Increased response of cortisol and ACTH to corticotrophin releasing hormone in centrally obese men, but not in post-menopausal women

Abstract

There is evidence for enhanced hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) activity in centrally obese premenopausal women. This has led to the hypothesis that increased cortisol production rates may be an aetiological factor in the genesis of central obesity. However, the relationship of obesity and body fat distribution to HPAA activity in men and postmenopausal women has not been established. We carried out CRH tests in 13 men and 8 post-menopausal women. We measured 24 h urine cortisol metabolites prior to the CRH test in each subject, as an indication of cortisol production rate. There was a significant direct relationship between central obesity as measured by the ratio of subscapular:triceps skinfold thickness (STR)—and the ACTH/cortisol response to CRH in men, but not in postmenopausal women. There was no relationship between obesity or body fat distribution and 24 h urine cortisol metabolites. This study provides evidence for hyperactivity of the HPAA in centrally obese men, but not in postmenopausal women.