The Effect of ACTH Administration on Serum Estrogens, LH, and FSH in the Aged

Abstract

The effect of administration of longacting ACTH on serum levels of estrogens, LH and FSH was studied in aged subjects. Nine women and 5 men between 66 and 90 years of age were examined. One milligram of long-acting synthetic ACTH was given im every 12 h for 2 days. Significant increases in serum estrone and estradiol levels were induced in parallel with serum cortisol at 24 hours and no further change was observed at 48 hours. The estrone/estradiol ratio increased from a control value of 3.0 to 4.0 at 24 hours and to 4.7 at 48 hours. Changes in mean serum LH and FSH levels were not significant except for a decrease in FSH at 48 hours (P < 0.02) compared to control values.