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Management of children with complex genital anomalies is one of the most difficult challenges a physician can face. The author of this Viewpoint argues that a multidisciplinary team of specialists—led by a pediatric endocrinologist—should be involved in the decision-making process to ensure the best possible outcome for the affected child.
The term 'andropause' is used to describe a syndrome in aging men that is characterized by symptoms of hypogonadism in the presence of low serum testosterone levels. As these changes do not occur independently of several other age-related changes, the authors discuss whether a genuine state of andropause really exists.
Polycystic ovary syndrome adversely affects the reproductive phenotype of many women. This article describes the characteristic clinical symptoms and discusses the basis for altered reproductive physiology. It also details the ways in which androgens, estrogens, gonadotropins, insulin and obesity might interact to cause and/or perpetuate some of the manifestations of this condition.
The features that comprise the metabolic syndrome allow clinicians to identify people at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As outlined in this article, these features can affect the risk to women and men differently. In addition, several modifiers specific to women affect risk factor identification and clinical management.
Although it affects food intake and energy partitioning, the precise role of the various forms of ghrelin and its receptor(s) in energy balance remains unclear. As described here, its specific effects on glucose homeostasis mean that it is a potential target to prevent and treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid nodules are very common; however, their etiology is largely unknown. In this article the authors suggest mechanisms behind the high rates of thyroid tumors. These include the oxidative nature of thyroid hormone synthesis, which is exacerbated by iodine deficiency; this (along with other conditions) can also affect thyroid cell proliferation.
