Changes in steroidogenesis during the menstrual cycle in relation to body composition

The menstrual cycle serves to prepare the oocyte for fertilization and, if fertilization occurs, to subsequently create suitable conditions in the uterus for its implantation. For the menstrual cycle to function properly, a number of regulatory hormones are required, which alternate and complement each other in the individual phases of the cycle. The roles of the major steroid hormones are well described in the literature; however, there are significant gaps in our understanding of lesser-known steroids, including 11-oxygenated androgens. Hormones associated with food intake-about which we have limited information and which have not yet been compared between women of normal weight and those with overweight or obesity-may also fluctuate over the course of the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to analyze the steroid spectrum in plasma in an already collected cohort of 17 women with normal weight (BMI up to 25) and 12 women with overweight or obesity (BMI above 25) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and subsequently to describe changes in less common steroids, including adrenal androgens. Another aim was to relate these observed changes to the concentrations of hormones regulating food intake, which were also analyzed, and to assess differences in both groups of hormones between...