Progesterone

SAN DIEGO — Progesterone was not effective at preventing miscarriage or prematurity in patients who presented with first-trimester vaginal bleeding, according to results of the PREEMPT trial.

Among women with infertility, those using progesterone may have a higher risk for developing thyroid cancer compared with those who have never used progesterone, although the risk remains low, according to study results.

The use of certain hair care products is linked to lower concentrations of sex steroid levels among pregnant women, likely due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, according to data published in Environmental Research.

Ulipristal acetate may be beneficial for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder, according to results of a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial published in American Journal of Psychiatry.

In May, Healio readers were interested in sex hormones being investigated for treating COVID-19, greater COVID-19 complications for patients with diabetes and obesity, associations between thyroid dysfunction and working hours, and more.

Of the many complications reported to accompany COVID-19, one of the most vexing to researchers has been the “cytokine storm,” or the body’s overactive immune response to a viral infection. The phenomenon — observed in some patients, but not others — can complicate clinical decision-making during a time when there are no treatments and no vaccine. Researchers are searching for possible therapies that may inhibit inflammation, such as the sex hormone progesterone.

Friday marks the 10th anniversary of World Menopause Day, established by the International Menopause Society to show support for women worldwide and recognize the challenges of menopausal symptoms and related conditions.

Hormone therapy may slow the development of diabetes among postmenopausal women due to its effects on certain metabolites, according to findings presented at the North American Menopause Society annual meeting.