PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS OF SEX-HORMONES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN NON-ALCOHOLIC CIRRHOSIS

Sex hormone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured in the plasma of postmenopausal women with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n = 24) and compared with levels in matched controls (n = 21). Plasma oestradiol was elevated: 80 vs 30 pmol 1, P < 0.005 (median values). Plasma SHBG was elevated, 15 vs 10 mg/dl, P < 0.001. Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were low, 0.35 vs 2.0 .mu.mol/l, P < 0.0005, as were plasma androstenedione levels. 2.5 vs 4.5 nmol/l, P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in plasma testosterone. These data suggest that liver disease per se alters sex hormone and sex hormone binding globulin levels in postmenopausal women.