Category Archives: Hormones

Estrogen & COVID-19 Severity in Women

September 17, 2020

Growing clinical evidence reveals that the intensity of COVID-19 infection and incidence of related complications are more prominent in male patients. Current data suggests that men experience a greater risk than women for more severe COVID-19 symptoms and poorer outcomes regardless of their age. These burgeoning findings signal that sex may function as a determinant of COVID-19 infection severity.

While the body of evidence examining sex differences in virus outcomes is lacking, researchers believe the functional modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by estrogen may explain disparities in morbidity and mortality. Further reasons for higher male sex-specific COVID-19-related mortality are likely multi-fold and may include lifestyle differences such as higher rates of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption as well as innate immunity. The mounting evidence suggesting sex-based differences in clinical outcomes emphasizes the need for an assessment of sex-specific hormone activity – in particular, estrogen – in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Sex-Specific Differences in COVID-19 Outcomes 

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center attempts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these notable differences. Led by Leanne Groban, MD, professor of anesthesiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a team of researchers conducted a review of published literature to determine whether sex plays a role in COVID-19 outcomes by examining pre-clinical data on sex-specific hormone activity.

Beneficial Impact of Estrogen

The study’s authors reported that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 – attached to cell membranes in heart, arteries, kidneys, and intestines – acts as a cellular receptor of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 infections and helps the virus gain access to cells of those organ systems. According to the researchers, their review also pointed to estrogen’s impact on ACE2 levels in the heart; the hormone lowered ACE2 levels. This may modulate the severity of COVID-19 in women, while higher levels of ACE2 present in tissues could account for why the disease presents worse in men.

“We know that coronavirus affects the heart and we know that estrogen is protective against cardiovascular disease in women, so the most likely explanation seemed to be hormonal differences between the sexes,” said the lead author of the review, Dr. Groban told ScienceDaily in an interview.

“We hope that our review regarding the role of estrogenic hormones in ACE2 expression and regulation may explain the gender differences in COVID-19 infection and outcomes and serve as a guide for current treatment and the development of new therapies,” Groban said.

An enhanced understanding of the role of estrogenic hormones in ACE2 expression and regulation may not only help uncover potential mechanisms that explain sex differences in COVID-19 clinical outcomes, but also guide future disease management techniques and spur the discovery of novel therapeutic methods.

The Long-Term Impact of Hormone Therapy on Breast Cancer Risk 

August 20, 2020

For several decades, hormone therapy and its risk-to-benefit ratio have been a controversial topic within the scientific community. First published in 2002, reports from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) presented data on the complicated benefits and potential adverse events associated with menopausal hormone therapy. Prior to this, estrogen therapy was put into question due to its association with an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, however, it subsequently rose to popularity again following the discovery that the addition of progesterone was able to minimize the associated risks. 

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Emerging Topics You Can’t Miss at the 27th Annual World Congress

December 10, 2019

With burgeoning research in the field of longevity and anti-aging medicine, as well as a growing understanding of disease pathophysiology, integrative medicine has witnessed many recent developments; from advances in sirtuin therapy to novel combinatorial regenerative applications of stem cells, the field continues to evolve at lightning speed. Staying clinically current and abreast of all of the latest education is imperative for clinicians looking to maintain an advantage and deliver optimal patient care. At the largest event in Anti-Aging Medicine, the 27th Annual World Congress, experts and industry leaders will delve into the most recent clinical data, newly discovered therapies, and emerging scientific advances. Providing a comprehensive anti-aging industry update, the three-day event will focus on delivering world-class education opportunities for physicians leading the mission to redefine modern medicine.

From the latest cannabidiol guidelines to new updates in peptide and hormone therapy strategies, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest topics in integrative medicine through an expertly curated agenda covering the latest developments within the field.  Attendees of the 27th Annual World Congress will experience a combination of unique programming, a diverse audience of thousands of fellow medical professionals, and a collaborative learning environment through which to learn how to implement the latest education into practice and help enhance the landscape of modern medicine.

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