Comparison of serum androgens and endometrial thickness in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated whether serum androgen levels and endometrial thickness differed in obese and non-obese women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirtytwo non-obese (BMI <30) and 48 obese (BMI ≥ 30) women were enrolled. Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, and SHBG, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed. RESULTS Obese women had significantly higher free testosterone and endometrial thickness and significantly lower SHBG. Eight of 17 women with endometrial thickness >5 mm had significant pathology. CONCLUSION These results suggest that obesity may be a risk factor for endometrial carcinoma and other pathologies in post-menopausal women through an action on androgen concentrations.