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Published on: August 13, 2019
Circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations during the menopausal transition
Sybil Crawford1, Nanette Santoro, Gail A Laughlin
1Center for Health and the Environment, University of California at Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels decline with age but show a temporary rise during the menopausal transition. Ovarian status significantly influences these changes, highlighting the need for nuanced analysis in mid-aged women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Previous research indicated rising dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) during menopause.
- This study expands on prior findings using a decade of annual data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in DHEAS with chronological and ovarian aging.
- To analyze DHEAS fluctuations over 10 years, incorporating ovarian status.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal observational study with cross-sectional analyses.
- Assessed DHEAS, age, menopause status, and other factors in 2886 women (aged 42-52).
- Excluded participants with hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or hormone use.
Main Results:
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed a consistent age-related decline in DHEAS.
- A significant, temporary increase in DHEAS was observed during the late menopausal transition.
- Over 84% of women experienced a DHEAS increase from premenopause to late perimenopause/early postmenopause.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight discrepancies between cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs.
- Ovarian status is a critical factor in understanding DHEAS dynamics during menopause.
- Further research into the adrenal contribution to sex steroids in aging women is recommended.
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