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Nutrients Jan 2023Obesity is an established risk factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially phenotype A. PCOS is an important cause of fertility disorders... (Review)
Review
Obesity is an established risk factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially phenotype A. PCOS is an important cause of fertility disorders in a large group of women of reproductive age. For many years, effective methods of treating hormonal disorders associated with PCOS have been sought in order to restore ovulation with regular menstrual cycles. Numerous studies support obesity treatment as an effective therapeutic method for many women. A seemingly simple method of treatment may prove to be particularly difficult in this group of women. The reason for this may be the lack of recognition the primary cause of obesity development or the occurrence of a vicious circle of disease. Primary causes of developing obesity may be emotional eating (EE) and eating disorders (EDs), such as binge eating disorder (BED) and its extreme form, addictive eating, as well as night eating syndrome (NES). All of these are caused by impaired function of the reward system. Consequently, these disorders can develop or be exacerbated in women with obesity and PCOS as a result of depression and anxiety related to hirsutism and fertility disturbances. Therefore, for the effective treatment of obesity, it is very important to recognize and treat EE, BED, and NES, including the appropriate selection of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Therefore, the aim of our manuscript is to analyze the available data on the relationships between EE, BED, NES, obesity, and PCOS and their impact on the treatment of obesity in women with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Binge-Eating Disorder; Night Eating Syndrome; Hirsutism; Obesity
PubMed: 36678165
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020295 -
JAMA Dermatology Mar 2022While originally approved for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and edema, spironolactone is commonly used off label in the management of acne,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
While originally approved for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and edema, spironolactone is commonly used off label in the management of acne, hidradenitis, androgenetic alopecia, and hirsutism. However, spironolactone carries an official warning from the US Food and Drug Administration regarding potential for tumorigenicity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pooled occurrence of cancers, in particular breast and prostate cancers, among those who were ever treated with spironolactone.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception through June 11, 2021. The search was restricted to studies in the English language.
STUDY SELECTION
Included studies reported the occurrence of cancers in men and women 18 years and older who were exposed to spironolactone.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers (K.B. and H.H.) selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cancer occurrence, with a focus on breast and prostate cancers.
RESULTS
Seven studies met eligibility criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 18 035 to 2.3 million and a total population of 4 528 332 individuals (mean age, 62.6-72.0 years; in the studies without stratification by sex, women accounted for 17.2%-54.4%). All studies were considered to be of low risk of bias. No statistically significant association was observed between spironolactone use and risk of breast cancer (risk ratio [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.22; certainty of evidence very low). There was an association between spironolactone use and decreased risk of prostate cancer (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90; certainty of evidence very low). There was no statistically significant association between spironolactone use and risk of ovarian cancer (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.84-2.20; certainty of evidence very low), bladder cancer (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.07; certainty of evidence very low), kidney cancer (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85-1.07; certainty of evidence low), gastric cancer (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.24; certainty of evidence low), or esophageal cancer (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91-1.27; certainty of evidence low).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, spironolactone use was not associated with a substantial increased risk of cancer and was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. However, the certainty of the evidence was low and future studies are needed, including among diverse populations such as younger individuals and those with acne or hirsutism.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Neoplasms; Spironolactone; United States
PubMed: 35138351
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.5866 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Oct 2020Spironolactone is an economical potassium-sparing diuretic with an anti-androgenic effect and a good safety profile. Our experience suggests that this diuretic is...
Spironolactone is an economical potassium-sparing diuretic with an anti-androgenic effect and a good safety profile. Our experience suggests that this diuretic is underexploited in dermatology even though there is evidence supporting its use in several skin conditions. When prescribed for acne in female patients (level 1-2 evidence; strength of recommendation, B), for example, it can reduce the need for antibiotics and possibly isotretinoin. Other diseases in which spironolactone is potentially useful are hidradenitis suppurativa and female androgenetic alopecia. We discuss the indications for spironolactone, dosing in dermatology, precautions to consider, and adverse effects. We also review new evidence that stresses the safety of long-term therapy and supports the use of this drug without the need for complementary testing in young women. We think that spironolactone merits a place among the medications commonly used in routine clinical practice.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Alopecia; Dermatology; Female; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Hirsutism; Humans; Spironolactone
PubMed: 32571540
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2020.03.001 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2020Men's health equity is an area of men's health research and practice that combines the literature on men's health with that of health equity. More research is needed...
Men's health equity is an area of men's health research and practice that combines the literature on men's health with that of health equity. More research is needed that describes how to intervene to promote men's health equity. This introduction to the special collection on promoting men's health equity was created to feature research that describes aspects of promising interventions that (a) are population-specific approaches that consider the unique biopsychosocial factors that affect the health of socially defined populations of men; or (b) use a comparative approach to close or eliminate gaps between socially defined groups of men and women and among socially meaningful groups of men that are unnecessary, avoidable, considered unfair and unjust, and yet are modifiable. The dozen papers from across the globe included in the special collection are grouped in three areas: conceptual approaches and reviews; formative research; and evaluation findings. The papers represent a diverse array of populations under the umbrella of men's health and a range of strategies to improve men's health from tobacco cessation to microfinance. The collection features a range of alternative masculinities that emerge from original research by the contributors that are used in novel ways in the interventions. This editorial argues that more qualitative research is needed to evaluate the intended and unintended findings from interventions. This editorial also highlights the benefits that men's health equity can gain from embracing dissemination and implementation science as a tool to systematically design, implement, refine, and sustain interventions.
Topics: Female; Health Equity; Health Promotion; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Men; Men's Health
PubMed: 33305684
DOI: 10.1177/1557988320980184 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Apr 2023
Topics: Female; Humans; Postmenopause; Virilism
PubMed: 37094875
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.220685-f -
Investigacion Y Educacion En Enfermeria Feb 2023To analyze the concept of men's health care and identify its essential, antecedent and consequent attributes in the health context. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the concept of men's health care and identify its essential, antecedent and consequent attributes in the health context.
METHODS
This is a concept analysis structured in the theoretical-methodological framework of the Walker and Avant Model. An integrative review was carried out between May and July 2020, using keywords and descriptors: Men's Care and Health.
RESULTS
The concept of men's health care is structured by 240 attributes, 14 categories, 82 antecedents and 159 consequents, from the selection of 26 published manuscripts. The design was evidenced from the dimensions: Intrapersonal, psychological and behavioral related to masculinities, interpersonal, organizational and structural, ecological, ethnoracial, cross-cultural and transpersonal.
CONCLUSIONS
The concept of men's health care revealed the male specificities regarding the recognition of the place of health care and the daily exercise in the lived experience.
Topics: Male; Humans; Men's Health; Masculinity
PubMed: 37071869
DOI: 10.17533/udea.iee.v41n1e14 -
BMJ Case Reports Jun 2021Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.7-2 cases per million and a median overall survival of 3-4 years....
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.7-2 cases per million and a median overall survival of 3-4 years. Hormone-secreting ACCs represent most cases; of these, only a small minority presents with virilisation alone. Early diagnosis is key to increase the chances of a better outcome. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and virilising symptoms, associated with abdominal discomfort and constitutional symptoms. On physical examination, there was a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory workup revealed elevated serum androgens. The imaging study showed a 163×110×122 cm right adrenal mass with features consistent with ACC and suggested potential hepatic invasion. Our patient underwent surgical resection, and the histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis. She was referred to a specialised centre for follow-up and adjuvant therapy.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms; Adrenocortical Carcinoma; Adult; Androgens; Female; Humans; Liver; Virilism
PubMed: 34083198
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242895 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2022Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide, with cardiovascular medications being amongst the most common medications prescribed. These... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide, with cardiovascular medications being amongst the most common medications prescribed. These medications have diverse effects on the heart, vascular system, as well as other tissues and organ systems. The extra cardiovascular effects have been found to be of use in the treatment of non-cardiovascular diseases and pathologies. Minoxidil is used to manage systemic hypertension with its well-known side effect of hirsutism used to treat alopecia and baldness. Sildenafil was originally investigated as a treatment option for systemic hypertension; however, its side effect of penile erection led to it being widely used for erectile dysfunction. Alpha-1 blockers such as terazosin are indicated to treat systemic hypertension but are more commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Beta blockers are the mainstay treatment for congestive heart failure and systemic hypertension but have been found useful to help in patients with intention tremors as well as prophylaxis of migraines. Similarly, calcium channel blockers are indicated in medical expulsion therapy for ureteric calculi in addition to their cardiovascular indications. Thiazides are commonly used for treating systemic hypertension and as diuretics. Thiazides can cause hypocalciuria and hypercalcemia. This side effect has led to thiazides being used to treat idiopathic hypercalciuria and associated nephrolithiasis. Spironolactone is commonly utilized in treating heart failure and as a diuretic for edema. It's well described anti-androgen side effects have been used for acne vulgaris and hirsutism in polycystic ovarian syndrome. This review article discusses how the various extracardiovascular effects of commonly used cardiovascular medications are put to use in managing non-cardiovascular conditions.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diuretics; Heart Failure; Hirsutism; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Thiazides
PubMed: 34779371
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X17666211015145132 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Endometrial receptivity is a state of the endometrium defined by its readiness for embryo implantation. When the receptivity of the endometrium is impaired due to... (Review)
Review
Endometrial receptivity is a state of the endometrium defined by its readiness for embryo implantation. When the receptivity of the endometrium is impaired due to hyperandrogenism or androgen excess, this condition can lead to pregnancy loss or infertility. Hyperandrogenism encompasses a wide range of clinical manifestations, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), idiopathic hirsutism, hirsutism and hyperandrogaenemia, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN), ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting neoplasms, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperprolactinaemia. Recurrent miscarriages have been shown to be closely related to elevated testosterone levels, which alter the endometrial milieu so that it is less favourable for embryo implantation. There are mechanisms for endometrial receptivity that are affected by excess androgen. The HOXA gene, aVβ3 integrin, CDK signalling pathway, MECA-79, and MAGEA-11 were the genes and proteins affect endometrial receptivity in the presence of a hyperandrogenic state. In this review, we would like to explore the other manifestations of androgen excess focusing on causes other than PCOS and learn possible mechanisms of endometrial receptivity behind androgen excess leading to pregnancy loss or infertility.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Hirsutism; Androgens; Endometrium; Infertility
PubMed: 37569402
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512026 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2020Metformin has been proposed as possibly a safer and more effective long-term treatment than the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Metformin has been proposed as possibly a safer and more effective long-term treatment than the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is important to directly compare the efficacy and safety of metformin versus OCP in the long-term treatment of women with PCOS. This is an update of a Cochrane Review comparing insulin sensitising agents with the OCP and only includes studies on metformin.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of metformin versus the OCP (alone or in combination) in improving clinical, hormonal, and metabolic features of PCOS.
SEARCH METHODS
In August 2019 we searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL, the trial registers, handsearched references of the identified articles, and contacted experts in the field to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of metformin versus the OCP (alone or in combination) for women with PCOS.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methods recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were the clinical parameters of hirsutism and adverse events, both severe (requiring stopping of medication), and minor. In the presence of substantial heterogeneity (I statistic > 50), which could be explained by pre-specified subgroup analyses on the basis of BMI, we reported the subgroups separately.
MAIN RESULTS
This is a substantive update. We identified 38 additional studies. We included 44 RCTs (2253 women), which comprised 39 RCTs on adult women (2047 women) and five RCTs on adolescent women (206 women). Evidence quality ranged from very low to low. The main limitations were risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency. Metformin versus the OCP In adult women, we are uncertain of the effect of metformin compared to the OCP on hirsutism in subgroup body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m (mean difference (MD) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.44 to 1.19, 3 RCTs, n = 134, I = 50%, very low-quality evidence) and subgroup BMI > 30 kg/m (MD -0.38, 95% CI -1.93 to 1.17; 2 RCTs, n = 85, I = 34%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to the OCP in the subgroup BMI 25 kg/m to 30 kg/m (MD 1.92, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.64, 5 RCTs, n = 254, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may increase severe gastro-intestinal adverse events rate compared to the OCP (Peto odds ratio (OR) 6.42, 95% CI 2.98 to 13.84, 11 RCTs, n = 602, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may decrease the incidence of severe other adverse events compared to the OCP (Peto OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.44, 8 RCTs, n = 363, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). There were no trials reporting on minor adverse events. In adolescents, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between Metformin and the OCP, on hirsutism and adverse events. Metformin versus metformin combined with the OCP In adult women, metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to Metformin combined with the OCP (MD 1.36, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.11, 3 RCTs, n = 135, I= 9%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if there was a difference between metformin and metformin combined with the OCP for severe gastro-intestinal adverse events (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.53, 3 RCTs, n = 171, I = 0%, low-quality evidence), or for severe other adverse events (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.82, 2 RCTs, n = 109, I = 44%, low-quality evidence). There were no trials reporting on minor adverse events. In adolescents, there were no trials for this comparison. The OCP versus metformin combined with the OCP In adult women, the OCP may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to metformin combined with the OCP (MD 0.54, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89, 6 RCTs, n = 389, I= 1%, low-quality evidence). The OCP may decrease the incidence of severe gastro-intestinal adverse events compared to metformin combined with the OCP (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.72, 5 RCTs, n = 228, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if there is a difference between the OCP and metformin combined with the OCP for severe other adverse events (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.49 to 5.37, 4 RCTs, n = 159, I = 12%, low-quality evidence). The OCP may decrease the incidence of minor (gastro-intestinal) adverse events compared to metformin combined with the OCP (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.44, 2 RCTs, n = 98, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). In adolescents, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between the OCP, compared to metformin combined with the OCP, on hirsutism or adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In adult women with PCOS, metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to the OCP in the subgroup BMI 25 kg/m to 30 kg/m but we are uncertain if there was a difference between metformin and the OCP in subgroups BMI < 25 kg/m and BMI > 30kg/m. Compared to the OCP, metformin may increase the incidence of severe gastro-intestinal adverse events and decrease the incidence of severe other adverse events with no trials reporting on minor adverse events. Either metformin alone or the OCP alone may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to metformin combined with the OCP. We are uncertain whether there is a difference between the OCP alone and metformin alone compared to metformin combined with the OCP for severe or minor adverse events except for the OCP versus metformin combined with the OCP where the OCP may decrease the incidence of severe and minor gastro-intestinal adverse events. In adolescent women with PCOS, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between any of the comparisons for hirsutism and adverse events due to either no evidence or very low-quality evidence. Further large well-designed RCTs that stratify for BMI are needed to evaluate metformin versus the OCP and combinations in women with PCOS, in particular adolescent women.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endometrial Neoplasms; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Menstruation Disturbances; Metformin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32794179
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005552.pub3