Androstenediol complements estrogenic bioactivity during the menopausal transition.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The perimenopausal increase in circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels during the menopausal transition (MT) is accompanied by other adrenal steroids that have the potential to alter estrogen/androgen balance and explain the wide interwoman range of estrogen-related symptoms experienced during the MT.

Methods

Annual serum samples from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, which had previously been analyzed for immunoreactive estradiol (E2), testosterone, DHEAS, and sex hormone-binding globulin, were selected based on DHEAS concentration and analyzed for immunoreactive and bioactive estrogens and androgens, including immunoreactive androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol (androstenediol [Adiol]).

Results

SUBMITTER: Lasley BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3366061 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature