Changes in estradiol and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women after changes in body mass index

Abstract

Context: Endogenous sex hormones are risk factors for postmenopausal breast cancer. A potential route for favorable hormonal modification is weight loss. Objective: The objective of the study was to measure change in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels in postmenopausalwomenin relation to change in body mass index (BMI) and plasma leptin. Setting: The setting was a cohort study of over 100 000 female volunteers from the general population, United Kingdom. Participants: The participants were a sample of 177 postmenopausal women aged over 45 years who provided blood samples during 2004-2005 and again during 2010-2011. Main Outcome Measure: Outcomes were percentage change in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels per 1 kg/m2change in BMI and per 1 ng/mL change in plasma leptin. Results: Among women with reduction in BMI, estradiol decreased 12.7% (95% confidence interval: [6.4%, 19.5%]; P