Abstract
Natriuretic peptides, which are important regulators of salt handling and blood pressure, are 60%-75% higher in healthy young women than in men, consistent with a gender dimorphism. In this randomized, placebo-controlled study in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, we show that administration of oral contraceptives (OC) increases natriuretic peptide levels and that end-of-study free T levels are inversely associated with amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, consistent with the hypothesis that natriuretic peptide levels may be mediated by differences in gonadal steroid concentrations - estrogens (E) or androgens.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2605-2607 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Fertility and sterility |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 30 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Natriuretic peptides
- androgens
- oral contraceptives
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology