Female steroid hormones deficiency leads to a significant increase in body mass, but the possible central and peripheral mechanisms involved in increased food ingestion and fat accumulation in this situation are still unknown. In animal models, the specific lack of estrogen or its action produce progressive body mass gain, clearly demonstrating the possible role of this hormone in overweight after menopause. Obesity and overweight correspond to a relevant human health problem that can lead to premature death. Therefore unraveling the […]

OBJECTIVE: Isoflavones (ISO) present in soybean are named phytoestrogens because they show estrogen effect. The use of isoflavones has beneficial effect in disturbance of post-menopause, which is characterized by ovarian function suppression. Decreasing of estrogen secretion and consequent morphologic and metabolic disarrangements are observed in female hormonal decline. The aim of present work was to investigate the effect of ISO on the fat accretion of uterin endometric tissue, and HDL and glucose blood concentration from ovariectomized rats (OVX). METHODS: Female […]

Adrenal incidentaloma is not infrequent and can be found in hirsute women. We report a case of a 54-year-old woman with amenorrhea and hirsutism of abrupt onset and mild signs of virilization that had an adrenal incidentaloma coexisting with ovarian hyperthecosis. Basal total and free testosterone were 191 ng/dL and 179 pmol/L. Pelvic ultrasonography disclosed a right ovary with 10.3 cc and a left ovary with 9.8 cc without nodules or cysts, and computerized tomography of the abdomen disclosed a […]

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menses, as a result of the loss of ovarian follicular function or of surgical removal of ovaries. The mean age for occurrence of natural menopause is around 50 years. Estrogen deficiency has been associated with vasomotor symptoms, urogenital atrophy, and cognitive impairment, as well as increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Estrogen therapy remains the most effective treatment for the management of vasomotor symptoms and urogenital […]

Although estrogen has been clinically available for more than 6 decades, women have been confused by different opinions regarding the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (HT), estrogen therapy (ET), and estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT). The main indication for HT use in postmenopausal women remains the relief of vasomotor symptoms and vulvovaginal atrophy, and is effective in the prevention of osteoporosis. In other areas of research, notably in cardiovascular and central nervous system effects, the recent literature has produced conflicting […]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of obesity, age, and years since menopause on bone density. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) obtained from 588 women, 41 to 60 years, previously menopaused (1-10 years before). RESULTS: Positive influence of obesity was confirmed by the significant differences in BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck (FN), and trochanter (TR) between the groups (p < 0.01). Age and years since menopause (YSM) were negatively correlated with BMD at all sites (p […]

To evaluate HRT action over hemostasis we treated 45 postmenopausal women, divided in: Group 1 (N= 22, hysterectomized) and Group 2 (N= 23, with uterus), at the average age of 51.6 years and average BMI of 27.1 kg/m2, with no significant difference in the base-line, with 17b-oestradiol, 50 mcg/day, transdermic and continuous (group 1) associated to micronized progesterone 200 mg 12 days per month (group 2). The average of 2 samples of TAP, PTT, fibrinogen and platelet number was measured […]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical-laboratory safety profile of tibolone treatment in postmenopausal women with NIDDM. METHOD: a prospective, longitudinal, open and uncontrolled study involving 24 postmenopausal women with NIDDM sequentially treated with placebo (6 months) and 2.5mg/day tibolone (6 months). Clinical evaluation, anthropometric parameters, biochemical and hormonal measurements, and transvaginal ultrasonography were performed at baseline and after 6 (time 1) and 12 months of follow-up (time 2). Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures analysis of variance, with the level […]

After randomized clinical trials produced impact and questions at the medical community on menopause hormonal therapy (MHT), the Department of Female Endocrinology and Andrology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology convened a group of specialists to produce an informative, critical and position paper, offering guidelines for those who practice or are called to express their opinion on menopause therapy. MHT is indicated for relief of vasomotor symptoms, maintenance of vaginal trophism, bone mass and collagen preservation, sexual and general well-being. […]

Women in their fourth decade and older experience a decrease in androgen serum levels. This may lead to the clinical syndrome of female androgen insufficiency expressed by insidious tiredness, diminished sense of well-being and libido, alterations in body composition and bone loss. If there is a past history of bilateral oophorectomy, hypopituitarysm, androgen adrenal supression and/or free testosterone serum levels are low, it is probable that these signs and symptoms could be relieved by a discerning androgen administration, which has […]

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women has been grown as a result of the potential short-, medium-, and long-term benefits. The magnitude of risks, including breast and endometrial cancer, and thromboembolic events are in continuous evaluation. The association between HRT and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been the target of a number of controversies. Observational studies have shown that women on HRT have increased risk of VTE, mainly in the first year of use. Methodological limitations, unsuitable control […]

Mammary tissue samples were collected from 32 healthy post menopausal women: 19 were using estrogen and progestagen on a cyclical schedule (conjugated estrogens, 0.625mg, for 21 days/month, associated to medroxyprogesterone acetate, 5mg, for the last 12 days) and 13 were using estrogen-only, on a 21 days/month schedule (conjugated estrogens, 0.625mg), all during 6 consecutive months. Biopsies were performed on the external left-hand upper quadrant before and after 6 months of treatment. Immunohystochemical analysis was performed with the antibodies: anti-PCNA of […]