Serum levels of unconjugated aetiocholanolone androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, aldosterone, progesterone and oestrogens during the normal menstrual cycle

Abstract

The results of daily determination of the levels of gonadotrophins, oestradiol, oestrone, progesterone, aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and aetiocholanolone in the serum of 6 normal, ovulating women are reported and discussed. A pre-ovulatory aldosterone peak and rising values in the luteal phase of the cycle were found. Androstenedione, testosterone, and aetiocholanolone levels were significantly elevated from 3 days before until 3 days after ovulation. Since the mean androstenedione/aetiocholanolone ratio in the individual cycles in this period was similar to the ratio found during the rest of the cycle, we think it unlikely that aetiocholanolone is produced by the ovaries. No correlation was found between the aetiocholanolone patterns and the basal body temperature. In a case of conception followed for 20 days after ovulation, the steroid patterns remained unchanged until the presumed day of implantation, after which the aldosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and aetiocholanolone levels started to rise. The mean androstenedione/aetiocholanolone ratio during the 10 days after implantation did not differ from the values obtained in the foregoing periods, so direct aetiocholanolone production by the ovaries after implantation seems unlikely.