title: Estrogen positive feedback on LH secretion in transsexuality.
abstract: In order to test the hypothesis whether there is variation in hormonal levels or response to hormonal manipulation that could permit a distinction between heterosexuals and transsexuals, we designed the following protocol: Six male-to-female (m-to-f) transsexuals, six heterosexual control females and six female-to-male (f-to-m) transsexuals were given estradiol benzoate (E2B) (4.5 micrograms/kg/12 hr) for five days. In the female population, E2B treatment was initiated on day 5 of the menstrual cycle. In all the subjects blood luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol-17 beta (E2) and testosterone (T) levels were measured twice daily. Additionally, LH and FSH responses to LHRH (100 micrograms iv) stimulation prior to and on day 5 of the E2B treatment were evaluated. In the m-to-f transsexuals, T levels decreased sharply and progressively during estrogen treatment, along with a fall in LH and FSH levels. The magnitude of the LH and FSH responses to LHRH stimulation also decreased following estrogen administration. In the heterosexual female controls and in the f-to-m transsexuals, estrogen administration increased LH levels to a minimum of 100% above initial values from day 3 onwards. Interestingly, the magnitude of the LH increase in the f-to-m transsexuals was greater than that of the heterosexual female controls. In both groups, LHRH stimulation resulted in a greater LH response compared to that prior to estrogen treatment. Our present observations, based on blood hormonal levels and responses to hormonal manipulations do not permit a distinction between heterosexual females and f-to-m transsexuals. There was no convincing evidence for the existence of a positive estrogen feedback on LH secretion in m-to-f transsexuals. These results contradict some of the reported hypotheses concerning hormonal alterations in these individuals.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone