggest that daily calcium intake could be used as a prognostic factor for osteoporosis in these patients.
Research suggests that women initiating hormone therapy closer to menopause may have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but this effect was not statistically significant. The study found no increased risk of stroke in younger women or those with fewer years since menopause.
Secondary analyses suggest that hormone therapy may have less risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) for women starting treatment close to menopause, while increasing risk is seen in older or farther-from-menopause women. Hormone therapy also increases stroke risk and breast cancer risk, even in younger women.
A study on rheumatoid arthritis found that flexible use of drugs with close patient follow-up can effectively control the disease. Additionally, a trial on men with prostate cancer showed that an osteoporosis drug strengthens bones and reduces bone loss.
Postmenopausal women with minor or major ECG abnormalities are at increased risk for future cardiovascular events and death. The presence of these abnormalities should prompt physicians to consider further risk stratification and more intensive therapeutic interventions.
A new study found that androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may increase the risk of death from heart disease in patients over age 65. After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, researchers found a significant link between ADT use and cardiac-related deaths among older men.
A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.
The NHLBI has awarded 12 new contracts to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to investigate genetic and biological markers of common diseases in postmenopausal women. The studies will help explain hormone therapy findings and explore associations between physical activity, obesity, and inflammation with cardiovascular disease risk.
A Stanford study systematically reviewed medical literature on growth hormone therapy for the elderly, concluding that it has minimal to no benefit and potential adverse side effects. The research found modest effects on body composition but no impact on clinically important outcomes such as bone density or cholesterol levels.
Researchers have developed a new breed of transgenic mice with autoimmune responses similar to human RA patients, revealing a significant sex bias. The study found that female mice developed arthritis at a higher rate than male mice, exhibiting all disease hallmarks at higher levels.
Researchers at USC discovered a link between low testosterone and the development of an Alzheimer's-like disease in mice. Testosterone treatment slowed progression of the disease, predicting potential benefits for humans.
A federally funded study found that black cohosh was no better than a dummy pill in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in women with menopause. Symptoms declined by about 30 percent over 12 months, regardless of treatment.
A study by Group Health researchers found that black cohosh did not relieve hot flashes among women going through menopause. In contrast, hormone therapy significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes. The researchers concluded that herbal supplements like black cohosh have little potential as an alternative to hormone therapy.
The study found that herbal supplements including black cohosh did not reduce menopausal symptoms. In contrast, hormone therapy significantly reduced symptoms in postmenopausal women, highlighting the importance of well-designed research to evaluate complementary and alternative medicine approaches.
A study on black cohosh found no significant benefit in reducing hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, contradicting its long-held status as a treatment option. In contrast, enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease slowed progression of complications, but high costs remain a concern.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of Pfizer's Aromasin for early breast cancer treatment, with improved relapse-free survival and disease-free survival rates. The B-33 trial found that Aromasin was well-tolerated and showed a significant improvement in patients who received it after five years of tamoxifen.
A new analysis suggests that the decline in breast cancer incidence between 2002 and 2003 was largely due to the reduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. The study found a 7% relative decline in breast cancer cases, with an absolute decline of about 14,000 fewer women diagnosed in 2003 compared to 2002.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System suggests that hormone therapy may help retain certain memory functions in postmenopausal women. The research found increased brain activity in the prefrontal cortex of participants taking combined estrogen-progestin hormone therapy, compared to those on placebo.
A study found that testosterone replacement therapy had little effect on prostate tissue, contrary to previous concerns. The treatment increased serum testosterone levels but showed no significant changes in prostate histology or cancer incidence.
A study of healthy women has found that stress-related cortisol administration can reduce fatigue and increase vigor. The research may help fine-tune treatments for illnesses linked to low cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers developed a potential vaccine targeting HER-2/neu overexpression in early stage breast cancer, yielding promising results for women at high-risk. The study found that nearly all patients exhibited an immune response and many developed protein antibodies to fight the cells.
Researchers developed an immunological purification method to detect synacthen in low concentrations, providing a gap-closing solution for drug testing authorities. This new test confirms the presence of the protein and produces a unique chemical fingerprint.
A new classification system, called the Phoenix definition, provides a better evaluation method for predicting patient outcomes in recurrent prostate cancer. The study demonstrates significant improvement in predicting endpoints such as distant metastasis and overall mortality.
A new study suggests that a rapidly rising PSA level before treatment is a key indicator of cancer spread in men with clinically localized prostate cancer. The study found that men with a high PSA velocity (PSAV) are at greater risk of metastatic disease and should receive hormone therapy in addition to radiation.
Researchers developed a formula that takes into account various risk factors, including age, cancer size and grade, and treatment options. The new computer tool helps doctors evaluate the potential benefit of additional radiation therapy for patients with early stage breast cancer.
The study found that men with aggressive locally advanced prostate cancer who received additional hormones lived longer, with a 31.9% increase in survival compared to those without further hormone therapy. The benefits also extended to men with less aggressive cancers, with improved disease-free and disease-specific survival rates.
A study found that longer-term hormone therapy does not extend survival for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Instead, it may lead to a lesser degree of treatment side effects and improved quality of life.
A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center has shown that with proper training and follow-up, over 80% of children and teens can successfully use insulin pumps to manage type 1 diabetes. The study identified key risk factors for failure, including infrequent blood glucose monitoring and high rates of severe hypoglycemia.
A study found that women with premenopausal breast cancer and 4+ positive lymph nodes may experience improved 10-year cancer-free survival with aromatase inhibitors. However, patients over 60 years old or those with advanced age, comorbidities, or fewer positive lymph nodes may not benefit from additional therapy.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that women on hormone therapy are more sensitive to negative events and can process emotions similarly to younger women. However, hormone therapy does not improve memory for negative events, suggesting that the brain's arousal system is modified with age.
A recent European survey of post-menopausal women with early breast cancer found that information needs are not being met, leading to low levels of patient involvement in treatment decisions. The survey revealed significant knowledge divides among patients, particularly older women and those with lower education levels.
A mathematic formula has been developed to predict a woman's risk of osteoporotic fracture, accurately identifying 75% of fractures two years after initial measurements were taken. The equation takes into account various risk factors beyond bone mineral density, allowing physicians to tailor treatment strategies to prevent fractures.
Researchers found that third-generation aromatase inhibitors increased the survival time for patients with advanced breast cancer. The meta-analysis suggests that these inhibitors should be used as an initial therapy for these patients.
A large prospective cohort study found that extremely high levels of lipoprotein(a) in women are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, particularly those with high LDL-C levels. The study included over 27,000 initially healthy women and followed them for 10 years.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and the University of Oslo suggests that breast discomfort during hormone therapy may be an early warning sign for breast cancer. The findings indicate that women experiencing breast pain or tenderness while on hormone replacement therapy should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
Prostate cancer cells resist hormone treatment by activating three survival strategies involving the protein BAD. The discovery may lead to new treatments or ways to monitor treatment's intended effect, such as developing a drug to prevent BAD inhibition.
Women taking estrogen and testosterone therapy may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those not using hormone therapy. The study found that women on long-term use of estrogen plus testosterone had a 77% increased risk of breast cancer.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A study of elderly male twins found that eating fish frequently may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration, while smoking nearly doubles the risk. The benefits were most apparent among individuals who consumed two or more servings of fish per week.
A new study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that soy germ isoflavones supplementation decreased bone loss in postmenopausal women. The study used SoyLife&Reg; EXTRA and showed a dose-dependent effect on reducing bone loss in non-obese women.
Researchers are testing a new drug combination that targets male-specific hormone levels to slow the progression of male breast cancer. The treatment, which involves anastrozole and goserelin, aims to lower overall estrogen levels in men, limiting breast tumor growth.
A new study has found that gabapentin is as effective as estrogen in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The medication was tested against estrogen and a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks, with significant reductions in symptom severity reported.
A study at UCLA found that pomegranate juice can increase doubling times of PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, allowing for delayed use of hormone therapy. The study involved 50 men who experienced increases in PSA levels after surgery or radiation.
A new study suggests that cortisol levels alone may not be as useful for predicting the ability to quit smoking as the ratio of DHEA to cortisol. Research also found that oxytocin deficiency contributes to sweet tooth cravings, but not fatty snack preferences.
A study found that cognitive behavioural therapy can restore ovulation in infertile women by reducing cortisol levels and improving the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. The therapy was effective in reversing stress-induced ovulation, offering a cost-effective and safe alternative to hormonal treatments.
A study by Vahakn B. Shahinian and colleagues found that urologist input significantly influences the use of hormone therapy for prostate cancer patients, with up to 21% of variance attributed to their decisions. This suggests that urologists can be targeted for interventions to modify treatment recommendations.
The accelerated decline in fertility over the past 2.8 million years is an evolutionary adaptation that helped humans survive. However, this shift has created challenges for modern society, particularly in regards to teenage pregnancy, delayed childbearing, and hormone replacement therapy.
A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.
A study comparing Japanese American and white male patients who received hormone treatment for prostate cancer found that the former had a significantly higher five-year overall survival rate of 66% compared to 42%. The result was not affected by cancer stage or PSA levels, suggesting genetic and lifestyle factors may play a role.
Researchers have developed a new treatment protocol combining radionuclide therapy and chemotherapy that induces regression of prostate cancer in patients with metastatic disease. The combination regimen has been shown to alleviate bone pain and produce clinical benefit, including prolonged survival and reduced PSA levels.
Early breast cancer patients switching from tamoxifen to Aromasin experience a 17% lower chance of dying and a 25% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. The study's findings also suggest long-term safety benefits, with no clinically meaningful changes in the side effect profile.
Research suggests strontium ranelate strengthens bone architecture for at least five years, reducing fracture risk. Bisphosphonates remain effective for extended periods, but may pose risks to young patients with osteoporosis.
A new clinical trial called TAILORx aims to determine whether chemotherapy is necessary for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study will use OncotypeDXTM, a genetic test that estimates a patient's risk of recurrence and predicts treatment outcomes.
Researchers found 322 genes in the adrenal gland with rhythmic functions, separate from the master body clock. This discovery may impact therapies for diseases and improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study conducted by the UCLA School of Medicine found that testosterone replacement therapy does not negatively affect the prostate or its tissues in hypogonadal men. The six-month trial involved 41 men with low testosterone levels and showed no changes in prostate tissue, PSA, or DHT levels.
A study of 403 premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer found that increased Pak1 expression correlates with reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen therapy, leading to decreased survival rates. Researchers suggest targeting Pak1 as a potential strategy to improve treatment response in breast cancer.
A study of postmenopausal women found that those taking estrogen for more than 20 years had a significantly increased risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancers. The risk was strongest in those who used estrogen for longer periods.
Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clonidine may provide some evidence of efficacy for reducing menopausal hot flashes. However, the effectiveness of these therapies is less than estrogen therapy and may be limited by adverse effects and cost.
Researchers have found that hormonal male contraception can be fully reversible in just a few months, with all men regaining fertility. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,500 men, showed that sperm production can be fully inhibited by hormone treatment combinations, allowing for reliable contraception.
A study of over 39,000 women found that hormone therapy reduced the risk of heart attacks by 32% for those starting treatment in their 50s. However, the risk increased in older women within the first year of treatment before it decreased after two years.