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News Briefs: October 2007
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Sunday, June 15, 2008 Contacts: 1. Testosterone Deficiency May Increase Risk of Death in Older Men
1. Testosterone Deficiency May Increase Risk of Death in Older Men Older men with low levels of testosterone may have an increased long-term risk of death compared to men with normal testosterone, according to a new study accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). "This is the first report linking low levels of testosterone with earlier death in relatively healthy older men,” said Gail Laughlin, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of California San Diego. “These results do not suggest testosterone supplementation for all older men, because levels above average did not make a difference.” This study involved 794 men, ages 50 to 91 years, who were living in a southern California community and who participated in the Rancho Bernardo Study in the 1980s. Men whose total testosterone levels at the beginning of the study were in the lowest quartile (<241 ng/dl) were 40 percent more likely to die over the next 18 hears than those with higher levels. This difference was not explained by age, illness, adiposity, or lifestyle. “We want to emphasize that this is an observational study,” said Laughlin. “We cannot recommend that any man take testosterone based on these results. Only randomized clinical trials can determine whether testosterone supplements are safe and can promote longevity. In the meantime, lifestyle changes to prevent or decrease obesity may also extend longevity." Approximately 30 percent of men 60 years and older are estimated to have low testosterone, which is often accompanied by symptoms such as low bone and muscle mass, increased fat mass, low energy, and impaired physical, sexual, and cognitive function. A rapid release version of this paper has been published on-line and will appear in the December 2007 issue of JCEM, a publication of The Endocrine Society. Title: Authors: 2. Postmenopausal Sex Hormone Levels May Impact Blood Vessel Function Blood levels of progesterone, a major female sex hormone, may play an important role in modifying vascular function in postmenopausal women, according to a new study accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). “Our study shows that in postmenopausal women, higher blood levels of progesterone are associated with less of an increase in blood pressure and less blood vessel constriction in response to angiotensin II, one of the naturally occurring substances in the body which causes the blood vessels to constrict,” said Emily Szmuilowicz, M.D., of Brigham and Women Hospital and lead author of the study. “Constriction of the blood vessels can lead to increased blood pressure, which can contribute to problems such as heart attack and stroke.” A growing number of studies have shown that differences in blood levels of estrogen, even within the low range of estrogen levels experienced by postmenopausal women, are related to risk of many common diseases such as osteoporosis and breast cancer. This is the first study to suggest that postmenopausal progesterone levels also have physiological importance as they may impact vascular function. Thirty-four hypertensive, postmenopausal women were included in the study. Serum estradiol, serum progesterone, blood pressure, and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were measured at the beginning of the study, and blood pressure and RVR were measured once again after an infusion of angiotensin II. Following the angiotensin II infusion, the women had increases in blood pressure and blood vessel constriction. Among postmenopausal women in low-sodium balance, these responses were blunted with increased endogenous progesterone concentrations. “Our findings highlight the importance of examining the effects of progesterone as well as estrogen in studies of postmenopausal women,” said Szmuilowicz. A rapid release version of this paper has been published on-line and will appear in the December 2007 issue of JCEM, a publication of The Endocrine Society. Title: Authors: 3. New Patient Guide on the Management of Maternal Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Before, During and After Pregnancy Now Available from The Hormone Foundation The Hormone Foundation has published the "Patient Guide to the Management of Maternal Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Before, During and After Pregnancy," based on the clinical guidelines of The Endocrine Society. This publication is the third of three parts focusing on thyroid disease in pregnant women. It summarizes who is at risk, explains special considerations for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules during pregnancy, and explains the recommended treatment. The guide will be published in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and the November issue of Endocrine News. (Part 1 of the patient guide addresses maternal hypothyroidism and part 2 addressed maternal hyperthyroidism.) To view the patient guide on maternal thyroid nodules and cancer visit http://www.hormone.org/pdf/maternal_thy_nodules_guide.pdf
# # # Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org. |