Reversible alopecia associated with high blood mercury levels and early menopause: a report of two cases.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report on two women in early menopause with alopecia and high mercury (Hg) levels which reversed with a decrease in toxic levels.

Methods: Retrospective chart review and case studies in a reproductive endocrinology practice.

Results: A 43-year-old woman initially evaluated for early menopause later experienced sudden circumscribed hair loss on the scalp.

Plasma Agouti-Related Protein and Cortisol Levels in Cushing Disease: Evidence for the Regulation of Agouti-Related Protein by Glucocorticoids in Humans.

Context: Glucocorticoids regulate energy balance, in part by stimulating the orexigenic neuropeptide agouti-related protein (AgRP). AgRP neurons express glucocorticoid receptors, and glucocorticoids have been shown to stimulate AgRP gene expression in rodents.

Objective: We sought to determine whether there is a relationship between plasma AgRP and hypothalamic AgRP in rats and to evaluate the relationship between cortisol and plasma AgRP in humans.