The Hormonal Activity of the Postmenopausal Ovary

摘要: The origin of plasma sex hormones in postmenopausal women was studied by determining levels under basal conditions, after ACTH stimulation, and dexamethasone suppression, as well hCG stimulation. Values obtained were compared with values observed during the follicular phase cycle young on one hand, ovariectomized age other hand. All steroid exception estrone, significantly lower than early cycle. In only androgen (testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, to a lesser extent dehydroepiandrosterone,) normal women, estrogen, 17 hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone being similar. increased all except estradiol, whereas dexamethasone, hormone decreased. stimulation finally caused an increase borderline statistical significance testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. We have concluded from this study that adrenal cortex is almost exclusive source progesterone, 17OH most important dehydroepiandrosterone; ovary appears be responsible for about 50% testosterone 30% androstenedione levels; 5000 IU daily 3 days, hardly influences secretion ovaries.