Menopause related changes of adrenocortical steroid production

To elucidate changes of adrenocortical steroid production with age, reproductive age (n = 14), peri-menopausal (n = 12) and post-menopausal (n = 13) women were studied using basal hormone levels and the results of a rapid ACTH stimulation test. Peripheral serum levels of pregnenolone, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione were measured by RIA. The basal levels of all steroids except pregnenolone decreased with age. A significant increase in the levels of all steroids after ACTH stimulation was observed in all subjects. Although, there was an age related decrease in the response of C19-steroids to ACTH, the response of pregnenolone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to ACTH did not alter with age. The preserved response of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to ACTH in post-menopausal women suggests that 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone production plays a role in the age independency of cortisol. In the present paper, the changes in the capacity of the post-menopausal adrenal cortex to produce androgens and C21-steroids were demonstrated.