Rhythms in the ovulatory cycle. 3rd: Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S)

Chronobiologia. 1990 Jul-Sep;17(3):209-17.

Abstract

The circadian profiles of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) were analyzed in a homogeneous group of 15 young normally cycling women, at 4 times of the menstrual cycle: early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), early luteal (EL) and late luteal (LL) stages. The circatrigintan variations of the same hormones were also evaluated. Population-mean cosinor analysis allowed the demonstration of a highly significant circadian periodicity for both variables in any of the 4 stages of the menstrual cycle; on the other hand, the same computation failed to demonstrate a significant circatrigintan periodicity. In each of the stages considered, the circadian acrophase of DHEA-S was delayed in comparison to that of cortisol, being located in the early afternoon hours. The demonstration of a clear-cut circadian oscillation in serum DHEA-S prompts studies on possible chrono-abnormalities of the steroid production in women with hyperandrogenic diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology*
  • Radioimmunoassay

Substances

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • Hydrocortisone