{"title":"Health effects of androgen abuse: a review of the HAARLEM study.","authors":"Diederik L Smit, Peter Bond, Willem de Ronde","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000759","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000759","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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-threatening toxicity is rare. There is a distinct but limited impact on liver and kidney function. Gonadal function is disrupted but resumes normally after abuse is discontinued in the majority of athletes. The negative impact of androgens on cardiovascular parameters, such as blood pressure, hematocrit and lipid metabolism, as well as cardiac structure and function, seems to be the mechanism for premature atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy, respectively, in long-term users.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>It is beyond dispute that androgen abuse is harmful and much of the short-term toxicity is well documented. To prevent the long-term health hazards, there should be ample focus on preventive measures, both primary and secondary, and effective harm reduction strategies should be developed.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10254304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chau Thien Tay, Anju E Joham, Lisa J Moran, Helena Teede
{"title":"Better care for women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a proposal for an international evidence based best practice framework to improve care.","authors":"Chau Thien Tay, Anju E Joham, Lisa J Moran, Helena Teede","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The majority of women with PCOS are unsatisfied with their healthcare experience due to delayed diagnosis, inadequate information provision and inconsistent advice from diverse healthcare providers. The 2018 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline recommended co-development of evidence-based, patient centric MoC. High-quality guidelines and resources are now available to help women understand and manage PCOS and to assist healthcare professionals to partner in their care. Leveraging these and developing a best practice framework for patient centric PCOS MoC is now a vital to optimise care and outcomes in this common and neglected condition.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts from academic leads, healthcare professionals and consumers are now needed to co-develop a framework and benchmarking performance indicators to guide evidence-based, patient centric PCOS MOC to improve experience and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10258138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesco Sessa, Massimiliano Esposito, Monica Salerno
{"title":"Experimental studies on androgen administration in animal models: current and future perspectives.","authors":"Francesco Sessa, Massimiliano Esposito, Monica Salerno","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000768","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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, 17b-trenbolone, metandienone, and oxandrolone were tested in 1 article each. The articles clarify the adverse effects of androgen administration on the heart, brain, kidney, liver, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The main findings of this review highlight that androgen administration increases inflammatory mediators, altering different biochemical parameters. The results concerning the reversibility of the adverse effects are controversial: on the one hand, several studies suggested that by stopping the androgen administration, the organs return to their initial state; on the other hand, the alteration of different biochemical parameters could generate irreversible organ damage. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of animal studies that should be better organized in order to clarify several important aspects related to androgen abuse to fill the gap in our knowledge in this research field.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10310610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimization of assisted reproductive technology outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: updates and unanswered questions.","authors":"Victoria W Fitz, Shruthi Mahalingaiah","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Narrative review of recent literature on optimization of assisted reproduction technology outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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 ovulation in patients with PCOS as an alternative to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist if a freeze all protocol is planned. There is limited prospective evidence in PCOS populations regarding use of a dual trigger using GnRH agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review has implications for clinical practice regarding ovarian stimulation protocols for patients with PCOS. We also identified areas of research need including the further exploration of the value of pre cycle COC or progestin use in a PCOS population, also the use of GnRH agonist in combination with hCG in a well defined PCOS population and using GnRH agonist trigger alone as a control.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10311230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Victoria S Jiang, Spencer D Hawkins, Amy McMichael
{"title":"Female pattern hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome: more than just hirsutism.","authors":"Victoria S Jiang, Spencer D Hawkins, Amy McMichael","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000777","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To explore the recent updates in the diagnosis, management, and clinical implications of androgenic alopecia among patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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 pathophysiology continues to be unclear as FPHL can be present with normal biochemical androgen markers. Treatment can be complex, as common treatments to promote hair growth can exacerbate undesired hirsutism, which can be overcome by cosmetic treatments. New second-line treatment options such as low level laser therapy and platelet rich plasma have been emerging, with limited data supporting efficacy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>PCOS is a complex endocrinological disorder that has significant gynecologic, cutaneous, and metabolic implications that require multidisciplinary collaboration and care. Reproductive goals should be thoroughly discussed prior to starting any treatment, as PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among reproductively-aged women.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10258630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preconception health optimization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - how to find the time?","authors":"Clare Lennon, Kathryn Voss, Wendy S Vitek","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000781","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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 management of hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance and obesity in the preconception window in women with PCOS provides an opportunity to increase the odds of a spontaneous pregnancy, live birth with fertility treatment and possibly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Providers should prioritize individualizing recommendations for preconception health optimization in women with PCOS in order to maximize the chance of conception, a healthy pregnancy and the health of future generations.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10311227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gestational diabetes and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome.","authors":"Daryl J Selen, Camille E Powe","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000769","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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 (metabolic vs. lean/reproductive) pose differential risk. There are no current screening or treatment guidelines specifically for individuals with PCOS for GDM prevention. Although metformin has been studied for GDM prevention in PCOS, there has been no proven benefit. For infertility treatment, assisted reproductive technology and in-vitro fertilization do not appear to increase the risk of GDM in individuals with PCOS desiring pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent studies of pregnant individuals with PCOS suggest an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM. Larger, prospective studies using standardized diagnostic criteria are warranted to determine if the risk is from PCOS generally, or if there are subtypes of PCOS (metabolic vs. lean/reproductive) at a higher risk of GDM than others.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9613547/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10248039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"B vitamins, polycystic ovary syndrome, and fertility.","authors":"Sarah Thornburgh, Audrey J Gaskins","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000773","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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, intervention studies have demonstrated that folic acid supplementation may reduce homocysteine levels, potentially improve women's metabolic profiles, and possibly ameliorate some hallmark features of PCOS. Although none of these intervention studies have included fertility endpoints, it is possible that by reducing homocysteine levels (or other clinical/biochemical features) in PCOS women, there may be a downstream improvement in fertility outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>There is growing evidence folate (and possibly vitamin B12) supplementation may be beneficial to fertility in women. Although most studies have not exclusively focused on women with PCOS, there is biological plausibility and some evidence that B vitamin supplementation may be even more important for improving reproductive health outcomes in PCOS women.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10256265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Orlanda Harvey, Edwin van Teijlingen, Margarete Parrish
{"title":"Mixed-methods research on androgen abuse - a review.","authors":"Orlanda Harvey, Edwin van Teijlingen, Margarete Parrish","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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 understanding of motivations for use, particularly in females and older males; identification of potential risks for starting use/using androgens; benefits of including practical strength exercises in preventive intervention programmes and the efficacy of e-learning tools to increase professionals' knowledge of androgens use, as well as an increase in their confidence to support androgen users.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The key implications for clinical practice are that we still need to support healthcare professionals to overcome the barriers for increasing their skills and knowledge around androgen use. A recognition that people who have become dependent on androgen use are potentially at risk of considerable harm, with further research needed into sub-groups of androgen users.</p><p><strong>Video abstract: </strong>, http://links.lww.com/COE/A35.</p>","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10603681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: Health considerations across the lifespan for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.","authors":"Shruthi Mahalingaiah","doi":"10.1097/MED.0000000000000774","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000774","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10964,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10638073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}