Neuroendocrine changes in sleep apnea

Purpose of review To review recent investigations examining the effects of neuroendocrine changes in obstructive sleep apnea. Recent findings Gonadal hormones have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. Recently, exogenous testosterone has been shown to exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea, whereas hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women may be protective in obstructive sleep apnea. Effective treatment of...