Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(8): 498-501
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41808
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Increased Serum Inhibin B Levels In Postmenopausal Women With Altered Thyroid Function

N.  Viceconti1 , S.  Luisi2 , S.  Nardo1 , L.  Gargano1 , A.  Franchi1 , R.  Sibilla1 , G.  Canettieri1 , F.  Petraglia2 , M.  Centanni1
  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University ”La Sapienza” of Rome, 00161 Rome
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received 10 December 2002

Accepted after revision 25 February 2003

Publication Date:
02 September 2003 (online)

Abstract

Hyper- and hypothyroidism have significant effects on the female reproductive system. However, little in the way of data is available on the relationship between ovarian paracrine control and thyroid function. This study was aimed at characterising the serum levels of inhibin B in relation to altered thyroid function. Serum inhibin B and FSH levels were measured in 91 women (51 regularly cycling and 40 postmenopausal). The mean serum concentration of inhibin B in euthyroid cycling women (0.025 ± 0.018 µg/l) was similar to that observed in hyper- and hypothyroid patients (0.022 ± 0.015 and 0.018 ± 0.014 µg/l, respectively, p = ns). Inhibin B levels were obviously reduced (- 72 %) in euthyroid postmenopausal women. In contrast, in hyper- and hypothyroid postmenopausal women, inhibin B levels remained substantially at the premenopausal level. So far, serum inhibin B appeared to be significantly increased in both hyperthyroid patients (0.025 ± 0.014 µg/l; p < 0.0001) and in hypothyroid patients (0.016 ± 0.006 µg/l; p = 0.0006). Altered thyroid function did not affect FSH levels at fertile age. However, a significant decrease of FSH levels was observed in hyper- and hypothyroid (- 52 % and - 43 %, respectively) postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, these FSH levels remained in the postmenopausal range. These results indicate that an altered thyroid function affects serum inhibin B levels in postmenopausal women.

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M. Centanni,M.D. 

Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia

Policlinico Umberto I° · 00161 Roma · Italy

Phone: +39(6)49972604

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Email: marco centanni@uniroma1.it