The effect of alcohol on sex hormone levels in fertile aged women with chronic inflammatory diseases caused by sexually transmitted infections

Objective of the study: to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on the levels of sex hormones, pituitary gonadotropins, and the overall endocrine balance in women of reproductive age. Special emphasis was placed on the impact of alcohol on reproductive health and fertility, particularly in cases where alcohol consumption is accompanied by chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) caused by sexually transmitted infections.Materials and methods. This case-control study involved the analysis of blood samples. It included 120 women of fertile age, divided into groups: 40 women with alcohol dependence and CID of reproductive system, 40 women with alcohol dependence without CID of the reproductive system, 40 healthy participants. Determination of concentrations of key hormones (follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol and prolactin) was carried out using validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay systems, which allowed assessing violations of the hormonal profile and endocrine balance. Women with alcohol dependence underwent complex therapy aimed at normalizing the hormonal background.Results. The results demonstrated that alcohol consumption leads to significant disruptions in endocrine homeostasis. Specifically, in women with alcohol dependence: follicle-stimulating hormone levels were markedly increased relative to luteinizing hormone (with follicle-stimulating hormone values approximately twice as high), there was a notable decrease in estradiol and progesterone levels, elevated levels of cortisol and prolactin. These hormonal imbalances cause reproductive dysfunctions such as anovulation, amenorrhea, and reduced fertility, adversely affecting reproductive health.Conclusions. Alcohol consumption adversely affects the reproductive health of women of reproductive age by disrupting the balance of sex hormones and gonadotropins. Therapeutic interventions aimed at normalizing the endocrine profile can restore hormonal balance and improve reproductive function. Further research is needed to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the negative impact of alcohol on fertility and overall reproductive health.