Female Hormone Levels Research Articles

Electroacupuncture for reproductive hormone levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: a prospective observational study.

BackgroundEffective methods for the treatment of reproductive dysfunction are limited. Previous studies have reported that acupuncture can modulate female hormone levels, improve menstrual disorders, alleviate depression and improve pregnancy rates. However, studies of acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) are lacking.ObjectiveTo carry out a prospective observational study aimed at assessing the effect of EA on the reproductive hormone levels of patients with DOR seeking fertility support and consider its safety.MethodsEligible patients with DOR received EA for 12 weeks: five times a week for 4 weeks followed by three times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level at week 12. Mean luteinising hormone (LH) and serum oestradiol (E2) levels, FSH/LH ratios and symptom scale scores were simultaneously observed.ResultsTwenty-one patients with DOR were included in the final analysis. Mean FSH levels fell from 19.33±9.47 mIU/mL at baseline to 10.58±6.34 mIU/mL at week 12 and 11.25±6.68 mIU/mL at week 24. Change in mean FSH from baseline was −8.75±11.13 mIU/mL at week 12 (p=0.002) and −8.08±9.56 mIU/mL at week 24 (p=0.001). Mean E2 and LH levels, FSH/LH ratios and irritability scores were improved at weeks 12 and/or 24. Approximately 30% patients reported subjective increases in menstrual volume after treatment.ConclusionsEA may modulate reproductive hormone levels and the effects seem to persist for at least 12 weeks after treatment with no significant side effects. EA may improve the ovarian reserve of patients with DOR, though further research is needed.Trial registration numberNCT02229604; Results.

Lifelong Gender Gap in Risk of Incident Myocardial Infarction

It is not clear to what extent the higher incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in men vs women is explained by differences in risk factor levels because few studies have presented adjusted risk estimates for sex. Moreover, the increase in risk of CHD in postmenopausal women, possibly hormone related, may eventually eliminate the sex contrast in risk, but age-specific risk estimates are scarce. To quantify the difference in risk of incident myocardial infarction (MI) between men and women. Population-based prospective study from Tromsø, Norway, comprising 33 997 individuals (51% women). Median follow-up time during ages 35 to 102 years was 17.6 years. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs, relative risk) of MI were calculated in Poisson regression analysis of person-years at risk. The data analysis was performed in November 2015. Sex, age, birth cohort, serum lipid levels, blood pressure, lifestyle factors, diabetes. Incident MI. A total of 2793 individuals (886 women) received a diagnosis of MI during follow-up in the period 1979 through 2012. The IR increased with age in both sexes, with lower rates for women until age 95 years. Adjusted for age and birth cohort, the overall IRR for men vs women was 2.72 (95% CI, 2.50-2.96). Adjustment for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels had the strongest impact on the risk estimate for sex, followed by diastolic blood pressure and smoking. However, the sex difference remained substantial even after adjustment for these factors (IRR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.89-2.26). Men had higher risk throughout life, but the IRRs decreased with age (3.64 [95% CI, 2.85-4.65], 2.00 [95% CI, 1.76-2.28], and 1.66 [95% CI, 1.42-1.95] for age groups 35-54, 55-74, and 75-94 years, respectively). Adjustment for systolic blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index, and physical activity had no notable impact. The observed sex contrast in risk of MI cannot be explained by differences in established CHD risk factors. The gender gap persisted throughout life but declined with age as a result of a more pronounced flattening of risk level changes in middle-aged men. The minor changes in IRs when moving from premenopausal to postmenopausal age in women make it unlikely that changes in female hormone levels influence the risk of MI.

PS-82 GENDER FEATURES OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM (RAAS) IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN UZBEKISTAN.

Objective: To study the relationship status of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with the level of female hormones and markers of target organ damage in arterial hypertension (AH). Design and method: The study involved 20 men and 39 women with hypertension of 1–3 degrees. All women were postmenopausal. There were performed a dynamic renal angioscintigraphy and echocardiography, and determined the level of plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone by radioimmunoassay. Results: Women registered a significantly higher concentration of aldosterone than men: 212,5 ± 123,9 pg / mL and 148.9 ± 82,5 pg / m, respectively (p = 0.03). Women have found a negative relationship between the concentrations of aldosterone and estradiol levels (r = -0.3; p = 0.04) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (r = −0.318; p = 0.04), as well as the positive relationship between aldosterone concentration and PRA (r = 0.555; p = 0.04). In addition, women have a correlation between the concentrations of female sex hormones, aldosterone and renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, an index of left ventricular mass (LVMI). In men, the data correlation is not established. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients revealed gender differences RAAS state with a higher concentration of aldosterone in postmenopausal women. Also, women with hypertension revealed a relationship between PRA, aldosterone levels, sex hormones and indicators of renal hemodynamics and LVMI.

Function of Korean black ginseng: Improvement of andropause symptoms by a complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek in TM3 Leydig cells and aged rats

BackgroundKorean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), the native ginseng of Korea, has traditionally been widely used for thousands of years in Korea. Various biological functions of Korean ginseng have been reported. However, there have not been many studies on its effect on andropause. As women reach menopause, they show a sudden decrease in female hormone levels; men also undergo similar endocrinologic changes. Andropause is also referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, male hormone deficiency syndrome, and male climacteric syndrome. It is linked to increasing age among men and serum testosterone deficiency and specific clinical and biochemical symptoms that accompany it. To improve such andropause symptoms, male hormone supplementation therapy has been attempted. However, owing to various adverse effects, the development of improved therapeutic agents that are safe, both psychologically and physically, is in demand. The present study examined the andropause symptom-alleviating effects of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extract to develop a natural therapeutic agent with minimal adverse effects. MethodsIn the present study, we measured the anti-oxidant effect of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts using Cell viability of TM3 mouse leydig cells. The mechanism of apoptosis was assessed Erk and Akt kinase activity. We also investigated whether these complex extracts could affect on male hormone and muscle endurance. After administrating black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts for 4 weeks. The aged rats were sacrificed and checked the testosterone hormone and forced swimming test. ResultsThe extract increased cell viability, which had been reduced after oxidative stress, confirming the antioxidant effects of the complex, and this effect involved regulation of Erk kinase activation. Moreover, in a hormone-deficient animal model, after oral administration of the complex extract, the group that received 100 mg/kg showed significantly increased total and bioavailable testosterone levels. Besides the levels of sex hormones, those of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone that promote spermatogenesis were also elevated in a forced swimming test for verification of muscle endurance and motor functions, the group that received 100 mg/kg of the complex extract showed improved motor function and increased muscle endurance. ConclusionThus, it is believed that the complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek may be used in the future as a preventive and therapeutic agent for alleviating the symptoms of andropause.

Modulatory Effects of Sex Steroids Progesterone and Estradiol on Odorant Evoked Responses in Olfactory Receptor Neurons.

The influence of the sex steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol on physiology and behavior during menstrual cycles and pregnancy is well known. Several studies indicate that olfactory performance changes with cyclically fluctuating steroid hormone levels in females. Knowledge of the exact mechanisms behind how female sex steroids modulate olfactory signaling is limited. A number of different known genomic and non-genomic actions that are mediated by progesterone and estradiol via interactions with different receptors may be responsible for this modulation. Next generation sequencing-based RNA-Seq transcriptome data from the murine olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) revealed the expression of several membrane progestin receptors and the estradiol receptor Gpr30. These receptors are known to mediate rapid non-genomic effects through interactions with G proteins. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining results provide evidence for progestin and estradiol receptors in the ORNs. These data support the hypothesis that steroid hormones are capable of modulating the odorant-evoked activity of ORNs. Here, we validated this hypothesis through the investigation of steroid hormone effects by submerged electro-olfactogram and whole cell patch-clamp recordings of ORNs. For the first time, we demonstrate that the sex steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol decrease odorant-evoked signals in the OE and ORNs of mice at low nanomolar concentrations. Thus, both of these sex steroids can rapidly modulate the odor responsiveness of ORNs through membrane progestin receptors and the estradiol receptor Gpr30.

Genetic Variations in FSH Action Affect Sex Hormone Levels and Breast Tissue Size in Infant Girls: A Pilot Study.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms altering FSH action (FSHB -211G>T, FSHR -29G>A, and FSHR 2039A>G) are associated with peripubertal and adult levels of reproductive hormones and age at pubertal onset in girls. To investigate whether genetic polymorphisms altering FSH action affect serum levels of female reproductive hormones and breast development as early as during minipuberty. Longitudinal study. Population-based cohort study. A total of 402 healthy girls at 3 months of age. Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms by PCR using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR genotyping assays; identification of glandular breast tissue by palpation and measurement of the diameter. Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, FSH, LH, estradiol, inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin were assessed by immunoassays. FSHR -29G>A was associated with both FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone levels with an A allele effect size of -0.8 IU/L (P = .005) and 1.4 nmol/L (P = .003), respectively. FSHR 2039A>G correlated with breast tissue size with a negative additive effect of minor alleles (P = .021), whereas the effect on estradiol levels was only present in homozygotes. FSHB -211T carriers had smaller breast tissue size than girls who without a minor allele; GT+TT 10.5 (confidence interval 9.4-11.5) mm vs GG 12.1 (confidence interval 11.4-12.8) mm, P = .014. Our study indicates that 3 genetic polymorphisms altering FSH action, especially FSHR -29G>A and FSHR 2039A>G, affect female hormone profile and glandular breast tissue development already during minipuberty. Thus, genetic variations of FSH signaling appear to determine the individual set point of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis already early in life.

Sex-Based Differences in Smgc Expression in the Submandibular Gland of C57BL/6 Mice

Objective: The decrease in female hormone levels at menopause affects whole-body homeostasis. Various therapies including hormone therapy and treatment with herbal supplements are available to improve menopausal symptoms. However, a method for evaluating their effectiveness has not been established. We sought to identify useful biomarkers to assess therapy efficacy. Methods: We searched for salivary proteins affected by changes in female hormone levels in mouse submandibular glands. Results: The expression of submandibular gland protein C (Smgc) was decreased following ovariectomy, while the expression of the alternative splicing transcript t-Smgc was increased. Notably, Smgc expression increased following β-estradiol administration, and was barely detectable in the submandibular glands of male mice. Conclusion: The results suggest that Smgc expression may be estrogen dependent. Moreover, changes in the SMGC protein amount in the saliva were in accordance with those in mRNA expression in the submandibular gland. Our findings suggest that salivary proteins have potential as markers for evaluating therapies for menopausal symptoms.

Association of perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in utero with reproductive hormone levels in cord blood in the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health

BackgroundExposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt reproductive function in animals and humans. Although PFASs can cross the human placental barrier, few studies evaluated the effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on the fetus' reproductive hormones. ObjectiveTo explore the associations of prenatal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) with cord blood reproductive hormones. MethodsIn the prospective birth cohort (Sapporo cohort of the Hokkaido study), we included 189 mother–infant pairs recruited in 2002–2005 with both prenatal maternal and cord blood samples. PFOS and PFOA levels in maternal blood after the second trimester were measured via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We also measured cord blood levels of the fetuses' reproductive hormones, including estradiol (E2), total testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), inhibin B, insulin-like factor 3, steroid hormone binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, and prolactin (PRL). ResultsThe median PFOS and PFOA levels in maternal serum were 5.2ng/mL and 1.4ng/mL, respectively. In the fully adjusted linear regression analyses of the male infants, maternal PFOS levels were significantly associated with E2 and positively, and T/E2, P4, and inhibin B inversely; PFOA levels were positively associated with inhibin B levels. Among the female infants, there were significant inverse associations between PFOS levels and P4 and PRL levels, although there were no significant associations between PFOA levels and the female infants' reproductive hormone levels. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the fetal synthesis and secretion of reproductive hormones may be affected by in utero exposure to measurable levels of PFOS and PFOA.

Testosterone and cortisol concentrations vary with reproductive status in wild female red deer.

Although hormones are key regulators of many fitness and life history traits, the causes of individual level variation in hormones, particularly in wild systems, remain understudied. Whilst we know that androgen and glucocorticoid levels vary within and among individuals in mammalian populations, how this relates to key reproductive processes such as gestation and lactation, and their effects on a female's measurable hormone levels are poorly understood in wild systems. Using fecal samples collected from females in a wild red deer population between 2001 and 2013, we explore how fecal androgen (FAM) and cortisol (FCM) metabolite concentrations change with age and season, and how individual differences relate to variation in reproductive state. Both FAM and FCM levels increase toward parturition, although this only affects FCM levels in older females. FCM levels are also higher when females suckle a male rather than a female calf, possibly due to the higher energetic costs of raising a son. This illustrates the importance of accounting for a female's life history and current reproductive status, as well as temporal variation, when examining individual differences in hormone levels. We discuss these findings in relation to other studies of mammalian systems and in particular to the relatively scarce information on variation in natural levels of hormones in wild populations.

Cyclic changes of the junctional zone on 3 T MRI images in young and middle-aged females during the menstrual cycle

To evaluate the cyclic changes of the junctional zone in different age groups during the menstrual cycle using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to investigate the correlation with basic female hormone levels. Thirty-eight normal volunteers (age range, 20-40 years; mean age, 29 years: 20-30 years, n=22; 31-40 years, n=16) with regular menstrual cycles underwent a pelvic 3 T MRI examination on the 2nd or 3rd days of their menstrual phase (MP), follicular phase (FP), peri-ovulatory phase (OP), and luteal phase (LP), respectively, including a T2-weighted three-dimensional (3D) turbo spin-echo (TSE) with variable flip angle ("SPACE") sequence, a T2-weighted mapping sequence, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The thickness, T2, fractional anisotropy (FA), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the junctional zone on mid-sagittal images were separately measured by two radiologists on the post-processed workstation. The linear mixed model and one-way analysis of variance were used to evaluate the differences between the two age groups during the four phases. The serum levels of oestradiol (E), progesterone (P), luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured during the MP and compared with anatomical and functional MRI values using Pearson's correlation analysis. The thickness of the anterior and posterior junctional zone increased with age (p<0.05). In the 20-30 year age group, during the MP the junctional zone was significantly thicker than at the other three phases (p<0.05). Serum E levels correlated moderately with variation in thickness during the menstrual cycle. In the 30-40 year age group, no statistical difference in the thickness was found during the menstrual cycle. As age increased, the ADC values of the junctional zone decreased (p=0.02). In both groups, the ADC and T2 values of the junctional zone showed significant differences between the MP and LP (p<0.05), whereas no statistical difference in FA values were found during the menstrual cycle. Serum E, P, and LH levels correlated moderately with variation of ADC and T2 values during the menstrual cycle. The thickness and ADC values of the junctional zone showed significant differences between the two age groups. Cyclic changes in the thickness, ADC, and T2 values of the junctional zone were found during the menstrual cycle, which correlated moderately with the serum female hormone levels.

Polymorphisms of anti-Müllerian hormone signaling pathway in healthy Singapore women: population differences, endocrine effects and reproductive outcomes

In order to study the association of genetic polymorphisms of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) signaling pathway with endocrine changes and pregnancy outcomes, a total of 213 women of reproductive ages were recruited according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria between November 2011 and September 2014 in Singapore. Genotyping studies were performed using a minor groove binder primer/probe Taqman assay. The allele frequencies of the AMH Ile49Ser and AMHR2 −482A > G polymorphisms were analyzed in relation to female reproductive hormone levels, ovarian parameters, menstrual cycle lengths and pregnancy outcomes. AMH Ser allele frequency and AMHR2 G allele frequency of our Singapore population were compared with those of other populations reported in HapMap. The genotype distributions and allele frequencies for the AMH Ile49Ser and AMHR2 −482A > G polymorphisms were not associated with estradiol (E2) levels, ovarian parameters, menstrual cycle length, or pregnancy outcomes in our cohort. Our findings suggest that genetic variants in the AMH signal transduction pathway have population differences but do not appear to have significant effects on ovarian, endocrine, metabolic parameters and reproductive outcomes.

Associations between Bisphenol A Exposure and Reproductive Hormones among Female Workers.

The associations between Bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure and reproductive hormone levels among women are unclear. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female workers from BPA-exposed and unexposed factories in China. Women’s blood samples were collected for assay of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-Estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and progesterone (PROG). Their urine samples were collected for BPA measurement. In the exposed group, time weighted average exposure to BPA for an 8-h shift (TWA8), a measure incorporating historic exposure level, was generated based on personal air sampling. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine linear associations between urine BPA concentration and reproductive hormones after controlling for potential confounders. A total of 106 exposed and 250 unexposed female workers were included in this study. A significant positive association between increased urine BPA concentration and higher PRL and PROG levels were observed. Similar associations were observed after the analysis was carried out separately among the exposed and unexposed workers. In addition, a positive association between urine BPA and E2 was observed among exposed workers with borderline significance, while a statistically significant inverse association between urine BPA and FSH was observed among unexposed group. The results suggest that BPA exposure may lead to alterations in female reproductive hormone levels.

A Study of Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Prolactin Levels of Infertile Females

A Study of Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Prolactin Levels of Infertile Females

Serum progesterone levels in early pregnant women and its relation to luteal maintenance therapy for pregnancy protection

Objective To investigate serum levels of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) and progesterone (P) in early pregnant women, and their relation to luteal maintenance therapy for early pregnancy protection. Methods One hundred and thirty five infertility women treated in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2007 to December 2011. Total 150 pregnancy cycles, including 84 with intrauterine insemination (IUI) and 66 with natural conception, were divided into two groups: normal intrauterine pregnancy group (group A, n=80) and early pregnancy loss group (group B, n=70). Medical history, ultrasonic findings, serum female hormone, P and β-HCG levels at early pregnancy stage were analyzed. Results The age of group A and group B was (30.0±3.9) years and (30.7±4.9) years, respectively (P>0.05). The follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone in group A and group B was 1.57±0.96 and 1.56±1.08; the estradiol levels in two groups were (152±66) pmol/L and (147±69) pmol/L, respectively (both P>0.05). There were no differences in dominant follicles and endometrial thickness between groups A and B (P>0.05). Ovulation promotion and luteal support treatments were adopted in both groups: 50%(40/80) of cycles in group A received ovulation promotion, 73%(58/80) of cycles received luteal support, while 44%(31/70) and 76%(53/70) received in groups B, respectively. The levels of serum progesterone in group A during 14-21 d, 22-27 d and ≥28 d after ovulation were higher than those in group B at each time points (P 0.05). Conclusion Dynamic monitoring of serum progesterone level in early pregnancy may be used as an auxiliary index for prediction of pregnancy outcome, but it may not be an indicator for luteal maintenance therapy. Key words: Pregnancy trimester, first; Intrinsic factor; Abortion, spontaneous; Progesterone; Corpus luteum maintenance

The effects of hydroxyurea and bone marrow transplant on Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in females with sickle cell anemia.

Gonadal hypofunction is described in male and female patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) after bone marrow transplant (BMT) and in males treated with hydroxyurea (HU). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a serum marker of ovarian reserve. This study describes AMH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in female SCA subjects treated with supportive care (SCA-SC), HU (SCA-HU) and BMT (SCA-BMT). SCA (SS/Sβ(0)) subjects not on HU, on HU and status-post BMT, ages 10-21 years were recruited. SCA-HU subjects were treated with HU ≥ 20 mg/kg for ≥ 12 consecutive months. SCA-BMT subjects had received busulfan and cyclophosphamide. Serum AMH and random FSH levels were obtained. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) was defined as AMH level <5th percentile for age-matched controls. Subjects also with FSH >40 IU/L were classified as having premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). 14 SCA-SC (14.5 ± 2.7 years), 33 SCA-HU (14.4 ± 2.4 years) and 9 SCA-BMT (14.3 ± 2.7 years) females were included. AMH was undetectable in all SCA-BMT subjects and <5th percentile in 24% of SCA-HU subjects. FSH was menopausal (>40 IU/L) in 88.9% of SCA-BMT subjects. All SCA-BMT subjects and 24% of subjects on HU had DOR; 89% of SCA-BMT subjects had POI. AMH and FSH may be useful tools in assessing ovarian reserve and function.

3-T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of normal uterus in young and middle-aged females during the menstrual cycle: evaluation of the cyclic changes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.

To evaluate cyclic changes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of normal uterus in different age groups during the menstrual cycle, and the correlation with serum female hormone levels. 29 normal volunteers accepted diffusion tensor imaging of the uterus on menstrual phase (MP), follicular phase (FP), ovulatory phase (OP) and luteal phase. FA and ADC values of different uterine layers on midsagittal images were measured. Differences between two age groups during the menstrual cycle were evaluated using liner mixed models and one-way analysis of variance. Pearson correlation analysis compared variation of FA and ADC values with serum female hormone levels measured in MP. During menstrual cycle, endometrial FA values declined, whereas ADC values increased with significant differences (p < 0.05). Serum oestradiol (E) levels correlated moderately with variations of FA values between MP-FP (p = 0.045; r = 0.389) and MP-OP (p = 0.008; r = 0.511). FA and ADC values of junctional zones showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) as well as FA values of myometrium (p = 0.0961), while ADC values of myometrium showed significant increase from menstrual phase to luteal phase (p < 0.05). FA and ADC values of uterine three zonal structures showed significant differences (p < 0.05) at each phase during the menstrual cycle. No significant difference of FA and ADC values was found between age groups (p > 0.05). Dynamic changes of uterine FA and ADC values were observed during menstrual cycle. Variation of FA values between MP-FP, MP-OP correlated moderately with serum E levels. No publications on the relationship between FA and ADC values and the female hormone levels were found; our study prospectively investigated the cyclic changes of FA and ADC values of the normal uterus and the correlation with the basic serum female hormone levels in MP.

Familial risks and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women.

PurposeThe role of family history to the risk of breast cancer was analyzed by incorporating menopausal status in Hong Kong Chinese women, with a particular respect to the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) type.MethodsSeven hundred and forty seven breast cancer incident cases and 781 hospital controls who had completed information on family cancer history in first-degree relatives (nature father, mother, and siblings) were recruited. Odds ratio for breast cancer were calculated by unconditional multiple logistic regression, stratified by menopausal status (a surrogate of endogenous female sex hormone level and age) and type of relative affected with the disease. Further subgroup analysis by tumor type according to ER status was investigated.ResultsAltogether 52 (6.96%) breast cancer cases and 23 (2.95%) controls was found that the patients’ one or more first-degree relatives had a history of breast cancer, showing an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.41 (95%CI: 1.45–4.02). An excess risk of breast cancer was restricted to the ER+ tumor (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.38–4.28), with a relatively higher risk associated with an affected mother (OR = 3.97, 95%CI: 1.46–10.79) than an affected sister (OR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.07–3.97), while the relative risk was more prominent in the subgroup of pre-menopausal women. Compared with the breast cancer overall, the familial risks to the ER+ tumor increased progressively with the number of affected first-degree relatives.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights on a relationship between family breast cancer history, menopausal status, and the ER+ breast cancer. A separate risk prediction model for ER+ tumor in Asian population is desired.

Taos of late 50: A review on postmenopausal oral discomfort in women

Menopause, the cessation of menses, is a normal physiologic event experienced by women. It is not an illness or a deficiency. After a woman's reproductive years, there is a 5- to 10-year period of menopause-related alterations in hormone patterns. These patterns terminate in a sharp decline of female hormone levels. The lack of ovarian estrogens appears to be associated with the onset of several postmenopausal diseases, most notably osteoporosis and heart disease. Oral discomfort has been reported as a complaint among postmenopausal women. It includes occurrences of pain, burning sensations, altered taste perception and dryness of the mouth. On this background this paper presents a review on the postmenopausal discomfort in women.

The mammary gland is a sensitive pubertal target in CD-1 and C57Bl/6 mice following perinatal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a developmental toxicant in mice, with varied strain outcomes depending on dose and period of exposure. The impact of PFOA on female mouse pubertal development at low doses (≤1mg/kg) has yet to be determined. Therefore, female offspring from CD-1 and C57Bl/6 dams exposed to PFOA, creating serum concentrations similar to humans, were examined for pubertal onset, including mammary gland development. Pups demonstrated a shorter PFOA elimination half-life than that reported for adult mice. Prenatal exposure to PFOA caused significant mammary developmental delays in female offspring in both strains. Delays started during puberty and persisted into young adulthood; severity was dose-dependent. Also an evaluation of female serum hormone levels and pubertal timing onset revealed no effects of PFOA compared to controls in either strain. These data suggest that the mammary gland is more sensitive to early low level PFOA exposures compared to other pubertal endpoints, regardless of strain.

Comparative Treatment Outcomes of Menopausal and Nonmenopausal Women After Arthrocentesis

Most of the patients treated for temporomandibular joint disorders constituted from the female population, and this situation is generally hypothesized and demonstrated in several studies. Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint is a minimally invasive and effective treatment method in the management of patients with stage III and stage IV Wilkes syndrome. This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of this method between menopausal and nonmenopausal female patients. A total of 59 patients (25 menopausal and 34 nonmenopausal) were evaluated according to the visual analog scale for pain and chewing function scores, joint sound, and maximum mouth opening. In both groups, the parameters were detected statistically significant according to follow-up periods. The menopausal group showed better results than the nonmenopausal group at 6-month controls. In conclusion, arthrocentesis is a satisfactory treatment modality in the management of temporomandibular joint derangements. Female reproductive hormone levels may affect the success of this procedure.