Progesterone metabolite levels rise in women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Endocrinology-January 19, 2004

According to recent research from Canada, "chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a controversial entity whose cause is unknown. In this study we have explored the possibility that progesterone, metabolites may be involved. Plasma levels of the progesterone precursor pregnenolone, progesterone itself, and five ring A-reduced metabolites of progesterone were measured in 20 women with CFS and in 13 age-matched controls."

"To minimize the contribution of the ovary, women were either post-menopausal or in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (day 4-8), and progesterone levels were all well within the expected range (less than or equal to3.5 nmol/l). Mean values for progesterone and all of its metabolites were higher in CFS patients, the most marked being a 2.3-fold elevation in isopregnanolone (3beta,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone; pless than or equal to0.001)," stated B.E.P. Murphy and colleagues, McGill University, Department of Psychiatry.

"Progesterone levels were correlated with those of its metabolites, but even after controlling for progesterone by ANCOVA, isopregnanolone levels were still elevated (pless than or equal to0.001). These elevated levels of isopregnanolone could not be attributed to medications (antidepressants and anxiolytics)."

"When the CFS patients were divided into two groups according to their Hamilton depression scale ratings, (mean�SD) isopregnanolone levels were higher (274�160 vs. 197�.119 pmol/l) in the less depressed group (ratings 2-14) than in the more depressed group(ratings 17-28), although this difference did not reach significance," study authors said.

"Progesterone levels were negatively correlated with Hamilton depression rating scores (r=-0.56; p<0.01). These results suggest that increases in ring A-reduced progesterone metabolites, particularly isopregnanolone, are associated with CFS, and that the pathophysiology of CFS is unlikely to be due to depression," investigators concluded.

Murphy and colleagues published their study in Psychoneuroendocrinology (Elevated levels of some neuroactive progesterone metabolites, particularly isopregnanolone, in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2004;29(2):245-268).

For additional information, contact B.E.P. Murphy, McGill University, Department Psychiatry, 1033 Pine Avenue W, Montreal, PQ H3A 1A1, Canada.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Geriatric, Gynecology, Neurology, Neuroscience and Women's Health. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.

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