Endocrine dissertation on preeclampsia and proposal of a hypothesis

Abstract

The hypothesis that an androgenized facies In a pregnant woman could serve as a clinical clue for the search of preeclampsia, making It possible to apply a preventive approach is proposed. The balance between dilator and constrictor prostaglandins controls blood pressure during pregnancy; to keep such a balance an adequate equilibrium in the production of hormones, particularly dihydroprogesterone (DHP), is necessary. DHP is obtained through the action of 5-alpha reductase, which in androgen metabolism has the unique role of transforming circulating androgens into the trophic hormone dihydrotestosterone. The hypothesis proposes that androgenic utilization of 5- alpha reductase during pregnancy could alter the production of DHP I generating a lack of equilibrium among the various hormones, prostaglandins included.