Table 1.
Physiological functions and predicted changes of hormones in Lady Windermere syndrome
| Hormone | Origin | Physiological function | Predicted change | Mechanism of change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leptin | Adipose | Satiety signalling | ↓ | Reduced fat mass |
| Adiponectin | Adipose | Regulation of metabolic processes (e.g. glucose and fatty acid metabolism) | ↑ | Caloric restriction |
| Oestrogens | Ovaries, peripheral conversion of androgens by aromatase | Female sex steroid | ↓ | Menopause |
| Reduced fat mass | ||||
| DHEA | Adrenal cortex (zona reticularis) | Metabolic intermediate in sex steroid synthesis with multiple oestrogenic, androgenic and other functions | ↓ | Senescence |
| Cortisol | Adrenal cortex (zona fasciculata) | Immunosuppression and regulation of multiple metabolic functions, including glucose control, sodium and water balance, cell replication, body composition (muscle and fat mass) | ↑ | Ageing, physiological stress |
| Prolactin | Anterior pituitary | Lactation | ↓ | Menopause – oestrogen deficiency |
| GH/IGF‐1 | GH: anterior pituitary | Body composition (muscle and fat mass) | ↓ | Senescence |
| IGF‐1: liver | ||||
| Thyroid hormones | Thyroid | Regulation of metabolism in multiple tissues/organs including brain, heart, gastrointestinal tract, muscle, bone | ↓ | Disease/dysfunction |
DHEA = dehydroepiandrosterone; GH = growth hormone; IGF‐1 = insulin‐like growth factor 1.