Hot flush values of gonadotropins and estradiol in menopause

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Hot flashes are one of the first clinical symptoms of menopause. The mechanism of hot flashes is still not fully understood. Changes in concentrations of the circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and other hormones can lead to thermoregulatory dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dynamic changes in concentrations of sex hormones and the presence of vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. Methods. The study involved 36 women divided into two groups: in the first group there were 24 women with hot flashes, BMI 26.16 ± 3.42 kg/m2; the control group comprised 12 women, BMI 26.82 ± 3.89 kg/m2. Data on the presence of hot flashes were based on medical history data. Venous blood samples were collected for the analyses of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, dehidroepiandrosteron sulfate, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thyroxin. During the subjective feeling of hot flashes, three blood samples during the day and night were collected to determine the mean levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol in women with hot flashes. Results. Women with hot flashes had significantly higher prolactin (389.58 ± 123.69 mIU/L to 258.19 ± 122 mIU/L, p < 0.01) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (3.60 ± 2.49 nmol/L vs. 1.88 ± 1.27 nmol/L, p < 0.05) levels, as well as lower mean values of FSH during hot flashes during the day (69.08 ± 28.84 IU/L vs. 107.18 ± 39.11 IU/L, p < 0.01) and night (60.72 ± 21.89 IU/L vs. 104.57 ± 38.06 IU/L, p < 0.01). Conclusion. .Women with hot flashes had significantly lower mean FSH levels during hot flashes during the day and night than the control group.

Keywords

• hot flushes
• menopause
• sex hormones