THE EFFECT OF NATURAL SEX STEROIDS ON THE EXCRETION OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of some natural sex steroids on the excretion of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone in postmenopausal women has been studied. Daily doses of 0.3, 1.5 and 6 mg oestrone, 0.3, 3 and 10 mg oestradiol, 0.2 and 2 mg oestriol, 5 and 50 mg progesterone and 5 and 50 mg testosterone were administered over a period of six days. Low doses of oestrogens induced a marked increase in FSH and to a lower extent also in LH, while a medium dose initially increased the FSH activity, but later induced a sharp decrease in both FSH and LH, whereas high doses immediately depressed both activities without significantly altering the FSH/LH ratio. Progesterone and testosterone induced very slight changes only. After cessation of medication the trend was variable for steroid doses, which were predominantly stimulating. When the initial effect was inhibitory, however, a marked increase in both FSH and LH was observed.