HYPOTHALAMOPITUITARY HYPERACTIVITY AND ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA - QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISTURBANCES IN HORMONE PRODUCTION

An increase in total phenolic steroid excretion was shown in menopausal patients with endometrial carcinoma. The number of phenolic steroid compounds determined by thin-layer chromatography was also increased. At the same time the level of classical estrogen excretion was within normal range. These qualitative disturbances corresponded to change in gonadotropin secretion. The decreased excretion of total gonadotropins was demonstrated, while normal or high excretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and an increased LH, as measured by immunoserum to chorionic gonadotropins, were found. Another essential disturbance seen in patients with endometrial carcinoma was significantly high values of free fatty acids. This finding may explain a high frequency of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia in endometrial cancer patients. All these data as well as previously known facts on the association of endometrial carcinoma with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other signs provide a basis for interpreting endometrial carcinoma as a disease connected with hypothalamopituitary hyperactivity. © 1968.