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Low Levels of Sex Hormones in Women Linked to Traumatic Experiences

Low Levels of Sex Hormones in Women Linked to Traumatic Experiences

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Lower levels of estrone and estradiol are linked to a history of trauma, especially in women who sleep less.

Highlights:
  • Women with a history of trauma who sleep less than six hours every night had low levels of estrogen
  • It might enable the implementation of preventive measures by identifying women who are at risk
Numerous negative repercussions for one's mental and physical health are linked to traumatic situations. They may also be linked to reduced levels of sex hormones in midlife women, particularly those with shorter sleep duration, according to a recent study.
Psychological trauma has the potential to restrict ovarian function and decrease ovarian estrogen release, according to earlier studies. However, little is known about the connection between trauma and sex hormones in women in their mid-forties. A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh examined whether sleep duration affects the relationship between traumatic experiences and levels of the hormones estrogen (estradiol, estrone) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and involved 260 postmenopausal women.

How Trauma Affects Female Sex Hormones

In comparison to women without a history of trauma, the researchers discovered that women with a history of trauma had lower levels of estrogens, including estradiol and estrone. No association was found between trauma and FSH levels. Depressive or posttraumatic stress symptoms, vasomotor symptoms, or the length of a woman's postmenopausal period did not influence the results. The amount of sleep that women got affected how trauma and hormones interacted; women with a history of trauma who had less than six hours of sleep each night had particularly low levels of estrogen.

Women’s Midlife Health Affected by Trauma

“This work highlights the importance of trauma in relation to health at midlife, particularly given the sensitivity of women’s health to hormones,” says Dr Mary Carson, lead author of the study, from the University of Pittsburgh.

“This study demonstrates the need for healthcare professionals to have a good understanding of a patient’s history, including any traumatic experiences. This history could help identify women at increased risk for certain health issues and allow for the adoption of preventive strategies,” says Dr Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.

Source-Medindia


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