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Biomedical subjects

L Dennerstein

Publications and source records attributed to L Dennerstein.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

The effects of benzodiazepines on hormones in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

A single blind study was planned to investigate whether benzodiapines would reduce androgens in women with idiopathic hirsutism. Placebo was given for the first month followed by four months of a benzodiazepine (chlorazepate 15 mg nocte or diazepam 10 mg nocte ). Plasma samples were collected during the follicular and luteal phases of each therapy month. Hair growth was assessed monthly. Eighteen women concluded the five months of the trial of whom ten received chlorazepate and eight diazepam. Comparison of follicular plasma samples during the placebo phase and fourth month of benzodiazepine found a significant increase in sex hormone binding globulin and a significant decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate with benzodiazepine therapy. No significant effects on hair growth were observed. A longer therapy time may be needed to demonstrate effects of benzodiapines on hirsutism. Further studies are needed to determine whether benzodiazepines affect hormonal parameters in normal men and women.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Psychosis and the menstrual cycle.

A case of a puerperal psychosis in a 26-year-old woman who had a strong family history of schizophrenia is reported. Her symptoms resolved with chlorpromazine and electroconvulsive therapy, but recurred each month just before the onset of menses. The cyclical recurrence of symptoms was prevented by therapy with danazol, a synthetic steroid which inhibits ovulation and may influence several levels of the reproductive control mechanism from the hypothalamus to the uterus. This therapy may be helpful for other women who suffer from recurrence of severe psychiatric disorders in close association with the menstrual cycle.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

The premenstrual syndrome. A psychological evaluation.

The aim of the present study was to verify the presence of certain psychological factors in women complaining of the premenstrual syndrome which would differentiate these women from others. Of 42 women initially interviewed, 25 were finally selected for study, on the basis of clear premenstrual/menstrual symptoms. Twenty-three women who did not suffer premenstrual symptoms acted as controls. Women suffering from the premenstrual syndrome had significantly higher levels of 'trait' anxiety (STAI), 'neuroticism' (EPI-B), and more negative attitudes towards their bodies, genitals, sex and masturbation, as measured by a 'Role Acceptance Scale'. Both premenstrual syndrome sufferers and controls held negative attitudes toward menarche and menses.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Plasma levels of ethinyl oestradiol and norgestrel during hormone replacement therapy.

Plasma levels of levonorgestrel and ethinyl oestradiol were estimated in six women who took part in a double blind cross-over trial of hormone replacement therapy. Over a 12 mth period, each woman received each of the following oral drugs for 3 mth: ethinyl oestradiol 50 microgram, levonorgestrel 250 microgram, combination of ethinyl oestradiol 50 microgram and levonorgestrel 250 microgram (Nordiol), and placebo. Plasma samples were collected at 2, 8 and 26 h after morning medication each month. Plasma levels of norgestrel were increased when ethinyl oestradiol was added in the form of the combined preparation "Nordiol". The addition of ethinyl oestradiol to norgestrel therapy also resulted in significant differences between patients in the plasma norgestrel levels. There was approximately a three-fold difference between individuals in the plasma levels of ethinyl oestradiol achieved on the same fixed dose. No simple relationship was evident between plasma levels of norgestrel or ethinyl oestradiol and any of the clinical features measured.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Some clinical effects of oestrogen-progestogen therapy in surgically castrated women.

This study reports some of the effects of oestrogen and progestogen therapy. forty-nine women who had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy took part in a double blind crossover study during which they received ethinyl oestradiol 50 micrograms/day, norgestrel 250 micrograms/day, the combination of these substances "Nordiol" and placebo. Somatic complaints were assessed at monthly interviews and weight and blood pressure recorded. The addition of norgestrel to ethinyl oestradiol therapy resulted in less dryness of skin but significantly increased mastalgia and breast size. There were no significant differences between drugs on amount of facial hair, acne, arthralgia, pruritus vulvae, vaginal discharge, vaginal odour, dyspareunia, weight or blood pressure. There was a significant reduction of diastolic blood pressure with the time duration of the study.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1980

Hormones and sexuality: effect of estrogen and progestogen.

This study was planned to determine the effects of estrogen and progestogen on female sexual behavior. Forty-nine women who had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Over a 12-month period each woman received 3 months each of ethinyl estradiol, 50 microgram per day; levonorgestrel, 250 microgram per day; combination of these 2 substances (Nordiol); and a placebo. Significant differences between medications were found in sexual desire, enjoyment, and orgasmic frequency. The most beneficial effects occurred during medication with ethinyl estradiol. There were no differences observed in the effect of homones or placebo on coital rate or on the analogue rating scales scored daily. The validity of this scale in the present study is questionable.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Affect and the menstrual cycle.

Evidence from both retrospective and prospective studies suggests that many women do show cyclical changes in affect. Negative changes such as irritability, headache, tension, anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression are more frequent in the premenstrual and menstrual phases. Positive changes, pleasantness, increased vigour and elation are reported more often in the follicular or mid-cycle phases. Various theories have been suggested to explain these changes. These include psychodynamic, sociological and biological explanations. Although there is some evidence to support each theory no definite conclusions can be reached about the aetiological basis of most affective changes. Interpretation of studies attempting to link hormonal and affective fluctuations in limited by the many methodological problems outlined. Only one study appeared able to conclusively demonstrate a hormonal basis for a cyclical symptom. Suggestions are made for further research in this area.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Hormone therapy and affect.

This study investigated the influence of hormone therapy on affect in a double blind crossover trail. The sample consisted of 49 women who had previously undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. Therapy consisted of 3 mth each of ethynyl oestradiol-50 micron/day, levonorgestrel-250 micron/day, "Nordial"-a combination of these two substances, and placebo. Affect was measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, verbal reports by women and self-ratings on visual analogue scales. Ethinyl oestradiol was found to have a beneficial influence on aspects of affect such as Hamilton scores, anxiety irritability and insomnia. The influence of hormones on Hamilton scores could be partly but not fully explained by the alleviation of hot flushes. Norgestrel showed less favourable changes initially but these tended to diminish by the third therapy month. Most of the women studied were not clinically depressed. Anxiety symptoms were the major features exhibited in the group of women investigated. The results of this study suggest that visual analogue rating scales are of questionable validity in assessing affect in patients without any appreciable psychiatric morbidity.

Affect↗
PubMed1978

A review of studies of the psychological symptoms found at the menopause.

The scientific literature was reviewed in order to determine whether psychological symptoms were directly associated with the menopause. Aetiology theories of symptoms include biological, psychological, sociological and multifactorial. There is evidence that psychological symptoms do occur in increased frequency in relationship to declining ovarian function. The severity of these symptoms may be affected by sociological variables. Administration of oestrogens alone or in combination with progestogens appear to alleviate some of the symptoms. More detailed research is needed into the relationship between psychological symptoms and the menopause.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Menopausal hot flushes: a double blind comparison of placebo, ethinyl oestradiol and norgestrel.

A double blind crossover study was planned in order to compare the effects of oestrogen, progestogen and placebo on hot flushes. The 49 women studied had previously undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. The drug regimen consisted of three months each of ethinyl oestradiol 50 microgram/day, d norgestrel 250 microgram/day, a combination of these two substance ("Nordiol") and a placebo. The predominant reason for requesting a change of medication was intolerable hot flushes associated with placebo use. All hormonal preparations were found to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing hot flush frequency and intensity. Oestrogen containing medications were more effective than the progestogen (norgestrel).

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Clinical features and plasma hormone levels after surgical menopause.

This study reports the plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol and testosterone in 43 women who had undergone bilateral oöphorectomy. Age was the only variable of those investigated which appeared to influence a hormone level; testosterone levels were found to decrease with increasing age. Two significant associations were found between clinical features of the menopause and the plasma hormone levels measured. Low levels of oestradiol were associated with pruritus vulvae and high levels of testerone were associated with headaches.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Sexual counselling.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1977

Sexuality.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

The development of a scale for the assessment of sexual behaviour in Australian women.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple method of assessing female sexual response, suitable for use in clinical investigations. Following a review of interview, physiological and psychological methods, a Scale of Sexual Response was developed. Sexually dysfunctional women and women who stated they had no sexual problems completed the Scale. The results demonstrated that 11 of the 15 subscales had concurrent validity. The 4 subscales relating to auto eroticism did not distinguish between groups. Significant changes were demonstrated in 4 subscales following successful therapy of the sexual dysfunction. The scale was shown to be reliable.

Australia↗