[Effects of age and obesity on the conversion of androstenedione to estrone in postmenopausal women].

The effects of aging as well as body weight on conversion of circulating Androstendione (A) to Estrone (E1) in 21 postmenopausal women of different ages and body weights have been studied. Serum concentration of A and E1 were measured by RIA. The E1/A ratio was correlated with total body weight, body mass index, excessive body weight, age and years after cessation of menstruation. The results show that the E1/A ratio was significantly correlated with total body weight, body mass index and excessive body weight. In contrast the E1/A ratio is not significantly correlated with age or years after cessation of menstruation.