THE EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS ON SEX STEROID SECRETION AND BINDING IN MASSIVELY OBESE WOMEN

Abstract
Increased testosterone and androstenedione concentrations and decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were previously reported in the plasma of massively obese women. These plasma hormone concentrations returned to normal in 12 of the same women after substantial weight reduction and these changes were associated with more normal menstrual cycles. Evidently, body weight and fat are important determinants of sex steroid secretion and binding, and thus influence menstrual function.