No abstract

Reports on hormone analysis in androgenic hairloss in the female show partly contradicting results. Elevated as well as normal-range androgen levels have been found. The present study aimed at the investigation of a possibly more differentiated hormonal constellation by hormone analysis and additional determination of the hypophyseal level by the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test. In 46 female patients with androgenic hairloss blood sampling for hormone analysis was performed. Determination of the androgens testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), 17-hydroxy-progesterone acetate (17-OHP) and free testosterone (FT), of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E₂), cortisol (F) and the hypophyseal luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was performed by standard radioimmunoassay methods. The TRH-test is based on feedback mechanisms between the hypothalamic TRH which stimulates hypophyseal TSH and PRL release. Thus, even mild forms of hypothyroidism or hyperprolactinaemia can be detected. The control group for the TRH test consisted of 45 volunteer females without hairloss or any other hormonal or menstrual disturbances. Statistical analysis was performed according to the Wilcoxon two-sample test. The results of the study show no significant elevation of androgens in females with androgenic hairloss, but a more complex condition with involvement of the glandula suprarenalis and the hypophyseal level. Significantly elevated TSH levels prior to and after TRH stimulation in the hairloss group indicate that hypothyroidism may be an important hormonal disturbance in androgenic hairloss. Interactions between hypothyroidism and androgen metabolism are possible at various links. The TRH test was shown to serve as an important criterion for additional information on hormonal involvement in androgenic hairloss and may open new treatment approaches in the future.

A rapid and reproducible radioimmunoassay for serum placental lactogen (HPL) allowed quantitation of the endocrine function of the placenta and of its follow up during gestation. During the course of pregnancy subjects were followed up in order to determine the normal range of HPL levels during pregnancy. Low and decreasing levels of serum HPL were noted in pregnancies with placental insufficiency. The large quantities of HPL present, its autonomous production by the placenta and its short half-life all combine to make its measurement of practical value in the management of high-risk pregnancies.

Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (HPRL), 17Β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were estimated in 46 subjects with normal menstrual cycles in whom hysterectomies were performed. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) levels in endometrial samples of these patients were estimated, and histological dating of the cycle day was carried out. Similarly, hormone serum levels and ER as well as PgR were estimated in 17 patients with endometrial carcinoma. No correlation between LH, FSH, HPRL and ER as well as PgR was noted in the normal subjects. Correlation between P and ER was observed in this group. Parallel variations between E2 and PgR were recorded in the normal females. In the carcinoma group no correlations between hormone serum levels and receptor contents were found, but ER and PgR correlated with each other. Receptor levels were highest in the well-differentiated group of endometrial carcinoma. The present experiments provide a rationale for progestagen therapy of carcinoma of the endometrium.

Summary. Steroid receptor levels and serum androgen levels were determined in 61 breast cancer patients and 34 patients with non-malignant breast lesions. Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate did not and androstenedione did show a difference between the two groups. Androgen levels had no influence on survival rates. Androgen receptor (AR) levels correlated with progesterone receptor levels, but not with estrogen receptor levels or with tumor stage. Patients with positive AR findings had a better survival rate; this was independent of tumor stage. AR findings may therefore be a prognostic index in breast cancer patients.