OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that obesity is associated with a higher risk of experiencing hot flushes in mid-life women. The reasons for this association are unknown, although altered hormone levels have been associated with both hot flushes and obesity. Thus, this current study tested the hypothesis that obesity is associated with hot flushes in mid-life women through a mechanism involving levels of total and free androgen, free estrogen, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). METHODS: Women aged 45-54 years were recruited from Baltimore and its surrounding counties. Each participant (n=628) was weighed, measured, completed a questionnaire, and provided a blood sample that was used to measure estradiol, estrone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone, and SHBG. RESULTS: Obese mid-life women (body mass index (BMI)>or=30.0 kg/m2) had significantly higher testosterone, and lower estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and SHBG levels than normal-weight mid-life women (BMI<or=24.9 kg/m2) after adjustment for age, race, smoking, and number of days since last menstrual period. The association between obesity and hot flushes was no longer significant after adjustment for estrogens and progesterone, and/or SHBG. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that obesity may be associated with hot flushes through a mechanism involving multiple hormones and SHBG.
OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that obesity is associated with a higher risk of experiencing hot flushes in mid-life women. The reasons for this association are unknown, although altered hormone levels have been associated with both hot flushes and obesity. Thus, this current study tested the hypothesis that obesity is associated with hot flushes in mid-life women through a mechanism involving levels of total and free androgen, free estrogen, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). METHODS:Women aged 45-54 years were recruited from Baltimore and its surrounding counties. Each participant (n=628) was weighed, measured, completed a questionnaire, and provided a blood sample that was used to measure estradiol, estrone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone, and SHBG. RESULTS: Obese mid-life women (body mass index (BMI)>or=30.0 kg/m2) had significantly higher testosterone, and lower estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and SHBG levels than normal-weight mid-life women (BMI<or=24.9 kg/m2) after adjustment for age, race, smoking, and number of days since last menstrual period. The association between obesity and hot flushes was no longer significant after adjustment for estrogens and progesterone, and/or SHBG. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that obesity may be associated with hot flushes through a mechanism involving multiple hormones and SHBG.
Authors: Lisa Gallicchio; Susan R Miller; Judith Kiefer; Teresa Greene; Howard A Zacur; Jodi A Flaws Journal: Menopause Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Ayelet Ziv-Gal; Lisa Gallicchio; Susan R Miller; Howard A Zacur; Jodi A Flaws Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2012-06-01 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Carolyn Alexander; Chrissy J Cochran; Lisa Gallicchio; Susan R Miller; Jodi A Flaws; Howard Zacur Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2009-05-23 Impact factor: 7.329
Authors: Rebecca C Thurston; MaryFran R Sowers; Barbara Sternfeld; Ellen B Gold; Joyce Bromberger; Yuefang Chang; Hadine Joffe; Carolyn J Crandall; L Elaine Waetjen; Karen A Matthews Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2009-08-12 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Lisa Gallicchio; Susan R Miller; Judith Kiefer; Teresa Greene; Howard A Zacur; Jodi A Flaws Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2015-12-14 Impact factor: 2.681