Reproduction/Sexuality

Estrogen Therapy Is Underused in Women in Their 40s and 50s, Due to Outdated Thinking

Many women, and even some doctors, are basing fears of estrogen therapy (ET) on outdated research and are underutilizing estrogen when it’s safely indicated to ease menopausal symptoms in women in their 40s, 50s, according to research presented at the 26th Annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Prompt PCOS Diagnosis and Early Weight Control Critical to Reducing Risk for Diabetes, Infertility, and More

Doctors in a range of specialties—dermatologists, primary care doctors, ob-gyns—should be more aware of symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and help those patients maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI).

Some Pregnant Women Should Be Treated for Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Women treated for subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy are less likely to experience pregnancy loss, a new study shows, but they face a greater risk of complications such as preterm delivery, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Low Iron and Low Thyroid: A Link in Pregnant Women?

Iron deficiency and hypothyroidism may share a connection, a recent study from Belgium suggests.

Zika and Pregnancy: 7 Things You Need to Know

As Zika expands its reach – affecting 2,722 people in the U.S. including 624 pregnant women at last count according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 (CDC) — the headlines keep getting scarier for women of reproductive age (and their partners).

Skip the Fake Sugars While Pregnant

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that babies of women who drank artificially-sweetened beverages while pregnant were 10 percent more likely to be overweight by their first birthday.

Healthful Diet Staves Off Hypertension in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes

Women who have had pregnancy-related diabetes may be able to reduce their future risk of hypertension by maintaining a healthful diet, shows new research published in the journal Hypertension.

Endocrine Society Warns Against Use of Custom Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

Doctors should avoid prescribing compounded hormone medications to treat menopausal symptoms, female sexual dysfunction and other hormonal conditions, according to a recent scientific statement by the Endocrine Society.

The Risks of Drinking Alcohol When Trying to Get Pregnant

A new study sheds light on the risk of women drinking alcohol while trying to conceive. The study on laboratory rats found an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the offspring of rats that were given alcohol around the time of conception.

Untreated Low Thyroid Function During Pregnancy Can Cause Trouble

Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy is linked to high blood pressure, preterm birth, miscarriage and even fetal death. Now new research from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center says more follow-up screening and treatment may help head off serious outcomes for mom and baby.

Carrying a Boy May Increase Mom’s Risk of Gestational Diabetes

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has found that the gender of the baby is a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes: A Risk Factor for Autism?

Women who develop gestational diabetes early in their pregnancy have a slightly higher risk of having a child diagnosed with autism, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Learn the best ways to manage diabetes if you're diagnosed during pregnancy.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Hormone Health

Endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, are chemicals that act the same as, block, or change the way that natural hormones act in the body. Learn more about EDCs and how you can avoid exposure to these chemicals.

Earlier Age at Menopause Linked to Chemicals in Common Household Products and the Environment

Women with high levels of certain chemicals in their body experience menopause 2 to 4 years earlier than women with lower levels of chemicals known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These chemicals are found in the environment as well as common household items and beauty products.

Hormone Therapy Is Safe in Transgender Adults When Carefully Monitored

This review of current studies suggests that transgender hormone therapy is relatively safe for most people. The harms that do exist are relatively rare and can often be avoided with monitoring.