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Ovarian transplantation restores fertility to old mice and also lengthens their lives

Scientists have discovered that ovarian transplants from young mice can restore fertility and increase lifespan in aging female mice. The procedure, which has been performed with limited success in women so far, may also have a rejuvenating effect on their behavior. Researchers believe that similar procedures could be used to preserve ...

New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy

A new study suggests that elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy may not be beneficial and could even increase the risk of other health problems. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 women who underwent the procedure, finding a link between oophorectomy and increased risks of coronary artery disease and hip fractures.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateMar 9, 2010

Study sheds new light on link between obesity and infertility

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obese women have detrimental changes in their ovaries, leading to poorer reproductive outcomes. Alterations in egg development and increased inflammation may contribute to infertility, the researchers suggest.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2009

Study shows younger women with endometrial cancer can safely keep ovaries, avoid early menopause

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that leaving the ovaries intact during surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer has no survival benefit compared to removing them. This approach could spare women from surgery-induced early menopause, hot flashes, and increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 28, 2009

Female embryonic sexual development driven by universal factor

A gene essential for organ growth also regulates female but not male embryo sexual development, supporting a controversial hypothesis about mammalian sexual development. Researchers found that beta-catenin acts as an internal regulator of the pathway, which includes Wnt4 and R-spondin1 genes, leading to the formation of ovaries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 13, 2008

Continuous oral contraceptives better at easing pain, bleeding

Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2008

Ultrasound could help couples undergoing IVF

Researchers developed a new ultrasound-based test that can accurately predict ovarian response and IVF success. The antral follicle count was found to be an effective predictor of egg production, providing a less costly and invasive alternative to current hormone-based tests.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateMar 14, 2007

Polycystic ovary syndrome more prevalent in overweight women

Researchers report that polycystic ovary syndrome is significantly higher among overweight and obese Spanish women compared to lean women. The study, which evaluated 113 consecutive patients, found a marked increase in the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among unselected overweight and obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2006