Gonadal Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Therapeutic evaluation of hormone replacement therapy with combination of Fosamax and alone use of Fosamax in osteoporosis and steopenia of perimenopausal women

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of hormone replacement therapy with combination of Fosamax and simple use of Fosamax in osteoporosis and steopenia of perimenopausal women. Methods One hundred and thirteen perimenopausal women with osteoporosis accepted treatment in Outpatient Clinic of Panyu Convalescent Hospital of Guangzhou from December 2010 to June 2014 were chosen and divided into the control group(n=55) and the observation group(n=58) according to therapeutic method.The control group was treated with Fosamax alone while the observation group was treated with HRT basing on the simple use of Fosamax.The therapeutic effect, lumbar and hip bone mineral density(BMD) level, tibial ultrasound velocity(SOS) and T values of tibia, gonadal hormone concentrations, endometrial thickness and adverse reaction of the two groups before and after the therapy were compared. Results (1)The total effective rate of the observation group after the treatment was 93.10%, significantly higher than that of the control group(78.18%, χ2=3.829, P=0.034). (2)Before and after treatment in two groups, there were statistically significant differences in terms of lumbar spine BMD, hip BMD, SOS of tibia, blood follicle stimulating prime(FSH) and estradiol(E2)(P<0.05), and there were statistically significant differences between the two groups after the treatment in terms of lumbar spine BMD, hip BMD, SOS of tibia, FSH and E2(t=3.389, 5.012, 3.997, 5.829, 3.902; P=0.035, 0.028, 0.033, 0.024, 0.038). (3)There was statistically significant differences in term of the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group(6.90% vs. 16.36%; χ2=8.273, P=0.012). Conclusion Compared with alone use of Fosamax, the therapeutic effect of hormone replacement therapy with combination of Fosamax and in osteoporosis and steopenia of perimenopausal women is more significant with low occurrence rate of adverse reaction.It is worth popularization. Key words: Osteoporosis in perimenopausal women; Hormone replacement therapy; Fosamax; Bone mineral density

Baby babbling at five months linked to sex hormone levels in early infancy

Gender-dependent differentiation of the brain at morphological, neurochemical and functional levels of organization have been shown to be primarily controlled by sex differences in gonadal hormone concentrations during pre- and early postnatal development. Indeed, previous studies have reported that pre- and perinatal hormonal environments influence brain development and, consequently, affect sex specific long-term language outcomes.Herein, we investigated whether postnatal surges of estrogen (estradiol) and androgen (testosterone) may predict properties of pre-speech babbling at five months. This study is the first attempt to investigate a possible correlation between sex hormones and infants’ articulatory skills during the typical postnatal period of extended hormonal activity known as ‘mini-puberty.’ A hierarchical, multiple regression approach revealed a significant, robust positive relationship between 4-week concentrations of estradiol and individual articulatory skills. In contrast, testosterone concentrations at five months negatively correlated with articulatory skills at the same age in both boys and girls. Our findings reinforce the assumption of the importance of sex hormones for auditory–vocal development towards language in human infants.

Hormone levels in neonatal hair reflect prior maternal stress exposure during pregnancy

Hormones present in hair provide summative information about endocrine activity while the hair was growing. Therefore, it can be collected from an infant after birth and still provide retrospective information about hormone exposure during prenatal development. We employed this approach to determine whether a delimited period of maternal stress during pregnancy affected the concentrations of glucocorticoids and gonadal hormones in the hair of neonatal rhesus monkeys. Hair from 22 infant monkeys exposed to 5 weeks of gestational disturbance was compared to specimens from 13 infants from undisturbed control pregnancies. Using an LC/MS/MS based technique, which permitted seven steroid hormones to be quantified simultaneously, we found 2 hormones were significantly different in infants from disturbed pregnancies. Cortisol and testosterone levels were lower in the hair of both male and female neonates. Maternal hair hormone levels collected on the same day after delivery no longer showed effects of the disturbance earlier during pregnancy. This study documents that a period of acute stress, lasting for 20% of gestation, has sustained effects on the hormones to which a developing fetus is exposed.

Anorexia nervosa, emotional go/no-go, and the distinct effect of testosterone.

Behavioral disinhibition in the context of negative emotion (e.g., disgust, fear, etc.) may promote the core psychopathology of anorexia nervosa (AN). Affective models of AN position a number of clinical behaviors as functioning to reduce negative affect. Gonadal hormone dysregulation, in particular testosterone, likely plays some role in this process. Adolescent and young adult AN (n = 32) and healthy control (HC; n = 20) participants completed an emotional go/no-go task--a valenced measure of behavioral disinhibition--and had blood drawn to assess gonadal steroid hormone concentrations. Analyses indicated that patients with AN committed significantly more commission errors, which measures the tendency to respond to nontarget stimuli. This effect was qualified by the valence of the stimulus; the higher relative level of error was true for disgust and happy stimuli, but not neutral stimuli. Hormone analyses revealed a testosterone by group interaction. Testosterone was associated with decreased commission errors for patients with AN, but had no discernible relationship with task outcome for HCs. These effects were not confounded by weight, pubertal status, or self-reported anxiety or depression. These findings suggest patients with AN have difficulty inhibiting behavior in the context of emotional stimuli, and that this disinhibition is negatively related to levels of circulating androgens.

Effect of active immunization against GnRH‐I on the reproductive function in cat

This study was designed to explore the effect of active immunization against maltose binding protein-gonadotropin releasing hormone I hexamer (MBP-GnRH-I6) on the reproductive function in cats. Each immunized cat was administered twice intramuscularly in the neck at 16 and 20 weeks old. The concentrations of the testosterone and estradiol and the level of anti-GnRH-I antibody in the serum were measured by radioimmunoassay and ELISA, respectively. The results showed that the weight and size of testicles and ovaries, and the concentrations of serum testosterone and estradiol in the immunized animals were lower than those of the control cats (P < 0.05), but that the levels of anti-GnRH-I antibody were significant higher compared to control animals (P < 0.05). Testicular tissues from the immunized male cats showed that seminiferous tubules were depauperate with the lumen relatively empty and that the differentiation of spermatogonia was not obvious. Tissues from the immunized female cats showed that the ovaries had many primordial follicles and primary follicles, but no secondary follicle was observed. These results showed active immunization against MBP-GnRH-I6 could make the gonads atrophy and reduce the concentrations of gonadal hormones, which suggested that MBP-GnRH-I6 was a very effective immunogen in the cat.

Hypothyroidism affects differentially the cell size of epithelial cells among oviductal regions of rabbits.

Oviductal regions show particular histological characteristics and functions. Tubal pathologies and hypothyroidism are related to primary and secondary infertility. The impact of hypothyroidism on the histological characteristics of oviductal regions has been scarcely studied. Our aim was to analyse the histological characteristics of oviductal regions in control and hypothyroid rabbits. Hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of methimazole (MMI) for 30 days. For both groups, serum concentrations of thyroid and gonadal hormones were determined. Sections of oviductal regions were stained with the Masson's trichrome technique to analyse both epithelial and smooth muscle layers. The percentage of proliferative epithelial cells (anti-Ki67) in diverse oviductal regions was also quantified. Data were compared with Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, or Fischer's test. In comparison with the control group, the hypothyroid group showed: (i) a low concentration of T3 and T4, but a high level of TSH; (ii) similar values of serum estradiol, progesterone and testosterone; (iii) a large size of ciliated cells in the ampulla (AMP), isthmus (IST) and utero-tubal junction (UTJ); (iv) a large size of secretory cells in the IST region; (v) a low percentage of proliferative secretory cells in the fimbria-infundibulum (FIM-INF) region; and (vi) a similar thickness of the smooth muscle layer and the cross-sectional area in the AMP and IST regions. Modifications in the size of the oviductal epithelium in hypothyroid rabbits could be related to changes in the cell metabolism that may impact on the reproductive functions achieved by oviduct.

Changes in bone mineral density in newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients after anticancer treatment.

Patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) have an excellent prognosis but are at risk for silent fractures. Data on bone mineral density (BMD) after anticancer treatment are scarce. The objective of the study was BMD monitoring in GCT patients treated with or without chemotherapy. We prospectively studied 63 newly diagnosed GCT patients with a median age of 33 years (range 16-70 y) within 3 months of unilateral orchidectomy. Twenty-seven patients (42.9%) had no metastases. Thirty-six patients (57.1%) with metastatic disease received combination chemotherapy. This study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a single academic institution. We performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and collected blood samples on a yearly basis, before and up to 5 years after anticancer treatment. Changes in total hip and lumbar spine BMD, serum concentrations of gonadal hormones, and bone turnover markers were measured. BMD remained normal in stage I patients. In patients with metastatic disease, a significant decrease in lumbar spine BMD (-1.52%; P = .004) and total hip BMD (-2.05%; P < .0001) was observed 1 year after chemotherapy and remained stable thereafter for up to 5 years. There was no significant relationship between the observed decrease in BMD and gonadal status, vitamin D status, or cumulative dose of cisplatin or (antiemetic) corticosteroids. Metastatic GCT survivors demonstrate significant bone loss within the first year after curative combination chemotherapy, with no recovery up to 5 years after anticancer treatment. Whether this bone loss is associated with increased fracture risk and whether this could be prevented by bone modifying treatment remains to be established.

The characteristics of oviposition and hormonal and gene regulation of ovarian follicle development in Magang geese

BackgroundEgg laying in Magang geese is characterized by extended interruption between clutches and lowing laying rate. Both the ovarian follicular development and ovulation characteristics, and the associated endocrine and molecular regulatory mechanisms involved are poorly understood, but could be important for guiding development of molecule aided selection of egg laying performances in geese. This study, therefore, recorded egg-laying characteristics of Magang geese, and the endocrine and molecular regulatory mechanisms of ovarian follicular development, maturation, and ovulation in Magang geese.MethodsOviposition, ovarian follicle development, and reproductive hormone and gene expression profiles were observed in a small flock of Magang geese.ResultsGreater than 73% of eggs were laid during the day. The average oviposition interval was 46.8 h (36–55 h). It took approximately 18 days for large white follicles to develop into mature F1 follicles; follicular growth was exponential. LHR expression levels increased from the small to the large mature follicles, but FSHR expression decreased in the granulosa and thecal layers. As the follicles matured, inhibin alpha and inhibin betaA expression increased in the granulosa layer. Activin IR, activin IIRA, activin IIRB, and beta-glycan expressions also increased as the follicles increased in size, but were more abundantly expressed in the thecal than in the granulosa layers. During the oviposition cycle, plasma concentrations of gonadal hormones decreased rapidly, whereas the level of PGFM peaked around ovulation. The profiles of activin, inhibin, follistatin, estradiol, and progesterone leading to ovulation were characterized.ConclusionsThe molecular and endocrine mechanisms that regulate follicular development in Magang geese are similar to those in chickens. Moreover, gonadotropin regulation and interaction between activin, inhibin, and follistatin secretion may govern 3-stage maturation in the final preovulatory follicles in Magang geese. The rapid rebound of post-ovulatory secretions of inhibin and follistatin may inhibit recruitment of new SYF recruitment once a sequence of eggs is started, and may limit the egg clutch size to no more than the number of LYFs present before the first sequence egg.

Gonadal steroids and humoral immunity

Humoral immune responses are sexually dimorphic. Female individuals generally exhibit more-robust antibody responses to vaccines and, in the clinical setting as well as in experimental models, are more likely than male individuals to produce autoreactive antibodies of pathogenic potential. A number of differences between the sexes might account for these observations, including differences in the dosage of specific X-chromosome and Y-chromosomal genes, increased exposure of female individuals to antigenic stimulation in childbearing, and differences in circulating concentrations of gonadal steroid hormones. The role of gonadal steroids in modulating such humoral immune responses has been studied for nearly a century, but advances in our knowledge of B-lymphocyte development and function, the mechanisms of immune tolerance, and the molecular basis of gonadal steroid hormone action are now yielding new understanding of the influence of gonadal steroid hormones on the humoral immune system. This Review examines how oestrogens and androgens modulate B-lymphocyte development and function, focusing on the areas of B-cell production in the bone marrow, the maintenance of immune tolerance for self antigens, and the processes of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination during maturation of cells involved in humoral immune responses.

Correspondence Between Gonadal Steroid Hormone Concentrations and Secondary Sexual Characteristics Assessed by Clinicians, Adolescents, and Parents

Adolescent sexual maturation is staged using Tanner criteria assessed by clinicians, parents, or adolescents. The physiology of sexual maturation is driven by gonadal hormones. We investigate Tanner stage progression as a function of increasing gonadal hormone concentration and compare performances of different raters. Fifty-six boys (mean age, 12.7±1.3 years) and 52 girls (mean age, 12.0±1.6 years) were seen at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Estradiol and testosterone concentrations were determined from 3 morning serum samples and Tanner stage by three different raters (clinician, parent, adolescent). Results confirm that Tanner criteria reflect gonadal hormone concentrations, and clinician rating provides optimal assessment. Detailed insight about the strengths and limitations of different raters is provided, augmenting the scientific understanding of pubertal development.

Elevated Plasma Corticosterone Decreases Yolk Testosterone and Progesterone in Chickens: Linking Maternal Stress and Hormone-Mediated Maternal Effects

Despite considerable research on hormone-mediated maternal effects in birds, the underlying physiology remains poorly understood. This study investigated a potential regulation mechanism for differential accumulation of gonadal hormones in bird eggs. Across vertebrates, glucocorticoids can suppress reproduction by downregulating gonadal hormones. Using the chicken as a model species, we therefore tested whether elevated levels of plasma corticosterone in female birds influence the production of gonadal steroids by the ovarian follicles and thus the amount of reproductive hormones in the egg yolk. Adult laying hens of two different strains (ISA brown and white Leghorn) were implanted subcutaneously with corticosterone pellets that elevated plasma corticosterone concentrations over a period of nine days. Steroid hormones were subsequently quantified in plasma and yolk. Corticosterone-implanted hens of both strains had lower plasma progesterone and testosterone levels and their yolks contained less progesterone and testosterone. The treatment also reduced egg and yolk mass. Plasma estrogen concentrations decreased in white Leghorns only whereas in both strains yolk estrogens were unaffected. Our results demonstrate for the first time that maternal plasma corticosterone levels influence reproductive hormone concentrations in the yolk. Maternal corticosterone could therefore mediate environmentally induced changes in yolk gonadal hormone concentrations. In addition, stressful situations experienced by the bird mother might affect the offspring via reduced amounts of reproductive hormones present in the egg as well as available nutrients for the embryo.

Pharmacodynamic effects of intravenous alcohol on hepatic and gonadal hormones: influence of age and sex.

Growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and gonadal hormones demonstrate extensively associated regulation; however, little is known about the effects of acute alcohol exposure on these hormones. This study examined the effects of intravenous alcohol on the GH-IGF-1 axis and gonadal hormone concentrations, and the influence of age and sex on their regulation. Forty-eight healthy volunteers (24 men and 24 women each in the 21 to 25 and 55 to 65 year age groups) underwent a 2-session single-blinded study. Subjects received in randomized counter-balanced order, alcohol infusions, individually computed based on a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, to maintain a steady-state ("clamped") exposure of 50 mg% or saline for 3 hours in separate sessions. Blood samples collected at baseline and postinfusion in each session were assayed for levels of GH, IGF-1, free testosterone, and estradiol. Acute alcohol administration resulted in changes in gonadal hormones that differed by sex. Change in free testosterone showed a significant treatment × baseline interaction (p < 0.001), indicating that alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone occurred predominantly in men. On the other hand, change in estradiol showed a significant treatment × sex interaction (p = 0.028), indicating that alcohol-induced increases in estradiol occurred predominantly in women. There was a trend for alcohol-induced decreases in IGF-1 levels. Change in GH showed a significant main effect of baseline (p < 0.001) and a trend for treatment by baseline interaction, suggesting an alcohol-induced decrease in individuals with high baseline GH values. There was also a significant main effect of sex (p = 0.046) indicating that men had greater changes in GH across treatment compared with women. Alcohol induced a complex pattern of hormonal responses that varied between younger and older men and women. Some of the observed sex-based differences may help improve our understanding of the greater susceptibility to alcohol-related hepatic damage seen in women.

Gonadal Hormone Status in Highly Trained Sprinters and in Untrained Men

It is a common view that strength and sprint trained athletes are characterized by high plasma/serum testosterone (T) concentration, which is believed to be partly responsible for their performance level. This opinion, however, has poor scientific background. The aim of this study was to give evidence-based information on this issue. We examined gonadal hormone status at rest after overnight fasting in high and top-class track and field sprinters (n = 16) and in untrained men (n = 15). It was shown that basal T, free testosterone (fT), bioavailable testosterone (bio-T), and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in sprinters vs. untrained subjects. Further comparison of the results of the basal serum T concentration in 8 sprinters showed its significant changes during an annual training period. Significantly higher T concentration during a low-intensity training period (beginning of December) than during heavy sprint specific training period (end of March) was observed in these athletes (n = 8) (mean ± SD; 23.37 ± 5.28 vs. 20.99 ± 4.74 nmol · L(-1), respectively, p = 0.04). We have concluded that basal gonadal hormone concentration in high and top-class athletes (sprinters and jumpers) did not appear to be significantly different when compared with untrained subjects. Moreover, basal T concentration in sprinters can differ significantly during an annual training period. This fact should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of gonadal hormone status in athletes at varied training stages.

Developmental Programming: Impact of Excess Prenatal Testosterone on Intrauterine Fetal Endocrine Milieu and Growth in Sheep1

Prenatal testosterone excess in sheep leads to reproductive and metabolic disruptions that mimic those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Comparison of prenatal testosterone-treated sheep with prenatal dihydrotestosterone-treated sheep suggests facilitation of defects by androgenic as well as androgen-independent effects of testosterone. We hypothesized that the disruptive impact of prenatal testosterone on adult pathology may partially depend on its conversion to estrogen and consequent changes in maternal and fetal endocrine environments. Pregnant Suffolk sheep were administered either cottonseed oil (control) or testosterone propionate in cottonseed oil (100 mg, i.m. twice weekly), from Day 30 to Day 90 of gestation (term is ~147 d). Maternal (uterine) and fetal (umbilical) arterial samples were collected at Days 64-66, 87-90, and 139-140 (range; referred to as D65, D90, and D140, respectively) of gestation. Concentrations of gonadal and metabolic hormones, as well as differentiation factors, were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer, radioimmunoassay, or ELISA. Findings indicate that testosterone treatment produced maternal and fetal testosterone levels comparable to adult males and D65 control male fetuses, respectively. Testosterone treatment increased fetal estradiol and estrone levels during the treatment period in both sexes, supportive of placental aromatization of testosterone. These steroidal changes were followed by a reduction in maternal estradiol levels at term, a reduction in activin A availability, and induction of intrauterine growth restriction in D140 female fetuses. Overall, our findings provide the first direct evidence in support of the potential for both androgenic as well as estrogenic contribution in the development of adult reproductive and metabolic pathology in prenatal testosterone-treated sheep.

Association of Various Dimensions of Hot Flashes with Systemic Levels of Gonadal Steroids

Hot flashes, the cardinal sign of menopausal vasomotor symptoms, are experienced by millions of women. The experience of hot flashes is characterized by significant inter- and intra-individual variability among women. The goals of this study were to compare concentrations of gonadal hormones between menopausal women with hot flashes (HF) and those with no HF, and to characterize the association between steroid levels and multiple dimensions of hot flashes. Menopausal women, with HF and with no HF, participated in four study sessions, one every 2 months. The Menopausal Vasomotor Symptom (MVS) survey was used to collect subjective data on various dimensions of hot flashes. Concentrations of gonadal hormones were measure at each bi-monthly session. Steroid levels were correlated to duration, frequency, length of each episode, timing, intensity, and bothersomeness of hot flashes. Data from twenty (n = 20) women with HF and fifteen (n = 15) with no HF with similar demographic profiles were analyzed. The results from the present study showed that systemic levels of estrone and progesterone were significantly lower in women experiencing HF than in asymptomatic women. There was a significant association between levels of estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and androstenedione, but not testosterone, with duration, frequency, timing, intensity, and bothersomeness of HF. The findings from this preliminary study suggest that management of symptoms associated with vasomotor HF should be individualized and guided by two factors: (i) thorough assessment of subjectively reported multiple dimensions of hot flashes, and (ii) levels of circulating gonadal steroids representing an average from 2-4 measures. This approach may lead to more targeted, effective, and safe management of vasomotor symptoms in the rapidly growing population of menopausal women.

Pretreatment with a single estradiol-17β bolus activates cyclic-AMP response element binding protein and protects CA1 neurons against global cerebral ischemia

Estradiol-17β is released from the ovaries in a cyclic manner during the normal estrous cycle in rats. During the transition from the diestrous to proestrous stage, the 17β-estradiol increases in blood circulation. We hypothesized that a higher serum level of endogenous 17β-estradiol would protect hippocampal pyramidal neurons against global cerebral ischemia via activation of the cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB)–mediated signaling cascade. Furthermore, we asked if a single 17β-estradiol bolus provides protection against ischemia in the absence of endogenous estradiol. To test these hypotheses, rats were subjected to global cerebral ischemia at different stages of the estrous cycle. Ischemia was produced by bilateral carotid occlusion and systemic hypotension. Brains were examined for histopathology at 7 days of reperfusion. Higher serum levels of 17β-estradiol (at proestrus and estrus stages) correlated with increased immunoreactivity of pCREB in hippocampus and ischemic tolerance. At diestrus, when circulating gonadal hormone concentrations were lowest, the pCREB protein content of hippocampus was reduced and showed the least number of normal neurons after ischemia compared to other stages of the estrous cycle. A similar phosphorylation pattern was also observed for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcium–calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in hippocampus. The cyclic variation in ovarian hormones did not reflect phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt). To test the efficacy of a single bolus of 17β-estradiol before ischemia, ovariectomized rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (5/10/50 μg/kg) or vehicle (oil) and 48/72/96 h later rats were exposed to cerebral ischemia. A single 17β-estradiol bolus treatment in ovariectomized rats significantly increased CREB mRNA activation and protected CA1 pyramidal neurons against ischemia. These results suggest that an exogenous bolus of 17β-estradiol to ovariectomized rats protects hippocampus against ischemia via activation of the CREB pathway in a manner similar to the endogenous estrous cycle.

Body composition, volumetric and areal bone parameters in male-to-female transsexual persons

Context Male-to-female (M→F) transsexual persons undergo extreme changes in gonadal hormone concentrations, both by pharmacological and surgical interventions. Given the importance of sex steroids for developing and maintaining bone mass, bone health is a matter of concern in daily management of these patients. Objective To provide data on bone metabolism, geometry and volumetric bone mineral density in M→F transsexual persons. Design/setting/participants Twenty-three M→F transsexual persons, recruited from our gender dysphoria clinic and at least 3 yrs after sex reassignment surgery, together with 46 healthy age- and height-matched control men were included in this cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures Body composition, areal and volumetric bone parameters determined using DXA and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Hormone levels and markers of bone metabolism assessed using immunoassays. Peak torque of biceps and quadriceps muscles and grip strength assessed using an isokinetic and hand dynamometer, respectively. Results M→F transsexual persons presented lower total and regional muscle mass and lower muscle strength as compared to controls (all P < 0.001). In addition, they had higher total and regional fat mass ( P < 0.010) and a lower level of sports-related activity index ( P < 0.010). Bone mineral content and areal density (aBMD) of the lumbar spine, total hip and distal radius, as well as trabecular vBMD of the distal radius was lower as compared to controls ( P < 0.010). At cortical sites, no differences in cortical vBMD were observed, whereas M→F transsexual persons were characterized by smaller cortical bone size at both the radius and tibia ( P < 0.010). Lower levels of biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption ( P < 0.010) suggested decreased bone turnover. Conclusion M→F transsexual persons have less lean mass and muscle strength, and higher fat mass. In addition, they present lower trabecular vBMD and aBMD at the lumbar spine, total hip and distal radius, and smaller cortical bone size as compared to matched controls. Both the lower level of sports-related physical activity as well testosterone deprivation could contribute to these findings. These results indicate that bone health should be a parameter of interest in the long-term follow-up care for M→F transsexual persons.

Low Free Testosterone Concentration as a Potentially Treatable Cause of Depressive Symptoms in Older Men

Serum concentrations of gonadal hormones have been associated with various measures of well-being, but it is unclear whether their association with mood is confounded by concurrent physical morbidity. To determine whether the association between serum testosterone concentration and mood in older men is independent of physical comorbidity. Cross-sectional study. Community of Perth, Western Australia. A community sample of men aged 71 to 89 years. We used the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) to assess depressed mood. Clinically significant depression was defined a priori as a GDS-15 score of 7 or greater. Physical health was assessed using the weighted Charlson index and the Physical Component Summary score of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Of 3987 men included in the study, 203 (5.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4%-5.8%) had depression. Participants with depression had significantly lower total and free testosterone concentrations than nondepressed men (P < .001 for both). However, they were also more likely to smoke and to have low educational attainment, a body mass index categorized as obese, a Mini-Mental State Examination score less than 24, a history of antidepressant drug treatment, and greater concurrent physical morbidity. After adjusting for these factors and for age, men with depression were 1.55 (95% CI, 0.91-2.63) and 2.71 (95% CI, 1.49-4.93) times more likely to have total and free testosterone concentrations, respectively, in the lowest quintile. A free testosterone concentration in the lowest quintile is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, and this association cannot be adequately explained by physical comorbidity. A randomized controlled trial is required to determine whether the link between low free testosterone level and depression is causal because older men with depression may benefit from systematic screening of free testosterone concentration and testosterone supplementation.

Differences in Sensitivity to Cold in Japanese Men and Postmenopausal Women Aged ≥50 Years

Sensitivity to cold is associated with several factors, such as aging, sex, and body composition. However, no previous studies have examined the differences in sensitivity to cold in men and women or the association of hormonal levels with sensitivity to cold. The aim of the present study was to clarify both the change in sensitivity to cold with aging and the difference in sensitivity to cold between men and women. Associations were also examined between circulating hormonal concentrations and the changes with aging and differences in sensitivity. This population-based cohort study enrolled healthy Japanese men and women aged > or = 50 years. A standardized 210-item health questionnaire was used to obtain information on symptoms of sensitivity to cold. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Of the 154 men and 180 women enrolled in this study, more women than men had sensitivity to cold. Whereas the percentage of men who had sensitivity to cold significantly increased with aging (P < 0.05), the percentage of women who had sensitivity to cold was already high (23.7%) at 50 to 60 years of age and did not change with aging. In men, advancing age and low body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with sensitivity to cold (P < 0.05); however, age and BMI in women were not similarly associated. In addition, the effect of sex after adjustment for age was significant (P < 0.05), and there was also a numeric but nonsignificant effect of sex after adjustment for BMI. In men, low serum levels of the gonadal hormone FSH were significantly associated with sensitivity to cold in logistic analysis, but this association was nonsignificant after multivariate analysis. Serum concentrations of gonadal hormones and SHBG in women were not associated with sensitivity to col. The association of age with sensitivity to cold was different in men and women; the association of BMI with sensitivity to cold might be different in men and women. In addition, these changes in sensitivity to cold were not associated with circulating hormonal concentrations.

The Effects of Androstenedione Supplementation on Serum Gonadal Hormones

Objective: To review the effects of androstenedione supplementation on serum gonadal hormones. Data Sources: Biomedical literature was accessed via PubMed through September 2007; MeSH terms included androstenedione and gonadal hormones. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies were limited to those published in English, with the primary outcome of change in serum gonadal hormone concentrations following multiple-dose oral androstenedione supplementation. Articles that reported only effects on muscle strength were excluded because our review focuses on the biochemical, not physiological, effects of androstenedione. For studies that evaluated multiple outcomes of therapy that were published in more than one journal, only the article reporting serum gonadal levels was selected for this review. Data Synthesis: We reviewed 8 unique studies that evaluated the effect of oral androstenedione supplementation on serum gonadal hormone concentrations. Critical comparison of the studies is challenging due to heterogeneity in methodology and outcomes measured, small sample sizes and short durations, and lack of complete data. The timing of serum gonadal hormone measurements, which is of critical importance, is not standardized among the studies. Subjectively evaluated, these studies suggest that androstenedione supplementation may cause a small, transient increase in serum testosterone. However, this effect is very short (&lt;24 h) and may be completely negated by conversion to estrogens and through feedback inhibition of endogenous testosterone production with long-term use (≥28 days). Conclusions: The findings of the studies reviewed suggest that androstenedione supplementation may cause a small, transient increase in serum testosterone levels. More importantly, estrogen-related hormones were also increased. Although androstenedione supplements are no longer available in the US without a prescription, they are available in other countries and potentially via the Internet. Clinicians should be aware of the potentially harmful effects of androstenedione on gonadal hormones in the event that they are involved in the care of a patient who may be using an androstenedione-containing product.