Control of estradiol secretion in reproductive ageing

BACKGROUND: Estradiol (E(2)) concentration is preserved in older reproductive-aged women despite a decrease in follicle number and androstenedione (AD) levels. We hypothesized that increased aromatase activity accounts for E(2) preservation in older women. METHODS: Older (36-46 years; n = 11) and younger (21-35 years; n = 10) women with 25- to 35-day menstrual cycles participated in a parallel design study. Daily blood samples were drawn starting at menses, and recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), 150 IU, was administered when the dominant follicle's diameter was > or =16 mm. FSH, LH, E(2), estrone (E(1)), AD and the AD/E(1) ratio were compared. RESULTS: E(2) and E(1) concentrations and the E(1)/E(2) ratio were similar across the follicular phase in older compared with younger women, whereas AD and the AD/E(1) ratio were lower. Older women had higher FSH concentrations in the early follicular phase and fewer small follicles. RhFSH-stimulated changes in E(1) were similar between older and younger subjects despite the smaller number of follicles. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that E(2) secretion is maintained by increased aromatase function in older compared with younger reproductive-aged women, whereas there is no apparent difference in 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. The increased aromatase is probably driven by increased FSH in the early follicular phase and compensates for the decreased follicle number in older reproductive-aged women.