estrogen

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — a refresher

By Drs. Kerstin Gustafson and Colleen Dy on May 2, 2023

Women should be proactively educated at routine visits on menopause and the changes in the genital tract and anyone with vulvar and vaginal complaints should be offered a clinical exam to rule out secondary causes. GSM often continues to worsen with time if untreated. Daily use of vulvar and vaginal moisturizers and barrier creams to protect the skin from irritants may be helpful. Use of lubricants for intercourse should be recommended routinely. Many women will require pharmacotherapy in addition to non-hormonal treatments.

Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using virtual health

By Dr. Caitlin Dunne on November 30, 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. It affects 8%–13% of young women and its symptoms are some of the most prevalent concerns that community physicians encounter. In many cases, diagnosis and management can be carried out in a virtual health setting using clinical criteria and judicious use of laboratory investigations.

Why I talk about all Long Term Reversible Contraception (LARC)

By Dr. Konia Trouton on September 12, 2022

Patient satisfaction and continuation rates are very well documented for various contraceptives in Canada. Among the combined hormonal contraceptives ⁠— the pill, patch, and ring ⁠— only 50% of people are still using them after a year, despite all efforts to improve compliance and reduce side effects. In contrast, over 80% of people are still using long-acting and reversible IUDs a year later.

When vulvovaginal atrophy involves loss of genital sexual sensitivity: local (vaginal) dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) shows promise

By Dr. Rosemary Basson on December 3, 2013

Recent studies have shown that the local delivery of the main precursor hormone of testosterone and estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effectively treats dyspareunia and dryness from VVA and does not increase serum levels of estrogen and testosterone.

Understanding breast cancer responsiveness

By Dr. Karen Gelmon on February 20, 2012

There has been an explosion of information about the genetics and molecular makeup of breast cancers with a heightened understanding that this is not one disease. Using newer sequencing technology, researchers have suggested 9 distinctive types of the disease.