Hypercarotenemia, amenorrhea and a vegetarian diet
Martin-Du Pan, R.C.; Hermann, W.; Chardon, F.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et biologie de la Reproduction 19(3): 290-294
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 2345271 Document Number: 357287
In order to analyse the role of hypercarotinemia an amenorrhoea, we have studied the ovarian function of 20 patients presenting with hypercarotinemia (serum carotene > 5 .mu.mol/l). 12 of these were complaining secondary amenorrhoea (group I), 7 with a normal weight (group I A) and 5 with a weight below 85% of ideal weight (group I B). Another group of 8 patients had normal menstrual cycles and a body weight within normal limits (group II). Group I presented an ovarian insufficiency of hypothalamic origin with an increase in the FSH/LH ratio. The patients in group I A although of normal weight differed from group II by a history of important weight variations, strenuous sports activity and an essentially vegetarian diet, the most likely reason for their hypercarotinemia. The high carotene levels however, do not seem to be directly responsible for the amenorrhoea, in view of the normal menstrual cycles of the patients in group II. Hypercarotinemia can be considered as a biologic marker of weight loss with fat mobilization and low T3 levels. It can also be due to a vegetarian diet. The latter may be an aetiological factor in anovulation by increasing faecal excretion of oestrogens and thus decreasing blood levels of oestradiol particularly when associated with other compounding factors such as excessive physical activity, loss of weight or affective problems.