Press Releases
Hormones matter in EU health policy Experts and policymakers agree that endocrinology (the field of hormone-related diseases) has a critical role to play in multiple health policy areas
Date: 04 May 2021
Today, EU policymakers, experts, patient representatives and other stakeholders gathered online to discuss the role of hormones in our everyday life, its interlinkage with prevalent non-communicable diseases and the policy measures required to address the many challenges in this rapidly growing area of human health.
Studies show strong links between the endocrine system and COVID-19 incidence and mortality
Date: 15 September 2020
COVID -19 and the interlinkages to endocrine and metabolic diseases was an important programme topic for the 2020 edition of the European Congress of Endocrinology. With 4675 attendees from 112 countries this is the premier European endocrine meeting. Over 5 days, panel sessions covered the science behind COVID 19 and endocrine and metabolic disorders, as well as e-consulting and e-support to endocrine patients in times of COVID-19.
Download PDFGlobal Clinical Practice Guideline program to improve patient care
Date: 10 September 2020
The Endocrine Society and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) have reached an historic agreement to jointly develop Clinical Practice Guidelines providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical care and practice.
Download PDFVitamin D levels in the blood can predict future health risks & death
Date: 09 September 2020
Free, circulating vitamin D levels in the blood may be a better predictor of future health risks in aging men, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. These data suggest the free, precursor form of vitamin D found circulating in the bloodstream is a more accurate predictor of future health and disease risk, than the often measured total vitamin D. Since vitamin D deficiency is associated with multiple serious health conditions as we get older, this study suggests that further investigation into vitamin D levels and their link to poor health may be a promising area for further research.
Download PDFSkin lightening products linked to altered steroid hormone levels
Date: 09 September 2020
Women who misuse corticosteroid creams for cosmetic skin lightening may be at risk of developing adrenal insufficiency, according to research presented at e-ECE 2020. Women that frequently used high strength steroid creams had significantly lower baseline cortisol levels, a sign of impaired cortisol function. Low cortisol and adrenal insufficiency is a serious condition that causes extreme fatigue and can even lead to death. These findings suggest that better education on the side effects of steroid creams is needed to prevent these women from seriously damaging their health.
Download PDFProbiotics may help manage childhood obesity
Date: 09 September 2020
Probiotics may help children and adolescents with obesity lose weight when taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. The study found that obese children who were put on a calorie-restricted diet and given probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and Bifidobacterium breve B632, lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared with children on a diet only. These findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage obesity in the younger population and reduce future health risks, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Download PDFGhrelin may be an effective treatment for age-related muscle loss
Date: 09 September 2020
The hormone, ghrelin, may help protect the elderly population from muscle loss, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. The study found that administering a particular form of ghrelin to older mice helped to restore muscle mass and strength. As muscle-related diseases are a serious health concern in the elderly population, these findings suggest a potential new treatment strategy for muscle loss to enable the aging population to remain fit and healthy.
Download PDFEvaluating hormone-related targets & risks associated with COVID-19
Date: 09 September 2020
The evidence for hormone involvement in COVID-19 infection and treatment will be evaluated and discussed by endocrine experts in a dedicated COVID-19 session at e-ECE 2020. The European Society of Endocrinology’s annual meeting is going online 5-9 September 2020 and the e-ECE 2020 programme will feature cutting-edge science and the latest in clinical practice and patient care. This includes a new, dedicated COVID-19 session, where experts in the field will present, summarise and examine evidence for the role of the endocrine system and hormones in COVID-19 infection risk, disease severity and potential treatment.
Download PDFThyroid inflammation linked to anxiety disorders
Date: 09 September 2020
Patients with autoimmune inflammation of their thyroid may be at greater risk of developing anxiety, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. The study found that people with anxiety may also have inflammation in their thyroid gland that can be reduced by taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen. These findings suggest that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of anxiety disorders and that thyroid inflammation should be investigated as an underlying factor in psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety.
Download PDFCOVID-19 severity is increased in patients with mild obesity
Date: 16 July 2020
The risk of greater COVID-19 severity and death is higher in people with any obese body mass index (BMI), according to a study to be published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The study findings showed that BMI over 30 was associated with a significantly higher risk of respiratory failure, admission to intensive care and death in COVID-19 patients, regardless of age, gender and other associated diseases. The current guidelines for identifying those at higher risk in the UK are set at a BMI of 40 but these data suggest people with BMI over 30 should also be classified as at risk.
Download PDFVitamin D supplementation may slow diabetes progression
Date: 25 July 2019
Vitamin D supplementation may slow the progression of type 2 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients and those with prediabetes, according to a study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The study findings suggest that high-dose supplementation of vitamin D can improve glucose metabolism to help prevent the development and progression of diabetes.
Download PDFObesity risk may be increased by exposure to common environmental chemicals
Date: 21 May 2019
Exposure to common every day chemicals, called phthalates, may increase the risk of metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The study found a correlation between levels of phthalate exposure and markers of impaired liver function, as well as indicators of increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These findings suggest that more actions may need to be taken to reduce people’s exposure to these potentially harmful, yet commonly used chemicals.
Download PDFSetting fair regulations for top female athletes that have naturally higher testosterone levels
Date: 21 May 2019
Top performing female athletes are more likely to have naturally occurring higher testosterone levels, which sporting regulations should take into account, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The researchers show that top female athletes are more likely to have higher testosterone levels and mild disorders, as well as more severe and rarer conditions that increase testosterone levels. These findings suggest that higher testosterone levels can enhance physical performance in women, to levels more comparable to male physiology, and raises questions on how to ensure fairness of competition in women’s sport.
Download PDFEnvironmental toxins can impair sexual development and fertility of future generations
Date: 20 May 2019
Exposure to environmental pollutants can cause alterations in brain development that affect sexual development and fertility for several generations, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The offspring of pregnant rats exposed to a mixture of common endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), at doses equivalent to those commonly experienced by people, showed impairments in sexual development and maternal behaviour that were passed on through several generations. These findings suggest that current levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment may already be causing long-lasting harm and that people and agencies should take measures to minimise exposure.
Download PDFSleep problems in teenagers reversed in just one week by limiting screen use
Date: 20 May 2019
Sleep in teenagers can be improved by just one week of limiting their evening exposure to light-emitting screens on phones, tablets and computers, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The study indicates that by simply limiting their exposure to blue-light emitting devices in the evening, adolescents can improve their sleep quality and reduce symptoms of fatigue, lack of concentration and bad mood, after just one week.
Download PDFBreastfeeding reduces long-term risk of heart disease in mothers
Date: 19 May 2019
Women who breastfed their babies are less likely to develop heart disease later in life, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The study also suggests that the protective effect on heart health is increased in women who breastfed for longer periods of time. These findings provide further evidence for the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding and that women should be encouraged to do so when possible.
Download PDFMen ignore serious health risks of steroid abuse in pursuit of the body beautiful
Date: 19 May 2019
Many men continue to abuse steroids despite knowing that they have serious, life-limiting and potentially lethal side effects, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The study findings indicate that men using anabolic steroids to improve strength and physical performance are often aware of the side effects but choose to continue taking them. This raises serious concerns not only for their own health but that of future generations, since side effects are known to damage sperm as well as increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, heart disease and liver damage.
Download PDFMentally tiring work may increase diabetes risk in women
Date: 13 March 2019
Women who find their jobs mentally tiring are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The study findings suggest that mentally draining work, such as teaching, may increase the risk of diabetes in women. This suggests that employers and women should be more aware of the potential health risks associated with mentally tiring work.
Download PDFOestrogens in cows’ milk are unlikely to pose a threat to adult health
Date: 27 October 2018
Oestrogens found naturally in cows’ milk are likely to be safe for human consumption in adults, according to a new review published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The review brings together scientific evidence from over a dozen rodent and human studies that examined the effects of ingesting oestrogen-containing cows’ milk on fertility and the risk of cancer development. The findings of the review suggest that the levels of oestrogens found naturally in milk are too low to pose health risks to adults, and that there is no need for public concern.
Download PDFDiabetic patients are more at risk of death from alcohol, accidents and suicide
Date: 13 October 2018
Diabetic patients are more likely to die from alcohol-related factors, accidents or suicide, according to a study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The study findings suggest that the increased risk of death from these causes may be related to the mental health of patients, which may be adversely affected by the psychological burden of living with and self-treating this debilitating disease, with potentially serious complications.
Download PDFTransgender brains are more like their desired gender from an early age
Date: 22 May 2018
Brain activity and structure in transgender adolescents more closely resembles the typical activation patterns of their desired gender, according to findings to be presented in Barcelona, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. These findings suggest that differences in brain function may occur early in development and that brain imaging may be a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people.
Download PDFWalking a tightrope: universal thyroid testing could reduce pregnancy problems in some cases, but interfere with healthy pregnancies in others
Date: 22 May 2018
Universal testing for thyroid function in pregnant women could reduce miscarriages and negative neurodevelopmental effects for the baby, but may also put healthy pregnancies at risk by prescribing unnecessary drugs to mothers. The debate ‘Pregnant women should be screened for thyroid hormones and antibodies’ will be held in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018, where two experts take opposing views on whether all pregnant women should be tested for abnormal thyroid function, or if this should only be offered to high risk mothers.
Download PDFLarger waistlines are linked to higher risk of vitamin D deficiency
Date: 21 May 2018
Higher levels of belly fat are associated with lower vitamin D levels in obese individuals, according to data presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. The study reports that vitamin D levels are lower in individuals with higher levels of belly fat, and suggests that individuals, particularly the overweight with larger waistlines should have their vitamin D levels checked, to avoid any potentially health damaging effects.
Download PDFBrain stimulation may reduce food cravings as obesity treatment
Date: 21 May 2018
Stimulating the brain to alter its intrinsic reward system shows promise in the treatment of obesity, according to results presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. The technique has yielded positive results after just a single treatment session, revealing its potential to become a safer alternative to treat obesity, avoiding invasive surgery and drug side effects.
Download PDFMinimising exposure to common hormone-disrupting chemicals may reduce obesity rates
Date: 20 May 2018
Everyday products carry environmental chemicals that may be making us fat by interfering with our hormones, according to research presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. Following recommendations on how to avoid these chemicals could help minimise exposure and potentially reduce the risk of obesity and its complications.
Download PDFCould intermittent fasting diets increase diabetes risk?
Date: 20 May 2018
Fasting every other day to lose weight impairs the action of sugar-regulating hormone, insulin, which may increase diabetes risk, according to data presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. These findings suggest that fasting-based diets may be associated with long-term health risks and careful consideration should be made before starting such weight loss programmes.
Download PDFMeeting between the European Society of Endocrinology and European Parliament representatives
Date: 06 March 2018
The European Society of Endocrinology is presenting itself for the first time to the European Parliament in a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament. The main purpose of this meeting is to strengthen the understanding within the European Parliament of the role of hormones on people’s health, and the influence of the endocrine system on a wide range of both common and rare conditions.
Download PDFWarm temperatures can lead to misdiagnosis of diabetes in pregnancy
Date: 23 January 2018
Environmental temperatures of over 25 degrees are associated with a significant increase in the risk of being misdiagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, data published in the European Journal of Endocrinology suggests. Misdiagnosis of the condition could lead to unnecessary insulin treatment and avoidable distress for prospective mothers.
Download PDFGuidelines for management of recurrent pituitary tumours recommend new drug as first line treatment
Date: 10 January 2018
New guidelines for managing recurrent pituitary tumours identify the drug temozolomide, as first line chemotherapy treatment. The guidelines, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology and produced by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), include a series of recommendations aimed at improving survival rates and quality of life for patients, through early identification of tumours and more effective treatment strategies.
Download PDFTreating PCOS with a combination of oral contraceptives and spironolactone does not increase the risk of diabetes or heart disease
Date: 15 September 2017
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most effective treatment is a combination of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) with an anti-androgen, which does not increase the risk of metabolic or cardiovascular complications, according to a study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The findings should lead to more women being prescribed the most effective treatment for their condition.
Download PDFAdditional hormone measurement reveals pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia
Date: 29 May 2017
An additional blood test for pregnant women accurately predicts which women with high thyroid function are at risk of developing preeclampsia, according to a study presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology. The findings may help identify high-risk pregnant women and potentially avoid unnecessary treatment that carries the risk of foetal abnormalities.
Download PDFStubborn gut bacteria offer insights into yo-yo dieting
Date: 30 May 2017
Previously obese dieters may struggle to keep weight off because of poor gut bacteria diversity, according to a new study presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology.
Download PDFPreterm babies with low birth weight may be at increased risk of osteoporosis
Date: 30 May 2017
Adults who were born prematurely or at a below average weight are more likely to have weaker bones and an increased risk of fracture and osteoporosis later in life. This research, presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology, could lead to recommendations that high-risk individuals follow diets rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, and undertake weight-bearing exercise.
Download PDFExposure to chemicals in plastic and fungicides may irreversibly weaken children's teeth
Date: 31 May 2017
Chemicals commonly found in plastics and fungicides may be weakening children’s teeth by disrupting hormones that stimulate the growth of dental enamel, according to a new study presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology.
Download PDFRunning may be better than cycling for long-term bone health
Date: 31 May 2017
Exercise that puts greater strain on bones, like running, may improve long-term bone health more effectively than non weight-bearing activities like cycling, conclude the authors of a new study measuring the hormones of mountain ultra-marathon runners. The results of the study were presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology.
Download PDFHormone treatment in transgender persons could shed light on role of sex hormones in bone density
Date: 31 May 2017
Male-to-female (MtF) transgender persons have a greater increase in bone mineral density than female-to-male (FtM) persons in their first year of hormone treatment. The research, presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Munich, helps scientists further understand the roles sex hormones play on bone development and maintenance in both sexes.
Download PDFRecommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Adrenal Incidentalomas
Date: 12 July 2017
The appropriate clinical response to adrenal incidentaloma should depend on the likelihood of malignancy, according to new guidelines published by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENSAT) and first presented at ESE’s annual European Congress of Endocrinology in May 2016.
Download PDFInternational collaboration release revised guideline for improved management of Turner syndrome
Date: 10 July 2017
A comprehensive, international guideline that incorporates the most up-to-date knowledge on diagnosis, treatment and patient impact of Turner syndrome (TS) has been published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The guideline project was initiated by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES), in collaboration with six other learned societies, to incorporate the latest evidence-based advice for diagnosis and treatment of girls and women with TS.
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