The role of estrogen-androgen imbalance in rheumatic diseases
Alekberova, Z.S.; Folomeev, M.I.; Polyntsev, I.V.
Terapevticheskii Arkhiv 62(5): 17-21
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-3660 PMID: 2396214 Document Number: 362649
The functional state of the hypophyseal-adrenal and the hypophyseal-gonadal system was studied in 33 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of ACTH, somatotropin, luteinizing hormone, FSH, and cortisol were determined. An unaccountable increase in the level of estrogens and a reduction in the level of androgens were observed. The results also indicate an increase in the levels of tropic hormones (FSH and luteinizing protein) in the blood of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis patients. A schematic chart of system interrelationships leading to the development of an estrogen-androgen imbalance, and hence an autoimmune disease, was presented.