Understanding hormones and bone, thyroid, and adrenal health in adults

This research study is investigating how two hormones — luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — may affect several health conditions including osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and adrenal problems. While these hormones have long been studied for their role in reproduction, researchers now believe they may have important effects on bone health, weight, and how the body uses calcium and thyroid hormones. This study will help doctors better understand why certain endocrine disorders become more common as people age.

Many health problems become more common during and after menopause, but doctors don't fully understand all the reasons why. This study exists because researchers have noticed that some bone loss and weight gain happen when LH levels rise, even before estrogen drops significantly. By studying these hormones more carefully, doctors hope to find better ways to prevent and treat bone disease, thyroid problems, and other endocrine conditions without relying solely on hormone replacement therapy, which carries certain risks.