El Envejecimiento somático y la adrenopausia a nivel del mar y en la altura

Abstract

The present study has been designed to deter- mine if adrenopause or reduction of serum adrenal an- drogens levels are observed early at high altitude than at sea level. It was determined also the relationship be- tween adrenopause with menopause in women living at sea level and at high altitude. Moreover, it was deter- mined the relationship of serum adrenal androgen levels with arterial oxygen saturation, hematocrit, and serum. levels of testosterone, and estradiol. The study has been performed in 210 women residents at high altitude (4340 m) aged 20-70 years and 123 women aged 20-70 years living in Lima (150 m). Results demonstrated that meno- pause was attained at earlier ages at high altitude than at sea level. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A) decline with age at sea level and at high altitude, however reduction is of major magnitude and attained earlier at high altitude than at sea level. The reduction of adrenal androgens pre- cedes elevation of FSH during perimenopause. In women at high altitude was also observed with aging a reduc- tion in arterial oxygen saturation with an increase of hematocrit and of the ratio testosterone/estradiol. The reduction of DHEA and A define adrenopause at sea level as well as at high altitude. Higher level of DHEA at high altitude was associated with low risk for excessive erythrocytosis. In conclusion, adrenopause is attained earlier and of major magnitude at high altitude than at sea level. The low level DHEA at high altitude was associated to a high risk for excessive erythrocytosis.