[Hormone profile of elderly women and potential modifiers]

In 136 women with a median age of 78 (60-98) years the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol-17 beta, testosterone and DHEA-S were determined completed by GnRH and ACTH stimulation tests in a subgroup. This resulted in median values for FSH of 15.8 ng/ml, LH 6.4 ng/ml, prolactin 6.9 ng/ml, estradiol 16 pg/ml, testosterone 270 pg/ml and 306 ng/ml for DHEA-S. No correlation with age in this population was found for gonadotropins as well as the other hormones for an age level of up to 98 years. Determination of multiple general clinical and laboratory parameters demonstrate the significance particularly in a geriatric group of patients to consider these patient characteristics when interpreting the serum hormone levels. In summary, the results of this prospective study underline the importance for health, of the secretion of gonadotropic and sexual hormones even at a very advanced age.