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Ovarian suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist does not alter insulin-stimulated glucose disposal

Brian C Cooper1, Cynthia K Sites, Peter R Casson

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.

Fertility and Sterility
|May 5, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found that suppressing ovarian hormones did not affect how the body uses glucose. Ovarian hormones do not appear to regulate insulin sensitivity or glucose disposal in healthy women.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism
  • Reproductive Science

Background:

  • Aging reduces insulin sensitivity, potentially accelerated by menopause in women.
  • The impact of ovarian hormone deficiency on human insulin sensitivity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of suppressing endogenous ovarian hormone production on insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in healthy premenopausal women.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
  • Thirteen healthy, nonobese premenopausal women participated.
  • Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal was measured using a hyperinsulinemic clamp before and after 2 months of treatment with a GnRH agonist (leuprolide acetate) or placebo.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in total, oxidative, or nonoxidative glucose disposal between the GnRH agonist and placebo groups.
  • Suppression of ovarian hormone production did not alter insulin-stimulated glucose disposal.

Conclusions:

  • Endogenous ovarian hormones do not appear to regulate tissue insulin sensitivity.
  • Ovarian hormones do not influence the intracellular pathways involved in glucose disposal in this population.

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