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Puberal hormonal status and vaginal microbiology
A Tolino1, G Scognamiglio, G Liguori
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine University Federico II, Naples.
Acta Europaea Fertilitatis
|November 1, 1994
Summary
This study examined vaginal flora in girls during puberty, finding Doderlein bacillus presence correlates with estrogen and progesterone levels. Other factors may influence pubertal vaginal microflora beyond these hormones.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Pubertal development involves significant endocrine changes affecting various physiological systems.
- Vaginal microflora composition is known to be influenced by hormonal fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between endocrine function and vaginal microflora in prepubertal and pubertal girls.
- To explore correlations between sexual hormone levels and the polymicrobial vaginal flora.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vaginal secretions for microbial cultures.
- Measurement of sexual hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone).
- Correlation analysis between vaginal microflora status and cytohormonal responses.
Main Results:
- Doderlein bacillus presence was positively correlated with higher estrogen and progesterone (E/P) ratios.
- Doderlein bacillus was absent when the E/P ratio was lower.
- The study controlled for correlations between microbic status and hormonal situations.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen and progesterone levels appear to influence Doderlein bacillus presence in the vaginal flora of girls.
- Additional factors beyond estrogen and progesterone may modulate vaginal polymicrobial flora during puberty.