Biomarkers to inform the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of systematic reviews.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine condition affecting reproductive age women. Many biomarkers may aid assessment and management, however evidence is limited on their utility in clinical practice. We conducted a review of systematic reviews to identify the most useful biomarkers in the clinical management of PCOS. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and HTA until August 2023 for reviews evaluating biomarkers in PCOS women compared to healthy controls. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool. We reported pooled evidence for each biomarker with 95% confidence intervals from the most recent, up-to-date, and best quality review. RESULTS: From 3360 citations, we included 75 systematic reviews (88 biomarkers, 191,792 women). Most reviews (50/75, 67%) were moderate quality, but reported high heterogeneity (66/75, 88%). We identified 63 abnormal biomarkers in women with PCOS versus healthy controls. Of these, 22 core biomarkers could help evaluate the multisystemic impact of PCOS and inform patient management and surveillance: dehydroepiandrosterone, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin, total and free testosterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, c-reactive protein, fibrinogen, oral glucose tolerance test, homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), HDL, LDL, non-HDL-cholesterol, ferritin, iron, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. CONCLUSION: We identified 22 core biomarkers assessing the multisystemic impact of PCOS and inform its clinical management. Future research is required to establish validated healthcare pathways.

Healthcare and research priorities for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the UK National Health Service: A modified Delphi method.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic lifelong condition affecting up to 20% of women worldwide. There is limited input from affected women to guide the provision of healthcare services and future research needs. Our objective was to scope the healthcare and research priorities of women with PCOS in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: A three-staged modified Delphi method, consisting of two questionnaires and a consensus meeting involving lay representatives and healthcare professionals. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Lay patient representatives of women with PCOS. Participants were asked to identify and rank healthcare and research priorities for their importance. RESULTS: Six hundred and twenty-four lay participants took part in our Delphi method. Over 98% were diagnosed with PCOS (614/624, 98.4%). More than half experienced difficulties to receive a PCOS diagnosis (375/624, 60%), and the majority found it difficult to access specialised PCOS health services in the NHS (594/624, 95%). The top two healthcare priorities included better education for health professionals on the diagnosis and management of PCOS (238/273, 87.1%) and the need to set up specialist PCOS services (234/273, 85.7%). The top two research priorities focused on identifying better treatments for irregular periods (233/273, 85.3%) followed by better tests for early PCOS diagnosis (230/273, 84.2%). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 13 healthcare and 14 research priorities that reflect the current health needs of women with PCOS in the United Kingdom. Adopting these priorities in future healthcare and research planning will help to optimise the health of women with PCOS and increase patient satisfaction.

Fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with Turner syndrome: A single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: Many women with Turner syndrome (TS) will consider fertility options and pregnancy. We wished to examine the fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with TS undergoing oocyte donation (OD) treatment or spontaneous pregnancy in a large single-centre cohort. General population reference data or data from those with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency were used as comparators. DESIGN: A retrospective single-centre cross-sectional study. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Seventy-four women with TS underwent OD treatment with a total of 105 pregnancies, and 31 women with TS had 71 spontaneous conceptions. Fertility outcomes included clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. Pregnancy outcomes included miscarriage rate, prevalence of hypertension, gestational diabetes, lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), small for gestational age (SGA), prematurity and vertical transmission of TS. RESULTS: In those with TS, OD pregnancies were associated with increased rates of LSCS and SGA compared to spontaneous pregnancies; LSCS (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.6-10.8, p = .003) and SGA (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.02-8.38, p = .04). There were no recorded cardiac events but 5 (17.2%) cases of vertical transmissions of TS in daughters were identified. OD in those with TS was associated with a lower live birth rate per cycle started (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.84, p = .008) and a higher rate of miscarriage compared to women with POI (40% vs. 26.2%, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: We show that pregnancy in women with TS, whether OD or spontaneously conceived, carries obstetric risks, and therefore, women with TS, considering pregnancy, should receive comprehensive pre-pregnancy counselling and optimal obstetric care.

In praise of ovulation induction for the management of anovulatory subfertility.

Rapid advances in assisted reproductive technology have revolutionized fertility treatments for couples worldwide seeking a pregnancy. Although this is promising, concerns are emerging over the overuse of unnecessary assisted conception treatments, particularly among couples with anovulatory subfertility. Some experts are calling for the cessation of ovulation induction as the primary treatment of anovulatory subfertility in favour of more sophisticated assisted conception treatments. In the absence of other causes of subfertility, ovulation induction in patients with type 1 and type 2 anovulation disorders can achieve an up to 80% ovulation rate with a 40% cumulative pregnancy rate and few adverse effects. Considering the various risks and high costs associated with assisted reproductive technology treatments, it is hard to argue for their cost-effectiveness when simpler, safer and cheaper pharmacological ovulation induction could achieve comparable pregnancy rates. We argue here for the safe, effective and ethical use of ovulation induction in this population, supplemented by a judicious use of assisted conception treatments. We emphasize the essential role of ovulation induction as a first-line intervention for couples with anovulatory subfertility delivered within a patient-centred multidisciplinary care model and with a clear escalation pathway to use assisted reproductive technology treatments based on the person's response, characteristics and treatment preference.

Women's knowledge and attitudes to the menopause: a comparison of women over 40 who were in the perimenopause, post menopause and those not in the peri or post menopause.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate women's knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause by comparing three groups of women: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other). METHODS: A 35 question online survey was advertised on social media to evaluate women's attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Three groups of women were compared: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other). RESULTS: Most women were completely uninformed or only had some knowledge of the menopause before the age of 40. Most women thought that the menopause should be taught at school, but over 80% had received no menopause education at school themselves. The most popular sources of menopause information were independent websites and friends. Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely than postmenopausal women to use online resources for menopause information. The perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups had more positive attitudes towards the menopause than the other group. 57.5% of postmenopausal women found the menopause difficult or very difficult. Most women were happy about no longer menstruating, although some expressed sadness regarding fertility loss. CONCLUSIONS: Most women had limited knowledge and negative attitudes towards the menopause, leaving them unprepared to cope with the physical and psychological changes associated with this stage of life. Improved menopause education is required to improve quality of life during the menopausal transition and a most positive narrative of life postmenopause.

Variability of response to early puberty induction demonstrated by transverse uterine diameter measurement and a novel method of 3D breast imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Induction of puberty with exogenous oestrogen results in considerable variability in final uterine and breast volumes. We set out to quantify the variability of these two outcome measures with a view to establishing monitoring methods that could be used to individualise treatment protocols. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen participants with pubertal delay and primary amenorrhoea, due to hypogonadism were recruited from paediatric gynaecology and endocrinology clinics at University College London Hospital. A standardised protocol of transdermal 17ß oestradiol (17ßE) was used (Evorel™), with a starting dose of 12.5 mcg increasing to 25 mcg (patch changed twice weekly) after 4 months. Follow up was every 2 months for a total of 8 months. MEASUREMENTS: Uterine dimensions using ultrasound, oestradiol concentrations and breast development assessed by both Tanner staging and 3D photographic imaging. RESULTS: After 8 months of treatment, the changes in oestradiol concentrations (0-174 pmol), uterine volume growth (4.4-16.4 ml) and breast volume (1.76-140.1 ml) varied greatly between individuals. Of uterine parameters, transverse uterine diameter was most closely associated with serum oestradiol levels at 8 months (beta standardised coefficient = 0.80, p = .001). Change in breast volume was associated with age of treatment initiation (beta standardised coefficient 0.55 p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate variation in response to exogenous oestrogen, emphasising the necessity for individualised dose titration. In the absence of sensitive oestradiol assays, uterine transverse measurements may be used as a surrogate marker of oestrogen sensitivity to guide early dose adjustment. 3D breast imaging may provide a quantitative assessment of breast development to complement Tanner breast staging.

Relationship and sexual experiences in women with early-onset oestrogen deficiency: Comparison between women with Turner syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Age at first date and sexual intercourse have been observed to be delayed in women with Turner syndrome (TS), with delayed puberty being the main factor. We sought to assess relationship and sexual experiences comparing women with TS and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. PATIENTS: 302 women with TS and 53 women with karyotypically normal POI (median age 33.0 [15.0-78.4] and 26.3 [17.8-52.3], respectively). MEASUREMENTS: A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect data on relationship and sexual experiences. RESULTS: Women with TS were older than women with POI (P = .002). Compared to women with POI, a smaller proportion of women with TS had ever had vaginal sexual intercourse (VSI) (40 [78.4%] vs 169 [58.1%], respectively, P = .006) and women with TS exhibited a delay in the median age at first relationship and VSI (POI 19.3 ± 0.4 vs TS 22.2 ± 1.1, P = <.001). Start of oestrogen replacement therapy at ≤ 14 years of age compared with > 14 years did not result in earlier relationship and sexual debut. After adjusting for age and diagnosis, induction of puberty, as opposed to spontaneous puberty, was associated with a delay in the median age at first relationship and VSI and a reduced probability of having VSI (Hazard ratio = 0.44 [95% confidence interval: 0.32-0.60], P = <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Turner syndrome and induction of puberty are associated with a reduced likelihood and a delay in relationship and sexual experiences. Women needing puberty induction and women with TS more than POI have a delayed mean age at first VSI compared to the general population.

Reduced uterine volume after induction of puberty in women with hypogonadism.

OBJECTIVE: Adequate uterine growth is an essential component of pubertal induction with exogenous oestradiol in those with hypogonadism. Poor uterine development will render the individual vulnerable in the context of fertility. We assessed uterine size using ultrasound in those who had undergone pubertal induction treatment compared with a reference group who had experienced spontaneous puberty. DESIGN: This is a single-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional study of women who underwent pubertal induction compared with a reference group. PATIENTS: Ninety-five women with hypogonadism who had previously undergone pubertal induction and were receiving maintenance oestrogen replacement as adults were recruited: 48 women with Turner syndrome, 32 with premature ovarian insufficiency and 15 with gonadotrophin deficiency. The reference group consisted of 35 nulliparous women attending with male factor subfertility with a normal pelvis on ultrasonography. MEASUREMENTS: Pelvic ultrasound was performed by a single observer. Uterine dimensions (total length, anterior-posterior (AP), transverse, uterine volume and fundal cervical AP ratio (FCR) measurements) were recorded. Clinical details were also recorded. RESULTS: Those with hypogonadism had significantly reduced uterine dimensions compared with the reference group (uterine length 64 mm vs 71 mm P = <.05, uterine volume 28.9 mL vs 43.9 mL P = <.05). All women in the reference group attained a mature uterine configuration with a FCR >1, compared with 84% of those with hypogonadism (P = .01). A total of 24% and 48% of the diagnostic group had total uterine length and uterine volume measurements less than the 5th percentile of the reference group, respectively. In a subgroup of 22 women in whom serum oestradiol concentrations could be analysed, there was a positive correlation between this parameter and uterine volume. CONCLUSION: Despite standard oestrogen therapy, uterine growth is often compromised in those with hypogonadism. Uterine health has historically been overlooked in pubertal induction protocols; however, with increasing options for fertility treatment, adequate uterine development is crucial. Given the variation in uterine size witnessed, a more tailored approach to treatment with regular monitoring of uterine dimensions should be advocated.

Fracture rate in women with oestrogen deficiency - Comparison of Turner syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Women with early-onset oestrogen deficiency are at risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). We sought to assess fracture history and BMD in women with Turner syndrome (TS) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study. PATIENTS: Two hundred and sixty seven women with TS (median age 34.3 years) and 67 women with POI (median age 28.1 years). MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire was used to collect data on fracture history, co-morbidities and drug history including age at first oestrogen exposure. Clinical data included height, weight, serum vitamin D and hip and spine T-scores, which were adjusted for height and age. Fractures were subdivided into major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and 'other' fracture types. RESULTS: Overall fracture rate was similar in women with TS and POI (82 [30.5%] vs 22 [32.8%] respectively, P = .74). Compared to women with POI, those with TS had more fractures at MOF sites (30.2% vs 52.7%, P = .012) and fewer phalangeal fractures (27.9% vs 9.8%, P = .005). There was no difference in BMD between women who sustained a fracture compared to those who did not. Women with TS who fractured were more likely to suffer from hearing impairment compared to those with no fracture (62.2% vs 48.1%, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: TS is not associated with an overall excess risk of bone fracture. The higher rate of fractures at MOF sites in women with TS may be secondary to hearing impairment, thin cortical bone and abnormal bone remodelling.

Variation in antral follicle counts at different times in the menstrual cycle: does it matter?

Antral follicle count (AFC) variation was examined across the menstural cycle and its effect on clinical management assessed. In 79 women, AFC was documented in early (iAFC) and late follicular phase (sAFC). Absolute agreement between iAFC and sAFC and agreement for classification into categories of risk of extremes of ovarian response were examined. Ovarian stimulation protocols designed with iAFC and sAFC, and the predictive value of iAFC and sAFC for extremes of ovarian response, were compared in women undergoing ovarian stimulation. Significant differences were found between iAFC and sAFC (16 [IQR 9-24] versus 13 [IQR 7- 21]; P = 0.001), with moderate agreement for the classification into at risk of extremes of response (k = 0.525). Agreement for protocol selection based on either AFC (k = 0.750) and starting gonadotrophin dose was good (concordance correlation coefficient 0.970 [95% CI 0.951 to 0.982]). Predictive value for iAFC and sAFC was maintained for poor ovarian response and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OR 0.634 [0.427 to 0.920], 0.467 [0.233 to 0.935]) and (OR 1.049 [0.974 to 1.131], 1.140 [1.011 to 1.285]). Across the cycle, AFC varies but does not significantly affect ovarian stimulation protocol design and prediction of extreme ovarian response.

Differences in collagen ultrastructure of human first trimester decidua basalis and parietalis: implications for trophoblastic invasion of the placental bed.

AIM: The human embryo-maternal interface in the first trimester of pregnancy is an area of extensive tissue remodeling. Because collagen is the most abundant constituent of the extracellular matrix of the placental bed, successful invasion must involve its rapid turnover. We compared the nature and distribution of collagen fibrils in decidua basalis and parietalis. METHODS: We used a direct-vision hysteroscopic technique to obtain biopsies of the decidua basalis and parietalis from 11 women undergoing pregnancy termination in the first trimester. The biopsies were subjected to light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical studies using mouse monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratin 7 and collagen types I, III and V. RESULTS: Collagen fibrils in the stroma of decidua basalis were significantly thicker when compared to those in decidua parietalis (56.48 ± 1.37 nm vs 45.64 ± 0.85 nm; P < 0.0001 [mean ± standard error]) between 9 and 12 weeks gestation, but this difference in thickness was not observed at gestations below 9 weeks. In basalis, the fibrils appeared disrupted at most places surrounding the decidual/trophoblast cells while a uniform regular arrangement was preserved throughout most of parietalis. CONCLUSION: There are differences in the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils between basalis and parietalis, with thicker and disrupted fibrils within abundant amorphous tissue in basalis, and thinner uniform fibrils in parietalis. These differences may reflect an adaptive response by decidua or a direct consequence of the invading trophoblast cells.

Non-oestrogen-based and complementary therapies for menopause.

Women are living a significant portion of their adult lives in the post-reproductive phase, and many seek help for debilitating menopausal symptoms. Every individual's experience of menopausal transition is unique. Adopting a holistic approach to managing the menopause using a combination of lifestyle, hormonal, and non-hormonal interventions is key to maximise the quality of life of affected women. However, many opt to use non hormonal options or have contraindications to using hormonal therapy. Studies have shown that several pharmacological non-hormonal medications such as SSRIs, SSRI/SNRIs, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin are effective for managing vasomotor symptoms as well as other menopausal symptoms. Their main side effects are dry mouth, nausea, constipation, reduced libido, and loss of appetite. Clonidine is the only non-hormonal drug which is licenced for control of vasomotor symptoms in the UK, but has several side effects including dizziness and sleep disturbance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recommended as a treatment for anxiety, sleep problems and vasomotor symptoms related to menopausal transition. Evidence for clinical efficacy and safety of herbal remedies and alternative therapies remains weak. Studies with neurokinin receptor 3 antagonists on women with hot flushes have shown improvement in vasomotor symptoms and results of large-scale studies are awaited.

Common mental health diagnoses arising from or coinciding with menopausal transition and prescribing of SSRIs/SNRIs medications and other psychotropic medications.

BACKGROUND: Women with menopausal transition (MT) have an elevated risk of experiencing common mental health diagnoses (CMHD: depression or anxiety). There is no recent data comparing the rate, and treatment, of CMHD between men and women. METHODS: In this population-based study, incidence rates (IR) per 100 person-years-at-risk (PYAR) for men and women ≥45 years registered with an UK primary care practice between 2010 and 2021 were estimated. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of CMHD were estimated using men as a reference. We measured first prescriptions for psychotropic medications received within 12 months after CMHD. For selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) /selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), we measured the IR of prescribing per 100 PYAR, by 10-year bands. Proportion of SSRIs/SNRIs prescribing was estimated per 100 persons. RESULTS: Rates of anxiety and depressive disorders were 1.68 and 1.69 per 100 PYAR in women aged 45-54 years-old compared to 0.91 and 1.20 per 100 PYAR in men, with IRR of 1.84 (95 % CI 1.72-1.97) and 1.44 (1.35-1.53) respectively. SSRIs/SNRIs were the most prescribed medication; in 2021, IRs for SSRIs/SNRIs were 13.4 per 100 PYAR in both sexes. In 2021, the proportion of SSRIs/SNRIs prescribing was 50.67 per 100 women and 41.91 per 100 men. LIMITATIONS: MT is assumed based on women's age as menopause onset is rarely recorded in primary care databases. CONCLUSIONS: Women ≥45 years experienced more CMHD compared to men, especially 45-54 years-olds, which coincides with MT. The proportion of SSRIs/SNRIs prescribing was higher in women.

Factors affecting shared decision-making concerning menopausal hormone therapy.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is an effective treatment for menopause-related symptoms. Menopause management guidelines recommend a personalized approach to menopause care, including MHT use. Decision-making around menopause care is a complex, iterative process influenced by multiple factors framed by perspectives from both women and healthcare providers (HCPs). This narrative review aims to summarize evidence around factors affecting decision-making regarding menopause-related care. For HCPs, the provision of individualized risk estimates is challenging in practice given the number of potential benefits and risks to consider, and the complexity of the data available, especially within time-limited consultations. Women seeking menopause care have the difficult task of making sense of the benefit versus risk profiles to make choices in line with their decisional needs influenced by sociocultural/economic, educational, demographic, and personal characteristics. The press, social media, and influential celebrities also impact the perception of menopause and decision-making around it. Understanding these factors can lead to improved participation in shared decision-making, satisfaction with the decision and decision-making process, adherence to treatment, reduced decisional regret, efficient use of resources, and ultimately long-term satisfaction with care.

A pilot study of Foley's catheter balloon for prevention of intrauterine adhesions following breach of uterine cavity in complex myoma surgery.

PURPOSE: During abdominal myomectomy for removal of multiple fibroids, the uterine cavity may be breached. Repair of the breach is associated with a risk of development of intrauterine adhesions. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of temporary placement of a Foley's catheter balloon inflated with 30 ml normal saline into uterine cavity at the end of surgery to prevent this complication. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. When the uterine cavity was breached during open myomectomy, it was repaired with a No. 2-0 vicryl suture. A Foley catheter balloon was inserted into the uterine cavity at the end of the procedure, and the balloon distended with 30 ml of normal saline. The balloon was removed on the fourth post-operative day. Follow-up hysteroscopy was performed after 6 months. RESULTS: At the time of follow-up hysteroscopy 6 months after the myomectomy, we found no intrauterine adhesions in 16 consecutive women treated with balloon, compared to 3 out of 10 (30 %) historical controls where the balloon was not used. CONCLUSION: A Foley catheter balloon inserted into the uterine cavity following breach and repair of the uterine cavity at open myomectomy appears to prevent the formation of intrauterine adhesions.

Hormone replacement therapy in women with history of thrombosis or a thrombophilia.

Findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) were published at the beginning of this century. They suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis The findings led to a decline in HRT prescriptions and negative publicity about the use of HRT for women with significant menopausal symptoms. Subsequent studies have shown that the risk of thrombosis with HRT relates to whether estrogen is combined with a progestogen and the route of administration of estrogen. In healthy women with no background medical problems, transdermal hormone replacement is not associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. However, much less is known about the safety of various HRT preparations in women with a high background risk of thrombosis. These cases can often be challenging for clinicians with uncertainties around testing for thrombophilia, use of anticoagulation and striking a balance between the risks and benefits of prescribing HRT. This article will review the mechanism of thrombosis with differing types of HRT and present the evidence from the relevant trials. The article will also present the evidence that specifically relates to women with a personal history of thrombosis or thrombophilia (heritable and acquired) to enable clinicians to better individualise the risk assessment for each woman requesting HRT and understand the role of thrombophilia screening or concomitant anticoagulation in such situations.

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials - The safety of vaginal hormones and selective estrogen receptor modulators for the treatment of genitourinary menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Therapies utilised in breast cancer management have been found to induce or worsen the genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), a group of physical symptoms associated with the systemic loss of estrogen. These symptoms are often undertreated due to concerns surrounding cancer recurrence, especially when considering treatments with possible pro-estrogenic effects. As breast cancer prognosis continues to improve, clinicians are increasingly focussing on managing these symptoms amongst survivors. This systematic review primarily aimed to determine the risk of breast cancer recurrence amongst survivors using vaginal hormones and selective estrogen receptor modulator therapies recommended for use in GSM in the United Kingdom amongst currently published randomised clinical trials (RCTs). The secondary aim was to determine whether these RCTs demonstrated a significant rise in serum estrogen levels following the use of these therapies. A literature search revealed three RCTs suitable for assessment, two evaluating vaginal estrogen and one evaluating vaginal DHEA treatment. Our review determined that amongst published RCTs, no studies have aimed to assess for breast cancer recurrence; however among the studies observing for serious adverse effects of vaginal estrogen preparations, none have reported an increased incidence. Furthermore, these studies did not report a persistent or significant increase in serum estrogen levels following the use of vaginal estrogen products and low concentration (3.25 mg/day) DHEA gel. Larger RCTs studying commonly used vaginal preparations and selective estrogen receptor modulator treatments for GSM over longer follow-up periods will be vital to better assess the risk of breast cancer recurrence in survivors receiving these treatments.

Exploiting the antioxidant potential of a common vitamin: could vitamin C prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis?

AIM: Oxidative stress is thought to play a central role in the pathophysiology of various conditions affecting women's health, including cancer, preeclampsia and osteoporosis. On the back of animal experimentation, we sought to establish whether the oral administration of vitamin C at high doses to postmenopausal women would achieve the plasma antioxidant activity that could prevent osteoporosis. METHODS: In our pilot study, we administered vitamin C at a dose of 10 grams daily to eight healthy postmenopausal women over a period of four weeks and measured their serum levels of vitamin C and crosslaps (markers of bone turnover) at baseline and then on a weekly basis. RESULTS: We found an initial rise in the plasma levels of vitamin C, but these rapidly fell over four weeks and could not be sustained despite continued therapy, presumably due to limited absorption and possibly even augmented excretion. We found no discernable change in the serum levels of crosslaps in association with the consumption of high doses of vitamin C. CONCLUSION: Although vitamin C has antioxidant properties, when given orally, even at a high dose, the serum levels required for it to exhibit antioxidant activity cannot be attained. This approach holds no potential for the use of vitamin C in the prevention of osteoporosis, although other routes of administration could overcome this.

Menopause transition: Physiology and symptoms.

With life expectancy for women on the rise, most women will experience menopausal transition and spend a significant number of years of their life in the menopausal phase. Menopausal transition involves a myriad of physical, endocrine, and psychological changes which are influenced by ethnic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Every woman's experience of the menopausal transition is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to the management of symptoms does not work. An understanding of the pathophysiology and severity of menopausal symptoms and the benefits and risks associated with both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments is important when individualising treatment options for menopausal symptoms.