Updates

The 10-year probability of fracture in an individual can be calculated using the FRAX® fracture risk assessment tool. FRAX is available online [1] or as a paper model. The calculation of fracture risk, as well as utilization in management algorithms, is country-specific. In a recent article [2], Kanis and colleagues explain that FRAX was developed… Read More

In the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Paola Villa and colleagues report the effect of genistein administration on cardiovascular risk factors, focusing on glucose metabolism and endothelial function, in postmenopausal women [1]. Fifty women (mean age 54 years, mean body mass index 27) were randomized to receive genistein (54 mg/day, n = 30) or… Read More

Several recent papers have reported a decreased risk of breast cancer with physical activity. Is there any strong evidence in favor of the positive effect of exercise? The aim of the paper from Leiztmann and colleagues [1] was to examine the type of activity and breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort enrolled in the… Read More

Joanne Ryan and colleagues report, in a recent issue of Psychoneuroendocrinology, the effects of ‘lifetime’ exposure to estrogen on various measures of cognitive function [1]. The study emanates from observations of the French ESPRIT cohort, and encompasses the follow-up of 996 French women, aged 65 and older over 4 years. Rather on focusing on the… Read More

For women, urinary incontinence and other related lower urinary tract symptoms (e.g. nocturia, urinary urgency, frequency) are common, often increasing in frequency as women age. Urinary incontinence, however, is more than just a physiologic loss of urine. Emotional distress is also a significant issue for incontinent individuals. Researchers and clinicians are increasingly aware of the… Read More

Three recent publications [1-3] have documented longitudinal changes in the circulating concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), also called Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), and inhibin B over approximately 10 years before the final menstrual period (FMP), with additional data for FSH and estradiol in the 10 following years. The hormone measurements… Read More

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease in one individual. The more risk categories identified, the higher the potential risk. The diagnosis of MetS is based on the presence of three or more risk categories found in the same person [1]. Assessment and management of MetS become an important… Read More