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Are natural alternatives to estrogen replacement therapy safe?

A new review found potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, including reduced menopausal symptoms and lowered risks of cardiovascular disease. However, the potential negative health effects, such as infertility and increased cancer risks, must be considered, and individual factors like age and gut bacteria may influence outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateOct 9, 2016

Consumption of natural estrogens in cow's milk does not affect blood levels or reproductive health

Researchers found that naturally occurring estrogens in milk did not impact blood hormone levels or reproductive organs in mice, even at concentrations 100 times higher than typical milk from pregnant cows. The study suggests that the gastrointestinal system can metabolize estrogens before they reach systemic circulation.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateAug 3, 2016

Breast cancer drug found to reduce seizures

A Northwestern University study found that a class of drugs inhibiting estrogen production can quickly and effectively suppress brain seizures. The effect was profound and clear, suggesting a new approach to treating seizures by shutting down the brain's production of estrogen when a seizure first begins.

DHEA improves vaginal discomfort after menopause

In a phase III trial, DHEA showed significant improvements in vaginal discomfort after menopause, reducing pain with sex by 0.36 points and improving vaginal dryness by 0.27 points compared to a placebo. The treatment also led to increased superficial cells and decreased parabasal cells, indicating improved vaginal health.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJan 5, 2016

Continuous joint use of estrogen and progestin lowers risk of EC in postmenopausal women

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that continuous joint use of estrogen and progestin reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by 35% in postmenopausal women. The study analyzed data from 16,608 women aged 50-79 with normal uteri, who were randomly assigned to daily estrogen plus progestin or placebo.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 14, 2015

Estrogen, shrubbery, and the sex ratio of suburban frogs

A Yale study reveals that suburban ponds experience a gender revolution due to elevated levels of estrogen in shrubbery and lawn areas. The research shows that female frogs outnumber males, likely caused by endocrine disruption from phytoestrogens produced by plants commonly found in lawns.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015

Study redefines role of estrogen in cervical cancer

A recent study has found that estrogen receptors are almost entirely absent in cervical cancer tumors, but still present in the tumor microenvironment. This finding highlights a critical communication between the microenvironment and tumor cells, allowing the tumor to thrive despite its inability to respond to estrogen.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015

Pesticide exposure contributes to heightened risk of heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pesticide exposure contributes to heightened cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation in premenopausal women. The research suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals like DDT can aggravate complications of obesity, including...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2015

No association between lung cancer risk in women and reproductive history or hormone use

The study of over 160,000 postmenopausal women revealed no significant link between lung cancer risk and reproductive history or hormone therapy. However, some subgroups showed reduced risks for specific types of lung cancer, emphasizing the need for further research into complex relationships.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 8, 2015

When I'm 64 -- I'll still have hot flashes?

A large study of 2,000 Australian women aged 40-65 found that 42% of those between 60-65 years old experienced hot flashes, while 62% continued to experience sexual symptoms. The study highlights the need for better treatment options for these women, many of whom are not receiving adequate care.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 2, 2015

Diverse gut bacteria associated with favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that diverse gut bacteria are associated with a favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Researchers analyzed fecal and urine samples from 60 postmenopausal women and discovered a relationship between bacterial diversity and estrogen levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 11, 2014

Targeting estrogen receptors prevents binge eating in mice

A study published in JCI Journals suggests that estrogen replacement therapy can suppress binge-eating behaviors in mice. The effect required the presence of estrogen receptors in serotonin neurons, and direct delivery of an estrogen conjugate also reduced binge eating in these animals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2014