Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A study found that large doses of vitamin C can reduce levels of stress hormones in the blood and boost the immune system. Vitamin C also reduced indicators of physical and emotional stress, such as loss in body weight and enlargement of the adrenal glands.
A study found that untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women is associated with lower IQ scores in their children. Children of mothers treated for the condition showed similar intelligence levels to those born to healthy mothers. Early detection and treatment may mitigate the negative effects.
A Harvard Medical School study reveals that physician guidelines for estrogen replacement therapy fail to address women's concerns and needs. Researchers found that patients value healthcare provider opinions, media influences, and friend opinions when making decisions about hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that anti-diabetic agents can significantly reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice. The study suggests that these compounds may be an effective treatment for humans with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating disorder affecting millions worldwide.
A new report from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) states that cholesterol lowering in elderly Americans can significantly reduce heart disease and stroke risk. The NCEP recommends lowering cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
A large-scale study by the University of Chicago found that immunotherapy, a treatment aimed at preventing recurrent miscarriage, is not effective. Women who received this treatment had more and later miscarriages compared to those receiving a placebo.
A study found that breast cancer patients experiencing estrogen deficiency during treatment are at a higher risk of developing depression. Eight women (38 percent) developed major depression, most in the first six months of treatment.
In a groundbreaking two-year study, nearly two-thirds of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis regained their original bone mass after receiving a new treatment. The synthetic parathyroid hormone treatment was three times more effective than current medications in reversing bone loss.
A study conducted at nine U.S. Centers found that a testosterone skin patch improves sexual function and psychological well-being in surgically menopausal women. The patch was well-tolerated and showed significant benefits in improving the quality of life for these women.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that high doses of cortisol, produced in response to stress, can significantly impair memory performance after several days. Memory impairment was seen only in those who received a high dose of cortisol and only after four days of treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that combined hormone therapy of estrogen and androgen increased muscle mass and decreased fat in postmenopausal women. The therapy showed an average 2-4% reduction in body fat and a 4-6% increase in muscle mass.
Researchers found that stimulating growth hormone production in healthy older men and women can reduce body fat by approximately 5% and increase IGF-I levels. This effect was observed in both men and women, with some suggestions that estrogen replacement may partially block certain effects.
A study by Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic found that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy increases the risk for specific types of breast cancer with favorable prognoses, particularly invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma. The risk is higher among women who used hormone replacement therapy for five or fewer years.
A USCF study reveals that an herbal therapy, PC-SPES, significantly reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by more than 50% in men with advanced prostate cancer. The compound, containing eight Chinese herbs including saw palmetto, showed promising results in both hormone-naïve and hormone-resistant patients.
Researchers will test two forms of secretin on 51 children with autism, aged 3-12, to evaluate its effectiveness. The trial aims to uncover the genetic and neurobiological causes of autism and identify potential side effects.
A new study by researchers at University at Buffalo found that babies born with a congenital growth hormone deficiency are of normal length at birth. The study suggests that growth hormone deficiency does not affect fetal growth, and that persistence of hypoglycemia and jaundice are clues for evaluation of pituitary hormones. Replacing...
A new clinical study has found that a combination of exercise and moderate doses of male hormones can benefit men with HIV-wasting syndrome by building up lean tissue. The study showed significant increases in lean body mass and muscle strength, regardless of whether patients were undergoing treatment with HIV anti-retroviral drugs.
A new study found that anabolic steroids can increase lean body mass and reduce fatigue in kidney disease patients receiving dialysis. Patients who received the steroid gained an average of 5.7 pounds more lean body mass than those on placebo, scoring better on physical performance tests.
Researchers have identified three compounds that can stimulate new bone growth in animals, including synthetic chemicals and a natural product. These small molecule compounds are relatively inexpensive, stable, and can be easily modified or formulated, potentially leading to the first osteoporosis treatment to stimulate new bone growth.
A new study published by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) does not significantly elevate the risk of breast cancer in women with histories of benign breast disease. Women already face a higher risk, but ERT does provide benefits for heart and bone health.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found an association between new hormone use and the occurrence of a second cardiac event in women with previous heart disease. The study suggests that hormone therapy may not be beneficial for women who already have heart disease, but may still be helpful for those without it.
A new study by the NHLBI suggests that black patients with congestive heart failure are at a higher risk of death and disease progression compared to white patients. The study found significant racial differences in survival rates among patients treated with an ACE inhibitor.
The Ablatherm device has shown local disease control in approximately 80% of cases, with a complete response in 56% and partial response in 24%. The treatment is minimally invasive and can be repeated if necessary, but may have some adverse effects.
Researchers have discovered that combining standard treatment with a second natural hormone, triiodothyronine, improves cognitive symptoms in hypothyroidism patients. The study found that brain function, memory, and energy levels increased significantly with the combined therapy.
A new UCSF study reveals that women are as likely as men to agree to a doctor's recommendation for an invasive cardiac procedure after testing positive for heart disease. The study also found that men and women reported similar willingness to accept recommendations for coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
The Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence will focus on improving patient outcomes and offer hope to the more than 10,000 men in North Carolina diagnosed with the disease. The $5 million grant will fund new positions, labs, and studies addressing prevention and treatment aspects.
The CIBIS-II trial found that beta-blockers significantly reduced deaths from all causes by 34 percent and sudden deaths by 44 percent among patients with mild or moderate heart failure. The results support the use of beta-blockers in treating stable patients with this condition.
The INSERM Collective Expertise Report on Migraine emphasizes that paramedical examinations are unnecessary for diagnosis, recommending a simple interview and medical examination instead. Effective treatments exist, but patients often underestimate their benefits, and confusion between triggers and underlying causes persists. The repor...
A new study at Johns Hopkins suggests a safe and effective way to detect left-over thyroid cells using PCR technology. The test relies on detecting genes for thyroglobulin in patients' blood, allowing them to stay on their thyroid hormone medication while reducing the risk of false results.
Researchers found that regular multi-vitamin use and long-term hormone replacement therapy can lower homocysteine levels in the blood, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study tracked 353 men and women with varying levels of homocysteine, revealing significant differences in levels among participants.
A researcher has reported significant findings on relaxin's effects on the cervix in humans and rats, suggesting its potential as a cervical softening agent in labor induction. Relaxin binds to cells in the human cervix, promoting growth and softening of the cervix during pregnancy.
A study conducted by University of California San Francisco expert Mac Roach found that high-risk prostate cancer patients who receive hormonal therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy have a 20% higher survival rate after eight years compared to those receiving radiotherapy alone. This suggests that prostate cancer patients may need t...
A low-dose hydrocortisone study found slight improvement in some chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms for about half the participants, while two-thirds on hydrocortisone reported better well-being. However, the treatment also induced adrenal suppression in twelve patients, rendering it an unsuitable option for CFS patients.
A clinical trial is underway to investigate whether estrogen can enhance the effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's patients, who experience a 'roller coaster' effect from daily Levodopa use. The study aims to determine if hormone replacement therapy can improve the effectiveness and duration of Mirapex treatment.
A new report by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency examines the association between hormone-disrupting substances and observed effects in humans and wildlife. The study found potential links between EDSs and changes in reproductive health, behavior, and cancer incidence.
A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that raloxifene significantly reduced the risk of spinal fractures in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Women taking raloxifene had a 52% lower risk of first-time spinal fractures, and those with previous spinal fractures had a 38% lower risk compared to placebo
Researchers found that progestin activates apoptosis in the ovarian lining, preventing precancerous cells from becoming malignant. The study suggests that periodically administering progestin could be a highly effective preventive treatment for ovarian cancer.
A comprehensive study of 195 short children found a strong link between shortness and behavioral adjustment problems. Growth hormone treatments improved behavior scores and conduct in many cases, with significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders.
The HERS study found that hormone replacement therapy did not prevent further heart attacks or death from coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausal women with CHD, despite positive effects on lipoproteins. However, the treatment increased the risk of clots and lung embolism.
The HERS study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and death in postmenopausal women with established heart disease. In the three-year follow-up, more deaths from heart disease occurred in the HRT group than in the untreated group.
Researchers found that testosterone injections significantly improved energy levels in 79% of HIV-positive men with low interest in sex and depressed mood. The treatment also boosted enjoyment and satisfaction with life, although the long-term effects remain unknown.
Researchers found that alendronate significantly increased bone mineral density at the spine and hip in men and women taking steroids, reducing fracture risk. The study showed improved outcomes for post-menopausal women receiving 10mg of alendronate.
Researchers at Penn State found that sex hormones have little effect on adolescent sexual behavior after a nearly two-year study. Social factors like peer pressure are believed to have a much larger impact on behavior.
A rare medical archive enabled researchers to determine that patients with high nm23 levels and low density of newly formed blood vessels were more likely to survive 14 years after treatment. Low micro-vessel count was also a predictor, with 92% of patients surviving at least 14 years.
Scientists from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated have discovered two novel non-steroidal progestin compounds, (S)-LG120746 and (S)-LG120747, that selectively stimulate tissues within the body. These compounds demonstrate a protective activity in the uterus without concomitant stimulation of breast-cell growth.
Researchers found that anti-androgen drugs can trigger the protein that makes prostate and cancerous cells grow, leading to a possible explanation for why hormone therapy loses effectiveness after one or two years. The study suggests that more research is needed to confirm the results.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that mice deficient in a stress hormone receptor exhibit reduced anxiety and improved stress response. The research suggests that new drugs suppressing the receptor's function may be effective in treating depression and anxiety.
A phase III clinical trial suggests that suramin offers substantial pain reduction and moderate delay in disease progression for patients with advanced prostate cancer. The study involved 458 patients, who experienced significant pain reduction and a longer period of time compared to those receiving only hydrocortisone and a placebo.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry generated mice with no functional Pax8 protein, which develop hypothyroidism due to a defect in thyroid hormone production. The study suggests that Pax8 plays a crucial role in forming thyroxin-producing cells of the thyroid gland.
Fetal rat skin cells treated with hormone activators formed a competent barrier earlier than control groups, reducing water loss and increasing enzyme activity. This study suggests that hormone activators could be used to promote skin growth in premature infants.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that adults treated for growth-hormone deficiency as children have similar quality of life to their healthy same-sex siblings. Despite expecting benefits, the study revealed little relationship between adult height or growth hormone treatment and reports of psychological and social funct...
Researchers have developed new radiotracer chemicals that can predict how well antiestrogen therapies will treat cancer in individual patients. The technique uses positron emission tomography (PET) and shows promise for improving treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that soy phytoestrogens provided equivalent stroke-prevention benefits to standard Premarin therapy in postmenopausal monkeys. The treatment reduced internal carotid artery atherosclerosis by more than half, preventing the development of an 'atherogenic plasma lipid profile'.
A large-scale study shows that estrogen replacement therapy, with or without progestin, consistently and sustainably reduces plasma lipoprotein (a) concentrations, a high-risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The results also confirm hormone therapy's broad-scale impact on cholesterol metabolism.
Researchers found that lutenizing hormone (LH) plays a critical role in sustaining the growth of egg follicles until ovulation. The discovery has important implications for women undergoing fertility treatments, as it may be possible to reduce the risk of multiple births by manipulating LH and FSH levels.
Researchers found that oral administration of a steroid hormone boosts circulating leptin levels in humans, with higher levels observed in obese individuals. The study suggests that overweight people still have leptin reserves and may benefit from high-dose leptin therapy.
Researchers have discovered a way to quickly determine if women with advanced breast cancer are responding to hormone therapy using positron emission tomography (PET). The finding could reduce the need for harsher chemotherapy and improve quality of life for patients.
Researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy accelerated wound healing in elderly postmenopausal women, outperforming those not on hormone therapy. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapy may benefit chronic wounds in older patients.
A study by Harvard Medical School reveals that growth hormone blocks the formation of new retinal blood vessels, which can cause blindness. The findings suggest new treatments may prevent blindness related to this condition.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that thalidomide effectively heals mouth ulcers in people infected with HIV, with 90% of treatment group volunteers showing at least partial healing. The drug also reduces pain and boosts patients' ability to eat.