[Steroidogenesis disorders in women with temporomandibular dysfunction]

The aim of the study was to trace hormone shifts in women suffering from different manifestation of the TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome. Levels of some blood steroid hormones (oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol) were determined in 193 female patients aged 14-70. The object of study was blood serum collected in different menstrual phases. It was found that when pain dysfunction syndrome of the TMJ was accompanied by intact dentition and orthognathic occlusion blood steroid levels demonstrated shifts since puberty. In pain dysfunction syndrome of the TMJ accompanied by occlusal disharmony steroid shifts were first registered an early reproductive age. In patients without pain dysfunction syndrome of the TMJ steroid values remained close to those of healthy control. Shifts in steroid production may be indicative of impaired steroidogenesis in women with pain dysfunction syndrome of the TMJ.