[Does macular hole formation have a hormonal cause?]

To establish the degree of supposed hormonal deficiency in estriadol (E2), gonadotrophins (LH, FSH), growth hormone (GH), insuline-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and to assess calcic-phosphatic metabolism in women with idiopathic macula holes as compared to (age-matched) controls.

In 16 female patients aged 65-72, blood E2, LH, FSH, IGF-1 were determined. Serum and 24 h urine excretion calcium and phosphates as well as serum alkaline phosphatase activity were taken as markers of Ca/P metabolism. Bone densitometry was performed in all.

Mean actual serum hormone levels were: E2 < 15 pg/ml, LH--31 U/l, FSH--49 U/l, GH--0.1 ng/ml, IGF1--59 ng/ml. The markers of mineral metabolism did not show any abnormality: serum Ca--5.0 mEq/l, P--4.1 mg%, alkaline phosphatase 111 U/l, 24 h urine excretion Ca--121 mg/24 h, P--610 mg/24 h. Mean bone L2-L4 density fell within normal limits: 81% (z = -1.91).

In postmenopausal women with idiopathic macular holes, serum E2, LH, FSH bone metabolic markers and bone density are comparable to those found in women (of the same age group) free of macular holes. Women with macular holes are characterized by lower GH and IGF-1, which prompts further study.