Mixed-methods research on androgen abuse – a review
Purpose of review This paper reviews the mixed-methods studies from the last 2 years (2021–2022) into androgen use to highlight the most relevant developments within the field. Recent findings The literature review found seven papers from 2021 to 2022. These seven cover a range of important considerations, including interventions to reduce androgen use, educational tools to increase professionals’ knowledge, explorations on the comorbidity of use with other substances, motivations for use, potential risks factors for androgens’ initiation, or risks of using androgens. Key findings include a greater underst...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: ANDROGENS: Edited by Dominic Sagoe Source Type: research

Experimental studies on androgen administration in animal models: current and future perspectives
Purpose of review This review aims to report the most recent (2020–2022) experimental scientific studies conducted on animal models, in order to highlight the relevant findings on the adverse effects related to androgen administration. Recent findings Forty-one studies published between January 2020 and July 2022 were selected. The majority of studies investigated the effects of one androgen, whereas only four studies analyzed the effects of two drugs. Nandrolone decanoate was the most investigated drug (20 articles), boldenone was tested in 8 articles, testosterone and stanozolol were used in 7 articles each,...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: ANDROGENS: Edited by Dominic Sagoe Source Type: research

Health effects of androgen abuse: a review of the HAARLEM study
Purpose of review Data on the health effects of androgen abuse are mainly derived from lower level evidence, such as case series and cross-sectional studies. In the last few years a relatively large and prospective cohort initiative, the HAARLEM (health risks of anabolic androgenic steroid use by male amateur athletes) study, made an important contribution to current knowledge. Recent findings The HAARLEM study showed that all androgen abusers experience positive and negative effects, such as an increase in strength and acne and gynecomastia, respectively. Effects are generally reversible and acute life-threaten...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: ANDROGENS: Edited by Dominic Sagoe Source Type: research

B vitamins, polycystic ovary syndrome, and fertility
Purpose of review This review provides a general overview of the literature on B vitamins and fertility, as well as summarizes the evidence concerning B vitamin supplementation and fertility among polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. Recent findings Studies among women conceiving with and without medical assistance provide strong evidence for a beneficial effect of B vitamins, particularly folate and vitamin B12, on fecundability and fertility. Moreover, recent work suggests that effects may be even more pronounced among women with menstrual cycle dysfunction (a common symptom of PCOS). Among PCOS women, inte...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Optimization of assisted reproductive technology outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: updates and unanswered questions
Purpose of review Narrative review of recent literature on optimization of assisted reproduction technology outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Recent findings The key areas of focus include pre cycle treatment with the goal of cohort synchronization, methods of ovulation suppression and trigger medication. There is no definitive evidence that precycle treatment with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or progestins improve or negatively impact in vitro fertilization outcomes in patients with PCOS. The reviewed evidence supports consideration of progestins as suppression of premature ov...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Preconception health optimization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome − how to find the time?
Purpose of review Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women, the most common cause of infertility among women and a major contributor to pregnancy complications. Recent findings Diagnostic and associated features of PCOS, including hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and obesity, contribute to the 2−4-fold increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth observed among pregnant women with PCOS. PCOS should be diagnosed according to the 2018 International Guideline. Screening for and optimizing m...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Female pattern hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome: more than just hirsutism
Purpose of review To explore the recent updates in the diagnosis, management, and clinical implications of androgenic alopecia among patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Recent findings PCOS diagnosis continues to be the most common cause of infertility among reproductively aged women, serving as the most common endocrinopathy among this population. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has been seen to be associated and more common among patients with PCOS, however, there are limited studies examining the impact of FPHL among PCOS patients. Although hyperandrogenism is associated with FPHL, the...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Use of anti-Müllerian hormone for understanding ovulatory dysfunction in polycystic ovarian syndrome
Purpose of review The aim of this review is to understand how anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) contributes to ovulatory dysfunction in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Recent findings In the last few years, new findings have emerged on AMH and its role on the central nervous system causing ovulatory dysfunction. Summary Anovulation is a prominent feature of PCOS. Women with anovulatory PCOS have higher AMH levels than in ovulatory PCOS. Higher levels of AMH may contribute to the pathophysiology of PCOS through central and peripheral actions. Once universal standardization is achieved to measure serum AMH,...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Gestational diabetes and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome
Purpose of review This review provides an update on gestational diabetes (GDM) and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common metabolic disorders and causes of infertility. Recent findings Recent studies using Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS have supported prior literature suggesting that pregnant individuals with PCOS are at an increased risk of GDM. Risk factors for GDM in this population include overweight/obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, amenorrhea, and history of miscarriage. It is possible that subtypes of PCOS (metabol...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Better care for women with polycystic ovary syndrome – a proposal for an international evidence based best practice framework to improve care
Purpose of review Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in reproductive-age women and has reproductive, pregnancy, metabolic, dermatologic, and psychologic complications. Here we summarize current challenges and gaps in PCOS care, and propose a pathway forward to implement high quality international guideline recommendations and resources, through development of a best practice framework and benchmarking for evidence-based, patient-centric models of care (MoC). Recent findings The majority of women with PCOS are unsatisfied with their healthcare experience due to delayed diagnosis, i...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Editorial: Health considerations across the lifespan for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity)
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY: Edited by Shruthi Mahalingaiah Source Type: research

Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity)
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - October 28, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research

Statin therapy is not warranted for a person with high LDL-cholesterol on a low-carbohydrate diet
Purpose of review Although there is an extensive literature on the efficacy of the low carbohydrate diet (LCD) for weight loss and in the management of type 2 diabetes, concerns have been raised that the LCD may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by increasing the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We have assessed the value of LDL-C as a CVD risk factor, as well as effects of the LCD on other CVD risk factors. We have also reviewed findings that provide guidance as to whether statin therapy would be beneficial for individuals with high LDL-C on an LCD. Recent findings Multiple longitu...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - September 8, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: SPECIAL COMMENTARY Source Type: research

Women and thyroid cancer incidence: overdiagnosis versus biological risk
Purpose of the review Our aim is to discuss the concepts of sex and gender in the context of thyroid cancer epidemiology. Recent findings It has been long-established in global epidemiologic data that thyroid cancer incidence rates are higher in women than men. However, what has been less well understood is whether this reflects sex disparities in cancer susceptibility, gender disparities in detection, or a combination. A recent meta-analysis of autopsy data from individuals who were not known to have thyroid cancer in their lifetime demonstrated no difference in the prevalence of thyroid cancer in women and men...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - September 8, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: THYROID: Edited by Megan Haymart Source Type: research

Towards De-Implementation of low-value thyroid care in older adults
Purpose of review This review discusses the current literature regarding low-value thyroid care in older adults, summarizing recent findings pertaining to screening for thyroid dysfunction and management of hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules and low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Recent findings Despite a shift to a “less is more” paradigm for clinical thyroid care in older adults in recent years, current studies demonstrate that low-value care practices are still prevalent. Ineffective and potentially harmful services, such as routine treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism which can lead to overtreatment...
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - September 8, 2022 Category: Endocrinology Tags: THYROID: Edited by Megan Haymart Source Type: research