MedWorm: Hormone Replacement Therapy

Oregon Teen Author Alexandra Gritta Raises $20,000 for Rescued PMU...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:24:02 +0100

Sixteen-year-old Alexandra Gritta works to raise both funds and public awareness for horses forced to suffer at PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) facilities in order to produce the hormone replacement therapy...(PRWeb January 31, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb8893365.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

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Bias in Observational Studies of Prevalent Users: Lessons for Comparative Effectiveness Research From a Meta-Analysis of Statins

American Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are usually the preferred strategy with which to generate evidence of comparative effectiveness, but conducting an RCT is not always feasible. Though observational studies and RCTs often provide comparable estimates, the questioning of observational analyses has recently intensified because of randomized-observational discrepancies regarding the effect of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy on coronary heart disease. Reanalyses of observational data that excluded prevalent users of hormone replacement therapy led to attenuated discrepancies, which begs the question of whether exclusion of prevalent users should be generally recommended. In the current study, the authors evaluated the effect of excluding prevalent users of statins in a meta-analysis ...

Use of glucocorticoids and risk of breast cancer: a Danish population-based case-control study

Breast Cancer Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IntroductionGlucocorticoids are widely prescribed drugs. In the human body, glucocorticoid is the main stress hormone, and controls a variety of physiological and cellular processes, including metabolism and immune response. It belongs to the same steroid superfamily as estrogens, which are known to play a role in breast cancer. However, the effect of glucocorticoid use on the risk of breast cancer is not clear. Methods: We conducted a case-control study using population-based medical databases from Northern Denmark (1.8 million inhabitants) to investigate the association between glucocorticoid prescriptions and breast cancer risk. The study included 9,488 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2008 and 94,876 population controls. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95%...

Soft Tissue Composition and the Risk of Low Bone Mineral Density: The Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-3), 2009

Calcified Tissue International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:58 +0100

In conclusion, higher LM was associated with a lower risk of low BMD in both genders, while higher FM was associated with a higher risk of low BMD for men <50 years but not for women and men ≥50 years. The combined effects of LM and FM on BMD were gender- and menopause status–specific. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00223-012-9573-xAuthors Kayoung Lee, Department of Family Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 633-165 Kaegum-dong, Busan Jin-Gu, Busan, 614-735 South Korea Journal Calcified Tissue InternationalOnline ISSN 1432-0827Print ISSN 0171-967X (Source: Calcified Tissue International)

PPI heartburn drugs 'up hip fracture risk in smokers'

NHS News Feed — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:19:00 +0100

Conclusion This large study had several strengths. Unlike some previous studies, it collected information on and took into account other key risk factors for fracture, including body weight, smoking, alcohol use and physical activity. It also looked at the women’s use of PPIs every two years (rather than just asking them once) and took into account variations in use during this time in their analysis. However, as the authors note, it also had some limitations: It did not ask about the brands of PPI used, nor the doses of PPI the women took, both of which could affect risk of fracture. The information about hip fracture was self-reported and not confirmed by medical records (although a smaller study has found self-reporting of hip fracture to be reliable). Also, the study did ...

Choose healthy lifestyle, nutritious food over hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

It's understandable that a woman would like to avoid discomfort while going through menopause. After all, what woman likes having hot flashes or experiencing vaginal dryness? The problem, though, is that taking hormones is not the answer. Natural News has covered the... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

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Aging is a risk factor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal women.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Aging is a risk factor for NAFLD in premenopausal women, independent of weight gain or influence of metabolic syndrome. PMID: 22294826 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Questions About Data Linking Breast Cancer and HRTQuestions About Data Linking Breast Cancer and HRT

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:57:54 +0100

The link between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is based on "unreliable evidence," according to some experts, but has been summarily dismissed by others. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Study faults research linking hormone therapy to cancer (AFP, 16 January 2012)

Society for Endocrinology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

A review published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health examines the 2003 'Million Women Study' into menopausal hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

Study linking HRT to breast cancer 'was wrong'

NHS News Feed — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:46:00 +0100

Conclusion Researchers have reanalysed the design and data from three studies that had suggested that HRT is associated with an increased risk that breast cancer would develop. They wanted to determine whether HRT caused breast cancer to develop (that the link was “causal”). The researchers looked at a pooled analysis study called the Collaborative Reanalysis, the Women’s Health Initiative randomised controlled trials and the Million Women Study, which was a large prospective cohort study including 800,000 post-menopausal women. The researchers found that these studies each failed to meet the majority of nine criteria which would be need to be met in order to say whether the studies could establish causality. These criteria included whether the women in the studies took HRT before th...

HRT breast cancer alert that led to thousands of women abandoning treatment was 'based on bad research'

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:53:40 +0100

It is almost ten years since the UK study - the largest of its kind - contributed to a worldwide scare about the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Tibolone increases bone mineral density but also relapse in breast cancer survivors: LIBERATE Trial Bone Sub-study

Breast Cancer Research — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IntroductionLivial Intervention Following Breast Cancer; Efficacy, Recurrence and Tolerability Endpoints (LIBERATE - ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00408863), a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial which demonstrated that tibolone (Livial), a tissue selective hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased breast cancer (BC) recurrence HR 1.40 (95% CI 1.14-1.70; p=0.001) entered a subgroup of women into a study of Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Methods: Women with surgically excised primary BC (T1-3, N0-2, M0) within the last 5 years complaining of vasomotor symptoms, were assigned to tibolone 2.5mg daily or placebo treatment for a maximum of 5 years. The BMD sub-study enrolled 763 patients utilizing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning at baseline and at 2 years. Results: ...

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) Promotes Weight Loss in Female Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by Decreasing Food Intake and Increasing Activity.

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sullivan EL, Shearin J, Koegler FH, Cameron JL Abstract The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HT) on body weight in postmenopausal women is controversial, with studies reporting increased, decreased and no change in body weight. To examine estrogen receptor actions on body weight, we investigated the effects of treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) on body weight, food intake, activity and metabolic rate in a nonhuman primate model. Eighteen ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys were treated with a non-steroidal SERM (GSK232802A, 5 mg/kg, PO) for 3 months. GSK232802A decreased luteinizing hormone (LH; p<0.0001) and follicle stimulating hormone levels (FSH; p<0.0001), which is consistent with the estrogenic action of the compound. GSK232802...

Million Women Study Wrong, Group Says

MedPage Today Endocrinology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- A study long used to establish causal links between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer is severely flawed, a group of epidemiologists have charged. (Source: MedPage Today Endocrinology)

An Estrogen Model: The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Menopausal Status, Estrogen Replacement Therapy, and Breast Cancer Risk

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:14:21 +0100

We present a mathematical model that lends support to the hypothesis that estrogen levels mediate the complex relationship between body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and breast cancer risk. The model predicts a decrease in the relative risk of breast cancer of 3% per unit increase in BMI (kg/m2) for premenopausal women and an increase in the relative risk of 4% per unit increase in BMI for postmenopausal women who are not HRT users. When comparing postmenopausal women who use estrogen-only HRT to postmenopausal women who do not use HRT, the model predicts an increased risk of breast cancer associated with use of estrogen that diminishes with increasing BMI, with a relative risk of 1.6 for women with BMI of 18, 1.2 for women wi...

Sex hormones, appetite and eating behaviour in women

Maturitas — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, sex hormones and/or agents that exhibit similar activities may provide novel strategies for the treatment of eating disorders and android obesity, two of the most serious health problems for women today. (Source: Maturitas)

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Does hormone replacement therapy have beneficial effects on renal functions in menopausal women?

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:50:46 +0100

Conclusion In our study, we suggested that usage of hormone replacement therapy appeared to affect renal functions in postmenopausal women. There were beneficial effects of HRT on GFR in our postmenopausal patients. HRT may have possible protective mechanisms for kidney against adverse effects of aging. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00404-012-2215-8Authors Ikbal Kaygusuz, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatih University Medical School, Ciftlik Cad. No:57, Emek, 06510 Ankara, TurkeyIlknur Inegol Gumus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatih University Medical School, Ciftlik Cad. No:57, Emek, 06510 Ankara, TurkeyHilal Uslu Yuvaci, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatih University Medical School, ...

Trends in incidence and detection of advanced breast cancer at biennial screening mammography in The Netherlands: a population based study

Breast Cancer Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We observed no decline in the risk of advanced breast cancer during 12 years of biennial screening mammography. The majority of these cancers could not have been prevented through earlier detection at screening. (Source: Breast Cancer Research)

Adverse effects of growth hormone replacement therapy in children

Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia e Metabologia — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:33:01 +0100

Human growth hormone (hGH) replacement therapy has been widely available for clinical purposes for more than fifty years. Starting in 1958, hGH was obtained from cadaveric pituitaries, but in 1985 the association between hGH therapy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was reported. In the same year, the use of recombinant hGH (rhGH) was approved. Side effects of rhGH replacement therapy in children and adolescents include rash and pain at injection site, transient fever, prepubertal gynecomastia, arthralgia, edema, benign intracranial hypertension, insulin resistance, progression of scoliosis, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Since GH stimulates cell multiplication, development of neoplasms is a concern. We will review the side effects reported in all rhGH indications.A terapia de reposiç...

Neonatal cholestasis in congenital pituitary hormone deficiency and isolated hypocortisolism: characterization of liver dysfunction and follow-up

Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia e Metabologia — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:33:01 +0100

CONCLUSION: Cholestasis due to hormonal deficiencies completely resolved upon introduction of HRT. Isolated hypocortisolism may be a transient cause of cholestasis that needs to be re-evaluated after remission of cholestasis.INTRODUÇÃO: A colestase neonatal causada por doenças endócrinas é pouco frequente e reconhecida. Existe um atraso no encaminhamento dos pacientes a um endocrinologista pediátrico. OBJETIVO: Caracterizamos a colestase em recém-nascidos com deficiências congênitas de hormônio hipofisário (DCHH) e sua resolução após a terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Dezesseis pacientes (12 do sexo masculino) foram incluídos; sete com DCHH, e cinco com hipocortisolismo central isolado. RESULTADOS: O início da colestase ocorreu aos 18 dias de vida...

Vascular effects of glycoprotein130 ligands - Part II: Biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Vascular Pharmacology — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Demyanets S, Huber K, Wojta J Abstract Glycoprotein130 (gp130) ligands are defined by the use of the common receptor subunit gp130 and comprise interleukin (IL)-6, oncostatin M (OSM), IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), IL-27 and neuropoietin (NP). In part I of this review we addressed the pathophysiological functions of gp130 ligands with respect to the vascular wall. In part II of this review on the vascular effects of gp130 ligands we will discuss data about possible use of these molecules as biomarkers to predict development or progression of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the possibility to modulate circulating levels of gp130 ligands or their tissue expression b...

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Older women's sex drives examined

NHS News Feed — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +0100

Conclusion The findings of this study are interesting, if a little confusing. It had a number of limitations: It only asked women about recent sexual activity in the preceding month. It is possible some sexually active women did not have sex in this period, so the findings may be inaccurate. Most of the women were upper-middle class women and in good health, so the findings cannot be generalised to other groups. The study relied on women responding to questions about their recent sexual activity in a postal questionnaire. Sex is an emotive and complex subject and there is always a risk that some respondents were not entirely frank. Many questions asked respondents to rate aspects of their sex life using descriptive, objective scales that are open to interpretation. For example,...

Bias in Observational Studies of Prevalent Users: Lessons for Comparative Effectiveness Research From a Meta-Analysis of Statins.

Am J Epidemiol — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Danaei G, Tavakkoli M, Hernán MA Abstract Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are usually the preferred strategy with which to generate evidence of comparative effectiveness, but conducting an RCT is not always feasible. Though observational studies and RCTs often provide comparable estimates, the questioning of observational analyses has recently intensified because of randomized-observational discrepancies regarding the effect of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy on coronary heart disease. Reanalyses of observational data that excluded prevalent users of hormone replacement therapy led to attenuated discrepancies, which begs the question of whether exclusion of prevalent users should be generally recommended. In the current study, the authors evaluated the effect...

Does hormone replacement therapy and use of oral contraceptives increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer?

Cancer Causes and Control — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:47:24 +0100

Conclusion The findings indicated that HRT but not OC may increase the risk of NMSC. However, further studies are warranted as risk estimates for SCC had relatively low precision due to a limited number of SCC cases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original paperPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s10552-011-9887-4Authors Fatima Birch-Johansen, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen O, DenmarkAllan Jensen, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen O, DenmarkAnne Braae Olesen, Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus Hospital, P.P. Ørumsgade 11, 8000 Aarhus C, DenmarkJane Christensen, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen O, DenmarkAnne Tjønnel...

Fruit and vegetables consumption and breast cancer risk: the EPIC Italy study

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:46:38 +0100

Abstract The role of fruit and vegetables in breast cancer (BC) development has long been debated. A large variety of vegetables and fruit are consumed by Mediterranean populations, a favourable setting for evaluating the effects of these foods. The association between vegetables and fruit consumption, overall and by specific types, and BC risk was studied in the Italian section of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. Over 31,000 women, aged 36-64 years, recruited in five Italian centers between 1993 and 1998, were available for analyses with dietary and lifestyle information and anthropometric measurements. After a median follow-up of 11.25 years, 1,072 invasive and in situ incident BC cases were identified. Cox proportional ha...

Timing of Gonadectomy In Adult Women with Compete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS): Patient Preferences and Clinical Evidence

Clinical Endocrinology — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Perceived benefits for retaining gonads in women with CAIS are prompting more women to keep their gonads in situ. An accurate estimate for adult malignancy risk is unavailable and the risks currently quoted may be falsely reassuring.© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical Endocrinology)

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Body fat distribution in relation to smoking and exogenous hormones in British women

Clinical Endocrinology — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:48:41 +0100

Conclusion: Although exogenous hormones use was related to a more favourable fat distribution in women, smoking was associated with greater abdominal fat accumulation.© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical Endocrinology)

Natural cycle is superior to hormone replacement therapy cycle for vitrificated-preserved frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xiao Z, Zhou X, Xu W, Yang J, Xie Q Abstract We undertook this retrospective variables-control analysis to compare the reproductive outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer using endometrial preparation with either natural cycle or hormone replacement therapy cycle. Patients were divided into three subgroups. Subgroup A (n = 32) consisted of patients having three 8-cell post-thawed embryos transferred. Subgroup B (n = 404) consisted of patients having three good quality post-thawed embryos transferred. Subgroup C (n = 578) consisted of patients having two or three all intact and mitosis resumption post-thawed embryos transferred. Implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate were measured. In subgroup A, significantly higher implan...

Estrogen Helps Nighttime Hot Flashes, Not Sleep

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0100

Women who wake up at least three times during the night from bothersome hot flashes wake up less when they take estrogen, but the quality of their sleep remains the same, according to a new study.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Sleep Disorders (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Breast and Ovarian Cancers: A Survey and Possible Roles for the Cell Surface Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans

Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Tumor markers are widely used in pathology not only for diagnostic purposes but also to assess the prognosis and to predict the treatment of the tumor. Because tumor marker levels may change over time, it is important to get a better understanding of the molecular changes during tumor progression. Occurrence of breast and ovarian cancer is high in older women. Common known risk factors of developing these cancers in addition to age are not having children or having children at a later age, the use of hormone replacement therapy, and mutations in certain genes. In addition, women with a history of breast cancer may also develop ovarian cancer. Here, the authors review the different tumor markers of breast and ovarian carcinoma and discuss the expression, mutations, and possible roles of cel...

Women Should Still Be Concerned About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

This study comes at a time when more women are again asking for this medication to control hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. The rising trend is at odds with a U.S. Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study of 2002 which found a higher incidence of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke among women using HRT... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Attitude of German gynecologists towards prescribing HRT before and after the WHI study.

Climacteric — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion German gynecologists generally have a positive attitude towards HRT, but find it important to focus on the evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio. The major barriers to prescription are multiple concerns of the patients resulting from non-objective media. PMID: 22200104 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

Women Should Still Be Concerned About Hormone Replacement Therapy, Say McMaster Researchers

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Breast cancer risk factors in Queensland women attending population-based mammography screening

Maturitas — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Prevalence of risk factors in Queensland women were largely consistent with other Australian and international studies. Hormone therapy use is lower than previously reported estimates in Australia and internationally. The comparatively high prevalence of modifiable lifestyle factors which have been shown to be moderately associated with breast cancer are potential targets for reducing the public health burden of breast cancer. (Source: Maturitas)

Heartburn reflux rise 'triggered by fatty diet'

NHS News Feed — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This was a well-conducted study and its size reduces the risk of findings being due to chance. While it does suggest that the incidence of GORD may be rising, it does have some important limitations: It relied on people self-reporting their symptoms of acid reflux and also recalling how often symptoms had occurred over the last 12 months, rather than, for example, using medical records. Relying on self-reporting, particularly when people have to remember symptoms over a period of months, can make the results less accurate. The first two surveys used did not ask people specifically how many attacks of reflux they had, although the researchers say they conducted a smaller study to validate the results. There was a sharp drop in participants between the two surveys, which ...

Women should still be concerned about hormone replacement therapy, say McMaster researchers

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study comes at a time when more women are again asking for this medication to control hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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DHEA May Help Sex, Symptoms after Menopause

WebMD Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:09:14 +0100

A small study finds that DHEA, widely available in the U.S. as a supplement, may work as well as hormone replacement therapy to ease menopausal symptoms and improve women's sex lives after menopause. (Source: WebMD Health)

Hormone may ease menopause symptoms

NHS News Feed — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This small, randomised controlled trial found that both menopause symptoms and measures of sexual function could be improved by three types of hormone therapy. The study compared a form of HRT, tibolone (a unique drug with oestrogen, progestogen and male hormone activity) and another type of hormone therapy called DHEA, which is not currently licensed for use in the UK. One group of women received vitamin D but no hormone therapies. The study was small, including 48 women in total and 12 in each group. This means there is a higher likelihood the findings are due to chance. Additionally, although the women saw improvements in sexual function, they had normal sexual function at the start of the study and did not have a clinical diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. It is not known whet...

Hormone Might Ease Menopause, Boost Women's Sex Life

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0100

But trial of DHEA's effects was small and much more research is needed, expert says Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

DHEA hormone eases menopausal hot flashes, boosts sex life: Is it safe?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:29:46 +0100

Study authors suggest DHEA may be alternative to standard hormone replacement therapy (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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Menopause: Hormone pill DHEA could ease hot flushes AND it give sex life a boost

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:15:57 +0100

Doctors are calling for tests to determine whether it could eventually become an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopausal problems. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Effect of protocol-related variables and women's characteristics on the cumulative false-positive risk in breast cancer screening

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The cumulative false-positive risk varied widely depending on the factors studied. These findings are relevant to provide women with accurate information and to improve the effectiveness of screening programs. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Longitudinal Associations of the Endocrine Environment on Fat Partitioning in Postmenopausal Women.

Obesity — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this longitudinal study was to identify independent associations of the hormone milieu with fat distribution in postmenopausal women. Fifty-three healthy postmenopausal women, either using or not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were evaluated at baseline and 2 years. The main outcomes were intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and total thigh fat analyzed by computed tomography scanning and leg fat and total body fat mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum estradiol, estrone, estrone sulfate, total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and cortisol were assessed. On average, in all women combined, IAAT increased by 10% (10.5 cm(...

Sex hormones differentially influence voluntary running activity, food intake and body weight in aging female and male rats

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:32:34 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the longer-term effects of reduced gonadal hormones on food intake, food efficiency, voluntary running activity and body weight in mature male and female rats, compared to age-matched controls. We hypothesized that hormonal effects would differ for rats that were not rapidly growing and our results are consistent with this hypothesis. 6–8 month male and female rats were divided into four groups: Female and male control groups and a female and male experimental group. Control groups were intact for 46 weeks. Experimental groups were intact during Phase I (16 weeks), ovariectomized or orchidectomized during Phase II (20 weeks), and received estrogen or testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during th...

You gui wan can reverse atrophic effect of ovariectomy on rat vaginal fold and blood vessels in the lamina propria.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100

Authors: Hu X, Wang J, Yin QZ, Lu H, Yie SM Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not You Gui Wan (YGW), a classical herbal formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has an impact on rat uterine and vaginal atrophic processes induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Thirty-four OVX Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three sets, and orally administrated with YGW decoction, saline or estrogen for 11 weeks, respectively. Histomorphological changes of the uterus and vagina, and serum estradiol levels were then compared. Results showed that OVX caused a dramatic atrophy of the uterus and vagina in the rats. Estrogen replacement reversed the effect of OVX, but with a side effect of endometrial hyperplasia. YGW had no significant effect on blood estradiol ...

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Steps Women Can Take To Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Report

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0100

A new Institute of Medicine (IOM) report released on Wednesday concludes there are some evidence-based steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer associated with environmental factors. These include avoiding unnecessary medical radiation (such as unessential X-rays and CT-scans), not smoking, avoiding use of estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if possible, limiting alcohol intake, keeping to a healthy weight (especially after the menopause), and exercising regularly... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

What is the best long‐term management strategy for patients with primary adrenal insufficiency?

Clinical Endocrinology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:06:23 +0100

This article provides answers to the important daily clinical questions, such as correct dose finding, dose adaptation in special situations, e g, pregnancy, improvement of quality of life and measures for protection from adrenal crisis. Other important aspects discussed are side effects of glucocortiocid replacement therapy and interactions with other drugs. (Source: Clinical Endocrinology)

SABCS: IOM Lists Breast Cancer Risks in Environment

MedPage Today Primary Care — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0100

SAN ANTONIO (MedPage Today) -- Women may be able to reduce their risk of breast cancer if they avoid a host of environmental exposures, including unnecessary ionizing radiation, combination hormone replacement therapy, and smoking, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Sex hormone replacement in Turner syndrome

Endocrine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:03:07 +0100

Abstract The cardinal features of Turner syndrome (TS) are short stature, congenital abnormalities, infertility due to gonadal dysgenesis, with sex hormone insufficiency ensuing from premature ovarian failure, which is involved in lack of proper development of secondary sex characteristics and the frequent osteoporosis seen in Turner syndrome. But sex hormone insufficiency is also involved in the increased cardiovascular risk, state of physical fitness, insulin resistance, body composition, and may play a role in the increased incidence of autoimmunity. Severe morbidity and mortality affects females with Turner syndrome. Recent research emphasizes the need for proper sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during the entire lifespan of females with TS and new hypotheses conc...

Ob-gyns told to welcome transgender patients

American Medical News - HEALTH — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100

ACOG encourages obstetrician-gynecologists to offer them routine care and more specialized procedures such as hormone replacement therapy. (Source: American Medical News - HEALTH)

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Natriuretic peptides, gender and cardiovascular risk: What is the link?

Maturitas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Prominent sex differences in cardiovascular risk, where women appear to enjoy cardioprotection relative to men until menopause, have fuelled widespread interest in sex hormones as chief modulators of cardiovascular risk. Indeed, until this century it was widely believed that inter-gender differences in cardiovascular risk hinged on female sex hormones being the ‘good players’ in reducing risk. According to this concept, men were disadvantaged by their lack of estrogens, and women at menopause were thought to lose their protection through loss of estrogens, suggesting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would provide cardiovascular protection. However, the Women's Health Initiative published in 2002 showed that HRT was not cardioprotective, but in fact potentially harmful, in post-menopau...

The role of environmental estrogens and autoimmunity.

Autoimmunity Reviews — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chighizola C, Meroni PL Abstract The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has significantly increased over the recent years. It has been proposed that this epidemiological evidence could be in part attributable to environmental estrogens, compounds that display estrogen-like activity and are ubiquitously present in the environment. Environmental estrogens can be found in a wide variety of foods: phytoestrogens occur in plants such as clover and soy, while mycoestrogens are food contaminants produced by fungi. Meat, eggs and dairy products from animals given exogenous hormones contain relatively high concentration of estrogens. Among xenoestrogens, industrial estrogens are synthetic chemicals produced for specific purposes (pesticides, plastics, surfactants and detergents) whi...

Declining incidence of breast cancer after decreased use of hormone-replacement therapy: magnitude and time lags in different countries

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) use steadily increased in the Western world. In 2002, the early termination of the Women's Health Initiative trial due to an excess of adverse events attributable to HRT, led to a precipitous decline in its use. Breast cancer incidence began to decline soon thereafter in the USA and several other countries. However, the magnitude of the decline in breast cancer incidence, and its timing with respect to HRT cessation, shows considerable variability between nations. The impact of HRT cessation appears most significant and immediate in countries with the largest absolute decline in HRT use. In countries in which peak prevalence of HRT use was high, several studies have convincingly excluded decreasing rates of m...

Changes in hand bone mineral density and the association with the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Bone mineral density measurements in a multicenter randomized clinical trial

Arthritis Care and Research — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionIn RA, mBMD gain occurs primarily in patients in continuous (≥1 year) CR and rarely in patients with continuous HDA or LDA. This suggests that mBMD loss is driven by inflammation. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Managing the menopause: practical choices faced in primary care.

Climacteric — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This report includes insights into how women feel about their menopause management, in particular their need to make an informed decision about their menopause management. This will ensure that they are committed to the option selected. Non-drug options should be viewed as a different approach to HRT, not as a substitute, and they should be recommended specifically to ensure that quality is assured. A guide is included as to how to select non-drug options, in particular for the phytoestrogen supplement products. Our role as physicians is to offer our patients the best possible choices to manage their health, and this should now include non-drug options that have been well-researched in terms of efficacy and safety. PMID: 22074009 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Climacteric)

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Taking an integrated approach: managing women with phytoestrogens.

Climacteric — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Panay N Abstract ABSTRACT An integrated approach can be employed when counselling women about menopausal management options, where lifestyle, complementary therapies and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are discussed. Women might opt to use an alternative approach to HRT for a variety of reasons, e.g. fear of side-effects and risks or contraindications to HRT. There are many choices of dietary and herbal approaches for menopausal symptoms, which essentially divide into food supplements and herbal medicines. The choice can often be overwhelming and confusing for the woman. Of concern, the evidence for efficacy and safety of some of these complementary therapies can be extremely limited or non-existent. In order to enable women to make a fully informed choice, it is impor...

Risk factors for HR- and HER2-defined breast cancer in Slovenian postmenopausal women.

Climacteric — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion We conclude that certain breast cancer risk factors may vary by molecular subtypes. According to our results, HRT use may have a greater influence on HR (+) and HER2(-) breast cancers and the risk of HER2-defined breast cancer may differ with respect to the regimen of HRT. PMID: 22132797 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

Predictors of intentions to use hormone replacement therapy in clinical postmenopausal women.

Climacteric — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This information should be used to develop interventions and health awareness materials about HRT in clinical postmenopausal women. PMID: 22132771 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

Development and Validation of Risk Prediction Algorithm (QThrombosis) to Estimate Future Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: Prospective Cohort Study: Hippisley-Cox J, Coupland C. BMJ 2011;343:d4656.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article, in contrast, is targeted at primary care providers and aimed to predict absolute risk of VTE at 1 and 5 years in asymptomatic patients. The authors used a large research database of data routinely collected from general practices in the United Kingdom to create a prospective cohort of patients aged 25–84 years with no history of VTE, not on oral anticoagulants, and without pregnancy in the preceding year. They randomly assigned patients to either a derivation cohort or a validation cohort. They then identified a broad group of risk factors for VTE based on previously published studies including age, body mass index, tobacco use, congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, use of hormone replacement therapy, cancer, and others. The clinical outcome was diagnosis of VTE,...

Prevention of osteoporosis: one step forward, two steps back

Menopause International — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

For many years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the mainstay for osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women until a large randomized clinical trial raised serious safety concerns. This resulted in a big drop in HRT use and its demotion by regulatory authorities to second-line treatment. Many clinicians now feel that HRT is not safe to use, and recommend various alternatives for the treatment of osteoporosis. But how effective are these alternative therapies, are they any safer than HRT, and how do their costs compare? This review questions the validity of the safety concerns about HRT, and highlights the safety concerns about alternative therapies. It concludes that HRT is as safe as the other treatment options, and its efficacy and low cost demand that it be restored as a first...

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Mental health around and after the menopause

Menopause International — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The menopause is a time in a woman's life when it is recognized that biological and social changes can impact upon mental wellbeing. Several studies have investigated the relationship between menopause and psychological symptoms, especially depression, with mixed results. In part, this is due to a considerable overlap between depressive symptoms and those due to declining estrogen levels, causing challenges in assessment. However it appears that vulnerable women are at a higher risk of succumbing to depression during menopausal transition. Antidepressants remain the mainstay of treating depressive symptoms, with little conclusive evidence for hormone replacement therapy. Memory problems during menopause are a common complaint, but there is no demonstrated link to subsequent dementia. This ...

Link Between Breast Cancer Type And Paternal Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The risk of breast cancer is increased by genetic and lifestyle factors such as the inherited BRCA2 gene, age of having first child, or use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Cancer looked at the relationship between women with breast cancer and diagnosis of cancer in their parents. The results showed that the chances of women with lobular breast cancer having a father with cancer (especially prostate cancer) was almost twice as likely as women with other forms of breast cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Ovulation-Inhibiting Effects of Dienogest in a Randomized, Dose-Controlled Pharmacodynamic Trial of Healthy Women.

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Klipping C, Duijkers I, Remmers A, Faustmann T, Zurth C, Klein S, Schuett B Abstract Dienogest offers pharmacological advantages for the effective treatment of endometriosis and for use in contraception and hormone replacement therapy. This pharmacodynamic study investigated the ovulation-inhibiting effects of dienogest monotherapy in healthy women. Dienogest was administered at 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 mg daily for up to 72 days to women aged 18 to 35 years (n = 102). Ovarian activity was assessed pretreatment and during 2 treatment periods (days 0-36 and days 37-72) by the Hoogland score, based on follicle size and serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Additional hormonal parameters and endometrial thickness were assessed. Hoogland scoring indicated ovulation in all women pret...

Severe hypercalcaemia following cessation of hormone replacement therapy

QJM — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: QJM)

Incident reporting in primary care: epidemiology or culture change?

Quality and Safety in Health Care — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

As in most other areas of human experience, fashions in healthcare and in healthcare research come and go. They come about because a good idea is articulated, often as a sound bite that makes intrinsic sense, and they go because a few intrepid researchers are prepared to investigate the substance behind the sound bite and they come to realise that the logic is not supported by the reality. The original logic is supplanted. Over the last 20–30 years, there have been some notable fashions in healthcare that have lit up the globe like a comet and then died. Just as there have been passing fashions in surgery (eg, routine tonsillectomies) and medications (eg, hormone replacement therapy), so also have there been passing fashions in quality improvement (QI) and QI research. Kieran Wa...

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Tender Breasts from Combo HRT Linked to Higher Cancer Risk

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Symptom is significant in estrogen-progestin treatment, not estrogen aloneSource: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Breast Cancer, Breast Diseases, Hormone Replacement Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

[Hormone replacement therapy after endometrial cancer: An opportunity to supervise!]

Gynecologie, Obstetrique et Fertilite — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: This P PMID: 22104966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Gynecologie, Obstetrique et Fertilite)

Processed and Unprocessed Red Meat Consumption and Incident Type 2 Diabetes Among French Women.

Diabetes Care — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONIn this large prospective cohort of French women, a direct association was observed only for processed red meat and type 2 diabetes. PMID: 22100967 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Diabetes Care)

Growth hormone replacement therapy increases incidence of diabetes mellitus? (NeLM News Service, 16 November 2011)

Society for Endocrinology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100

A collaborative European study published in Diabetes Care suggests that growth hormone deficient patients receiving replacement therapy display an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus. Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

Impaired aerobic exercise adaptation in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma is associated with hypothalamic involvement.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Children with craniopharyngioma have a decrease in aerobic capacity mainly related to hypothalamic involvement. The hypothalamic factors altering aerobic capacity remain to be determined. PMID: 22096113 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)

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Growth hormone replacement therapy increases incidence of diabetes mellitus?

NeLM - News — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Diabetes Care Area: News According to research published early online in Diabetes Care, diabetes incidence appears to be increased in growth hormone (GH)-deficient patients receiving GH replacement therapy (GHRT) and exhibiting an adverse risk profile at baseline. Researchers evaluated the incidence of diabetes during GHRT and the effect of GHRT on fasting plasma glucose concentrations and HbA1c in adult patients with GH deficiency. The observational study involved a total of 5,143 GH-deficient patients (male 49.9%, mean age ± SD 49 ± 13 years, BMI 29.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2). The mean observation period was 3.9 years (range 0.01-13) - total number of patient-years was 20,106. Results reported include the following: . Patients who developed diabetes ...

20-OH-Ecdysone Prevents Hot Flushes in Ovariectomized Rats

Planta Medica — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280317AbstractHot flushes are due to the lack of estrogens and are the most characteristic climacteric complaints. Hormone replacement therapy was the standard treatment but now its use is limited because of side effects. Need therefore arises to search for non-estrogenic alternatives. The molting hormone 20-beta-hydroxyecdysone (Ecd) is produced by several plants including spinach and has no estrogenic or androgenic properties but enhances GABAergic effects in neurons. Since GABAergic compounds can ameliorate hot flushes, we investigated the effects of Ecd on subcutaneous body temperature of intact and ovariectomized (ovx) rats. The subcutaneous body temperature was recorded at 5-min intervals over a period of 3 hours. Rats were then ovx, and skin temperatur...

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Evolution of Glucose Parameters in Growth Hormone-Deficient Subjects During Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy: A long-term observational study.

Diabetes Care — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONDiabetes incidence appears to be increased in GH-deficient patients receiving GHRT and exhibiting an adverse risk profile at baseline. Therefore, glucose homeostasis parameters should be monitored carefully in these patients. PMID: 22074727 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Diabetes Care)

Tubal ligation and survival of ovarian cancer patients

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Previous tubal ligation was an independently adverse prognostic factor for epithelial ovarian cancer survival. Further studies that examine the relationship are warranted to confirm these results. (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research)

Relationship between Plasma Aldosterone Concentration and Soluble Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Patients Referred to Coronary Angiography

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2011; 119: 649-655DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1287791Evidence is emerging that aldosterone contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Little is known, however, regarding an association between circulating aldosterone levels and soluble cellular adhesion molecules in humans.We investigated the relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and soluble cellular adhesion molecules in a large cohort of patients referred to coronary angiography. After exclusion of patients with ongoing mineralocorticoid receptor blocker use, oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy, 1 733 patients (mean age: 62.5±10.8 years; 26.4%% women; mean PAC: 101.5±93.5 pg/mL) remained eligible for analyses.Pearson correlat...

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Efficacy of porcine placental extracts with hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with knee pain.

Climacteric — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion PPE is a possible option as an adjunctive oral supplement in the case of HRT-resistant, long-lasting knee pain. PMID: 22066827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

Effects of phytoestrogens derived from soy bean on expression of adhesion molecules on HUVEC.

Climacteric — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Isoflavones extracted from Glycine max soy bean, in vitro, presented antiatherogenic effects, reducing the expression of adhesion molecules and acting as preventive agents as well as therapeutic agents. PMID: 22066752 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

No bones about it: HRT prevents hip fractures

Health Facts and Fears — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ACSH staffers have long known that the adverse health effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, were dramatically overstated. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

A haplotype derived from the common variants at the −1997G/T and Sp1 binding site of the COL1A1 gene influences risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in India

Rheumatology International — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:07:59 +0100

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between Collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) polymorphism and osteoporosis in DEXA verified 349 (145 osteoporotic, 87 osteopenic and 117 normal) postmenopausal women of India, who were not taking hormone replacement therapy. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that is, −1997G/T (rs1107946) and +1245G/T (rs1800012, Sp1) of the COL1A1 gene, were analyzed. Minor allele frequencies of rs1107946 and rs1800012 were 0.15 and 0.20 in osteoporotic women, 0.18 and 0.18 in osteopenic and 0.20 and 0.17 in women having normal bone mass. An allele dose effect with BMD of lumbar spine has been exhibited by major allele G of rs1107946 (GG: 0.86 g/cm2, GT: 0.91 g/cm2 and TT: 0.93 g/cm2) and minor allele...

Risk factors for osteoporosis in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell tumors

Osteoporosis International — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:51:01 +0100

Conclusions The iGCTLS had a high prevalence of low BMD. We found that male sex, low LM, and delayed start of adult GH replacement were risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, the BMD of all iGCTLS should be evaluated, and if it is low, proper management should be started early. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1821-9Authors M. J. Kang, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaS. M. Kim, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaY. A. Lee, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaC. H. Shin, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University ...

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Pituitary iron and volume predict hypogonadism in transfusional iron overload

American Journal of Hematology — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Pituitary iron overload and volume loss were independently predictive of hypogonadism. Many patients with moderate‐to‐severe pituitary iron overload retained normal gland volume and function, representing a potential therapeutic window. The subset of hypogonadal patients having preserved gland volumes may also explain improvements in pituitary function observed following intensive chelation therapy. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Hematology)

Breast cancer link to alcohol studied

NHS News Feed — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:54:00 +0100

Conclusion In this large, well-conducted study, women were followed over a long time and their alcohol intake was assessed during different age periods. This gives a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of alcohol throughout a woman’s life. The observed link between breast cancer and alcohol is not new, and alcohol is already an established risk factor for breast cancer. This study provides valuable, in-depth data on the effects of a woman’s average lifetime alcohol intake and the risks associated with different levels of consumption. One unavoidable limitation of this study is its reliance on women remembering and reporting their alcohol use over the past 12 months. There is a risk that average alcohol intake may have been categorise wrongly, particularly as the cumulative intake w...

Positive association of the hepatic lipase gene polymorphism c.514C>T with estrogen replacement therapy response

Lipids in Health and Disease — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The variation in lipid profile associated with the C-514T polymorphism is significant, and the T allele is associated with the best response to ERT. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Hormone Replacement Therapy in the Geriatric Patient: Current State of the Evidence and Questions for the Future. Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Thyroid Hormone Augmentation in Geriatric Clinical Practice: Part 1

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Geriatric medicine historically has been the domain of sick, frail, old, and aging populations of patients. Therapies for aging patients focus primarily on prolonging life, often at very high emotional and financial cost with little focus on the quality of life the patient experiences. As the proportion of aging people continues to rise, reducing the burden of age-related conditions becomes increasingly important in geriatric care. In addition, as the life expectancy of the population increases, years of disability follow unless comprehensive prevention and treatment of age-related diseases and frailty are addressed. (Source: Clinics in Geriatric Medicine)

Hormone Replacement Therapy in the Geriatric Patient: Current State of the Evidence and Questions for the Future—Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Thyroid Hormone Augmentation in Geriatric Clinical Practice: Part 2

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The first modern description of the effects of testosterone on men was by Dr Charles Brown-Sequard, in 1889 when, upon self-injection of testicular extracts from different animals, he reported increased energy, muscular strength, stamina, and mental agility. Since that time, hundreds of studies have described testosterone's physiologic effects, the declining testosterone levels that occur normally with aging and the physiologic and psychological effects of replacement therapy. (Source: Clinics in Geriatric Medicine)

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Access to essential medicines for sexual and reproductive health care: the role of the pharmaceutical industry and international regulation

Reproductive Health Matters — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The range of medicines and technologies that are essential for sexual and reproductive health care is well established, but access to them is far from universally assured, particularly in less developed countries. This paper shows how the pharmaceutical industry plays a major role in the lack of access to essential medicines for sexual and reproductive health care, by a) investing in products for profit-making reasons despite their negative health impact (e.g. hormone replacement therapy), b) marketing new essential medicines at prices beyond the reach of countries that most need them (e.g. HPV vaccines), and c) failing to invest in the development of new products (e.g. microbicides and medical abortion pills). Small companies, some of them non-profit-making, struggle to fill som...

Exploring the hormone replacement therapy debate.

Australian Nursing Journal — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Garad R, Burger H, Davison S PMID: 22191153 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Nursing Journal)

How Might Motherhood Protect Your Brain?

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:43:39 +0100

New evidence that hormones from pregnancy and parenting may protect the brain late in life -- under certain conditions Primary Topic: Parenting read more (Source: Psychology Today Parenting Center)

Early hormone replacement therapy may yield benefits, researchers say.

cmaj — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vogel L PMID: 22042992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: cmaj)

[Articles] Natural history of breast cancers detected in the Swedish mammography screening programme: a cohort study

The Lancet Oncology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:30:04 +0100

SummaryBackgroundThe natural history of screen-detected breast cancers is not well understood. A previous analysis of the incidence change during the introduction of the Norwegian screening programme in the late 1990s suggested that the natural history of many screen-detected invasive breast cancers is to regress spontaneously but the study was possibly confounded by use of hormone replacement therapy in the population. We did a similar analysis of data collected during an earlier period when few women were exposed to hormone replacement therapy. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

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Activation of the mTOR pathway by low levels of xenoestrogens in breast epithelial cells from high-risk women

Carcinogenesis — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Breast cancer is an estrogen-driven disease. Consequently, hormone replacement therapy correlates with disease incidence. However, increasing male breast cancer rates over the past three decades implicate additional sources of estrogenic exposure including wide spread estrogen-mimicking chemicals or xenoestrogens (XEs), such as bisphenol-A (BPA). By exposing renewable, human, high-risk donor breast epithelial cells (HRBECs) to BPA at concentrations that are detectable in human blood, placenta and milk, we previously identified gene expression profile changes associated with activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway genesets likely to trigger prosurvival changes in human breast cells. We now provide functional validation of mTOR activation using pairwise comparisons of 16 i...

The postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy-related breast cancer risk is decreased in women carrying the CYP2C19*17 variant

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:46:55 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s10549-011-1827-1Authors Christina Justenhoven, Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, GermanyOfure Obazee, Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, GermanyStefan Winter, Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, GermanyFergus J. Couch, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USAJanet E. Olson, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USAPer Hall, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SwedenUlf Hannelius, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockh...

[Polyglandular autoimmune syndromes.]

Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Maurer A, Schwarting A, Kahaly GJ Abstract Polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PGA) are a heterogeneous group of diseases in which a genetically caused dysfunction of the immune system leads to a destruction of endocrine glands with subsequent loss of function. In addition non-endocrine autoimmune diseases are also frequently present. Due to different patterns of inheritance and occurrence of disease a differentiation is made between juvenile PGA (also called APECED, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy) with a monogenetic alteration of the AIRE (autoimmune regulator) gene, different ethnic distribution and a typical triad of diseases and the adult form, mainly conditioned by mutations of the HLA (human leukocyte antigens) alleles on chromosome 6....

Chronic administration of tibolone modulates anxiety-like behavior and enhances cognitive performance in ovariectomized rats.

Hormones and Behavior — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Espinosa-Raya J, Neri-Gómez T, Orozco-Suárez S, Campos MG, Guerra-Araiza C Abstract Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed to prevent the symptoms of menopause. This therapy may include estrogenic and/or progestin components and may increase the incidence of endometrial and breast cancers. Tibolone (TIB), which is also made up of estrogen and progestin components, is often used to reduce the impact of HRT. However, the effect of TIB on the processes of learning, memory and anxiety has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect on learning, memory processes and anxiety in ovariectomized rats caused by different doses of TIB (0mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.1mg/kg 1.0mg/kg and 10mg/kg, administered daily via the oral route for ...

Estrogen Use Tied to Bladder Control Problems

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:29:49 +0100

Postmenopausal women who take estrogen for years are more likely to experience incontinence than those on the hormone for a shorter time or not at all, a new study finds.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Lung Cancer (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Does hormone replacement therapy prevent lateral rotatory spondylolisthesis in postmenopausal women?

European Spine Journal — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:06:18 +0100

Conclusions LRO was significantly lower in women who received HRT. The excess risk of LRO was dependent on both age and HRT status. These findings suggest that HRT might prevent the onset of LRO, and therefore might contribute to the prevention of low back pain. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00586-011-2048-3Authors Catherine Marty-Poumarat, Groupe Rachis Garches, Hôpital R. Poincaré, APHP, 92380 Garches, FranceAgnès Ostertag, Hôpital Lariboisière, INSERM U606 and University Paris-Diderot Paris 7, 2 rue Ambroise Paré, 75010 Paris, FranceClaude Baudoin, Hôpital Lariboisière, INSERM U606 and University Paris-Diderot Paris 7, 2 rue Ambroise Paré, 75010 Paris, FranceMichèle Marpeau, Groupe Rachis Garches, Hôpital R. ...

Characterisation of the oral, vaginal and rectal Lactobacillus flora in healthy pregnant and postmenopausal women

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that the rectum may play an important role as a reservoir for some strains of lactobacilli that colonise the vagina. (Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology)

Relaxin and Castration in Male Mice Protect from, but Testosterone Exacerbates, Age-Related Cardiac and Renal Fibrosis, Whereas Estrogens Are an Independent Determinant of Organ Size.

Endocrinology — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study determined the effects of castration and hormone replacement therapy on the age-related cardiac and renal pathology of male relaxin gene-knockout (RlnKO) and age-matched wild-type (RlnWT) mice and that of aged male aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice, which lack estrogens and have 5-10 times the androgen levels of male wild-type mice. One-month-old RlnWT and RlnKO mice were bilaterally gonadectomized or sham operated and maintained until 12 months. Subgroups of castrated animals received testosterone or 17β-estradiol treatment from 9 to 12 months. Male ArKO mice and aromatase wild-type mice were aged to 12 months. Collected heart and kidney tissues were assessed for changes in organ size and fibrosis. Castration reduced body, heart, left ventricle, and kidney weights in both RlnKO a...

Primary Hypothyroidism and Risk for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis showed that hypothyroidism is not associated with increased risk for breast cancer and thyroid hormone replacement therapy does not reduce breast cancer prevalence however the heterogeneity of the studies analyzed precludes firm conclusions. PMID: 22023791 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)

Risk Factor and Prediction Modeling for Sudden Cardiac Death in Women With Coronary Artery Disease [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Sudden cardiac death comprised the majority of cardiac deaths among postmenopausal women with CAD. Independent predictors of SCD, including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m2, atrial fibrillation, physical inactivity, and diabetes, improved SCD prediction when they were considered in addition to LVEF. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

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Predictors of quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal Polish women living in Lublin Voivodeship.

Climacteric — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Strong predictors of the worse quality of life established in the research make it possible to single out a group of women who need special attention in the process of undertaking preventive or curative steps. PMID: 22017297 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)

Acupuncture might have contributed to improving amenorrhoea in a top athlete.

Acupuncture in Medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the single hormone replacement therapy in May 2009 without acupuncture treatment was not effective for the amenorrhoea, nor was the single acupuncture treatment between October 2009 and May 2010. However, after hormone replacement therapy was started in May 2010 in conjunction with regular acupuncture treatment, menstrual blood flow restarted and BBT moved close to the biphasic pattern. PMID: 22015932 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acupuncture in Medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society)

‘Gain’-ful insight into the cardiomyocyte Ca2+ seX factor

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Hearts of women and men are not the same—there is an expanding literature which attests to sex difference in normal cardiac electromechanical function and structure . In women, ventricular mass and chamber size is smaller , heart rate is higher with longer QT interval , and although ejection fraction is usually greater at rest it is less robustly increased with exercise in women than men . There is also growing evidence that cardiac pathophysiology evolves differently in women and men. Premenopausally, women have lower cardiac risk, but in the event of a myocardial infarct they experience higher mortality and rate of heart failure . From observational studies a strong case for ovarian steroid cardioprotection can be made—yet two large clinical trials failed to identify benefit of hormo...

Hormonal Treatment of Hot Flashes Still OK for Some

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Estrogen alone, at low doses and for short periods, may be safe and effective, report concludes Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Hormone replacement therapy leads to increased plasma levels of platelet derived microparticles in postmenopausal women

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:50:22 +0100

Conclusion Higher concentrations of microparticles derived from (activated) platelets/megacaryocytes were present in postmenopausal women taking hormonal replacement therapy. This finding indicates a procoagulant state in these women and might play a role in the development of venous side effects. In contrast, levels of endothelial cell-derived microparticles did not differ. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2098-0Authors Andreas Rank, 2. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, 86156 Augsburg, GermanyRienk Nieuwland, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The NetherlandsKatharina Nikolajek, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Klini...

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Hypnosis for hot flashes among postmenopausal women study: A study protocol of an ongoing randomized clinical trial.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study will be the first full scale test of hypnosis for hot flashes; one of the first studies to examine both perceived impact and physiologically measured impact of a mind-body intervention for hot flashes using state-of-the-art 24 hour ambulatory physiological monitoring; the first study to examine the effect of hypnosis for hot flashes on cortisol; and the first investigation of the role of cognitive expectancies in treatment of hot flashes in comparison to a Structured-Attention Control.Trial RegistrationThis clinical trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01293695. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Association of menopause and hormone replacement therapy with large artery remodeling

Fertility and Sterility — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion(s): The age at menopause, the time since menopause, and the use of HT are independently associated with the thickening and stiffening of the large arteries.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00163163. (Source: Fertility and Sterility)

Full Field Digital Mammography and Breast Density: Comparison of Calibrated and Noncalibrated Measurements

Academic Radiology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:40:27 +0100

Conclusion: Breast density measures can be automated. The associated calibration produced risk information not retrievable from the raw data representation. Although the calibrated measure produced the stronger association, the non-calibrated measures may offer an alternative to PD and other operator based methods after further evaluation, because they can be implemented automatically with a simple processing algorithm. (Source: Academic Radiology)

Global Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Market to Reach US$3.04...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:01:07 +0100

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) markets. The global market for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is forecast to reach US$3.04 billion by...(PRWeb October 06, 2011)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/hormone_replacement/therapy_HRT/prweb8853368.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Microparticle number or procoagulant activity are not upregulated in healthy elderly persons

Thrombosis Research — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Aging has been associated with an increase in the risk of venous thrombo-embolic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Advanced age leads to a state of hypercoagulability in the blood, raising the relative risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from about 1/10,000 at the age of 40 to 1/100 at the age of 80 . Aging may be associated with an increased prevalence of conventional risk factors, development of new, age-specific risk factors and accumulation of risk factors with age . Immobility, malignancy, co-morbidity, hormone replacement therapy and endothelial dysfunction all contribute to the prothrombotic risk in the elderly, in conjunction with a hypercoagulable state in the plasma . Elevation of the plasma levels of fibrinogen, homocysteine, D-dimers, coagulation fa...

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Statin Prescriptions and Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk: A Danish Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study

JNCI — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Simvastatin, a highly lipophilic statin, was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence among Danish women diagnosed with stage I–III breast carcinoma, whereas no association between hydrophilic statin use and breast cancer recurrence was observed. (Source: JNCI)

Estrogen and Insulin Replacement Therapy Modulates the Expression of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I Receptors in the Salivary Glands of Diabetic Mice

The Anatomical Record Part B: The New Anatomist — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy combined with insulin treatment on salivary secretory cells and on the expression of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I receptors in salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic (NOD) mice. Twenty‐five mice were divided into five groups of five animals each: group I (NOD diabetic), group II (NOD diabetic treated with insulin), group III (NOD diabetic treated with estrogen), group IV (NOD diabetic treated with insulin and estrogen), and group V (control Balb/c mice). Group II received insulin, group III received estrogen, and group IV received insulin plus estrogen administered daily for 20 days. Groups I and V received saline for the same period of time to simulate treatment. Glucose and estrogen leve...

Recovery of INS-R and ER-alpha expression in the salivary glands of diabetic mice submitted to hormone replacement therapy

Archives of Oral Biology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oestrogen replacement therapy combined with insulin treatment on the expression of oestrogen (ER-alpha) and insulin receptors (INS-R) in the salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic mice. Twenty-five mice were divided into five group of 5 animals each: group I (NOD diabetic), group II (NOD diabetic treated with insulin), group III (NOD diabetic treated with oestrogen), group IV (NOD diabetic treated with insulin and oestrogen), and group V (control BALB/c mice). Group II received insulin, group III received oestrogen, and group IV received insulin plus oestrogen administered daily for 20 days. Groups I and V received saline for the same period of time to simulate treatment. Glucose and oestrogen levels were monitored during the exp...

Estrogen and Insulin Replacement Therapy Modulates the Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptors in the Salivary Glands of Diabetic Mice.

Anatomical Record — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy combined with insulin treatment on salivary secretory cells and on the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptors in salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic (NOD) mice. Twenty-five mice were divided into five groups of five animals each: group I (NOD diabetic), group II (NOD diabetic treated with insulin), group III (NOD diabetic treated with estrogen), group IV (NOD diabetic treated with insulin and estrogen), and group V (control Balb/c mice). Group II received insulin, group III received estrogen, and group IV received insulin plus estrogen administered daily for 20 days. Groups I and V received saline for the same period of time to simulate treatment. Glucose and estrogen levels wer...

Women on HRT More Prone to Severe AsthmaWomen on HRT More Prone to Severe Asthma

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:09:30 +0100

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can cause asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization, suggesting a need for caution when putting postmenopausal women on treatment. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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[Prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (ORA study).]

Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: According to the DVO (German Society for Osteoporosis) guidelines for osteoporosis (2009) menopausal women with corticosteroid therapy < 7.5 mg per day for at least 3 months and DXA T-scores below -2.0 should receive treatment with bisphosphonate and calcium/vitamin D. The data show that there were still deficits concerning prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis in RA. PMID: 21956827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie)

Estradiol impairs the Th17 immune response against Candida albicans.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report that estradiol increases mouse susceptibility to systemic candidiasis, as in vivo and ex vivo estradiol-treated DCs were less efficient at up-regulating antigen-presenting machinery, pathogen killing, migration, IL-23 production, and triggering of the Th17 immune response. Based on these results, we propose that estradiol impairs DC function, thus explaining the increased susceptibility to infection during estrus. PMID: 21965175 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Leukocyte Biology)

HRT may leave some women breathless

Health Facts and Fears — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

For some women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the risk of severe asthma attacks may increase, according to a new study led by Dr. Klaus Bonnelykke from the Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre in Copenhagen. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

HRT Therapy Appears To Increase Risk Of Hospitalization From Severe Asthma Attacks

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Women taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have an increased risk of severe asthma attacks requiring hospitalisation, scientists warn. A new study, which was presented at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress in Amsterdam, adds to the debate over the health effects of the drug which helps women through the menopause. Previous studies have found a link between asthma and HRT, but this is the first to suggest that the drug can lead to severe exacerbations of asthma, which could lead to hospitalisation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Reproductive factors and Parkinson's disease: A multicenter case–control study

Movement Disorders — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

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Hormone linked to severe asthma in women

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:11:31 +0100

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Women taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy may have an increased risk of severe asthma attacks requiring hospitalization, Danish researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

HRT therapy appears to increase risk of hospitalization from severe asthma attacks

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(European Lung Foundation) Women taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have an increased risk of severe asthma attacks requiring hospitalization, scientists warn. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Comparison of the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on IN SITU and invasive ductal breast cancer

International Journal of Cancer — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractLittle is known about the aetiology of in situ ductal breast cancer (DCIS) or what influences its possible progression to invasive ductal disease. Comparison of risk factors for DCIS and invasive ductal cancer may throw some light on these issues. We estimated relative risks for DCIS and invasive ductal breast cancer according to 12 genetic and 8 environmental risk factors among 1.1 million postmenopausal women in a large prospective UK study. There was no strong evidence of a different association with DCIS versus invasive ductal cancer for any of the 12 susceptibility loci examined. We also found similar associations of age at menarche, age at first birth, parity, age at menopause, family history of breast cancer and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with DCIS and invasive...

New Views Of Hormone Therapy In Menopause

WSJ.com: Health — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:33:29 +0100

The 25 million American women turning 50 in the next decade face a decision: Hormone replacement therapy, or not? Some experts are concluding that hormone therapy may still be a good option for healthy women in their 50s. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

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Hormone replacement therapy dependent changes in breast cancer-related gene expression in breast tissue of healthy postmenopausal women

Molecular Oncology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Risk assessment of future breast cancer risk through exposure to sex steroids currently relies on clinical scorings such as mammographic density. Knowledge about the gene expression patterns in existing breast cancer tumors may be used to identify risk factors in the breast tissue of women still free of cancer. The differential effects of estradiol, estradiol together with gestagens, or tibolone on breast cancer-related gene expression in normal breast tissue samples taken from postmenopausal women may be used to identify gene expression profiles associated with a higher breast cancer risk. Breast tissue samples were taken from 33 healthy postmenopausal women both before and after a six month treatment with either 2mg micronized estradiol [E2], 2mg micronized estradiol and 1mg no...

Endocrine changes in brain death and transplantation

Best Practice and Research. Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:06:57 +0100

Following brain death (BD) many hormonal changes occur. These include an increase and then a fall in the levels of circulating catecholamines, reduced levels of anti-diuretic hormone and cortisol as well as alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary thyroid axis consistent with the non-thyroidal illness syndrome. In an era when the numbers of potential recipients listed for transplantation are greater than the number of donors, with an increasing donor age, a detailed knowledge of the endocrine changes and pathophysiological consequences of these is essential to optimise the management of the brain-stem dead organ donor. There still remains significant debate as to whether hormone replacement therapy to correct the observed changes is beneficial. (Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinica...

Body mass index and bone loss among postmenopausal women: the 10-year follow-up of the OSTPRE cohort

Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:21:44 +0100

We examined the time course of bone loss as a function of body mass index (BMI) in early and late postmenopausal women. Our study population (n = 300) was a random sample of the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) Study, Finland. We excluded women without complete BMD results, premenopausal women during the second bone densitometry and women who had used hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates or calcitonin. BMI along with femoral neck and spinal bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed three times by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during a mean follow-up of 10.5 years (SD 0.5). The mean baseline age was 53.6 years (SD 2.8), time since menopause 2.9 years (SD 4.3) and BMI 27.3 kg/m2 (SD 4.4). The data was analyz...

An Investigation of the Apparent Breast Cancer Epidemic in France: Screening and incidence trends in birth cohorts

BMC Cancer — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Breast cancer may be overdiagnosed because screening increases diagnosis of slowly progressing non-life threatening cancer and increases misdiagnosis among women without progressive cancer. We suggest that these effects could largely explain the reported "epidemic" of breast cancer in France. Better predictive classification of tumours is needed in order to avoid unnecessary cancer diagnoses and subsequent procedures. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Lactation is associated with greater maternal bone size and bone strength later in life

Osteoporosis International — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:44:32 +0100

Conclusion Breastfeeding is beneficial to maternal bone strength in the long run. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1790-zAuthors P. K. Wiklund, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (LL), 40014 Jyväskylä, FinlandL. Xu, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (LL), 40014 Jyväskylä, FinlandQ. Wang, Endocrine Centre, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AustraliaT. Mikkola, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (LL), 40014 Jyväskylä, FinlandA. Lyytikäinen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (LL), 40014 Jyväskylä, FinlandE. Völgyi, Health Science Center, Preventive Medicin...

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Eyelid marks 'sign of heart risk'

NHS News Feed — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:38:00 +0100

Conclusion This was a well-conducted cohort study that has examined the association between the cholesterol deposits of xanthelasmata and arcus corneae, and the later development of cardiovascular disease. It benefits from having a large sample that is representative of the Danish general population and 100% participant follow-up over 30 years. It has also been carried out prospectively, allowing thorough medical assessment of participants at the start of the study and the identification of cardiovascular disease outcomes during a long period of follow-up using national registries that are likely to be accurate. There are some limitations to these findings. As the researchers highlight, the results are representative of a white European population, and so cannot be generalised to other eth...

Hypogonadism predisposes males to the development of behavioural and neuroplastic depressive phenotypes

Psychoneuroendocrinology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:05:08 +0100

Summary: The incidence of depression is 2–3× higher in women particularly during the reproductive years, an occurrence that has been associated with levels of sex hormones. The age-related decline of testosterone levels in men corresponds with the increased acquisition of depressive symptoms, and hormone replacement therapy can be efficacious in treating depression in hypogonadal men. Although it is not possible to model depression in rodents, it is possible to model some of the symptoms of depression including a dysregulated stress response and altered neuroplasticity. Among animal models of depression, chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMS) is a common paradigm used to induce depressive-like behaviours in rodents, disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis and decrease hippocamp...

Bone mineral density is not associated with homocysteine level, folate and vitamin B12 status

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:49:00 +0100

Conclusion Results of this study suggest that Hcy, folate or vitamin B12 levels were not related to BMD in population of healthy Croatian women aged 45–65. In the group of postmenopausal Croatian women, beside BMI and age, alcohol consumption was significant positive predictor of BMD at the lumbar spine. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2079-3Authors Ivana Rumbak, Laboratory for Food Science, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaVesna Žižić, Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Children’s Hospital Zagreb, Klaićeva 16, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaLea Sokolić, Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, University Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Me...

Hypopituitarism in a HIV Affected Patient

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Exp Clin Endocrinol DiabetesDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1284366The clinical picture of pituitary abscesses may resemble features of other pituitary pathologies including endocrine deficiencies. The characteristic radiological changes, namely the ring enhancement, may aid in the diagnostic work-up of this very rare condition.A 40-year-old patient with longstanding HIV infection presented with headache and fatigue. Testing for pituitary function confirmed panhypopitutarism. MRI scanning demonstrated an inhomogeneous pituitary gland with ring-like enhancement and sphenoid sinus mucosa thickening. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Histologically CD68 positive macrophages were found supporting the diagnosis of infectious hypophysitis. Under hormone replacement therapy and retroviral treatment the ...

Impact of intermediate mammography assessment on the likelihood of false-positive results in breast cancer screening programmes

European Radiology — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:01:31 +0100

Conclusions The factors prompting IMs should be characterised so that radiologists can systematise their recommendations according to the presence of the factors maximising the benefits and minimising the adverse effects of this procedure. Key Points • Intermediate mammograms in breast screening offer potential benefits but also disadvantages. • Intermediate mammograms increase the false–positive rate except in specific groups. • Intermediate mammograms reduce the false–positive rate in younger women and initial screens. • Intermediate mammograms also reduce false–positive results in women with personal risk factors • Intermediate mammograms increase cancer detection mainly in women without risk factors. ...

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Changes in hand bone mineral density are associated with the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Bone mineral density measurements in the best study

Arthritis Care and Research — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionIn RA, mBMD gain occurs primarily in patients in continuous (>=1 year) clinical remission and rarely in patients with continuous high or low disease activity. This suggests that mBMD loss is driven by inflammation. © 2011 by the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Stopping hormone replacement therapy: were women ill advised?

Menopause International — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The negative impact of published research and its reporting from the early 2000s are being mitigated by current press coverage. Media reports appear to influence the younger woman more than the older woman. Health professionals and media must learn the lessons from the past. (Source: Menopause International)

Testosterone improves verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women: Results from a pilot study

Maturitas — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To explore the effects of testosterone on cognitive performance in healthy postmenopausal women.Study design: Open-label pilot study. Nine postmenopausal women on non-oral hormone replacement therapy, aged 47–60 years received transdermal testosterone spray for 26 weeks. A control group of 30 women provided normative data for comparison.Main outcome measures: Scores from a computerized cognitive test battery performed pre- and post treatment, at 0 and 26 weeks.Results: There were no differences between treatment/normative groups in any parameter at baseline. At week 26 scores for the International Shopping list task including delayed recall (verbal learning and memory) and the continuous paired associate learning task (visual learning and memory) were significantly h...

Loss of key estrogen regulator may lead to metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:25:00 +0100

UCLA RESEARCH ALERT FINDINGS: UCLA researchers have demonstrated that the loss of a key protein that regulates estrogen and immune activity in the body could lead to aspects of metabolic syndrome, a combination of conditions that can cause type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer. The protein, known as estrogen receptor alpha, is critical in regulating immune system activity, including helping cells suppress inflammation and gobble up debris. This early pre-clinical study in female mice demonstrated that removing estrogen receptor alpha was alone enough t...

The associations between parity, other reproductive factors and cartilage in women aged 50–80years

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Objective: Sex hormones and reproductive factors may be important for osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to describe the associations of parity, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives (OCs) with cartilage volume, cartilage defects and radiographic OA in a population-based sample of older women.Design: Cross-sectional study of 489 women aged 50–80years. Parity, use of HRT and OC was assessed by questionnaire; knee cartilage volume and defects by magnetic resonance imaging and knee joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophytes by X-ray.Results: Parity was associated with a deficit in total knee cartilage volume [adjusted β=−0.69ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.34, −0.04]. Increasing parity was associated with decreasing cartilage volum...

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Sex differences in the risk of cardiovascular disease

BMJ Online First — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Long before the landmark Women’s Health Initiative clinical trial studied the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, several questions framed... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Association of Hormone-Related Characteristics and Breast Cancer Risk by Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor Status in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study

American Journal of Epidemiology — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Etiologic differences between subtypes of breast cancer defined by estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status are not well understood. The authors evaluated associations of hormone-related factors with breast cancer subtypes in a population-based case-control study involving 1,409 ER-positive (ER+)/PR-positive (PR+) cases, 712 ER-negative (ER–)/PR-negative (PR–) cases, 301 ER+/PR– cases, 254 ER–/PR+ cases, and 3,474 controls aged 20–70 years in Shanghai, China (phase I, 1996–1998; phase II, 2002–2005). Polytomous logistic regression and Wald tests for heterogeneity across subtypes were conducted. Breast cancer risks associated with age at menarche, age at menopause, breastfeeding, age at first livebirth, waist-to-hip ratio, and or...

Insulin resistance as a risk factor for gallbladder stone formation in korean postmenopausal women.

The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance may be associated with gallbladder stone formation in Korean postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. PMID: 22016589 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine)

Patching up hormone replacement therapy

Health Facts and Fears — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

As we’ve reported several times, estrogen replacement therapy — either with or without progesterone — is currently the most effective means of treating menopausal symptoms. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Some Older Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Hormone Therapy

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:00:00 +0100

Shows risk of death not increased for women over age 60 with small tumorsSource: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Breast Cancer, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Seniors' Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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More Evidence Hormone Patch Is Safer Than Pills

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:41:31 +0100

A new study adds to evidence that skin patches offer a safer alternative to pills for women who want to treat their menopausal symptoms with hormones.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Does chocolate protect the heart?

NHS News Feed — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:35:00 +0100

Conclusion This research reviewed the available evidence on whether there is an association between chocolate consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It found that people who consumed more chocolate had approximately a third lowered risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the review is limited by the quality of the available studies. It only examined studies with cross-sectional and cohort designs rather than randomised controlled trials, which would provide the best method for assessing whether a defined level of chocolate consumption had an effect on later health outcomes. Observational studies are not able to establish a cause and effect relationship, The cross-sectional study in particular was not able to establish cause and effect as it simply...

Why it’s not hip to halt hormone replacement therapy

Health Facts and Fears — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A new study in the journal Menopause shows that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy aren’t just hypothetical. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Hormone replacement therapy: relation to homocysteine and prooxidant-antioxidant status in healthy postmenopausal women

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:56:40 +0100

Conclusion Our results show that HRT is beneficial in the protection against oxidative damage, and prevents atherosclerotic complications. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2051-2Authors Cahide Gökkuşu, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34093 Istanbul, TurkeyZeynep Özbek, Eyup State Hospital, Istanbul, TurkeyGülten Tata, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey Journal Archives of Gynecology and ObstetricsOnline ISSN 1432-0711Print ISSN 0932-0067 (Source: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics)