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Sleep Breath 2003; 07(1): 025-030
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-38943
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Women with Sleep Apnea Have Lower Levels of Sex Hormones

Nikolaus C. Netzer1,3 , Arn H. Eliasson2 , Kingman P. Strohl1
  • 1Department of Medicine, Center for Sleep Disorders Research, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
  • 3Department of Medicine, Division of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 April 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Background: Low levels of sex hormones, especially progesterone, are suspected as a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Objective: To test the hypothesis that serum levels of progesterone, estradiol, and 17-OH progesterone are lower in those women with clinically significant SDB. Design: Clinical cohort of convenience. Setting: University Hospital Sleep Laboratory. Methods: We investigated sleep and breathing parameters and serum levels of sex hormones in 53 consecutive women (ages 24 to 72 years) being evaluated for symptoms of daytime sleepiness. Analysis of hormonal status by specific radioimmunoassays and fluorescence immunoassays was done from blood samples taken after an overnight polysomnography. Results: Across the cohort, taking account of age and cycle time or postmenopausal status, those with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 10/hrs of sleep had significantly lower levels of 17-OH progesterone, progesterone, and estradiol than those with an AHI less than 10. Conclusion: We conclude that reductions in female sex hormones are associated with an increased probability of SDB in women with daytime sleepiness.

KEYWORDS

Female sex hormones - sleep apnea syndrome - women - menopause

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