Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to poorer hearing performance in women, especially in noisy environments. The study involved 32 women who had received HRT and compared their hearing with 32 women who had not.
A study found that bilateral mastectomy significantly lowers breast cancer risk in high-risk women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Short-term hormone replacement therapy is safe after oophorectomy, increasing life expectancy by 3.34 to 4.65 years.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in women, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that current use of estrogen alone was linked to a 2.29 times higher risk of new asthma diagnoses compared to non-hormone users.
Type I diabetics experience bone loss due to insufficient amylin production, which reduces osteoclast cell activity. Amylin injection or pathway activation may help correct this issue and alleviate osteoporosis.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science recommends physicians consider risk factors and prevention options when prescribing hormone replacement therapy. Women with a high risk of chronic diseases may benefit from alternative treatments, while those with menopause-related symptoms may still be suitable candidates for HRT.
The study found that 82% of patients had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while 6.75% had specific identifiable underlying disorders. Combination hormonal therapy improved most symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, and menstrual dysfunction in 86%, 81%, and 80% of cases respectively.
The HABITS trial was terminated after an unacceptably high risk of recurrent breast cancer was found in women with previous breast cancer who received hormone therapy, compared to those without hormones. Women on active treatment have been advised to discontinue use.
A clinical trial was stopped early after showing an unacceptably high risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who received hormone therapy. The study found that even short-term use of HRT poses a significant risk, prompting the need for alternative safe and effective strategies for managing menopausal symptoms in these women.
A comprehensive review of 72 studies found no evidence that testosterone replacement therapy increases prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease risk. Testosterone therapy may alleviate symptoms of low testosterone levels, but monitoring is crucial due to potential side effects.
A study by NIH researchers found that low free testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older men. The study, conducted on 574 men aged 32-87, revealed a 26% decrease in AD risk for every 50% increase in free testosterone index.
Physician response to hormone therapy and blood pressure medication changes is influenced by public awareness and media coverage. The studies found a significant drop in hormone therapy prescriptions following the announcement of risks associated with long-term use.
Recent evidence from randomized trials on hormone therapy and hypertension treatment led to a decline in hormone therapy prescriptions following publication of trial results. Alpha-blocker prescriptions also declined after the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) early termination.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a novel compound called STX that activates a rapid signaling pathway in nerve cells, providing an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. The new compound shows promise in alleviating menopause symptoms and may be more effective than existing treatments.
A novel model of human brain aging identifies midlife breakdown of myelin as a key factor in the onset of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, education, and treatment with common medications may help prevent myelin degradation.
A recent study found that over 20% of patients with estrogen-negative breast cancer had a complete pathologic response to treatment, compared to just 5% in estrogen-positive cancers. The researchers suggest that endocrine therapies may be a more effective initial treatment for these patients.
Researchers found that c-myc promotes androgen-independent growth in prostate cancer cells, slowing growth with downregulation. This suggests a physiological role for c-myc in prostate cancer and offers a possible therapeutic target.
The NIA is concerned about the growing use of testosterone replacement therapy without sufficient scientific information. Short-term studies are recommended to determine potential risks and benefits for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Longer term trials will assess risks and benefits for these conditions, such as fr...
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new guidelines on using progesterone to prevent preterm birth. Preliminary results show promise in reducing the risk of preterm birth by one-third and half. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Researchers propose combining SERMs with estrogen to prevent breast cancer and improve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and cognitive function. The study found that EM-652 blocks estrogen's negative effects while protecting bone and decreasing serum lipids.
Researchers found that younger adults with growth hormone deficiency require higher doses of the hormone to maintain healthy bones and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study's findings could change clinical practice in the US and abroad, suggesting that treatment should be restarted at a lower dose for older adults.
A study of 1,204 men treated with radiation therapy found that hormone therapy significantly increases the risk of moderate to severe genitorurinary and gastrointestinal side effects. Hormone therapy can extend lives but complicates treatment decision-making.
A study tested the ASTRO consensus definition of biochemical failure after combined radiation treatment and hormone therapy, finding it may not accurately predict future disease progression. The study suggests that approximately 20-30% of patients will experience biochemical failure but not continued rises in PSA levels
Two studies found that combining parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alendronate increases bone mineral density (BMD) at least as well as or better than single drug treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal effects of these drugs, particularly through sequential or cyclic therapy.
A study published by the University of Pittsburgh found that hormone therapy has no benefit to postmenopausal women, even those at high risk of fracture. The research suggests that estrogen plus progestin increases bone mineral density but does not outweigh risks associated with breast cancer and heart disease.
Prostate cancer mortality rates are falling fast in the US and Europe due to earlier diagnosis and hormonal treatments. Research shows that prompt surgery and hormonal therapy can improve 10-year survival rates for both prostate and breast cancers.
A major axis within bone cells regulates bone production and loss, providing a potential new target for treating debilitating osteoporosis. Local regulation of bone mass is now believed to occur primarily in the bone, not in the brain as previously thought.
A new study suggests that black cohosh can effectively reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. The herb is found to have no estrogenic effects, making it a potentially safer alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies.
A study examined whether limited-field radiation therapy could be an effective alternative to whole-breast radiation therapy for patients at low risk of recurrence. The results showed no significant difference in local recurrence rates or overall survival between the two groups after five years of follow-up.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that Zemplar, a drug mimicking vitamin D hormone, sensitizes cancer cells to radiation therapy without harming normal cells. The combination reduced radiation dose by 2.4 times while maintaining treatment efficacy.
A substantial increase in breast cancer risk is associated with combination hormone replacement therapy, particularly oestrogen-progestogen therapy. Current users of HRT have a 22% increased risk of death from breast cancer compared to never-users.
A recent study published in NEJM found that hormone replacement therapy does not effectively slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women who already have cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that estrogen and progestin may not be effective in treating established coronary artery disease.
A large study found that estrogen replacement therapy prolongs the QT interval, increasing risk for arrhythmia and heart problems. Women who used hormone therapy had a 50% higher odds of QT prolongation compared to those who never used hormones.
The study found that rhTSH reduced the mean effective half-life of radioiodine by 26% in patients who received it before therapy. This reduction allowed patients to clear 131I more rapidly, resulting in lower radiation levels in their blood and tissues.
A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.
A study analyzing data from pivotal trials of Actonel revealed that bone mineral density explains only a small portion of nonvertebral fracture risk reduction. The analysis found that BMD increases accounted for just 12.2% of the fracture risk reduction at lumbar spine, and 5.5% at femoral neck.
Researchers at U-M examined the effects of aging and menopause on bone health and found that natural estrogen withdrawal after menopause causes more significant bone loss. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapy may not be necessary for all middle-aged women with regular menstrual cycles.
A recent study found that combined hormone therapy increases the risk of dementia in women over 65, doubling the risk compared to placebo groups. The research suggests that hormone replacement therapy may be more harmful than helpful for preventing age-associated memory loss.
A study of 16,608 postmenopausal women found that estrogen plus progestin therapy was associated with a 31% higher risk of stroke compared to placebo. The risk for ischemic stroke was particularly elevated, with a 44% increase.
Researchers found that women taking estrogen and progestin experienced a twice increased risk of dementia compared to those on placebo pills over a 5-year period. The most common type of dementia was probable Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 66% of cases.
A recent study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that combination hormone therapy increases the risk of probable dementia in women aged 65 and older, with approximately 23 additional cases per year. The study's results highlight the importance of considering alternative approaches to preventing cognitive decline.
A new study published in JAMA found that a combination therapy of hormone replacement and alendronate was well-tolerated by elderly women with low bone mass. After three years, participants taking the combination therapy showed significantly greater increases in bone mass compared to those taking individual therapies.
A UC Davis study found that a soy extract supplement reduced PSA levels in men with untreated prostate cancer. The study involved 62 men who received genistein concentrated polysaccharide for six months, resulting in an average decrease of 17% in PSA levels.
Researchers discovered that specific p53 mutations facilitate androgen-independent growth in human prostate cells, while another gene, Id-1, promotes tumor aggressiveness. These findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for hormone-independent prostate cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that oral estrogen therapy increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, while transdermal estrogen therapy had no effect. The researchers suggest that the route of administration may be a crucial factor in minimizing cardiovascular risks associated with e...
A new research study suggests that grape seed extract can blunt salt-sensitive hypertension in postmenopausal women, similar to the effects of plant estrogens or 17ß-estradiol. The study found that adding grape seed extract to a high-salt diet reduced blood pressure in estrogen-depleted female rats.
Researchers found that DHEA did not significantly improve cognitive performance or ratings of disease severity in a randomized, double-blind trial. The study's small size and high drop-out rate may limit the findings, with larger studies needed to confirm the results.
Researchers found a significant association between moderate caffeine consumption and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease in postmenopausal women who don't use hormone replacement therapy. However, high caffeine intake increased the risk of PD in women using HRT, suggesting an estrogen-caffeine interaction
High levels of AIB1 expression in breast cancer tumors are associated with poorer tamoxifen treatment outcomes. Patients with both high AIB1 and HER-2 expression have significantly worse disease-free survival compared to other patient groups.
Researchers believe initiating hormone replacement therapy in younger women without advanced vessel disease can prevent heart vessel disease. However, delaying HRT may lead to ineffective or potentially harmful effects on older women with more advanced vessel disease.
A recent study found that combination hormone therapy increased the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women, including those with and without high blood pressure. The therapy was found to be ineffective for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
The biogerontological community is at war with anti-aging medicine, threatening the status and funding of their own research. Binstock argues that this campaign may inadvertently undermine their own legitimacy and research support by blurring public understanding of the difference between their work and pseudoscientific products.
Researchers found that hormone therapy (HRT) significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease and impaired fasting glucose. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests HRT may have metabolic benefits that outweigh the risks for certain high-risk groups.
A study of 1000 postmenopausal women who survived a first heart attack found no difference in recurrent heart attacks or cardiac death between those given oestrogen therapy and placebo. The study provides insufficient evidence to alter current guidance against HRT for cardiovascular disease prevention.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that postmenopausal women who quit or cut back on smoking experienced a significant drop in SHBG and NTx levels, two proteins linked to bone loss. This discovery may help explain how smoking contributes to osteoporosis in this demographic.
A randomized trial found that a single dose of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel is as effective as traditional regimens for emergency contraception, with no significant differences in pregnancy rates or side-effects. The new regimen simplifies use and reduces side effects, allowing women to begin regular contraception sooner.
A large randomized trial found no improvement in cognitive function among postmenopausal women with coronary disease after four years of hormone replacement therapy. The study provides no evidence regarding the effect of estrogen-only therapy on cognition, contradicting some previous studies that showed an improvement in younger women
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy did not reduce the progression of coronary disease in postmenopausal women, while high-dose antioxidant vitamins may even increase mortality risk. The study used angiography to assess the effects of hormone therapy and antioxidants on cardiovascular health.
A new study supports routine mammography screening for women over 75, while a separate study finds that postmenopausal hormone use and heavy drinking increase breast cancer risk. The guidelines also recommend against combined estrogen and progestin therapy for preventing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
A recent study found that a combination of growth hormone and sex steroids showed significant increases in lean body mass and decreases in fat mass, but also reported common side effects such as joint pain and swelling. The study suggests that the treatment is not yet ready for prime time due to its adverse effects.
A study using female rats found that long-term estrogen replacement therapy impaired memory performance, especially when combined with chronic brain inflammation. This effect is analogous to the observed decline in cognitive function in postmenopausal women with Alzheimer's disease who receive continuous estrogen therapy.