[The evaluation of estradiol and FSH serum levels in menopausal women with primary cataract].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare the serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in young women with cataract and control group.


METHODS
We were evaluating levels of estradiol and FSH in 31 women (aged 31 to 54 years; mean age 46.2 years) operated due to senile cataract and in 31 women (aged 37 to 53 years; mean age 44.2 years) without clinical evidence of cataract--control group. We excluded all subjects with cataract of non-senile origin with other factors predisposing to cataract development (i.e. diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, myopia, glaucoma, injury, roentgen radiation, drugs, family prevalence). The serum levels of hormones were evaluated between 19th and 21st day of menstruation cycle using immunoenzymatic assay. All patients had negative history of estrogen use. Subjects underwent a detailed eye examination including: visual acuity, tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy after pupil dilatation with 1% Tropicamide.


RESULTS
There was significant difference of mean serum levels of estradiol and FSH between patients and control group, but no significant difference of mean age. There was significant dependence between menopausal syndrome symptoms and occurrence of cataract (p = 0.00001). There was also significant dependence between hormones' levels typical for menopause and occurrence of cataract (p = 0.00026). We found significant negative correlation (R = -0.6370, p = 0.00027) between estradiol and FSH, and positive correlation (R = 0.46267, p = 0.0088) between age and FSH, in patients with cataract. No significant correlations were noted in control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Lack of other predisposing factors and young age of patients allow to establish a conclusion, that occurrence of cataract in this group may be associated with menopausal period changes and lack of protective action of estrogens. It seems to be important, to take special ophthalmology care of premenopausal women with menopausal syndrome symptoms. It requires continuation of studies, to assess the possibility of protective role of hormone replacement therapy, to prevent cataract development.
Dolatowska
Ewa
E
Katedry Okulistyki z Klinika Okulistyczna i Zakładem Patofizjologii Narzadu Wzroku Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie.
D000328:Adult; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged
D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone