Women's Health - Hormone Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone found abundantly in the male with characteristics of muscles, hair, strength, bone mass, etc.. In women, testosterone produced by by the ovaries and adrenal glands with only 10% that the male counterpart but females are more sensitive to the hormone.

1. Promote sexual desire
Testosterone has gone through a hidtory of evolution to enhance the sexual desire for the survivals all species, including human being, according to the study of "Estrogens in insects" by R. Mechoulam, R. W. Brueggemeier and D. L. Denlinger, posted in Springer.com, researchers indicated in abstract that Insects representing 5 different orders contain androgen and estrogen-like substances as determined by radioimmunoassay. Estradiol and estriol have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The presence of these steroids in insects suggests that the vertebrate sex hormones have an ancient evolutionary history. Does testerone promotes sexual desire in women?, according to the study of "Androgenic hormones and aging--the link with female sexual function" by Davison SL, Davis SR., posted in PubMed, researchers wrote that Sexual activity in women involves interest and motivation, the ability to become aroused and achieve orgasm, the pleasure of the experience and subsequent personal satisfaction. Androgens, as endogenous hormones or given as a therapy, potentially influence female sexual function, with research into the effects of exogenous androgens in women mostly devoted to effects on sexual desire.

2. Testosterone and aging
As the levels of testosterone dropped in women due to aging, it can cause low libido or desire and orgasm domains. In a study of a cross-sectional analysis of 231 Colombian-born women, aged 40-62 years. The sexual function was measured by self-questionnaire, conducted by Center for Women's health, PROFAMILIA, Menopause Service, posted in PubMed, researchers filed the result that women with a higher level of education and with a good perception of their satisfaction with their partners, reported better performance in the desire. Age and the non existence of sexual partner influenced in a negative way on the desire. In sexual active women the orgasm was negatively influenced by low satisfaction scores, lack of emotional closeness with their partners and low educational level. High scores in lubrication and desire were associated with a good performance in the orgasm. The hormone therapy (HT) was associated with better scores in orgasm.

3. Testosterone and ovaries
There are some reports indicated there are influences of testosterone in follicle maturation, but the subject have been controversial. In a study of "The role of androgens in follicle maturation and ovulation induction: friend or foe of infertility treatment?" by Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Barad DH., posted in PubMed, researchers found that selective androgens appear capable of improving early stages of folliculogenesis. They, therefore, may represent forerunners of a completely new class of ovulation-inducing medications, which, in contrast to gonadotropins, affect follicle maturation at much earlier stages. Selective androgens appear capable of improving early stages of folliculogenesis. They, therefore, may represent forerunners of a completely new class of ovulation-inducing medications, which, in contrast to gonadotropins, affect follicle maturation at much earlier stages.

4. Testosterone and bone formation
In women, testosterone also plays an essential role in the forming of bone strength. According to the abstract of study of "Androgen effects on bone and muscle" by Notelovitz M., posted in PubMed, researchers found that androgenic progestins have an additive effect on BMD when combined with E therapy and have the further advantage of being protective to the endometrium in E-treated women. Androgens increase muscle mass and strength. The resulting improvement in physical activity leads to the activation of bone-forming sites and the stimulation of the bone formation-modulating cells, the osteocytes. Mechanical loading, when combined with hormone therapy, results in greater osteogenic response than does either alone.

5. Testosterone and Endometrium
Hormone estrogen is best known for its function in stimulating the thickening of the endometriun to provide a suitable environment for implanation of fertilized egg if conceived with assisting of progesterone. Less known testosterone also have certain influences in that process, according to the study of an open, randomized clinical study with parallel group comparison was performed in the Women's Health Research Unit at a university hospital, posted in PubMed. Thirty-one postmenopausal women were given oral estradiol valerate (2 mg daily) or estradiol valerate in combination with testosterone undecanoate (40 mg every 2 days) for 3 months, researchers found that Expressions of AR and ER-beta were stronger in glands of the endometrium of postmenopausal women after treatment with testosterone added to estrogen than after estrogen alone. In contrast, expressions of ER-alpha and progesterone receptors were up-regulated in the endometrium with estrogen-alone treatment, whereas these expressions were less increased in glands after combined treatment. These data indicate that testosterone is involved in the regulation of sex hormone receptor expression in the postmenopausal endometrium and may therefore influence endometrial proliferation and differentiation.

6. Testosterone influences social behavior
Testosterone in women also pace an important role in reaction of social behavior such as punishment sensitivity and enhanced reward dependency. In a study of in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design (n = 12)of healthy young women, whether a single administration of testosterone would shift the motivational balance between the sensitivity for punishment and reward towards this tendency to choose disadvantageously was investigated, conducted by Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan, posted in PubMed, researchers found that As hypothesized, subjects showed a more disadvantageous pattern of decision-making after testosterone compared to placebo administration. These findings not only provide the first direct evidence for the effects of testosterone on punishment-reward contingencies in humans, but they also give further insights into the hypothetical link between testosterone and psychopathy.

7. Testosterone and menstrual irregularities
Do you believe that testosterone also have some influences in regulating women's menstrual cycle?. In a study of "Menstrual cycle irregularities are associated with testosterone levels in healthy premenopausal women" by Van Anders SM, Watson NV., posted in PubMed, researchers found that based on our findings, it appears that even in healthy women reporting no health concerns, menstrual irregularities are associated with higher levels of circulating androgens.

8. Etc.


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Women's Health - Hormone Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone, produced by the women body to regulate part of the menstrual cycle and supporting the gestation and the process of sperm in egg fertilization.

1. Progesterone and endometrium
Progesterone enhance the production of certain proteins during the second half of the menstrual cycle for its receptivity and successful establishment of pregnancy. Insufficient progesterone concentration may result in infertility and pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage and stillbirth. According to the study of "Progesterone function in human endometrium: clinical perspectives" byYoung SL, Lessey BA., posted in PubMed, researchers found that recent evidence demonstrates exquisite sensitivity of normal endometrium to very low levels of progesterone stimulation, suggesting that progesterone insufficiency should not be a common cause of reproductive failure.

2. Progesterone and placenta
In pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the placenta, and levels remain elevated throughout the pregnancy for the protection of the fetus. In a study of "Progesterone synthesis by the human placenta" by Tuckey RC, posted in PubMed, researchers wrote that Evidence suggests that placental mitochondria have a near-saturating cholesterol concentration for P450scc, likely provided by the StAR-like protein MLN64, and cholesterol translocation to the P450scc is not a major site of regulation of progesterone synthesis. Cyclic AMP stimulates progesterone synthesis by the human placenta but uncertainty remains regarding the key hormones that control cyclic AMP levels. The mechanism of regulation of adrenodoxin reductase levels in the human placenta remains to be studied.

3. Progesterone and Milk Producing Glands
Progesterone also signals the growth of milk-producing glands of the women breasts as natural reaction of readiness for feeding the newborn. According to the study of "Progesterone signaling in mammary gland development" by Conneely OM, Mulac-Jericevic B, Arnett-Mansfield R., posted in PubMed, researchers wrote that two distinct isoforms of PRs (PR-A and PR-B) are coexpressed in the mammary gland and display extensively overlapping but partially distinct gene regulatory properties in relaying the progesterone signal.

4. Progesterone and ovulation
Progesterone also plays an important role in regulation of women menstrual cycle ovulation. According to the study of "Progesterone receptors and ovulation" by Conneely OM., posted in PubMed, researcher indicated that Recent studies have revealed that the LH stimulus that triggers ovulation is transduced by PRs residing in mural granulosa cells that induce expression of paracrine signals that interact with cumulus cells to control cumulus matrix function and expansion to facilitate follicular rupture.

5. Progesterone and breast cyst
Progesterone helps to balance the levels of estrogen to prevent the occurring of breast cysts. women with low levels of progesterone are susceptible to the growth of breast cysts, according to the study of [Hormonal abnormalities in women with breast cysts].[Article in Polish]" by Wypych K, Kuźlik R, Wypych P., posted in PubMed, researchers filed the result that Low progesterone activity in all women and low estrogen activity in 65.3% were shown. Absolute high estrogen activity was diagnosed only in 8.7% women with gross breast cysts.

6. Progesterone as an diuretic
It is essential role for progesterone in regulating salt and water absorption, according to the study of "Progesterone down-regulates the open probability of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel via a Nedd4-2-dependent mechanism" by Michlig S, Harris M, Loffing J, Rossier BC, Firsov D., posted in PubMed, researchers concluded that Collectively, these results demonstrate that the binding of active Nedd4-2 to ENaC is a crucial step in the mechanism of ENaC inhibition by progesterone. Upon activation of ERK, the effect of Nedd4-2 on ENaC open probability can become more important than its effect on ENaC cell-surface expression.

6. Progesterone and thyroid hormone
In a study of Thirty-six women aged 23.5+/-0.6 years were investigated. The parameters of interest were: plasma selenium concentration (Se) and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX3) (indicators of selenium status); serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), and age of menarche (indicators of sex hormones secretion); thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in serum (anti-TPO), and thyroid volume (indicators of thyroid function), conducted by Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, posted in PubMed, researchers found that The pairs of parameters: GPX3 and P4; LH and FSH exhibited the strongest associations. The thyroid function parameters were mainly influenced by GPX3 and P4.

7. Progesterone and sleep disturbance
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. For 3 wk, subjects took daily at 2300 h a capsule of either 300 mg of progesterone or placebo. Sleep was polygraphically recorded during the last two nights, and blood samples were obtained at 15-min intervals for 24 h., conducted by Section of Endocrinology of the Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Saint-Pierre, and Sleep Laboratory, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Charleroi, posted in PubMed, researchers found that Progesterone had no effect on undisturbed sleep but restored normal sleep when sleep was disturbed (while currently available hypnotics tend to inhibit deep sleep), acting as a "physiologic" regulator rather than as a hypnotic drug. Use of progesterone might provide novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of sleep disturbances, in particular in aging where sleep is fragmented and of lower quality.

8. Progesterone and coagulation
Progesterone can reduce the risk of blood loss by narrowing of the blood vessels to prevent blood loss, according to the study of "Effects of progestogens on haemostasis" by Kuhl H., posted in PubMed, researchers found that . In veins, progestogens may increase distensibility and capacitance resulting in a decreased blood flow. In predisposed women, this may lead to venous stasis and thrombosis. In arteries, progestogens may act as vasoconstrictors, and may enhance vasospasms at sites of injured endothelium which finally may lead to ischemic diseases.

9. Progesterone and osteoporosis
According to the study of "Progesterone and bone: actions promoting bone health in women" by

Seifert-Klauss V, Prior JC., posted in PubMed, researchers found that In 4 placebo-controlled RCTs, BMD loss is not prevented by P(4) in postmenopausal women with increased bone turnover. However, 5 studies of E(2)-MPA co-therapy show greater BMD increases versus E(2) alone. P(4) fracture data are lacking. P(4) prevents bone loss in pre- and possibly perimenopausal women; progesterone co-therapy with antiresorptives may increase bone formation and BMD.

10. Etc.



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Women's Health - Hormone Proclactin

Proclactin also known as luteotropic hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland with the function of stimulating the development of the ducts in the mammary glands and production of milk after childbirth.

1. Proclactin and immune system
Proclactin is closely associated with immune system by enhancing its function in fighting against diseases, according to the study of 'Imipramine induced elevation of prolactin levels in patients with HIV/AIDS improved their immune status" by Orlander H, Peter S, Jarvis M, Ricketts-Hall L., posted in PubMed, researchers found that the result showed a trend of prolactin levels decreasing after washout (p = 0.015) and increasing by the end of the trial period once imipramine dispensation had recommenced (p = 0.006). With respect to the CD4 cell count, there was a significant increase after wash-out (p = 0.022). These results indicate a trend to immune boosting in HIV-positive patients who had obtained the maximum response from HAART.

2. Proclactin and healthy infant and suppression of ovulation
Proclatin not only associated in the production of breast milk after children but also reduce the chance of pregnancy for a healthy infant during the first 6 months of breast feeding, according to the study of "Breast is best" by Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, posted in PubMed, researchers wrote that full breast feeding means no supplemental food or liquid during the first 6 months after giving birth; the infant is fed solely on breast milk. Prolactin levels, luteinizing hormone, and the altered gonadotrophin-releasing hormone are currently considered responsible for suppression of ovulation. Even after return of menses breast feeding women have a reduced chance of pregnancy. Frequency of suckling is associated with gonadotrophin secretion and reduced fertility. Night time breast feeding is considered particularly important in delaying the return of fertility. Longer child spacing, as assisted by prolonged and full breast feeding, contributes to healthier infants. Breast feeding also contributes to improved maternal health and psychosocial benefits.

3. Proclactin and lactation
Proclactin stimulates the mammal gland in secretion of milk after childbirth for child feeding. It is known that the concentration of prolactin increases in response to nipple stimulation by baby feeding, according to the study of "Blood and milk prolactin and the rate of milk synthesis in women" by Cox DB, Owens RA, Hartmann PE.,posted in PubMed, researchers found that The concentration of prolactin in the milk was related to the degree of fullness of the breast, such that the concentration was highest when the breast was full. We found no relationship between the concentration of prolactin in the plasma and the rate of milk synthesis in either the short or long term. However, the relationship between the concentration of prolactin in milk and the degree of fullness of the breast suggests that the internalization of prolactin, after binding to its receptor, may be restricted when the alveolus is distended with milk.

4. Proclactin and Breast cancer
Breast feeding and childbirth reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to the study of "Prolactin levels, breast-feeding and milk production in a cohort of young healthy women from high-risk breast cancer families: implications for breast cancer risk" by Hietala M, Olsson H, Jernström H., posted in PubMed, researchers found that Prolactin was higher in women who reported insufficient versus sufficient milk production (P < or = 0.01). Neither BRCA1/2 carrier status nor increasing parity was significantly associated with prolactin, breast-feeding duration of the first child or milk production and concluded that post-lactational prolactin levels were determined by breast-feeding duration of the first child and not simply by the first full-term pregnancy. Since prolactin modifies the risk for breast cancer, adequate counseling in favor of breast-feeding is essential.

5. Proclactin and autoimmune diseases
proclactin is found to be associated in production of autoantibody to protect our body against autoimmune diseases, according to the study of "Prolactin and autoimmunity" by Vera-Lastra O, Jara LJ, Espinoza LR., posted in PubMed, researchers wrote that Polymorphisms of the human PRL gene have implications for production of lymphocyte PRL in SLE. Mild and moderate hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) has been demonstrated in 20-30% of SLE patients and is associated with active disease. HPRL may have a role in lupus nephritis and central nervous system involvement of SLE patients. HPRL stimulated the production of autoantibodies. These evidences support the important role of PRL in autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases, mainly SLE.

6. Proclactin and Dopamine
Dopamine is known as a neurotransmitter in controlling the brain's reward and pleasure centers, but as a hormone it has a function of inhibiting the release of prolactin from the anterior of the pituitary by enhancing sexual desire, according to the study of "Dopamine as a prolactin (PRL) inhibitor." by Ben-Jonathan N, Hnasko R., posted in PubMed, researchers found that The generation of transgenic animals with overexpressed or mutated genes expanded our understanding of dopamine-PRL interactions and the physiological consequences of their perturbations. PRL release in humans, which differs in many respects from that in laboratory animals, is affected by several drugs used in clinical practice. Hyperprolactinemia is a major neuroendocrine-related cause of reproductive disturbances in both men and women. The treatment of hyperprolactinemia has greatly benefited from the generation of progressively more effective and selective dopaminergic drugs.

7. Etc.
Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

For other health articles, please visit
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

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