Association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and female hormone-related factors in South Korea

AbstractAn association between olfactory dysfunction and female hormone level has been reported; however, no previous studies have investigated the correlation with life-long female hormone exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and various endogenous and exogenous female hormone-related factors including age at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies and deliveries, age at first and last delivery, duration of breastfeeding, use of oral contraceptives, and use of hormone therapy. The study analysed a total of 3863 female participants using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010–2012). The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 3.5% for premenopausal participants and 6.2% for postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women (compared to women breastfed less than 12 months), the 12–24-month group (OR = 4.690, 95% CI = 1.431–15.369) and the 25–48-month group (OR = 6.548, 95% CI = 1.758–24.394) had higher rates of olfactory dysfunction. In postmenopausal women, starting menopause at a younger age was positively associated with olfactory dysfunction (OR = 0.939, 95% CI = 0.887–0.993). These data suggest that a longer duration of endogenous oestrogen deprivation is associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction.

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Estimated Number of Lifetime Ovulatory Years and Its Determinants in Relation to Levels of Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers

American Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/aje/kwz264 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 189 (7) ◽

pp. 660-670 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tianyi Huang ◽

Amy L Shafrir ◽

A Heather Eliassen ◽

Kathryn M Rexrode ◽

Shelley S Tworoger

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Body Mass ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽

Health Study ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Age At Menopause ◽

Reproductive Events

Abstract Reproductive events, such as ovulation, trigger an inflammatory cascade. Few studies have examined their long-term influence on inflammatory profiles. We included 3,393 premenopausal and 3,915 postmenopausal women with intact ovaries/uterus from the Nurses’ Health studies (Nurses’ Health Study (1989–1990) and Nurses’ Health Study II (1996–1999)) in an analysis of the association between lifetime ovulatory years (LOY) and levels of inflammatory biomarkers. We estimated LOY as age at menopause (age at blood collection for premenopausal women) minus age at menarche, subtracting years of oral contraceptive (OC) use and 1 year per pregnancy. After adjustment for other inflammation-related factors (e.g., body mass index, exercise, diet), every 5-year increase in LOY was associated with lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in both premenopausal (difference = −11.5%, 95% confidence interval: −15.0, −8.0; P < 0.0001) and postmenopausal (difference = −7.2%, 95% confidence interval: −10.0, −4.3; P < 0.0001) women. Older age at menopause (P = 0.007), earlier menarche (P = 0.007), and shorter duration of OC use (P = 0.002) were associated with lower CRP levels in postmenopausal women, whereas duration of OC use was positively associated with CRP levels in premenopausal women (P < 0.0001). LOY was modestly inversely associated with interleukin 6 in postmenopausal women (P = 0.03). Notably, the associations of CRP with LOY were similar in magnitude to associations with exercise and a healthy diet, though weaker than the association with body mass index. Although many reproductive events induce acute inflammation, increased LOY was associated with lower chronic systemic inflammation even after menopause.

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Novel methods of oestrogen deprivation for treatment of breast diseases

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Section B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0269727000010733 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 95 ◽

pp. 255-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Richard J. Santen

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Breast Cancer Tissue ◽

Breast Diseases ◽

Cancer Tissue ◽

Combined Use ◽

Important Amount ◽

Oestrogen Deprivation

SynopsisThe breast can be deprived of oestrogen by blockade of the synthesis of oestradiol or of its precursors. In postmenopausal women, oestrogen synthesis occurs almost exclusively in extraglandular tissues. Thus, liver, muscle and fat, as well as other tissues, convert precursor androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone of adrenal origin to oestrone and oestradiol through the enzyme, aromatase. Breast cancer tissue and its surrounding stroma also contain aromatase which could potentially convert a biologically important amount of androgen to oestrogen. Sulphatases are present in multiple tissues including breast and act to reform free oestrogens from their conjugated derivatives. Each of the steps outlined (i.e. precursor androgen formation, aromatase, and sulphatase), serve as potential sites of blockade of oestrogen synthesis. Aromatase can be inhibited by either suicide or competitive inhibitors. In our studies, an imidazole inhibitor of aromatase which acts competitively (i.e. CGS 16949A) is 1000-fold more potent than aminoglutethimide and ten-fold more potent than 4-hydroxyandrostenedione in vitro. In sixteen postmenopausal women, doses 500-fold less than standard doses of aminoglutethimide inhibited plasma and urinary oestrogens measured by radioimmunoassay or GLC mass spectrometry to the same extent as with aminoglutethimide. The use of sulphatase inhibitors, another means of oestrogen deprivation, may potentially be feasible. Sulphatase inhibitors are active in vitro but currently lack potency and specificity for the sulphatase in breast cancer tissue itself.In premenopausal women, the oestrogens are directly aromatised from androgens in ovarian tissues through the stimulatory influence of LH and FSH. Suppression of these gonatrophins with or without additional aromatase inhibitors provides a means of inhibiting oestrogen in premenopausal women. Aromatase inhibition, alone, will probably not be effective because of the reflex rise in LH and FSH observed. Our studies indicate effective suppression of oestradiol in premenopausal women with the GnRH superagonist analogue, Leuprolide. However, combined use of this superagonist analogue plus an aromatase inhibitor would have the advantage of blocking synthesis of oestrogen, both in ovary and in extraglandular sites.

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Association between reproductive factors and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Osteologie/Osteology ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1620001 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (03) ◽

pp. 248-251

Author(s):

H. R. Meybodi ◽

N. Khalili ◽

P. Khashayar ◽

R. Heshmat ◽

A. Hossein-nezhad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Reproductive Factors ◽

Population Based ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Menstrual History ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

SummaryThe present cross-sectional research was designed to study possible correlations between clinical reproductive factors and bone mineral density (BMD) values.Using the data gathered by the population-based Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (IMOS), we investigated the correlation found between reproductive factors and osteoporosis. Subjects were recruited from five major cities of Iran. Bone mineral density was measured using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and the results were analyzed against the age at menarche and at menopause, number of pregnancies, children and abortions, and the history (and duration) of breastfeeding.Data was available for 2528 women. Gravidity and number of children were reversely correlated with BMD. Younger age at menarche was associated with higher BMD values, whereas there was no significant correlation between age at menopause and menstrual history and BMD.Our study suggests that clinical reproductive factors, particularly number of children and breastfeeding, could be incorporated as predictors of BMD levels in women. Given the controversial results obtained in different studies, longitudinal studies should be carried out to enlighten the importance of these factors and the rationale of their use to predict BMD values in different settings.

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Plasma Levels of Protein S, Protein C, and Factor X: Effects of Sex, Hormonal State and Age

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1649925 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 74 (05) ◽

pp. 1271-1275 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

C M A Henkens ◽

V J J Bom ◽

W van der Schaaf ◽

P M Pelsma ◽

C Th Smit Sibinga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Protein C ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Protein S ◽

The Other ◽

Factor X ◽

Normal Ranges

SummaryWe measured total and free protein S (PS), protein C (PC) and factor X (FX) in 393 healthy blood donors to assess differences in relation to sex, hormonal state and age. All measured proteins were lower in women as compared to men, as were levels in premenopausal women as compared to postmenopausal women. Multiple regression analysis showed that both age and subgroup (men, pre- and postmenopausal women) were of significance for the levels of total and free PS and PC, the subgroup effect being caused by the differences between the premenopausal women and the other groups. This indicates a role of sex-hormones, most likely estrogens, in the regulation of levels of pro- and anticoagulant factors under physiologic conditions. These differences should be taken into account in daily clinical practice and may necessitate different normal ranges for men, pre- and postmenopausal women.

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Exogenous female sex steroid hormones and risk of asthma and asthma-like symptoms: a cross sectional study of the general population

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thx.56.8.613 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 56 (8) ◽

pp. 613-616

Author(s):

P Lange ◽

J Parner ◽

E Prescott ◽

C Suppli Ulrik ◽

J Vestbo

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Asthma Medication ◽

Hormonal Contraceptives ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Heart Study ◽

Prescription Practice

BACKGROUNDRecent evidence suggests a role for hormonal factors in the aetiology of asthma.METHODSData from a large study of women selected from the general population were used to relate treatment with oral hormonal contraceptives (OCP) and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the following asthma indicators: self-reported asthma, wheezing, cough at exertion, and use of medication for asthma. The study sample comprised 1536 premenopausal and 3016 postmenopausal women who participated in the third round of the Copenhagen City Heart Study in 1991–4. A total of 377 women were taking OCP (24.5% of premenopausal women) and 458 were on HRT (15.2% of postmenopausal women).RESULTSIn premenopausal women 4.8% reported having asthma. The prevalence of self-reported asthma, wheeze, use of asthma medication, and cough at exertion was not significantly related to use of OCP. In postmenopausal women the prevalence of self-reported asthma was 6.2%. A weak but consistent association was observed between HRT and self-reported asthma (OR 1.42 (95% CI 0.95 to 2.12)), wheeze (OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.64)), cough at exertion (OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.77)), and use of asthma medication (OR 1.45 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.18)).CONCLUSIONSIn this study of the general population no relationship was found between the use of OCP and asthma. Although an association was observed between HRT and asthma and asthma-like symptoms, this was relatively weak and it is concluded that there is no necessity to change present prescription practice.

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POS0841 RISK FACTORS OF LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN WOMEN WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.1339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 674.2-675

Author(s):

A. Efremova ◽

N. Toroptsova ◽

N. Demin ◽

O. Dobrovolskaya ◽

O. Nikitinskaya

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Cumulative Dose ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Reactive Protein

Background:Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are risk factors of bone loss and fractures. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been recognized to be another potential inflammatory joint disease that may affect bone tissue.Objectives:to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors of low BMD in women with SSc.Methods:173 women, among them 110 postmenopausal (median age 60[55,63] years) and 63 premenopausal (median age 35[31,44] years). BMD was measured at lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Hologic 4500A). Low BMD was diagnosed if the T-score was < -1.0 standard deviation (SD) in postmenopausal women and if the Z-score was < -2.0 SD in premenopausal women. The relationship between BMD and SSc patients’ characteristics was evaluated using univariate linear regression analysis.Results:Low BMD was found in 66% patients: 79% - in postmenopausal and 18% - in premenopausal women. Among postmenopausal persons osteoporosis was discovered in 47% and osteopenia – in 32% cases. In postmenopausal woman BMD of LS, FN and TH were associated with body mass index (BMI) (β=0.27, p=0.010; β=0.47, p<0,001 and β=0.45, p<0,001, respectively), duration of glucocorticoids (GCs) using (β=-0.31, p=0.008; β=-0.34, p=0.003 and β=-0.27, p=0.022, respectively); BMD of FN and TH with C-reactive protein (β= -0.32, p=0.016 and β= -0.29, p=0.029, respectively) and LS BMD with current and cumulative GCs dose (β= -0.24, p=0.039 and β= -0.29, p=0.014, respectively). In premenopausal women BMD of LS, FN and TH were associated with BMI (β=0.51, p<0,001; β=0.45, p=0.003 and β=0.47, p=0.002, respectively), duration of GCs using (β= -0.45, p=0.004; β= -0.47, p=0.003 and β= -0.48, p=0.002, respectively) and GCs cumulative dose (β= -0.48, p=0.002; β= -0.51, p=0.001 and β= -0.46, p=0.004, respectively); BMD of FN and TH with 25(ОН)D level (β=0.52, p=0.008 and β=0.54, p=0.005, respectively), and LS BMD with SSc duration (β= -0.44, p=0.004).Conclusion:Low BMD was diagnosed in 66% of women with SSc. Low BMI, GCs cumulative dose and duration of GCs using were independent risk factors for low BMD in both premenopausal and postmenopausal persons. Additional factors as SSc duration and low vitamin D level were found out for premenopausal and current GCs dose and C-reactive protein level for postmenopausal women.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Mammographic microcalcifications and risk of breast cancer

British Journal of Cancer ◽

10.1038/s41416-021-01459-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shadi Azam ◽

Mikael Eriksson ◽

Arvid Sjölander ◽

Marike Gabrielson ◽

Roxanna Hellgren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Detection System ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Computer Aided Detection ◽

Comprehensive Information ◽

Estimated Risk ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

Microcalcification Clusters

Abstract Background Mammographic microcalcifications are considered early signs of breast cancer (BC). We examined the association between microcalcification clusters and the risk of overall and subtype-specific BC. Furthermore, we studied how mammographic density (MD) influences the association between microcalcification clusters and BC risk. Methods We used a prospective cohort (n = 53,273) of Swedish women with comprehensive information on BC risk factors and mammograms. The total number of microcalcification clusters and MD were measured using a computer-aided detection system and the STRATUS method, respectively. Cox regressions and logistic regressions were used to analyse the data. Results Overall, 676 women were diagnosed with BC. Women with ≥3 microcalcification clusters had a hazard ratio [HR] of 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57–3.01) compared to women with no clusters. The estimated risk was more pronounced in premenopausal women (HR = 2.93; 95% CI = 1.67–5.16). For postmenopausal women, microcalcification clusters and MD had a similar influence on BC risk. No interaction was observed between microcalcification clusters and MD. Microcalcification clusters were significantly associated with in situ breast cancer (odds ratio: 2.03; 95% CI = 1.13–3.63). Conclusions Microcalcification clusters are an independent risk factor for BC, with a higher estimated risk in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, microcalcification clusters have a similar association with BC as baseline MD.

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Association between Soy Food and Dietary Soy Isoflavone Intake and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korea

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051407 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1407

Author(s):

Jihyun Im ◽

Kyong Park

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Soy Isoflavones ◽

Korean Women ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Soy Isoflavone ◽

Soy Foods ◽

Cardiovascular Disease In Women

The association between soy food and soy isoflavone intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is uncertain, especially in women. We aimed to investigate this association in Korean women. We analyzed data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, including 4713 Korean women aged 40–69 years with no CVD or cancer at baseline. Dietary information was obtained using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the incidence of CVD was assessed using biennial self-reported questionnaires on medical history. The mean follow-up time was 7.4 years, during which 82 premenopausal and 200 postmenopausal women reported CVD incidence. The highest tofu, total soy foods, and dietary soy isoflavone intake groups were significantly associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women (tofu: hazard ratio (HR) 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19–0.80; total soy food: HR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18–0.70; dietary soy isoflavones: HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22–0.89), whereas no association was observed in postmenopausal women. Other soy foods showed no association with CVD incidence. Dietary soy isoflavones and total soy foods are associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women. Among soy foods, only tofu showed significant health benefits.

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Perception and Preference for Home-Based Telework in the COVID-19 Era: A Gender-Based Analysis in Hanoi, Vietnam

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13063179 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 3179

Author(s):

Minh Hieu Nguyen ◽

Jimmy Armoogum

Keyword(s):

Gender Inequality ◽

Sustainable Development Goal ◽

Related Factors ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Work Related ◽

Home Based ◽

The Social ◽

The Government ◽

Gender Based ◽

Using Data

The rapid and widespread of COVID-19 has caused severe multifaceted effects on society but differently in women and men, thereby preventing the achievement of gender equality (the 5th sustainable development goal of the United Nations). This study, using data of 355 teleworkers collected in Hanoi (Vietnam) during the first social distancing period, aims at exploring how (dis)similar factors associated with the perception and the preference for more home-based telework (HBT) for male teleworkers versus female peers are. The findings show that 56% of female teleworkers compared to 45% of male counterparts had a positive perception of HBT within the social distancing period and 63% of women desired to telework more in comparison with 39% of men post-COVID-19. Work-related factors were associated with the male perception while family-related factors influenced the female perception. There is a difference in the effects of the same variables (age and children in the household) on the perception and the preference for HBT for females. For women, HBT would be considered a solution post-COVID-19 to solve the burden existing pre-COVID-19 and increasing in COVID-19. Considering gender inequality is necessary for the government and authorities to lessen the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the lives of citizens, especially female ones, in developing countries.

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Understanding employee turnover in humanitarian organizations

Industrial and Commercial Training ◽

10.1108/ict-10-2015-0067 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 208-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Rameshwar Dubey ◽

Angappa Gunasekaran ◽

Nezih Altay ◽

Stephen J Childe ◽

Thanos Papadopoulos

Keyword(s):

Employee Turnover ◽

Factor Loading ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Related Factors ◽

Content Type ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Work Related ◽

Humanitarian Organizations ◽

Using Data ◽

High Level

Purpose – At a time when the number and seriousness of disasters seems to be increasing, humanitarian organizations find that besides their challenging work they are faced with problems caused by a high level of turnover of staff. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the 24 variables leading to employee turnover identified by Cotton and Tuttle (1986) the authors analyse the work-related, external and personal factors affecting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations, using a survey of members of the Indian National Institute of Disaster Management. Findings – Results indicated that the three factors are present. Of the external factors, only employment perception had a factor loading over 0.7; of the work-related factors, all were significant; of the personal factors, biographical information, marital status, number of dependants, aptitude and ability and intelligence had the highest loadings. It was also shown that behavioural intentions and net expectation were not significant. Originality/value – Only a few studies reported on employee turnover and its reasons are not well understood in the context of humanitarian organizations. To address this need, the aim of this paper is to explore the personal reasons impacting employee turnover in humanitarian organizations. In the study the authors have adopted 24 variables used in Cotton and Tuttle (1986) and classified into constructs to explain turnover, and further tested the model using data gathered from humanitarian organizations.

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