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Schweizer-Schubert S, Gordon JL, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Meltzer-Brody S, Schmalenberger KM, Slopien R, Zietlow AL, Ehlert U, Ditzen B. Steroid Hormone Sensitivity in Reproductive Mood Disorders: On the Role of the GABA A Receptor Complex and Stress During Hormonal Transitions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:479646. [PMID: 33585496 PMCID: PMC7873927 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.479646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Women worldwide are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than are men. Female risk for depressive symptoms is particularly high during the reproductive years between menarche and menopause. The term “Reproductive Mood Disorders” refers to depressive disorders triggered by hormonal fluctuations during reproductive transitions including the perimenarchal phase, the pre-menstrual phase, pregnancy, the peripartum period and the perimenopausal transition. Here we focus on reproductive mood disorders manifesting in adult life. We propose a research agenda that draws together several reproductive mood disorders and investigates which genetic, endocrinological, neural, and psychosocial factors can explain depressive symptoms during phases of hormonal transitions in women. Based on current research it is assumed that some women experience an increased sensitivity to not only fluctuations in reproductive steroids (estrogen and progesterone), but also stress-related steroids. We integrate both dynamics into the concept of “steroid hormone sensitivity,” expanding on the concept of “reproductive hormone sensitivity.” We suggest that a differential response of the stress steroid system including corticosteroids, neurosteroids, like allopregnanolone and the GABA-A Receptor complex, as well as a differential (epi)genetic risk in serotonergic and GABAergic signaling, are moderators or mediators between changes in the reproductive steroid system and the physiological, affective, and cognitive outcomes manifesting in reproductive mood disorders. We point to the lack of research on the role of psychosocial factors in increasing a woman's stress level and at some point also the sensitivity of her stress steroid system within the etiology of Reproductive Mood Disorders. Drawing together the evidence on various reproductive mood disorders we seek to present a basis for the development of more effective pharmacological, social, and psychological treatment interventions and prevention strategies for women susceptible to these disorders. This could pave the way for new research as well as medical and psychological teaching and practice- such as a new type of Practice for Gynecological Psychoneuroendocrinology- with the aim of working on and ultimately offering more integrative forms of support not yet available to women suffering from depression during hormonal transitions. In medical history women have been left alone with this integrative challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schweizer-Schubert
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Practice for Psychoendocrinology and Psychotherapy, Heilbronn, Germany
| | | | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- Women's Mental Health Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Katja M Schmalenberger
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Radoslaw Slopien
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna-Lena Zietlow
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Slopien R, Owecki M, Slopien A, Bala G, Meczekalski B. Climacteric symptoms are related to thyroid status in euthyroid menopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:75-80. [PMID: 31392574 PMCID: PMC6952338 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climacteric symptoms are a variety of disturbing complaints occurring during menopausal transition, many of which may be influenced by hormonal abnormalities other than related to sex steroids. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we investigated the association between the intensity of climacteric symptoms measured with the Kupperman index and a thyroid status. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated by measuring serum thyrotropin (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) 202 euthyroid women admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences because of climacteric symptoms. Patients were both in perimenopause (n = 74) and postmenopause (n = 128), with no history of thyroid disorders. RESULTS Results presented as the mean value and standard deviation were as follows: age 54.2 ± 4.9 years, BMI 26.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2, Kupperman index 26 ± 13.1 points, TSH 2.4 ± 2.6 mU/l, fT4 1.2 ± 0.37 ng/dl. We observed a negative correlation between fT4 and the time since the last menses (R = - 0.38; p = 0.02) as well as between serum TSH concentration and sweating (R = - 0.18; p = 0.03), general weakness (R = - 0.17; p = 0.03), and palpitation (R = - 0.18; p = 0.02) and a positive correlation between fT4 and nervousness (R = 0.34; p = 0.007) and palpitations (R = 0.25; p = 0.04). In the perimenopausal subgroup, there was a positive correlation between fT4 and general weakness (R = 0.42; p = 0.03), palpitations (R = 0.50; p = 0.009), and paresthesia (R = 0.46; p = 0.01). In the postmenopausal subgroup, there was a negative correlation between TSH and sweating (R = - 0.21; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Menopausal symptoms are related to thyroid status in euthyroid menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Slopien
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - M Owecki
- Department of Public Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Slopien
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - G Bala
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - B Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Abstract
As obesity is considered to be a pandemic of the twenty-first century, the bariatric surgery becomes more common through the global population. The adverse effects of obesity on fertility can be reversed through the bariatric surgery procedures. In this review, we presented the effects of bariatric surgery on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and fertility, ovarian reserve, and contraception efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Slopien
- a Department of Gynecological Endocrinology , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan , Poland
| | - Nikodem Horst
- b Department of General of Colorectal Surgery , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan , Poland
| | | | | | - Robert Spaczynski
- d Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan , Poland
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Slopien R, Wender-Ozegowska E, Rogowicz-Frontczak A, Meczekalski B, Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz D, Jaremek JD, Cano A, Chedraui P, Goulis DG, Lopes P, Mishra G, Mueck A, Rees M, Senturk LM, Simoncini T, Stevenson JC, Stute P, Tuomikoski P, Paschou SA, Anagnostis P, Lambrinoudaki I. Menopause and diabetes: EMAS clinical guide. Maturitas 2018; 117:6-10. [PMID: 30314563 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whether menopause increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently of ageing has been a matter of debate. Controversy also exists about the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in women with T2DM. AIMS To summarise the evidence on 1) the effect of menopause on metabolic parameters and the risk of T2DM, 2) the effect of T2DM on age at menopause, 3) the effect of MHT on the risk of T2DM, and 4) the management of postmenopausal women with T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature review and consensus of experts' opinions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Metabolic changes during the menopausal transition include an increase in and the central redistribution of adipose tissue, as well as a decrease in energy expenditure. In addition, there is impairment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and an increase in the risk of T2DM. MHT has a favourable effect on glucose metabolism, both in women with and in women without T2DM, while it may delay the onset of T2DM. MHT in women with T2DM should be administered according to their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In women with T2DM and low CVD risk, oral oestrogens may be preferred, while transdermal 17β-oestradiol is preferred for women with T2DM and coexistent CVD risk factors, such as obesity. In any case, a progestogen with neutral effects on glucose metabolism should be used, such as progesterone, dydrogesterone or transdermal norethisterone. Postmenopausal women with T2DM should be managed primarily with lifestyle intervention, including diet and exercise. Most of them will eventually require pharmacological therapy. The selection of antidiabetic medications should be based on the patient's specific characteristics and comorbidities, as well on the metabolic, cardiovascular and bone effects of the medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Slopien
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Wender-Ozegowska
- Department of Reproduction, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Antonio Cano
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia and INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Peter Chedraui
- Instituto deInvestigación e Innovación de SaludIntegral (ISAIN), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Patrice Lopes
- Nantes, France Polyclinique de l'Atlantique Saint Herblain, F 44819 St Herblain, France; Université de Nantes, F 44093 Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Gita Mishra
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Alfred Mueck
- University Women's Hospital of Tuebingen, Calwer Street 7, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Margaret Rees
- Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Levent M Senturk
- Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, IVF Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - John C Stevenson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Women's Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauliina Tuomikoski
- Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Eira Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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Slopien R, Pluchino N, Warenik-Szymankiewicz A, Sajdak S, Luisi M, Drakopoulos P, Genazzani AR. Correlation between allopregnanolone levels and depressive symptoms during late menopausal transition and early postmenopause. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:144-147. [PMID: 28857628 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1371129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This observational, cross-sectional study included 140 women with climacteric symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and allopregnanolone levels in women during late menopausal transition and early postmenopause. METHODS The study group was divided into two groups: 45 women in late menopausal transition and 95 early postmenopausal women. We evaluated Kupperman index, Hamilton scale and serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 17β-estradiol, prolactin, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and allopregnanolone levels. RESULTS We found that serum allopregnanolone concentration was lower in early postmenopausal women compared to women in late menopausal transition; that there was a correlation between serum allopregnanolone levels in early postmenopausal women and time since last menstruation, intensity of climacteric symptoms, and intensity of depression symptoms and that there was a correlation between serum allopregnanolone levels and several depression symptoms presence (shallow sleep and symptoms of the digestive tract in women during late menopause transition; feelings of guilt, sleep disorders and general somatic symptoms in early postmenopausal women). CONCLUSION We concluded that reproductive aging is characterized by a reduction of allopregnanolone circulating levels that correlate to Hamilton depression index in early postmenopause and presence of specific depressive symptoms during late menopausal transition and early postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Slopien
- a Department of Gynecological Endocrinology , University of Medical Sciences of Poznań , Poznań , Poland
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University Hospital of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Sajdak
- c Department of Operative Gynecology , University of Medical Sciences of Poznań , Poznań , Poland
| | - Michele Luisi
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | | | - Andrea R Genazzani
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
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Meczekalski B, Slopien R, Warenik-Szymankiewicz A. Serum levels of 3α-androstanediol glucuronide in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome, idiopathic hirsutism and in normal subjects. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 132:88-92. [PMID: 16979812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study objective was to assess the role of 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3alpha-diolG) as the marker of peripheral androgen action in the young women with hirsutism diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in patients with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and in normal non-hirsute women. STUDY DESIGN Fifty-nine young women with mean age 21.90+/-3.52 years suffered from hirsutism were included in the study. Among these 59 hirsute women 31 women with mean age 21.60+/-3.56 years were diagnosed as PCOS and 28 women with mean age 22.20+/-3.59 years were classified as idiopathic hirsutism patients. Twenty-seven normal women, age-matched (mean age 22.60+/-2.90 years), without signs of hirsutism and with normal menstrual cycle served as control for this study. Serum was collected from women with hirsutism (due to PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism) and from non-hirsute women. Serum levels of 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3alpha-diolG), main androgens such as: testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and also others hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and sex hormone-binding globuline (SHBG) were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA) method in the study and control group. Hirutism was assessed using modified Ferriman-Gallwey method. Serum 3alpha-diolG levels in PCOS women were significantly higher than in controls. RESULTS There were no significant differences between serum 3alpha-diolG levels in PCOS group and IH group. Similarly, there were significant differences between serum 3alpha-diolG levels in IH group and control subjects. CONCLUSION We conclude that 3alpha-diolG is not useful as the marker for peripheral androgen metabolism and for differentiation between idiopathic hirsutism and PCO-related hirsutism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul Polna 33, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
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