Interactions between somatometric parameters and endogenous hormone levels as well as hormonal induced events in...

The present paper contains the results of a five year research project focusing on the complex interaction between body build and endogenous hormone levels as well as on hormonal induced events in 1095 healthy adult females from Austria. It could be demonstrated that even long after termination of the pubertal growth phase significant associations exist between body dimensions as well as body composition compartments and endogenous hormone levels. Beside positive associations between length and height dimensions as well as traits of robustness and those hormonal parameters which are essential for an undisturbed linear growth, i.e. growth hormone, thyroid hormones and testosterone, the complex interaction between body fat development and the sex hormones as well as the lipolytic active growth could be proved. These association patterns were observed independently of the menopausal status. Furthermore marked associations between female body build, above all body fat development, and hormonal induced events such as menarche, menstrual cycle patterns, fertility and menopause were observed. A more feminine type of body build combined with moderate development of body fat was associated with earlier menarche, more regular menstrual cycles, higher reproductive success and a delayed menopause. Moderate fatness and a gynoid kind of fat distribution may be stated as indicators of potential female reproductive success.