We investigated the 24 hour hormone secretion profiles in women with preterm labour. Although estradiol secretion seems to be unaffected, we found an variable estradiol-cortisol-shift due to a cortisol increase. Cortisol circadian secretion persists in preterm labour, but maximum secretion is moved to midday. Further investigations are necessary to study the basic mechanisms underlying this process.
Preterm Labour - Cortisol - Estradiol - 24 Hour Hormone Secretion
