Hormonal and Metabolic Alterations in Women with Endocrine Disorders in Southern Iraq

Abstract

 Conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, obesity, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) cause metabolic and endocrine alterations that affect the reproductive and metabolic functions of women. These conditions coexist with changes in sex hormones, glucose metabolism, vitamin D, and specific intracellular signaling pathways, indicating the necessity for integrated hormonal studies in these conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the hormonal, metabolic, and molecular biomarkers of women with hyperprolactinemia, obesity, and T1DM, and healthy controls, with particular focus on sex hormones, glucose levels, vitamin D, and the β-catenin pathway. A cross-sectional comparative study design was implemented with women with hyperprolactinemia, obesity, or T1DM, and age-matched healthy controls. The serum levels of prolactin, gonadotropins (FSH, LH), the hypothalamic releasing hormone GnRH, sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone), fasting blood glucose, vitamin D, and β-catenin were measured using standard immunoassay and biochemical techniques. Statistical analysis was applied, and results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Women with hyperprolactinemia had significantly altered sex steroid profiles compared with controls. Among women with obesity, the combination of hyperglycemia and altered sex steroid profiles contributed to obesity. The T1DM group exhibited significant hyperglycemia and estradiol deficiency that corresponded to impaired metabolic and reproductive hormone interactions. All groups confirmed a prevalent deficiency of vitamin D, but the T1DM group demonstrated the most severe deficiency. In the metabolically compromised groups, decreased serum β-catenin levels were observed, which may indicate reduced β-catenin signaling; however, serum β-catenin does not necessarily reflect intracellular Wnt/β-catenin activity. The study concludes that hyperprolactinemia, obesity, and T1DM in women are associated with several different but interrelated metabolic and hormonal changes. The interrelated changes in the metabolic and endocrine systems are illustrated by the changes in sex hormones, vitamin D, and β-catenin levels. There is a need for an integrated approach in the diagnostic evaluation of the metabolic and hormonal systems to improve the clinical management of women with hyperprolactinemia, obesity, and T1DM.