Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many functions in the body. As women go through menopause, and as men age, levels of certain reproductive hormones change significantly. One of these hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), increases substantially after menopause and may also rise in some men. Another hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is best known as the hormone of pregnancy, but small amounts can also be detected in some postmenopausal women and older men.
Recent research suggests that LH and hCG may have effects beyond reproduction. These hormones may influence bone health, body weight, kidney function, thyroid function, and adrenal gland function. However, little is known about their importance in patients with endocrine disorders.
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether blood levels of LH and hCG are associated with the presence, severity, and long-term outcomes of endocrine diseases. The study will include adult patients undergoing evaluation for hormonal disorders. Blood samples will be analyzed for LH, hCG, and other relevant hormones and biomarkers. Participants will also be followed through national health registries to examine whether these hormone levels are associated with future health outcomes.
The results of this study may improve our understanding of how LH and hCG affect the body and help determine whether these hormones can be used as biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and management of endocrine diseases.
Patients referred to or patients actively followed at the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Herlev Hospital
Age 18-90
Lacking mental capacity to provide informed consent
All patients referred or followed at the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Herlev Hospital for suspected or confirmed: Osteoporosis, Hypercalcemia/PHPT, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, pituitary disease.
Cohort
Prospective
Not listed
Association between serum LH and hCG and risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF)
Among patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis
Association between serum LH and hCG and risk of later diagnosis of osteoporosis
Among patients with suspected or confirmed hypercalcemia/primary hyperparathyroidism
Association between serum LH and hCG and urinary calcium/phosphate ratio
Among patients with suspected or confirmed hypercalcemia/primary hyperparathyroidism
Association between serum LH and hCG and serum T4/T3 ratio
Among patients with suspected or confirmed thyroid disease
Association between serum LH and hCG and risk of T3 treatment initiation
Among patients with suspected or confirmed thyroid disease
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Martin Blomberg Jensen
Lead sponsor
Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev
Sponsor institution
Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev
Collaborator
