Biomedical subjects

F Kronenberg

Publications and source records attributed to F Kronenberg.

76 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1984

Menopausal hot flashes: thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and circulating catecholamine and LH changes.

Thermoregulatory, cardiovascular and endocrine changes were simultaneously monitored in 11 post-menopausal women with frequent hot flashes (catecholamine and LH levels were measured in 5 and 6 subjects respectively). Plasma samples were obtained at 1- and 5-min intervals. Hot flashes were accompanied by abrupt increases in plasma epinephrine (about 150%) and concomitant decreases in norepinephrine (about 40%). Increased luteinizing hormone was associated with most hot flashes. A detailed sequence of hot flash-associated changes was established. An aura preceded the onset of the hot flash by several seconds. HR and FBF increased just before the onset of the flash and reached peak levels of 10-20 beats/min and 30-fold respectively. Coincident with vasodilation and sweating, finger temperature increased an average of 3.9 degrees C and esophageal temperature fell 0.2-0.6 degrees C. Flashes of both discrete and prolonged intervals were observed. Sensation was a reliable index of flash occurrence and intensity as measured physiologically. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hot flashes are due to a change in the thermoregulatory set point. Furthermore, the changes in catecholamine levels are consistent with the cardiovascular changes accompanying hot flashes.

Body Temperature Regulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hot flashes: phenomenology, quality of life, and search for treatment options.

Menopausal hot flashes are a significant problem for women. Hot flashes can impact on daily functioning, particularly when they disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day. However, our knowledge about this primary complaint of menopausal women is far from complete. It is known that a hot flash is associated with thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and endocrine changes. However, much is unknown about the phenomenology of hot flashes, such as the range of variability in the pattern and longitudinal course of hot flashes. Although estrogen plays a role in the etiology of hot flashes, the mechanism by which its withdrawal precipitates hot flashes and its replacement relieves them is not understood. Nor do we know what it is that triggers individual hot flash episodes. We are beginning to learn about factors, such as ambient temperature, that modulate the frequency of severity of hot flashes. And very new data suggest that the ingestion of certain foods may influence hot flashes via estrogenic substances present in the food plants. Although there is much anecdotal information about herbs and other nonconventional remedies, little or no research had been done to assess the efficacy or safety of these methods for the treatment of hot flashes. An immediate focus on some of the most promising of these therapies could broaden the available treatment options and should provide new insights into the mechanism underlying hot flashes.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Complementary and alternative medicine in women's health. Developing a research agenda.

Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming an established intervention modality within the contemporary health care system. Various forms of complementary and alternative medicine are used by patients and practitioners alike, including chiropractic, massage, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and energy therapies. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established within the National Institutes of Health to facilitate evaluation of these alternative therapies, establish an information clearinghouse, and promote research in the field. This article discusses several aspects of complementary and alternative medicine, relates them to women's health, and describes the need for a research agenda to evaluate the impact of the complementary and alternative medicine modalities used for important conditions affecting women.

Complementary Therapies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) for menopausal women: current state of knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: Red clover (Trifolium pratense) extracts are becoming increasingly popular, primarily for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Although promoted as a phytoestrogen source similar to soybeans, red clover is a medicinal herb, not a food, and traditionally has not been used long-term. We sought to review the scientific literature for this newer use. DESIGN: Medline was searched for controlled trials of red clover (Trifolium pratense), and other sources were searched for other studies and abstracts. RESULTS: Two double-blind placebo-controlled trials found no beneficial effects of red clover extracts on hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms. Three of four trials examining the effect of red clover on lipids found no benefit; the fourth trial contains too little data to interpret. One study examining the effect of red clover on arterial compliance found a significant beneficial effect on arterial compliance. CONCLUSION: Red clover extracts have as yet no clear demonstrable benefit for menopausal symptoms. Potential estrogenic effects on breast and endometrium have not been adequately assessed. The presence of coumarins in some clover species makes it imperative to include tests of clotting factors in future trials.

Cholesterol, HDL↗