Health

Do you have a hormonal disorder? Here are the signs

Balanced hormones are the foundation for a healthy body and mind. Produced in your endocrine glands, these chemicals travel around your body, like messengers, letting your organs and tissues know what to do. Some of your body’s core processes, such as your metabolism and reproduction, rely on your hormones working well. When they are out of balance, this can result in a hormonal disorder or hormonal imbalance.

As you age, you may experience some natural changes in your hormone levels. However, research suggests, major fluctuations can lead to a myriad of disorders and diseases. Women are more prone to these medical problems than men, although anyone can be affected by a hormonal imbalance. If you suspect that your hormones are out of whack, seeing a doctor is the next step. With that in mind, here are 20 of the most common signs.

Weight gain

Your weight and your hormones are intrinsically linked. Hormones including leptin, insulin, and sex hormones can have a direct effect on your hunger levels and how you store fat. If you have suddenly gained weight without drastically changing your lifestyle, that could be a cause for concern. Try keeping track of your weight changes and speak to a doctor.

Tiredness

Do you lack energy even when you’ve had a good night’s sleep? Unexplained fatigue could be symptomatic of an underactive thyroid gland. Put simply, this problem occurs when your thyroid fails to produce enough hormones for your body. It can be treated by taking daily hormone tablets, which will help balance things out. Speaking to your doctor about your sudden low energy levels is the first step toward getting help.

Acne

While many teenagers experience acne due to a surge in sex hormones, research from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that women in later life can also experience this skin problem. One of the major causes for this issue is an imbalance of hormones. When you’re struggling with this problem, it’s important to get expert advice from either a dermatologist or your general doctor.

Irregular periods

Experiencing long gaps between your periods or having them more frequently than usual could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. This change may mean that you have a hormonal problem such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues. When you notice that your period is irregular, see a medical professional sooner rather than later.

Increased thirst

Do you feel thirsty throughout the day? If you’re drinking enough water and can’t quench your thirst, there may be an underlying reason for that. Diabetes insipidus is a hormonal problem indicating that your kidneys are unable to retain water. While there may be a variety of reasons for your increased thirst, getting a consultation is vital.

Low sex drive

Many women experience a loss of libido or low sex drive as they age. One of the primary reasons for this change could be a decrease in estrogen levels, which is often linked to menopause. If you have suddenly started to have a lower sex drive than you once did, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about the causes of this issue.

Thinning hair

Around one-third of women experience thinning hair or hair loss at some point during their lives. This change can be caused by the overproduction of the androgen hormone. Should your hair start to get thinner as you get older, you may want to see your doctor about the problem and look for possible treatment plans.

Blurry vision

Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause women’s eyes to become dry, which leads to blurry vision, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Needless to say, whenever you experience sudden changes in your eyesight, you have to speak to a medical professional or optician. If you suspect that your blurred eyesight is the result of a hormonal disorder, book an appointment with your doctor.

Depression

Depression is the result of a hormonal or chemical balance in the body, in medical terms. Naturally, there are many different factors that can play a role in why people experience bouts of depression throughout their lifetime. However, when you are struggling with mental health problems, it’s worth getting a professional’s opinion. You may find that a hormonal disorder is affecting your mental well-being.

Increased hunger

Feeling peckish? While hunger can naturally fluctuate, if you’re finding it hard to control your eating, your hormones could be the reason. Research from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute suggests that a hormonal disorder may trigger overeating in some people. If you have low levels of leptin in your body, you may experience more hunger. It’s worth speaking to your doctor about the problem.

Excessive hair growth

Up to 70% of women who have the hormonal disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience excess hair growth. This growth usually affects areas including the face or chin. When you notice hair growing in irregular places, it’s worth seeing a doctor about the symptom. An expert will be able to give you a diagnosis.

Sensitivity to hot and cold

Feeling extra chilly or hot? While some people are naturally more sensitive to temperature, your hormones may play a role in this too. The Access Endocrine, Diabetes & Thyroid Center lists this as one of the most common symptoms of hormonal disorders. If you have suddenly started to feel the cold or heat more keenly, see a doctor about the issue.

Anxiety

Are you stressed or anxious? Research from the American Physiological Society suggests that low estrogen levels may be linked to anxiety in women. In turn, that could be linked to a hormonal disorder or imbalance. When you’re experiencing anxiousness, it’s always worth speaking to a doctor and getting a medical diagnosis.

Pink or purple stretch marks

Developing stretch marks on your skin may not always be a cause for concern. However, if you have suddenly developed pink or purple stretch marks that were not there before, you may want to speak to a doctor. The Access Endocrine, Diabetes & Thyroid Center highlights this sign as one of the most common side effects of a hormonal disorder.

Hyperactivity

Got too much energy to handle? If you have an excess of nervous energy, that may be a symptom of an overactive thyroid. You may find it hard to sit still for long periods, for example. When you notice this change in your energy levels, you may want to speak to a doctor about the problem and get a diagnosis.

Constipation

Feeling constipated? Research published in the Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology suggests that higher levels of estrogen lead to a decrease in gastrointestinal movement, i.e. constipation. With that in mind, should you have a hormonal disorder that leads to an excess of estrogen, you may experience this problem. If you are having problems with your bowels, it’s worth speaking to a doctor or specialist.

Mood swings

Do you quickly change from happy to sad, or neutral to angry? If you’re experiencing rapid and unexpected mood swings, these may be symptomatic of a hormonal disorder. Having an overactive thyroid may lead to mood swings, for example. These symptoms may come on gradually or suddenly, depending on your condition. Either way, speak to a doctor.

Dry skin

If your skin has become drier than it once was, you may need to speak to a dermatologist or doctor about the problem. While the oiliness of your skin may fluctuate as you age, this sign could also be linked to a hormonal disorder. Getting some advice on this complaint will help you decide what the next steps are for you.

Fatty hump between your shoulders

If you notice a fatty hump between your shoulders on your upper back, you need to book an appointment with a doctor. This symptom is often linked to Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder which means you have too much cortisol in your body. While the condition is uncommon, it’s worth checking with an expert to get a diagnosis. That way, you can get the treatment that you need as soon as possible.

MSN

Health

Novartis: Rare muscle disease drug shows early promise

Novartis (NOVN.S), opens new tab said on Thursday an experimental drug, which it acquired as part of its $12 billion takeover of ‌Avidity, showed promise in an early-to-mid-stage study in patients with a type of genetic muscle disorder characterized by slowly progressive muscle weakness.

The Swiss ⁠drugmaker said the drug, known as del-brax, lowered two blood markers linked to the disease and showed reduced signs of muscle damage in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
Novartis said the drug shows potential to become the first disease-modifying ‌treatment ⁠for FSHD, which can cause weakness in the face, shoulders, arms and other muscles.
The company estimates it affects about 45,000 to ⁠87,000 people in the U.S. and EU.
The drug’s safety profile was consistent with previous ⁠results, the company said.
Novartis plans to discuss the data with health regulators ⁠around the world, while a late-stage study of the drug is currently enrolling patients.

The Thomson Reuters

Health

Obesity drug shows promise in reducing belly and liver fat

Boehringer Ingelheim said on Sunday its experimental obesity drug cut visceral and liver fat while minimizing loss of lean mass in ‌a late-stage study, data showed, bolstering its case for benefits beyond weight loss as competition in obesity drugs intensifies.

The drug, survodutide, was licensed from Denmark’s Zealand Pharma (ZELA.CO), opens new tab. An injectable that mimics the proteins GLP-1 and glucagon to create a feeling of fullness, its weight-loss trial results were announced in April, showing patients lost an average of 16.6% over 76 weeks.

Analysis of a group of patients who had MRI measurements at the start and end of a 76-week trial showed that survodutide reduced harmful ⁠abdominal fat by up to 34% and liver fat by up to 63.1% from the baseline, Boehringer said.

Analysts have said the weight-loss numbers were broadly comparable to existing GLP-1 injections from Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab and Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab and below newer rivals in development, and that the company needed to differentiate the drug’s benefits.

Lean mass accounted for no more than 10.8% of the change in body composition at the highest dose of 6 milligrams, suggesting the weight loss was driven mainly by fat reduction.

The drug’s effect on liver-fat reduction and preservation of lean mass are central to whether it will be able to stand out commercially, alongside tolerability and how long patients stay on the drug. Detailed data from the study could help Boehringer make a ‌stronger case ⁠that survodutide should be judged not only by pounds lost but by where weight is lost.

“We believe survodutide will become an important new option at the intersection of obesity and liver disease, two conditions that are deeply connected but rarely addressed together,” said Boehringer executive Shashank Deshpande, who leads the company’s human medicines business.

Boehringer acquired the rights in 2011 to solely develop and commercialise survodutide from Zealand, which is ⁠entitled to royalty payments on global revenue.

PATIENTS WITH LIVER DISEASE BENEFIT

In a separate late-stage study of overweight or obese patients with a fatty liver disease called MASLD, survodutide met both its main goals.

After 48 weeks, up to 84.2% of patients on the drug showed ⁠a liver fat reduction of at least 30%, compared with 24.3% for those on placebo. Patients on survodutide also lost up to 12.2% of their body weight, versus 1% for placebo.

In 61% of the patients the drug helped achieve liver fat ⁠normalization, or a liver fat content below 5%, compared with 5.7% on placebo.

U.S. biotech Altimmune (ALT.O), opens new tab is also developing a drug that targets both the appetite-suppressing gut hormone, GLP-1, and glucagon.

Survodutide is also being tested in other late-stage studies, including for patients with fatty liver disease and fibrosis.

REUTERS

Health

Millions with breast cancer could safely skip chemotherapy

Millions of people with breast cancer could safely avoid chemotherapy as scientists have developed a DNA test that can distinguish between patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment and those who are not, according to trial results.

The international study found that more than two-thirds of its participants could be spared the side of effects of chemotherapy and treated with hormone therapy alone.

Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, hair loss, a weakened immune system and fertility issues.

The study, led by University College London (UCL), involved more than 4,000 newly diagnosed patients over the age of 40 in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

Scientists used a gene test called Prosigna to measure the activity of 50 genes involved in breast cancer growth and calculate a patient’s risk of the disease returning.

Those who received a low score – two-thirds of the group – were not treated through chemotherapy. The five-year survival rate of their group was 93.7%, compared with a 94.9% rate among patients who received chemotherapy as part of their care.

The primary treatment for breast cancer is usually surgery to remove tumours. Chemotherapy is often recommended afterwards to diminish the risk of return.

It is also regularly offered to people with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

Clinicians are concerned the treatment provides little benefit to those with the most common type of breast cancer, UCL said.

The university said more than 5,000 NHS patients a year could avoid chemotherapy as a result of the trial.

Karen Bonham, from Cardiff, took part in the trial and said the results are an “immense relief” and feel “like Christmas”.

The 64-year-old avoided chemotherapy thanks to the Prosigna test and has instead received radiotherapy and hormone therapy over eight years.

“Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be shocking,” she said.

“It certainly propels you into a world of uncertainty. Life priorities realign – you simply want to survive.”

The findings of the study will be presented at the world’s largest cancer conference, the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, in Chicago, United States, on Saturday.

Professor David Miles, a leading cancer specialist, described the findings as “practice-changing”.

“We can now confidently predict many patients will get no benefit at all, and therefore there’s no need for them to have the chemotherapy,” he told BBC’s Newshour.

He added that the test would allow doctors to “confidently define a large population of women who simply aren’t going to benefit and don’t need to go through all that unpleasantness for no benefit at all.”

“We used to give chemotherapy to 100 women to benefit 10, knowing that 90 didn’t need it,” he said.

Tanya Hutson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and had chemotherapy as part of her treatment, called the new DNA test “absolutely amazing”.

“It just proves what happens when money is put into research,” she said, adding that chemotherapy had been “brutal”.

“For all these people out there who don’t need it but are still getting it – it’s an absolute game changer.”

It is not known whether the findings apply to people under the age of 40, with a result still several years away, according to UCL.

BBC