Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
The number of US minors receiving hormone treatment and surgeries has risen significantly, despite concerns over the lack of strong evidence. Experts are questioning the evidence underpinning guidelines from organizations such as WPATH and the Endocrine Society.
A University of Jyväskylä study found that estrogen deficiency affects systemic signaling in response to exercise. Exercise typically induces changes in micro-RNA molecules, but estrogen levels impact this process in postmenopausal women.
Two studies found that kisspeptin improves sexual responses in women and men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, boosting attraction brain pathways. The researchers believe the results lay the foundation for kisspeptin-based treatments for millions of people worldwide.
A $1.1 million Department of Defense grant supports Augusta University research linking prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Avirup Guha's research aims to investigate the aging process, exploring the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in this connection.
Researchers from UTSA and UT Health San Antonio are developing compounds that target the estrogen receptor-beta, which suppresses cancer growth. The goal is to identify a novel ER-beta agonist with potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating GBM in patients.
A two-year study found that transgender and nonbinary youth experienced improved appearance congruence, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased life satisfaction after starting gender-affirming hormone treatment. The study included 315 participants aged 12-20 and had the longest follow-up reported to date.
A new study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in women who are carriers of the APOE4 gene. The research found that HRT use is associated with improved memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk women. Early introduction of HRT during perimenopause may be particularly beneficial.
Adding apalutamide to active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer may lower the rate of positive biopsies, according to a preliminary clinical trial. Fifty-nine percent of patients had no evidence of residual cancer on immediate posttreatment biopsy.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
Researchers found that plasma GH levels are a potential biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes in patients with advanced HCC treated with Atezo/Bev. The study showed significantly superior overall survival and non-significant trend in favor of GH-low patients compared to GH-high patients.
The expert panel recommends individualized gender-affirming care, considering unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. They propose abandoning strict rules, such as hormone therapy initiation prior to surgery, in favor of a more comprehensive approach.
Females with more subcutaneous fat are protected against brain inflammation, a risk factor for dementia and stroke. Removing subcutaneous fat increases brain inflammation in females, even on low-fat diets.
Researchers characterized prostate cancer cell dynamics at single-cell resolution, revealing an expansion of intermediate cells that correlates with treatment resistance and poor clinical outcomes. A 5-gene signature associated with treatment resistance was also discovered.
A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.
The SERENA-2 trial found camizestrant significantly improves progression-free survival versus fulvestrant in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Camizestrant demonstrates efficacy across various patient populations, including those with ESR1 mutations and prior CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai found that estrogen can prevent symptoms of delirium in mice with urinary tract infections, reducing IL-6 levels in the blood and protecting neurons. The study suggests estrogen may be a tool to mitigate delirium, particularly in older women with UTIs.
The phase 1 and phase 2 studies showed that ARV-471 was well-tolerated and could promote substantial estrogen receptor degradation in patients with advanced disease. The study has led to a randomized phase 3 trial comparing ARV-471 with a SERD in patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that online platforms are offering therapies to men who don't meet guidelines for testosterone deficiency, while failing to convey the risks and benefits of therapy. The study recommends seeing a provider with expertise in hypogonadism for accurate care.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Kotaro Sasaki coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland. The researchers developed an organoid culture system to direct iPSCs to transition into adrenocortical progenitor-like cells, resulting in cells producing steroid hormones.
A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.
A new treatment approach using surgery or radiation therapy has been shown to slow cancer progression in patients with solitary prostate cancer metastases. The study found that this approach, called metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), can delay the need for hormone-blocking treatments and improve survival rates.
Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of NTLA-2001 in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The results showed significant reductions in circulating TTR protein levels, which were sustained for up to six months after treatment.
A new preclinical study discovered the underlying cause of gender differences in immunotherapy-associated myocarditis and identified potential treatment strategies. Hormone therapies targeting the endocrine-cardiac-immune pathway may reduce this risk without affecting treatment efficacy.
A small clinical trial showed 40% of patients experienced progression-free survival when treated with a CD105 inhibitor, which prevented cancer cells from making splice variant proteins. This approach may resensitize select patients to androgen suppression therapy.
A Danish study found that systemically administered hormone therapy increases depression risk, especially immediately after initiation. Locally administered therapy is associated with a lower risk of depression for women over 54 years old.
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals dozens of UK companies offering private blood tests with misleading claims, contradicting official medical guidance and potentially harming individuals. Experts argue for regulation to protect consumers and prevent unnecessary costs for the NHS.
A novel oxytocin derivative, PAS-CPPs-oxytocin, has been shown to improve cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The derivative is delivered via intranasal administration and shows increased brain penetration compared to traditional intracerebroventricular delivery.
A new analysis by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that men with prostate cancer benefit from adding androgen deprivation therapy to radiation treatment. The study showed improved metastasis-free survival for patients receiving short-term ADT before or after radiation, especially in those receiving prostate-only RT.
A study of over 700 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression and then started gender-affirming hormone treatment found that 98% continued use. The findings contradict recent concerns about regret and support the long-term benefits of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.
A new study found that hormone therapy experiences differ significantly by race among women experiencing menopause symptoms. White women reported higher rates of hormone therapy use and better quality of life compared to women of other ethnicities.
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
A new study found that hormone therapy may protect against adhesive capsulitis, a painful orthopedic disorder affecting perimenopausal women. The research suggests estrogen plays a role in musculoskeletal function and reducing inflammation, supporting the hypothesis that hormone therapy is protective against the disorder.
Studies show improved mental health and quality of life in transgender women using hormone therapy, with some concerns about cardiovascular risk. The therapy's effects on breast cancer risk are mixed and more research is needed.
A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.
A new study from Uppsala University found that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin production by about 30 percent. The researchers also discovered that the weight of the blanket (12% of participant's body weight) reduced stress system activity, but had no effect on oxytocin and cortisol levels.
A new study reveals that androgen receptor inhibitors can fundamentally rewire prostate tumors, making them more aggressive. The researchers found that most tumors remain fuel-dependent after treatment, but a small percentage convert to double-negative prostate cancer.
A Rutgers study finds CBD improves glucose disposal, burns energy, and enhances bone density in estrogen-deficient mice. The compound also reduces inflammation and boosts beneficial gut bacteria.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a new treatment for type 1 diabetes that uses leptin to improve insulin-alternative effects in mice. The combination of leptin and a PTP1B inhibitor normalizes blood glucose levels without the need for insulin, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
A review article suggests that retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) may be a potential target for clinical intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study highlights the importance of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including its role in inducing hepatic de novo lipogenesis and impairing fatty acid oxidation.
A new study suggests that neoadjuvant novel hormonal therapy followed by prostatectomy can reduce the risk of recurrent and progressive cancer in high-risk prostate cancer patients. After treatment with NHAs, patients were more likely to have negative margins after surgery and fewer cases of biochemical recurrence.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that irisin reduces levels of a protein linked to Parkinson's disease and halts movement problems in mice. Irisin also speeds up the transport and degradation of alpha synuclein via fluid-filled sacs called lysosomes in brain cells.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic link HSD3B1 genotype to higher risk of type 2 endometrial cancer, which is more aggressive and has lower survival rates than type 1. The study builds on previous associations with breast and prostate cancer, suggesting the gene could serve as a biomarker for certain subtypes.
A randomized phase III trial found that combination hormonal therapy, delivered for a finite treatment interval of 12 months, more durably suppresses PSA levels compared to hormone injections alone. The treatment approach improved disease progression in patients with high-risk biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.
Scientists at UC San Diego have illuminated the role of key neurons that alter function in response to seasonal changes in light exposure. The study found that neurons change expression of neurotransmitters in response to day length stimuli, triggering behavioral changes.
A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that low testosterone levels are an independent risk factor for COVID-19 hospitalization in men. Men with chronically low testosterone who developed COVID-19 were 2.4 times more likely to require hospitalization than those with normal testosterone levels.
Researchers developed a therapy using GnRH pulsatile injection to restore cognitive and olfactory functions in trisomic mice. In a pilot clinical trial, the treatment improved cognitive performance in 6 out of 7 patients with Down syndrome, including better reasoning, attention, and episodic memory.
Recent evidence suggests hormone therapy at menopause does not significantly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer. However, estrogen combined with progesterone increases breast cancer risk for women with an intact uterus. Menopause experts offer reassurance to women and their healthcare providers about the safety of hormone ther...
Researchers have identified key molecular differences between cancer cells that cling to initial tumors and those that spread to distant sites. The study found unique properties in cells that gain migratory ability and survival advantages, leading to the development of new treatment targets.
A recent case study at Kobe University reports a 15-month recovery process for a patient with impaired ACTH secretion due to COVID-19. The research team successfully restored hormone levels through ACTH replacement therapy, and the patient's condition improved significantly after one year and a half.
A study published in NeuroReport reveals that ultrasound exposure improves depressive behavior in a rat model of depression. OB rats exposed to USV had significantly lower hyperemotionality scores and plasma corticosterone levels than unexposed rats, suggesting potential anti-depressant effects.
A new study published in Menopause finds that prasterone effectively improves urinary urge incontinence symptoms in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This treatment option may offer relief for women experiencing pressure in the bladder, making it difficult to hold urine.
A large prospective study found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to those without the condition. The study analyzed data from over 112,000 women and found an association between endometriosis and stroke risk, suggesting that clinicians should consider the whole woman's health...
Researchers have found that infusing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone can improve impaired islet cell function in the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and treatment burden. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
A large cohort study found that hormone replacement therapy for breast cancer survivors is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence. The study included over 8,400 Danish postmenopausal women and found no link between vaginal estrogen or menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer reoccurrence.
Researchers have found that high levels of iron can generate toxic free radicals, which damage lipids and ultimately lead to cell death. The team is exploring the use of compounds like JKE-1674 to induce ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
The North American Menopause Society has released its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, reaffirming the effectiveness of hormone therapy in treating hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. The updated statement also highlights its role in preventing bone loss and fractures.
Abemaciclib, a CDK4 & 6 inhibitor, showed profound inhibition of cell proliferation and triggered senescence and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Continuous dosing provided sustained inhibition with irreversible effects through apoptosis, supporting the differentiated safety and efficacy profile.
Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute discovered that prostate cancer cells hijack the circadian rhythm to become resistant to hormone therapy. The study found that proteins regulating the circadian clock play a crucial role in tumor cell survival, offering a potential target for new treatment strategies.
Research at Kyoto University found that estradiol suppresses severe skin inflammation in females compared to males, revealing its therapeutic potential. The hormone regulates immune cells and reduces IL-17A and IL-1β cytokines production.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed a targeted immunotoxin that delivers into breast ducts, eliminating visible and invisible precancerous lesions in laboratory studies. The treatment showed strong cancer-killing effects in all cell lines and was well-tolerated in mouse models.