Menopause, Premature

TUESDAY, Oct. 1, 2024 -- Women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) have an increased prevalence of severe autoimmune diseases, according to a study published online Sept. 25 in Human Reproduction . Susanna M. Savukoski, M.D., from Oulu University Hospital in Finland, and colleagues conducted a population-based registry study of 3,972 women diagnosed with spontaneous POI between 1988 and 2017 and 15,708 female population controls to examine the association with severe autoimmune diseases before and after POI diagnosis. The researchers found that the prevalence of having at least one severe autoimmune disease was 5.6 percent in women with POI. Compared with controls, women with POI had an increased prevalence of several specific autoimmune diseases prior to the index date including polyglandular autoimmune diseases, Addison disease, vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and hyperthyroidism. No difference was seen in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes or ankylosing spondylitis. During the first three years after POI diagnosis, the standardized incidence ratio for being diagnosed for the first time with a severe autoimmune disease was 2.8, which decreased to 1.3 after 12 years. "The study results strengthen the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis of POI," the authors write. Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

TUESDAY, Sept. 3, 2024 -- Cases of menopause occurring before the age of 40 can be a major cause of distress and discomfort for women, but researchers now believe they've homed in on the condition's genetic cause. A team at deCODE genetics sought to understand the origins of what's known as primary ovarian insufficiency, which triggers menopause an average of nine years before it typically occurs in women. The deCODE team worked with colleagues in Iceland, Denmark, the UK and Norway to analyze the collected DNA of 174,000 women living in those countries. They focused especially on a gene called CCDC201. In 2022, CCDC201 was identified as a protein-producing gene and was later found to be "highly expressed in egg cells," according to a deCODE news release. Just how CCDC201 might go awry to trigger menopause early hasn't been known, however. The new research revealed the specific change in a snippet of CCDC201 gene coding that seems to effectively terminate its function. However, a woman needed to carry two copies of this defective variant for primary ovarian insufficiency to occur, the researchers noted. That seems to happen in about 1 in every 10,000 women of Northern European descent, the deCODE group found. This "leads to primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as age at menopause before the age of 40, in nearly half of carriers," according to the deCODE news release. The discovery might be important for women who are considering having children. Testing for this newly discovered genetic link could help women make better decisions around their odds for early menopause and the appropriate timing of childbearing, the researchers said. The findings were published Aug. 27 in the journal Nature Genetics . Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

ORLANDO, Fla., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Half the world's population will experience menopause accounting for 47 million women entering the menopause transition annually. A staggering 80% of women in the menopause transition will experience the life altering symptoms of the little known Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause including total body pain and frozen shoulder. Continue Reading A landmark study has officially established the nomenclature for the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM), thanks to the pioneering research of Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic sports surgeon, researcher, longevity doctor and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Central Florida School of Medicine (UCF SOM). "Clearly, this is an issue that many women experience but is not adequately acknowledged or addressed within the medical establishment," stated Dr Wright. Post this Dr. Wright coined the term "Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause" (MSM) after observing numerous post-menopausal women suffering from orthopedic issues, such as frozen shoulder. Her extensive research has unveiled that a staggering 80% of post-menopausal women endure life-altering musculoskeletal symptoms, with 25% of these women being severely debilitated by them. Despite the prevalence, these symptoms often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed by healthcare providers, leaving many women to suffer in silence. The syndrome encompasses a range of debilitating symptoms, including: Arthralgia (total body pain) Inflammation (e.g., frozen shoulder) Loss of muscle mass Loss of bone density Fat redistribution Rapid increase in arthritis The study highlights the rapid loss of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause as the root cause of MSM. Alarmingly, 40% of women seeking medical care for these symptoms find no structural problems, leading to feelings of being dismissed or misunderstood by clinicians. Dr. Wright's research underscores the urgency of acknowledging MSM in the medical community. Not only is MSM treatable, but it is also preventable through early intervention, lifestyle modifications, and comprehensive knowledge. Without proper treatment, MSM significantly contributes to frailty and increased mortality in women. LINK to the STUDY: Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause The publication of this groundbreaking study coincides with an article in Menopause, which investigates young women with premature menopause experiencing similar symptoms. This further establishes that these musculoskeletal changes are directly linked to hormonal deprivation rather than age. "Clearly, this is an issue that many women experience but is not adequately acknowledged or addressed within the medical establishment," stated Dr Wright. "This research offers a new understanding, hope and nomenclature for clinicians and for women suffering from these symptoms." Dr. Vonda Wright and her team continue to advocate for increased awareness, early prevention, and effective treatment strategies to combat MSM, aiming to improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide. Dr. Wright is a practicing double boarded Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon, Author, Speaker, Researcher and Innovator serving as a key opinion leader at the intersection of Longevity | Women's Health | Performance. Widely recognized for her thought leadership, Dr. Wright is a frequent media and conference expert. Her innovative science-based approach is changing the lives of millions in mid-life. In addition to treating active people and athletes of all ages and skill levels, she is a clinical champion for ideators in the biotech, sports innovation and longevity environments to develop innovation pipelines. She works to clarify and amplify great ideas through a deep clinical lens while applying entrepreneurial and venture principles to understand, evaluate and stimulate innovation. In addition to her elite orthopaedic practice, her current work includes harnessing the new science of aging to create health optimized longevity plans for high capacity individuals via her "Precision Longevity Experience" and bespoke retreats for women in midlife. An empathetic and dynamic communicator, Dr. Wright's online community spans more than 1.5 million people. Dr. Wright practices in Lake Nona, Florida, and is the founder and CEO of Precision Longevity. For more information, please contact: Dr Vonda Wright MD, MS [email protected] 407-232-2334 @DrVondaWright SOURCE Dr. Vonda Wright