Convergent Mechanisms Underlying Reprometabolic Syndrome in Women

Dr. Nanette Santoro proposes to test the specific question that obesity results in abnormal estradiol response at the level of the pituitary and hypothalamus. This will be shown in diminished pituitary sensitivity to gonadorelin releasing hormone with a reduced estradiol induced luteinizing hormone surge in obese women.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-38 * Regular menstrual cycles every 25-35 days * No use of reproductive hormones within the past 3 months * No use of medications interacting with reproductive hormones * Agreement to use reliable barrier contraception or to abstain from intercourse for the duration of the study * Normal thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and lipid profiles * No more than 4 hours of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week * No history of chronic disease impacting reproductive hormones * No contraindications to administration of estradiol * No history of estrogen dependent cancer * Negative pregnancy test Exclusion Criteria: * Has diabetes * Is a smoker * History of venous thromboembolism or known thrombophilia