Latest news with #Cushing'ssyndrome
Business Wire
9 hours ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Corcept Presents Data from Treatment Phase of CATALYST Trial at American Diabetes Association's 85
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ: CORT), a commercial-stage company engaged in the discovery and development of medications to treat severe endocrinologic, oncologic, metabolic and neurologic disorders by modulating the effects of the hormone cortisol, today presented data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment phase of its CATALYST trial of Korlym ® in patients with hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes at the American Diabetes Association's 85 th Scientific Sessions. CATALYST met its primary endpoint. Patients who received Korlym exhibited a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which decreased 1.47 percent from baseline, compared to a 0.15 percent decrease in patients who received placebo (p-value: < 0.001). Of the 91 patients in the treatment group, 65 (71%) received at least 600mg of Korlym and 28 (31%) received 900mg. Patients who received 900mg of Korlym had an improvement in HbA1c of 2.01 percent, compared to a 0.16 percent decrease in patients who received placebo (p-value: < 0.001). The trial also met its secondary endpoints, as patients who received Korlym exhibited significantly reduced body weight (5.1 kg; p-value: 0.001) and waist circumference (5.1 cm; p-value: 0.002), compared to patients who received placebo. Patients receiving Korlym achieved these improvements despite reducing or discontinuing their glucose-lowering medications. Adverse events in CATALYST were manageable and consistent with Korlym's known safety profile. The most common adverse events (> 20% of participants receiving Korlym) were hypokalemia, fatigue and nausea. The conference presentations can be found here. Results were published simultaneously in Diabetes Care, in an article titled ' Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes and Hypercortisolism: Improved Glycemia With Mifepristone Treatment.' CATALYST is the largest and most rigorous trial ever conducted to determine the prevalence of hypercortisolism in patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes and assess the effect of treating patients found to have hypercortisolism with a cortisol modulator. The initial prevalence phase of the trial screened 1,057 patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes (i.e., patients with HbA1c greater than 7.5 percent despite receiving multiple glucose-lowering medications, including best-in-class therapies such as GLP-1 agonists) at 36 sites in the United States. Based on results from a standard 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test, 24 percent of the patients screened were found to have hypercortisolism and were eligible to enter the trial's treatment phase, where they were randomized, 2:1, to receive either Korlym or placebo for 24 weeks. One hundred thirty-six patients enrolled in the treatment phase. 'Many people with type 2 diabetes do not respond adequately to conventional glucose-lowering therapies,' said John Buse, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of North Carolina's Diabetes Center. 'CATALYST shows that these patients should be screened for hypercortisolism and that treatment with a cortisol-directed therapy can confer significant clinical benefits, including meaningful reductions in HbA1c, body weight and waist circumference. These powerful findings provide important guidance for physicians treating patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes.' 'We urgently need all physicians, not just endocrinologists, to develop a greater understanding of Cushing's syndrome,' said Leslie Edwin, President of the Cushing's Support & Research Foundation. 'As a person who has lived with the complex and far-reaching effects of Cushing's syndrome for almost two decades, it is difficult to see that some things have been slow to change. Patients are still spending years on average searching for the cause of deceptively common symptoms, like elevated blood sugar, weight gain, depression and anxiety treated as individual diagnoses instead of parts of a bigger, more burdensome problem that carries tremendous health risk. The CATALYST data will help physicians identify and treat patients more quickly and accurately through earlier screening, and that is such an exciting prospect for all of us in the Cushing's community.' 'The CATALYST results will help physicians more accurately diagnose and treat people with hypercortisolism, a serious and deadly disease that too often goes undetected,' said Bill Guyer, PharmD, Corcept's Chief Development Officer. 'One in four patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes have hypercortisolism and treatment with a cortisol modulator can be highly effective in improving many of their signs and symptoms. Corcept is thankful to the patients who participated in CATALYST. We hope these data can help all patients with this disease.' About Hypercortisolism (Cushing's Syndrome) Hypercortisolism is caused by excessive activity of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms vary, but most patients experience one or more of the following manifestations: hypertension, central obesity, elevated blood sugar and difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes, severe fatigue and weak muscles. Irritability, anxiety, depression and cognitive disturbances are common. Hypercortisolism can affect every organ system and can be lethal if not treated effectively. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INDICATIONS AND USAGE Korlym (mifepristone) is a cortisol receptor blocker indicated to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery. IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS OF USE Do not use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus unrelated to endogenous Cushing's syndrome. BOXED WARNING: TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY Mifepristone is a potent antagonist of progesterone and cortisol via the progesterone and glucocorticoid (GR-II) receptors, respectively. The antiprogestational effects will result in the termination of pregnancy. Pregnancy must therefore be excluded before the initiation of treatment with Korlym and prevented during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment by the use of a nonhormonal medically acceptable method of contraception unless the patient has had a surgical sterilization, in which case no additional contraception is needed. Pregnancy must also be excluded if treatment is interrupted for more than 14 days in females of reproductive potential. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Obtain a negative pregnancy test prior to initiating treatment with Korlym in females of reproductive potential, or if treatment is interrupted for more than 14 days. Administer once daily orally with a meal. The recommended starting dose is 300 mg once daily. Renal impairment: Do not exceed 600 mg once daily. Mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment: Do not exceed 600 mg once daily. Do not use in severe hepatic impairment. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dose may be increased in 300-mg increments to a maximum of 1200 mg once daily. Do not exceed 20 mg/kg per day. Concomitant use of Korlym with a strong CYP3A inhibitor resulted in a 38% increase in mean plasma concentration of mifepristone. For patients already being treated with a strong CYP3A inhibitor, start with a Korlym dose of 300 mg per day and titrate to a maximum of 900 mg per day if clinically indicated. When a strong CYP3A inhibitor is administered to patients already receiving Korlym, adjust the dose as follows: for patients receiving a daily dose of 600 mg, reduce dose to 300 mg. For patients receiving a daily dose of 900 mg, reduce dose to 600 mg. For patients receiving a daily dose of 1200 mg, reduce dose to 900 mg. Titrate if clinically indicated and do not exceed a Korlym dose of 900 mg in combination with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy; patients taking simvastatin or lovastatin and CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic ranges; patients receiving systemic corticosteroids for lifesaving purposes; women with a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia or endometrial carcinoma; patients with known hypersensitivity to mifepristone or to any of the product components. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Adrenal insufficiency: Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia should be corrected prior to treatment and monitored for during treatment. Vaginal bleeding and endometrial changes: Women may experience endometrial thickening or unexpected vaginal bleeding. Use with caution if the patient also has a hemorrhagic disorder or is on anticoagulant therapy. QT interval prolongation: Avoid use with QT interval-prolonging drugs, or in patients with potassium channel variants resulting in a long QT interval. Use of strong CYP3A inhibitors: Concomitant use increases mifepristone plasma levels. Adjust Korlym dose as described in Dosage and Administration. Use only when necessary and do not exceed a Korlym dose of 900 mg. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions in Cushing's syndrome (≥20%): nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased blood potassium, arthralgia, vomiting, peripheral edema, hypertension, dizziness, decreased appetite, endometrial hypertrophy. DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs metabolized by CYP3A: Administer drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A at the lowest dose when used with Korlym. CYP3A inhibitors: Caution should be used when Korlym is used with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Adjust Korlym dose as described in Dosage and Administration. Use only when necessary, and do not exceed a Korlym dose of 900 mg. CYP3A inducers: Do not use Korlym with CYP3A inducers. Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8/2C9: Use the lowest dose of CYP2C8/2C9 substrates when used with Korlym. Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6: Use of Korlym should be done with caution with bupropion and efavirenz. Hormonal contraceptives: Do not use with Korlym. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Mifepristone is present in human milk, however, there are no data on the amount of mifepristone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production during long term use of mifepristone. About Corcept Therapeutics For over 25 years, Corcept has focused on cortisol modulation and its potential to treat patients with a wide variety of serious disorders and has discovered more than 1,000 proprietary selective cortisol modulators and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. Corcept is conducting advanced clinical trials in patients with hypercortisolism, solid tumors, ALS and liver disease. In February 2012, the company introduced Korlym ®, the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism. Corcept is headquartered in Redwood City, California. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements based on our current plans and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that might cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those related to our ability to: operate our business; study and develop Korlym ®, relacorilant, miricorilant, dazucorilant and our other product candidates; those molecules' clinical attributes, regulatory approvals, mandates, oversight and other requirements; and the scope and protective power of our intellectual property. These and other risks are set forth in our SEC filings, which are available at our website and the SEC's website. In this press release, forward-looking statements include: the impact of CATALYST on the medical field's practices regarding the screening for and treatment of hypercortisolism. We disclaim any intention or duty to update forward-looking statements made in this press release.
AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
Obesity rates are rising in Singapore, but is overeating the only cause?, Lifestyle News
Obesity is on the rise in Singapore, with recent studies revealing a worrying trend. The 2021/2022 National Population Health Survey by the Ministry of Health showed that the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 18 to 74 in Singapore had increased from 2020 to 2022. The World Obesity Federation has also reported that our nation now ranks third among Asian countries in terms of adult obesity percentage. According to the National University Health System (NUHS), obesity is a chronic disease caused by having too much body fat, and can increase the risk of several other medical conditions. An article by Harvard Health in 2019 explained that there are several factors that can contribute to a person becoming overweight — from genetic factors to diet, lifestyle and stress. Speaking to AsiaOne, Dr Wong Hui Mei, principal dietitian at Gleneagles Hospital, shared that one of the biggest dietary contributors to the rising obesity rates in Singapore is the increased convenience and affordability of ultra-processed food such as fast food, ready-to-eat meals and sugary beverages. "These foods are high in calories, high in fat and sugar, low in nutrients, and may lack balanced nutrition. They're also more affordable than healthier alternatives. This makes it harder for individuals to make nutritious choices," she stated. Her statement is echoed by Dr Koh Huilin, a consultant in Endocrinology at Woodlands Health, who told AsiaOne: "We have an obesogenic (tending to cause obesity) environment where local delights tend to be high calorie-density food with high carbohydrates and high fat, as well as ultra-processed foods that are available 24/7 and rather inexpensive." And other than diet and lifestyle, are there any other factors that could affect a person's weight? How Singapore's physical and cultural environment plays a part According to Dr Koh, there are several factors that come into play, including things like physical and cultural environment — especially in the context of Singapore. "Our humid weather makes it unattractive to exercise outdoors despite the many green spaces and park connectors being developed. Our stressful work culture with long hours take time away from self-care amidst other familial roles such as caregiving. It can also lead to poor quality sleep or insomnia. Poor sleep with inadequate hours or poor quality can lead to increased hunger, cravings and reduced metabolism," she explained. The impact of medical conditions on obesity In addition to these external factors, Dr Anuradha Negi, specialist in Endocrinology and senior consultant at Raffles Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, shares that there are also several medical conditions that contribute to obesity. "Several endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's syndrome and growth hormone deficiencies can lead to weight gain or make weight loss harder," she told AsiaOne. Mental health's part in obesity On top of that, mental health also plays a part, as explained by Dr Wong, who said that many often turn to overeating as a way to cope with high levels of stress — which often results in consuming excessive calories. This is also backed by Dr Precelia Lam, general practitioner at Raffles Medical, who shared with AsiaOne: "Stress, anxiety and depression can lead to emotional eating, binge-eating or poor food choices. Some people turn to food for comfort, especially high-sugar or high-fat options for the 'dopamine hit'." The role of prescribed medications The idea that certain medications can cause weight gain isn't just a myth, either. According to Dr Koh, some prescribed medications used to treat psychiatric and chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune conditions or acute asthma attacks (steroids) may lead to weight gain, and chronic use of anti-histamines can also "make one susceptible for weight gain". She also noted that certain medications used to treat diabetes like insulin, sulphonylrea and thiazolidinediones can result in weight gain, but more as a "physiologic response rather than an abnormal weight gain". Dr Koh also added that conversely, some medications used in chronic disease management can help with weight loss. "That said, medications are selected and tailored by one's doctor to best treat the underlying condition, hence they should not be stopped without consultation with your doctor," the endocrinologist said. Genetic and ethnic factors At times, we might observe that some people tend to lose or gain weight easily while for others, it might be tougher — even when they seemingly consume the same amount of food. According to Dr Negi, this is because genetics also affect whether a person is more prone to obesity. "Genetics play a role in how the body regulates appetite, converts food into calories, and how your body burns calories during exercise," she explained. She also added that ethnicity also has a hand in it all, with certain ethnic groups such as South Asians and East Asians having a tendency to have higher visceral fat at a lower BMI. Dr Abel Soh, endocrinologist at Woodlands Health, also seconded that genetics and ethnicity are contributing factors to obesity. "At least 15 genes have been found that can contribute to a person becoming obese. In Singapore, ethnic groups like Malays and Indians have higher rates of obesity compared to the Chinese, likely due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors," he stated. Health implications of obesity Regardless of the cause — obesity often comes with health implications which can significantly increase the risk of serious and chronic conditions. Speaking to AsiaOne, Dr Tham Kwang Wei, senior consultant in Endocrinology at Woodlands Health, said that obesity is currently associated with 265 medical conditions and diseases, which reflects "the degree to which excess body fat can cause havoc to one's body". And while it affects everyone differently to a certain extent because of how fat is distributed, how the body reacts to excess fat and different lifestyles, it doesn't mean that the risks that come with obesity are any less significant. "If one does not have any medical issues at present related to obesity, that person still remains at risk," she warned. According to Dr Lam, some chronic health problems associated with obesity include: High blood pressure High cholesterol Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease Stroke But that's not all. "One growing concern is sleep apnoea, which causes trouble breathing and poor overall health. Joint and mobility problems [also] arise from extra weight being put on joints, causing osteoarthritis and lower back pain. Obesity is also linked to higher risk of certain cancers like breast, colon and liver cancer," the GP warned. Additionally, Dr Wong shared that fatty liver is also one of the health conditions associated with obesity. Experts' advice on tackling obesity For those struggling with obesity, it's not only important to get to a healthy weight — but to lose the weight healthily and in a safe manner to reduce the health risks. Dr Wong suggests calorie counting to lose weight — explaining that it's an important factor even when consuming nutritious foods as it's still possible to take in more calories than the body needs when doing so — which would ultimately hinder weight loss. "It's also crucial to focus on sustainability and practicality. The best approach is one that you can maintain in the long term without feeling overwhelmed. Extreme calorie restriction or over-exercising can be difficult to sustain and might lead to burnout," she added. She also explained that if you continue to struggle with losing weight despite that, "it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional" as "they can help identify any underlying health conditions" and "offer personalised advice and support" in order to help reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively. To those who are struggling to lose weight, Dr Lam also advises that it's important to recognise that "weight loss is often non-linear". She stated that plateaus happen when trying to lose weight, and it's okay — because "the goal is not perfection, but progress and persistence." "You're not alone, and you're not a failure. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition, and treating it requires support, compassion and realistic strategies. You don't have to run marathons. Dancing, walking, swimming or even gardening counts. Movement should feel energising, not punishing. Consistency beats intensity," she encouraged. The GP also warned against buying into fad diets and pseudoscience online. "If something sounds to good to be true, for example, losing 10kg in a week, it probably is," she said. For those who aren't sure where to start, Loh Win Nie, vice president of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association, also shared simple tips that may "make a difference in managing weight and building healthier habits without needing a total lifestyle overhaul", including: Asking for more vegetables when eating out (make at least half your plate plant-based) Choosing plain drinks more often (go for plain or sparkling water, or ordering less-sugar versions of your favourite drinks) Eating slower to feel fuller as it takes time for our brains to register fullness Not waiting until you're starving to eat as it's more likely to lead to overeating or unhealthy fast fixes Watching portions, not just food choices as even healthy food can lead to weight gain in excess Moving in short bursts throughout the day (take the stairs, brisk 10-minute walks after meals or stretch between meetings) Finally, she expressed that it's also crucial not to be too hard on yourself on your weight loss journey. "Last but not least, be kind to yourself. Change takes time. It is okay to enjoy your favourite food once in a while. The goal is not to restrict, but to find a healthier rhythm that works for you in the long run. Small, consistent changes make the biggest impact. It's not about dieting; it is about learning what works for your lifestyle and taking steps that are realistic and sustainable," she concluded. As for those who are struggling to lose weight on top of certain medical conditions and medications, Dr Koh advised that it's a good idea to consult a doctor or healthcare professional. "Best to seek help from medical professionals for guidance as one's overall health condition, along with the obesity, needs to be managed comprehensively and holistically. For example, some medications may not be suitable for people on certain medications or [with] certain conditions," she stated. [[nid:620048]]
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Discover 3 Growth Stocks With Insider Ownership Up To 28%
Over the last 7 days, the United States market has experienced a 1.4% drop, but it remains up by 11% over the past year with earnings expected to grow by 14% annually in the coming years. In this context of fluctuating yet promising market conditions, growth stocks with significant insider ownership can be appealing as they often indicate confidence from those closest to the company's operations and potential for future success. Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Super Micro Computer (NasdaqGS:SMCI) 25.3% 39.1% Duolingo (NasdaqGS:DUOL) 14.3% 39.9% AST SpaceMobile (NasdaqGS:ASTS) 13.4% 67.1% FTC Solar (NasdaqCM:FTCI) 27.9% 61.8% Credo Technology Group Holding (NasdaqGS:CRDO) 12.1% 65.1% Astera Labs (NasdaqGS:ALAB) 15.2% 44.3% BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB) 16.2% 30.2% Enovix (NasdaqGS:ENVX) 12.1% 58.4% Upstart Holdings (NasdaqGS:UPST) 12.5% 102.6% Eagle Financial Services (NasdaqCM:EFSI) 15.8% 82.8% Click here to see the full list of 189 stocks from our Fast Growing US Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated focuses on discovering and developing medications for severe endocrinologic, oncologic, metabolic, and neurologic disorders in the United States, with a market cap of $8.04 billion. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from the discovery, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, amounting to $685.45 million. Insider Ownership: 11.5% Corcept Therapeutics is poised for significant growth, with revenue expected to increase by 27.5% annually, outpacing the broader US market. Despite recent earnings showing a decline in net income to US$20.55 million for Q1 2025, the company maintains robust revenue guidance of US$900-950 million for the year. Corcept's strategic focus on cortisol modulation and its proprietary drug relacorilant shows promise in treating serious conditions like ovarian cancer and Cushing's syndrome, supported by successful clinical trials. Click here to discover the nuances of Corcept Therapeutics with our detailed analytical future growth report. According our valuation report, there's an indication that Corcept Therapeutics' share price might be on the expensive side. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: ★★★★★★ Overview: Astera Labs, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductor-based connectivity solutions for cloud and AI infrastructure with a market cap of $15.20 billion. Operations: The company generates $490.47 million in revenue from its semiconductor-based connectivity solutions for cloud and AI infrastructure. Insider Ownership: 15.2% Astera Labs is experiencing rapid growth, with earnings projected to rise significantly at 44.3% annually and revenue expected to grow at 24% per year, both surpassing US market averages. Despite recent insider selling, the company's collaboration with NVIDIA on AI infrastructure solutions highlights its strategic positioning in advanced connectivity technologies. Recent announcements include a Q1 net income of US$31.82 million from sales of US$159.44 million, marking a turnaround from previous losses. Take a closer look at Astera Labs' potential here in our earnings growth report. Our valuation report unveils the possibility Astera Labs' shares may be trading at a premium. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: CoreWeave, Inc. operates a cloud platform focused on scaling, support, and acceleration for GenAI with a market cap of $51.54 billion. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its data processing segment, which generated $2.71 billion. Insider Ownership: 28.7% CoreWeave's recent $2 billion debt offering, alongside a $4 billion cloud computing deal with OpenAI, underscores its strategic growth in AI infrastructure. Despite high share price volatility and significant insider selling over the past three months, CoreWeave's revenue is forecast to grow at 37.3% annually, outpacing the US market. The company's financial maneuvers aim to enhance flexibility for expanding its AI cloud platform globally while maintaining a focus on technological innovation and partnerships. Delve into the full analysis future growth report here for a deeper understanding of CoreWeave. Our expertly prepared valuation report CoreWeave implies its share price may be too high. Embark on your investment journey to our 189 Fast Growing US Companies With High Insider Ownership selection here. Searching for a Fresh Perspective? AI is about to change healthcare. These 22 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years. Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqCM:CORT NasdaqGS:ALAB and NasdaqGS:CRWV. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Symptoms of androgen excess in women are too often being overlooked - or dismissed as 'just cosmetic'
Dublin: Acne that won't go away. Hair thinning at the crown. Unwanted facial hair, unpredictable periods, mood swings and weight gain. For millions of women, these aren't just annoying symptoms - they're signs of a deeper, often ignored condition: androgen excess. Despite affecting at least one in ten women worldwide, this hormonal imbalance remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and too often dismissed. Androgens are commonly known as "male hormones", but all women have them too. The problem arises when levels become too high. This excess can wreak havoc across multiple systems in the body, disrupting menstrual cycles, fertility, metabolism and even mental health. Yet because some of the more visible symptoms, like acne or hirsutism, are often brushed off as cosmetic, many women don't get the support or treatment they need. The most well known cause of androgen excess is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It affects up to 13 per cent of women globally and costs the US alone an estimated US$15 billion (£11 bllion) each year. But, even though PCOS dominates the conversation, it's not the only condition behind androgen excess. Other, sometimes more serious, disorders can also cause elevated hormone levels like hormone-secreting tumours, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a group of genetic disorders that affect your adrenal glands), Cushing's syndrome (a rare hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to very high levels of the hormone cortisol) and severe insulin resistance. Yet too often, the assumption is that any woman with high androgens has PCOS, which can delay diagnosis of these rarer but potentially serious conditions. The effects of androgen excess go far beyond skin deep. It's associated with significant metabolic issues - insulin resistance affects the majority of women with PCOS, putting them at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Many also live with higher body weight and are more likely to develop high blood pressure, liver disease and cardiovascular problems. For some, difficulty conceiving is what finally leads them to seek medical help. But even among women not trying to become pregnant, hormonal imbalance can take a toll: anxiety and depression are two to three times more common in women with PCOS than in the general population. And yet, hormonal health is still too often treated as an afterthought. Many women describe years of feeling dismissed by doctors, told to "come back if you want to get pregnant", or offered little more than the contraceptive pill. On average, women with PCOS wait over two years and consult several different healthcare professionals before receiving a diagnosis. Nearly half say their symptoms were initially ignored. Part of the problem may be the name itself. "Polycystic ovary syndrome" is a misnomer - many women with PCOS don't actually have cysts on their ovaries, and having ovarian cysts doesn't necessarily mean you have PCOS. It's a complex metabolic and hormonal disorder, not just a reproductive one. That's why some experts and patient advocates around the world are calling for a name change to better reflect the condition's true nature. A more accurate label could raise awareness and improve the way it's diagnosed and treated. Encouragingly, there's been a major step forward in how androgen excess is addressed. In June 2024, the Society for Endocrinology in the UK published new clinical guidelines to help doctors better identify and manage the condition. These guidelines include clear diagnostic pathways, recommendations for when to carry out blood tests or scans, and guidance on when to refer patients for specialist care. Crucially, they acknowledge that androgen excess can affect women at all ages - not just during the reproductive years. A real difference Publishing guidelines is only the first step. To make a real difference in women's lives, several things need to happen. First, there must be greater investment in research. We still don't fully understand why some women develop excess androgens while others don't, or why symptoms vary so much between individuals. Research in women's health has long been underfunded and androgen-related conditions are no exception. Doctors also need better training. General practitioners, gynaecologists, dermatologists and even mental health professionals all have a role to play in recognising the signs of androgen excess. If they don't feel confident identifying the symptoms or knowing when to investigate further, women will continue to fall through the cracks. Just as importantly, women need access to clear, trustworthy information. Too many are left to Google their symptoms or rely on online forums. Knowing what to look out for - and what to ask a doctor - can empower women to advocate for themselves and get the care they deserve. Finally, we need to move toward more joined up, holistic care. Hormonal health doesn't exist in a vacuum. It affects - and is affected by - mental wellbeing, lifestyle, metabolism and reproductive health. Effective treatment means looking at the whole picture, not just prescribing a pill or focusing on fertility alone. Androgen excess may be invisible to those who don't experience it, but its impact is profound. For too long, it has flown under the radar. With better understanding, better care, and a stronger voice for women's health, we can ensure that hormonal symptoms are taken seriously - and treated with the urgency and compassion they deserve.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
10 visible signs that indicate one might have a high level of stress hormone ‘cortisol'
stress hormone Stress isn't always loud. Sometimes, it shows up quietly—through puffy eyes, hair fall, or sudden skin changes. The body is smarter than it gets credit for; it keeps sending signals, especially when the stress hormone cortisol shoots up. Cortisol is important—it keeps the body alert and awake. But when it stays high for too long, it starts doing more harm than good. What's often brushed off as 'just stress' may actually be the body screaming for attention. Here are 10 signs that could signal a persistently high level of cortisol. Puffy face, especially around the eyes by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Chronically high cortisol levels can lead to fluid retention, especially around the face and eyes. According to a 2013 study published in Endocrine Reviews, cortisol affects the body's salt-water balance, making the face appear swollen or rounded, especially in the mornings. Thin skin and easy bruising High cortisol levels can break down collagen, the protein that gives skin its strength. Over time, skin becomes fragile, thinner, and more prone to bruising even with minor knocks. This is common in people with Cushing's syndrome, a condition linked with cortisol excess. Unexplained belly fat with thin arms and legs Cortisol triggers fat storage around the abdomen, but at the same time, causes muscle breakdown in the limbs. That's why some people notice a disproportionate weight gain—fat around the belly but muscle loss in arms and legs. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism confirms this pattern. Dark patches or pigmentation around neck and armpits Long-term cortisol spikes can interfere with insulin regulation, leading to a condition called acanthosis nigricans. These dark patches are a result of hormonal imbalance, not dirt. Hair thinning at the crown or sudden hair loss Cortisol disrupts the hair growth cycle, especially the anagen phase, causing hair to shed prematurely. Hair loss that begins subtly from the scalp crown area is often a red flag for hormonal disruption linked to cortisol. Frequent skin breakouts, even in adulthood Cortisol increases sebum production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Worse, it slows healing, so pimples stay longer and leave deeper marks. A 2020 review in Experimental Dermatology also links cortisol surges with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema. Visible red or purple stretch marks on the body While weight gain plays a role, cortisol breaks down connective tissue, causing wide, reddish-purple striae—especially on the stomach, thighs, or underarms. These marks are usually deeper than normal stretch marks. Unexplained facial hair growth in women High cortisol can indirectly stimulate androgen (male hormone) production, especially in women, leading to excess hair growth on the chin, jawline, or upper lip—a condition also seen in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), where cortisol plays a secondary role. Red face or flushed skin without fever When cortisol remains high, it can dilate blood vessels, making the face appear red or blotchy, especially under stress or embarrassment. Persistent flushing could indicate more than just momentary tension. Elevated stress hormones linked to higher blood pressure risk Tired-looking eyes with deepening crow's feet Chronically elevated cortisol shortens telomeres (the protective ends of DNA), accelerating ageing. The first visible impact? Fine lines around the eyes, sunken appearance, and dark circles that don't go away even after rest.
