Hair loss is a common clinical condition connected with serious psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Hormones play an essential role in the regulation of the hair growth cycle. This review focuses on the hormonal background of hair loss, including pathophysiology, underlying endocrine disorders, and possible treatment options for alopecia. In particular, the role of androgens, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its sulfate (DHEAS), has been studied in the context of androgenetic alopecia. Androgen excess may cause miniaturization of hair follicles (HFs) in the scalp. Moreover, hair loss may occur in the case of estrogen deficiency, appearing naturally during menopause. Also, thyroid hormones and thyroid dysfunctions are linked with the most common types of alopecia, including telogen effluvium (TE), alopecia areata (AA), and androgenetic alopecia. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hormones (corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol) in stress-induced alopecia. This article also briefly discusses hormonal therapies, including 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), spironolactone, bicalutamide, estrogens, and others.

Human sexual development begins in the prenatal period and continues throughout life, shaped by both biological and psychosocial factors. Somatic development leads to reproductive maturity through several stages regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Psychosexual development, described in classical theories such as Freud’s and in contemporary models, emphasizes the development of gender identity and sexual behaviors from infancy through early and middle childhood into adolescence, a period characterized by the integration of sexual and emotional components. This developmental trajectory evolves from a biologically driven process into a conscious, socially shaped phenomenon through concretization, mentalization, and socialization. To synthesize current knowledge, this paper is based on a literature review conducted across multiple databases, with studies selected and evaluated for relevance to both somatic and psychosexual development. Understanding the dynamics of these processes is essential for clinical practice, sexual education, and health prevention. It emphasizes integrated clinical practices that employ a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating both medical treatment and psychological support, particularly in the care of children and adolescents with disorders of sexual development. This article presents a comprehensive overview of human sexual development from the prenatal period through adolescence, considering its somatic and psychosexual aspects.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by inadequate cellular response to insulin and insufficient insulin production by pancreatic β-cells. Epidemiological studies indicate that low serum vitamin D levels are prevalent among the general population globally, exacerbating outcomes of many diseases. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may impact type 2 diabetes mellitus prognosis. Understanding type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factors and disease progression variables is crucial for proper patient management and public health policies. Purpose of the work: This study aims to review the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the search terms encompassing the following keywords: vitamin D insufficiency / vitamin D supplementation / vitamin D2 / vitamin D3 / ergocalciferol / cholecalciferol and type 2 diabetes mellitus / complications of diabetes / hyperglycemia / insulin resistance / glucose metabolism. Results: Vitamin D deficiency can impact the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, exacerbating complications associated with chronic hyperglycemia such as obesity, mental health issues, vascular complications, and diabetic neuropathy. Given its prevalence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, early screening and supplementation of vitamin D could offer potential benefits.

Climate change can affect the mental health of children and adolescents. This age group is considered particularly vulnerable to this impact because they are in a period of cognitive and emotional development, during which they are still developing their coping skills. Children and teenagers with pre-existing mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are especially at risk. It is important for parents, medical personnel, and others working with children and adolescents to have the necessary knowledge to help them cope with these challenges. This publication aims to present the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of climate change on the mental health of children and adolescents. Both the direct and indirect effects of these changes will be analyzed, along with strategies for coping with them. By understanding the potential risks, it is possible to develop effective psychological support strategies to minimize the negative impact of climate change on children and adolescents.

Introduction and objective: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting hair and sebaceous follicles, characterized by skin lesions most commonly appearing on the face. Several factors predispose individuals to the development of acne, including hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and the use of certain medications. This review aims to evaluate and summarize first-line and advanced pharmacological treatments for acne vulgaris, highlighting their efficacy, safety, and emerging therapies for optimal management. Review methods: The literature review utilized databases covering sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science using the search terms encompassing the following keywords: ‘acne vulgaris’ and ‘topical retinoid therapy’, ‘benzoyl peroxide’, ‘azelaic acid’, ‘topical antibiotics’, ‘oral antibiotics’, ‘contraceptive agents’, ‘antiandrogen therapy’, ‘isotretinoin’. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Current treatment methods range from topical therapies (i.e. antibiotics and retinoids) for mild cases to systemic medications (i.e. antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal) for moderate to severe acne. In most cases, treatment should start with topical therapy. Summary: Early intervention is crucial to mitigate the risk of scarring and psychosocial consequences. Emerging therapeutic strategies have the potential to enhance treatment outcomes.

Introduction Pertussis, a highly transmissible respiratory infection mainly caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains one of the most widespread public health concerns despite the establishment of global vaccination initiatives. The disease manifests as paroxysmal coughing followed by a characteristic high-pitched “whooping” sound, and post-tussive vomiting. Severe complications can include pneumonia, encephalopathy, and even mortality, particularly in infants. Aim of the study This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of pertussis, encompassing its clinical presentation, complications, diagnostic methods, epidemiological aspects, and vaccination strategies, with a special focus on the development and potential impact of a novel nasal pertussis vaccine. Brief description of the state of knowledge Diagnosis of pertussis often relies on recognizing typical symptoms supported by laboratory confirmation through culture methods, polymerase chain reaction testing, or enzyme–linked immunosorbent assays. This disease leads to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, accompanied by profound medical, social and economic challenges. Summary To address the limitations of existing vaccines, a novel nasal pertussis vaccine has been proposed. This vaccine aims to elicit robust mucosal immune responses, thereby providing enhanced protection against infection and preventing the asymptomatic transmission of Bordetella pertussis. The study offers a detailed examination of pertussis and comprehensive statistics to support the analysis, providing valuable insights into the epidemiology, highlighting the need for improved vaccination strategies to mitigate the disease's impact.