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Clin Lab 2020 Jul;66(7)

Background: During the postmenopausal period, hot flashes are frequent symptoms and might impact quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in this period. This study aims to assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and hot flashes. Read More

J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020 Jul 13. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background And Aim: Previous studies suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and osteoporosis; however, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking to elucidate this association.

Methods: A cohort study of 10,482 women without osteoporosis at baseline who participated in a repeated health-screening examination including an H. pylori-specific immunoglobulin G antibody test was conducted to evaluate the association between H. Read More

Int Urogynecol J 2020 Jul 11. Epub 2020 Jul 11.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Turkey Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Tevfik Saglam Street, No: 11, Zuhuratbaba, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Cervical elongation (CE) has not been clearly defined and has similar symptoms to pelvic organ prolapse. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative POP-Q examinations, ultrasonographic measurements, and direct cervical length measurement with a Foley catheter in predicting CE on postoperative hysterectomy specimens.

Methods: Fifty-six patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for apical pelvic organ prolapse were included. Read More

Biochem Genet 2020 Jul 10. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Vakif Gureba Cad. 34080 Sehremini, Istanbul, Turkey.

Polymorphisms in the ESR1 gene have been associated with obesity and lipid metabolism. There are also important sex-related differences in the prevalence of obesity and related phenotypes. Therefore, we aimed to interrogate the association of the ESR1 rs2175898 gene polymorphism with obesity, obesity-related variables, and lipid levels in men and women as separate groups. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Jul 10;10(1):11462. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL, 34946, USA.

Evolutionary explanations for mammalian sociality typically center on inclusive-fitness benefits of associating and cooperating with close kin, or close maternal kin as in some whale societies, including killer and sperm whales. Their matrilineal structure has strongly influenced the thinking about social structure in less well-studied cetaceans, including beluga whales. In a cross-sectional study of group structure and kinship we found that belugas formed a limited number of distinct group types, consistently observed across populations and habitats. Read More

J Clin Densitom 2020 Jun 12. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.

Visceral fat is the pathogenic fat depot associated with diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Estimation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by dual energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a newer technique with less radiation exposure, shorter scanning time, and lower cost. In this study, we attempted to look at relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors and VAT, total body fat percent (TBF%) and anthropometry. Read More

Climacteric 2020 Aug;23(4):325-329

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.

Most endometrial polyps represent focal hyperplasia of the endometrium. Endometrial polyps can be diagnosed by ultrasound, hysterocontrast sonography, hysterosalpingography, endometrial biopsy, and uterine curettage, but diagnostic hysteroscopy is considered the gold-standard method, with the greatest sensitivity and specificity and also with the opportunity for treatment at the same time. A retrospective study was conducted on 424 patients between 2006 and 2018. Read More

Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020 Jul 10:1-6. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico , Modena, Italy.

Introduction: Risk-reducing-salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) inevitably leads BRCA mutation carriers to premature menopause.

Areas Covered: To evaluate the existing evidence for use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in BRCAmc, after RRSO or menopause occurring naturally, for both breast cancer (BC) survivors and those without BC.

Expert Opinion: All BC survivors are excluded from any HT treatment: in other BRCAmc, before 51 years of age the benefits of HT overcome the risks after RRSO and/or premature ovarian insufficiency (POF). Read More

Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020 Jul 9. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Centre, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.

Objectives: Doctors' offices and outpatient departments typically measure blood pressure (BP) with the patient in a sitting position, whereas inpatient departments also use the supine position. As sex and age influence the autonomic function associated with BP regulation our study compared BP measurements in supine and sitting positions for men and women of different ages.

Methods: We included 91 men and 118 women (≥18 years) without severe diseases. Read More

J Infect Dis 2020 Jul;222(Supplement_1):S20-S30

Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Background: Reproductive aging may contribute to cardiometabolic comorbid conditions. We integrated data on gynecologic history with levels of an ovarian reserve marker (anti-müllerian hormone [AMH)] to interrogate reproductive aging patterns and associated factors among a subset of cisgender women with human immunodeficiency virus (WWH) enrolled in the REPRIEVE trial.

Methods: A total of 1449 WWH were classified as premenopausal (n = 482) (menses within 12 months; AMH level ≥20 pg/mL; group 1), premenopausal with reduced ovarian reserve (n = 224) (menses within 12 months; AMH <20 pg/mL; group 2), or postmenopausal (n = 743) (no menses within12 months; AMH <20 pg/mL; group 3). Read More

J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020 Jul 9. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

To identify the association of estradiol (E2) dose and serum E2 levels with metabolic measures in early (<6 years) compared with late (≥10 years) postmenopausal women from the REPLENISH trial. This is a analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial in the United States. Four doses of TX-001HR, an oral combination of E2 and progesterone (P4), and placebo were tested. Read More

Osteoporos Int 2020 Jul 8. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.

We provide an evidence base and guidance for the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for the maintenance of skeletal health and prevention of future fractures in recently menopausal women. Despite controversy over associated side effects, which has limited its use in recent decades, the potential role for MHT soon after menopause in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis is increasingly recognized. We present a narrative review of the benefits versus risks of using MHT in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Jul 6;17(13). Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Zayed University, Dubai 19282, UAE.

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of Emirati women aged 30-64 about menopause, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and their associated health risks, and additionally, to determine the relationships between Emirati women's knowledge about menopause and their sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted of 497 Emirati women visiting five primary healthcare centers in Dubai. Data were collected using a questionnaire composed of sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, menopause knowledge scale (MKS), and menopause symptoms knowledge and MHT practice. Read More

Front Neuroendocrinol 2020 Jul 5:100853. Epub 2020 Jul 5.

Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas 77807. Electronic address:

It is well known that stroke incidence and outcome is sex-dependent and influenced by age and gonadal hormones. In post-menopausal and/or aged females, declining estrogen levels increases stroke risk. However, women who experience early menopause also have an increase in stroke risk. Read More

Menopause 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Physiology, "José Mataix Verdú" Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Objective: To explore the association of dietary habits and Mediterranean diet adherence with menopausal symptoms.

Methods: The present study included 172 women recruited from the FLAMENCO project. Menopausal symptoms were assessed with the Kupperman Menopausal Index and the Cervantes Menopause and Health Subscale from the validated Cervantes Scale. Read More

Menopause 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Instituto de Salud de la Mujer, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge men have about menopause and to analyze whether sociodemographic aspects influence this knowledge.

Methods: A total of 560 consecutive surveys were collected during 2019. Surveys were completed by men anonymously, voluntarily, and without incentives. Read More

Case Rep Womens Health 2020 Jul 25;27:e00235. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.

Background: Caesarean scar defect (CSD) is a complication of caesarean section with implications for abnormal uterine bleeding. Most cases of CSD are discovered incidentally or with the development of menstrual changes. However, CSD may rarely have a longer latency period, resulting in postmenopausal presentation of bleeding and abdominal pain. Read More

Case Rep Womens Health 2020 Jul 25;27:e00233. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Diabetes Centre, Second Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Bone Res 2020 1;8:27. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Clinical Cell Biology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark.

Women gradually lose bone from the age of ~35 years, but around menopause, the rate of bone loss escalates due to increasing bone resorption and decreasing bone formation levels, rendering these individuals more prone to developing osteoporosis. The increased osteoclast activity has been linked to a reduced estrogen level and other hormonal changes. However, it is unclear whether intrinsic changes in osteoclast precursors around menopause can also explain the increased osteoclast activity. Read More

Front Neurol 2020 19;11:504. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

Sex dimorphisms are important factors that influence the outcomes after ischemic stroke, which include basic health status, cerebrovascular anatomy, hormone levels, and unique factors such as pregnancy and menopause. It is widely recognized that male and female respond differently to stroke. Women aged 45-74 years old showed a lower risk of stroke incidence compared to age-matched man. Read More

J Korean Acad Nurs 2020 Jun;50(3):487-500

Department of Nursing, College of Health & Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL).

Methods: The MENQOL was translated into Korean according to algorithm of linguistic validation process. A total of 308 menopausal women were recruited and assessed using the Korean version of MENQOL (MENQOL-K), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-K). Read More

Maturitas 2020 Aug 11;138:58-61. Epub 2020 May 11.

Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Umberto I Hospital, Turin, Italy. Electronic address:

Objectives: To report the effects on the urinary function of ospemifene prescribed for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms refractory to the first line of pharmacologic treatment with antimuscarinic or β3-agonists drugs. We also try to identify any predictors of response to the ospemifene treatment.

Study Design: Twenty-five patients with OAB confirmed by detrusor overactivity at urodynamics, refractory to first-line therapy for OAB, were enrolled for the study. Read More

Maturitas 2020 Aug 29;138:36-41. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

Background: Menopause is often associated with a central accumulation of body fat. This provokes insulin resistance. The resulting hyperinsulinemia may increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 Jul 2;12(7). Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Landshuter Str. 65, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and is predominantly endocrine-related. The role of unopposed estrogen in the development of endometrial cancer has been investigated in numerous studies. Different reproductive factors such as younger age at menarche, late age at menopause, infertility, nulliparity, age of birth of the first child, and long-term use of unopposed estrogens during hormone replacement therapy have been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2020 Jul 1;21(13). Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Physiology and Heart Otago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.

Differences in size or composition of existing plaques at the initiation of estrogen (E2) therapy may underpin evidence of increased risk of atherosclerosis-associated clinical sequelae. We investigated whether E2 had divergent effects on actively-growing versus established-advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Eight weeks of subcutaneous bi-weekly injections of 3 µg/g 17β-estradiol ( = 18) or vehicle control ( = 22) were administered to female Apolipoprotein null-mice aged 25- or 45 weeks old. Read More

Aging (Albany NY) 2020 Jul 6;12. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China.

Bladder cancer is three to four times more common among men than women. The objectives of this study were to explore the association between reproductive and hormonal factors and risk of bladder cancer among women using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cohort, and to perform a meta-analysis based on cohort studies. After a median of 11. Read More

Post Reprod Health 2020 Jun;26(2):101-109

Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals, London, UK.

Objectives: To describe the attitudes and perceptions of postmenopausal women from the United Kingdom regarding menopause, vulvo-vaginal atrophy and its therapeutic management.

Study Design: Post hoc analysis of the United Kingdom population from the REVIVE-EU Study.

Main Outcome Measures: The survey contained questions about women's knowledge of menopause and vulvo-vaginal atrophy symptoms, impact on their life and sexual activities, communication with healthcare professionals and treatments. Read More

Post Reprod Health 2020 Jun;26(2):57-62

The Warrell Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.

Urogynaecological symptoms are commonly encountered problems in women of post-reproductive age, which have a major impact on quality of life in affected women. This review summarises a standardised approach to common urogynaecological problems in primary care, which focuses on making the correct diagnosis, assessing impact, evaluating for other relevant lifestyle and medical factors and indications for referral into secondary care. Read More

Post Reprod Health 2020 Jun;26(2):51-52

Guest Editor.

Post Reprod Health 2020 Jun;26(2):87-90

Urogynaecology Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, London, UK.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and recurrent urinary tract infections carry significant burden for those affected. As women enter the menopause, other factors may influence how these conditions manifest. The urinary microbiome has shown that the urine contains extensive numbers of bacteria. Read More

Climacteric 2020 Jul 6:1-9. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

The aim of this study was to examine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) trajectories in indigenous Chinese women through the ovarian aging process from 10 years before the final menstrual period (FMP) to 20 years after. A prospective community-based longitudinal cohort study of 362 Chinese middle-aged women with a clearly determined FMP was performed. FSH and E2 trajectories were identified according to years from FMP and the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 (STRAW + 10), and further classified by body mass index. Read More

Climacteric 2020 Jul 6:1-6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK.

This article describes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for women with problematic menopausal symptoms, and provides the evidence from clinical trials of women going through the menopause, women with breast cancer treatment-induced symptoms and women with problematic symptoms in a work context. The CBT focus is primarily on vasomotor symptoms (VMS) but it also targets stress, low mood and sleep problems. CBT is a brief therapy (four to six sessions) that is theory- and evidence-based; it is acceptable to women and effectively reduces the impact of VMS, improves sleep and has benefits to quality of life. Read More

Endocrine 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.

Purpose: Fracture risk in hypothyroid patients is debated, and since the effects of hypothyroidism on bone microarchitecture and strength are unclarified, we investigated these characteristics by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).

Methods: Two approaches were used: a cross-sectional control study, comparing 32 hypothyroid women (mean age; 47 ± 12 years) suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis with 32 sex-, age-, and menopause-matched healthy controls; a prospective study, where 27 of the women were reexamined 1 year after restoration of euthyroidism. HR-pQCT of the distal radius and tibia, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine and hip were performed. Read More

Osteoporos Int 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Shuaifuyuan No.1, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.

There is limited evidence regarding changes in bone microstructure in patients with hypoparathyroidism. In the current study, we used a non-invasive technique to assess bone structure in hypoparathyroidism patients and discovered site-specific changes which were mainly influenced by age and menstrual status. Such changes were more prominent in the trabeculae as well as in non-surgical as opposed to post-surgical patients. Read More

J Alzheimers Dis 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.

Background: While sex hormones are essential for normal cognitive health, those individuals with greater endocrine dyscrasia around menopause and with andropause are more likely to develop cognitive loss and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective: To assess whether circulating sex hormones may provide an etiologically significant, surrogate biomarker, for cognitive decline.

Methods: Plasma (n = 152) and serum (n = 107) samples from age- and gender-matched AD and control subjects from the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) were analyzed for11 steroids and follicle-stimulating hormone. Read More

Acta Histochem 2020 Jul 20;122(5):151575. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Laboratory of Morphological and Immunohistochemical Studies, Department of Physical Education, São Judas Tadeu University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Menopause is a major factor involved in dyslipidemia increasing the risk of atherosclerosis which may be reversed by a routine of aerobic physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of aerobic training on the thoracic aorta of female LDL-receptor knockout mice submitted to estrogen deprivation. Fifteen genetically modified female mice, knockout for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-Knockout group) were used as experimental groups and fifteen wild female mice (C57BL/6 J) were used as control groups. Read More

Acta Histochem 2020 Jul 28;122(5):151570. Epub 2020 May 28.

Laboratory of Morphological and Immunohistochemical Studies, Department of Physical Education, São Judas Tadeu University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Sarcopenia is a common condition that is associated mainly with hormonal factors, nutritional status, physical activity, leading to a lower quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets with vegetable or animal proteins (AP) associated with resistance training on the structure of the soleus muscle in aged Wistar rats. The histochemical technique was used for the typing of muscle fibers, the cross-sectional area of myocytes, and volume densities of myocytes and interstitium. Read More

Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.

Reproductive function adjusts in response to environmental conditions in order to optimize success. In humans, this plasticity includes age of pubertal onset, hormone levels and age at menopause. These reproductive characteristics vary across populations with distinct lifestyles and following specific childhood events, and point to a role for the early-life environment in shaping adult reproductive trajectories. Read More

BMC Biol 2020 Jul 3;18(1):80. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.

Background: Lack of comprehensive functional annotations across a wide range of tissues and cell types severely hinders the biological interpretations of phenotypic variation, adaptive evolution, and domestication in livestock. Here we used a combination of comparative epigenomics, genome-wide association study (GWAS), and selection signature analysis, to shed light on potential adaptive evolution in cattle.

Results: We cross-mapped 8 histone marks of 1300 samples from human to cattle, covering 178 unique tissues/cell types. Read More

J Clin Transl Res 2020 Apr 19;5(3):132-139. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

Department of Pathology and Cancer Screening, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women.

Aim: The aim of the study was to report the sociodemographic factors, habits, personal history, gynecological and obstetric history, the clinical presentation of Indian women, and analyze those factors with the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods: This study is based on retrospective data collection from case files of women who attended the Cancer Detection Centre during January1995-September 2016. Read More

Maturitas 2020 Jun 25. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital S. Anna, Pisa, Italy.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Importance: After menopause estradiol (E2) is predominately an intracrine hormone circulating in very low serum concentrations.

Objective: To examine determinants of E2 concentrations in women beyond 70 years.

Design And Setting: A cross-sectional, community based, study. Read More

Exp Physiol 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), Université Clermont Auvergne, EA 3533, Clermont-Ferrand, 63171, France.

What is the topic of this review? The topic of this meta-analysis is the efficacy of HIIT in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)-abdominal FM in normal-weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause. What advances does it highlight? HIIT programs in women significantly decrease body weight, and total and abdominal FM. Their effects are more evident in pre- than in postmenopausal women. Read More

Clin Genet 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Université de Paris, Paris, France.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) implies the cessation of menstruation for several months in women before the age of 40 years and is a major cause of infertility. The study of the contribution of genetic factors to POI has been fueled by the use of whole exome sequencing (WES). Here, to uncover novel causative pathogenic variants and risk alleles, WES has been performed in 12 patients with familial POI (8 unrelated index cases and 2 couples of sisters) and 6 women with early menopause and family history of POI (4 index cases and 1 couple of sisters). Read More

Hormones (Athens) 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Research Methodology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139, Târgu-Mureș, Romania.

As type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) reaches epidemic proportions in the developed world and the age at diagnosis decreases, more women of reproductive age are being affected. In this article, we provide a synoptic view on potential mechanisms and relevant factors underlying menstrual cycle disorders and fertility issues in women with T2DM. The article discusses the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, the central role of the hypothalamus in the homeostasis of this system, the central modulators of the axis, and the peripheral metabolic signals involved in neuroendocrine control of reproduction. Read More

Int J Womens Health 2020 25;12:505-512. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Objective: Menopause-related symptoms can strongly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in most peri-menopausal women. The aim of the present study was to explore the psychometric properties of a culturally adapted and translated Persian version of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

Study Design: The study was conducted on a random sample of 270 middle-aged women (age range 40-60 yrs) selected from 25 urban health service centers across Tabriz, Iran. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Jul 1;10(1):10762. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China.

We detected disproportionate reports of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and related events, including amenorrhea, menstruation irregular, FSH increased, and premature menopause, following human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The signal was detected by the methods of Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) and Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS). When both methods detected a positive result, a signal was generated. Read More

J Rheumatol 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

From the Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, VieCuri Medical Center, the Netherlands; Centre Hospitalier Chrétien, Liège, Belgium. Address correspondence to Ritch te Kampe, Department of Rheumatology of Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands. E-mail:

Objective: Research findings in gout result predominantly from studies among men, and might not be generalizable to women. To improve insight into sex differences, this study compared clinical characteristics and comorbidities between female and male gout patients and explored the influence of menopausal state on these differences.

Methods: Data from patients referred to two rheumatology services and diagnosed with gout were used. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 Jun 29;9(7). Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.

Background: Asthma severity differs according to gender; in adult women, there is higher prevalence and severity of asthma than in men, and it coincides with changes in sex hormones. Recently, a new phonotype of asthma has been identified that appears after menopause, and it may be associated with decreased estrogen levels. Our goal was to study the 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations in the blood and airways of women affected by asthma onset after menopause, evaluating its possible role in the severity of the disease. Read More