The Influence of Estradiole and Tibolone Administration on Leptin Levels in Women With Surgically Induced Menopause

Abstract

Background: Several studies suggest that changes in estrogens and androgens during menopause play a role in the regulation of leptin production. Some authors present hypothesis that sex hormone replacement therapy can modulate leptin levels but up to date evidence shows that the infl uence of endogenous estrogens, androgens levels and sex hormone therapy on leptin concentration remains uncertain.Aim: To evaluate the infl uence of surgically induced menopause on serum leptin levels and the infl uence of diff erent types of hormonal therapy on serum leptin concentrations.Methods: 58 women with surgically induced menopause were divided into three groups. Women who did not receive any hormonal substitution (group 1), women who received Estradiol l mg per day (group 2) and women who received Tibolone 2,5 mg per day (group3). The levels of leptin, estradiol, testosterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, FSH, LH and progesterone were measured in all subjects on the 5th day and after 3 months following the surgical procedure.Results: Mean serum leptin concentrations did not diff er statistically in any of the studied groups in the begining and in the end of the study. There was no correlations between serum leptin and estradiol, LH, FSH, progesterone, testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS concentrations in any of groups before and after treatment.Conclusion: Changes in sex hormone concentrations caused by ovariectomy do not infl uence serum leptin concentrations. Also the short term administration of low dose estrogen therapy or tibolone in postmenopausal subjects does not change serum leptin levels.

Is there evidence that estrogen therapy promotes weight maintenance via effects on leptin?

“…They also found that leptin levels were elevated after six months of HT in 45 women (P < 0.001). However, studies led by Petzel, 33 Nar, 34 and Lambrinoudaki, 26 found no significant effect of HT on serum leptin levels.…”

“…Of note, none of the 6 studies of at least 1-year duration demonstrated increases in leptin levels in HT-treated groups, although leptin levels rose in untreated women in 4 of the studies. Finally, some studies described findings on selective estrogen receptor agents 26,28,33,37,38,40 whose effects on serum leptin levels and body weight are poorly understood.…”