Authors: Emaus, A.; Espetvedt, S.; Veierd, M.B.; Ballard-Barbash, R.; Furberg, A.-S.; Ellison, P.T.; Jasienska, G.; Hjartker, A.; Thune, I.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 23, Number 4, 27 April 2008 , pp. 919-927(9)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

We hypothesize that premenopausal endogenous estradiol may be associated with age at menarche and adult overweight and obesity, potentially contributing to breast cancer risk.

METHODS

We assessed age at menarche by questionnaire among 204 healthy Norwegian women, aged 2535 years. Measures of body composition included body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), waist circumference (WC, cm), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and fat percentage dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, (DEXA). Daily salivary 17--estradiol (E₂) concentrations were collected throughout one entire menstrual cycle and assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Linear regression analyses and linear mixed models for repeated measures were used and potential confounding factors and effect modifiers were tested.

RESULTS

Among women with an early age at menarche (12 years), the overall mean salivary E₂ concentration increased by 3.7 pmol/l (95 confidence interval, 1.85.7 pmol/l) with each 9.8 cm (1 SD) increase in WC, which represents a 20.7 change in the mean for the total group. Among the same early maturers, a 1 SD (0.06) change in WHR was directly associated with a 24.0 change in mean E₂ concentration for the total group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the hypothesis that early age at menarche, together with adult overweight and obesity, result in high levels of 17--estradiol throughout the menstrual cycle.

Keywords: 17--estradiol; age at menarche; adult body fatness; breast cancer risk; Norway

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem432

Publication date: 2008-04-27

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• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Emaus, A. ;  Espetvedt, S. ;  Veierd, M.B. ;  Ballard-Barbash, R. ;  Furberg, A.-S. ;  Ellison, P.T. ;  Jasienska, G. ;  Hjartker, A. ;  Thune, I.

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