Top in endocrinology: Vitamin D guidance; menopausal hormone therapy benefits the brain

A daily vitamin D intake of 600 IU, as recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, is sufficient for most adults, and only a few groups may see benefits from higher levels, according to a presentation at ENDO 2024.

Those who may benefit from higher vitamin D intake include children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger, pregnant women, adults aged 75 years and older and people with prediabetes.

It was the top story in endocrinology last week.

In another top story, an expert said that prescribing hormone therapy with estrogen at the start of menopause can reduce women’s risk for developing age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and dementias. However, most women choose not to receive hormone therapy during menopause due to fear of developing breast cancer.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

Endocrine Society guideline: Most adults do not benefit from additional daily vitamin D

Most adults should follow the National Academy of Medicine recommendations for daily vitamin D intake, though some populations could benefit from higher intake levels, according to a new clinical practice guideline. Read more.

Menopause may unmask vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias

Menopause is a neurologic transition involving metabolic and immune systems of the brain, and timely estrogen therapy could reduce the risk for developing dementias and other neurogenerative diseases, according to a speaker. Read more.

Weight gain of 10% or more common among breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer survivors are more likely to have weight gain of 10% or more during follow-up compared with healthy controls, with the strongest predictors younger age at diagnosis and lower weight at baseline, data show. Read more.

Data show some nonbinary people prefer lower testosterone doses

Most nonbinary people who initiated low-dose transdermal testosterone for gender affirmation continued taking doses that were lower than current guideline recommendations at 1 year, researchers reported at ENDO 2024. Read more.

Direct to Apple Watch compatibility announced for Dexcom G7 CGM

A continuous glucose monitoring system has the capability to connect directly with the Apple Watch for people with diabetes, according to a press release from Dexcom. Read more.