Top stories in endocrinology: Phthalates impact testosterone levels, bigger arm muscles reduce osteoporosis risk

A cross-sectional analysis of more than 1,400 men suggested that phthalate metabolites from plastics and personal care products influenced testosterone levels — a top story in endocrinology last week.

Another top story was about a study that demonstrated “a strong link” between larger mid-arm muscle circumference and a reduced risk for osteoporosis.

More on these and other endocrinology stories are below.

Phthalates from plastics, personal care products influence testosterone levels among men

Urinary biomarkers that detect the presence of phthalates were associated with testosterone concentrations among a representative sample of U.S. men, according to findings published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Read more.

Men with bigger arm muscles have lower osteoporosis risk

Larger mid-arm muscle circumference is associated with lower risk for osteoporosis among men, according to findings published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Read more.

Overactive bladder medication may stimulate brown fat metabolic benefits

Women treated with the overactive bladder medication mirabegron experienced rises in brown adipose tissue metabolic activity as well as insulin sensitivity, resting energy expenditure and other metabolic factors after 4 weeks of treatment, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Read more.

Bisphosphonate use safe for adults with CKD

Adults with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease at high risk for fracture were no more likely to die of any cause when prescribed bisphosphonate therapy compared with adults with CKD who were not prescribed a bisphosphonate, according to findings from a population-based study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Read more.

Blood test predicting menopause could help women with severe menstrual symptoms

Nanette Santoro, MD, professor and chair of reproductive endocrinology and infertility in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Denver, and colleagues recently showed that measuring the amount of anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood can be used to predict when menopause will occur. In an interview with Healio, Santoro said she believes the knowledge will empower women to make decisions about their health. Read more.