Effect of Estrogen on Steroid Levels in Plasma and Urine.

Abstract

Estrogen (Premar in 2.5 mg twice a day) does not significantly affect plasma levels of hydrocortisone, nor their response to ACTH infusion, while it significantly lowers the excretion of pregnanetriol, androsterone, etiocholanolone, dehydroisoandrosterone and 11 oxy-17 ketosteroids. The response to ACTH of these compounds is also decreased in estrogen-treated subjects. These changes may be explained as results of direct interference of biosynthesis of these compounds or their precursors by the administered estrogen. However, in the presence of normal plasma levels for hydrocortisone, a retarded catabolism, resulting in diminished excretion of all adrenal steroids appears as a more attractive explanation.