Comparison of Estrogen Levels in Postmenopausal Women from Japan and America
Author Information
Author(s): H. Shimizu, R.K. Ross, L. Bernstein, M.C. Pike, B.E. Henderson
Primary Institution: Gifu University School of Medicine; University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Are serum estrogen levels different in postmenopausal Japanese women compared to American white women?
Conclusion
Postmenopausal Japanese women have significantly lower serum estrogen levels than American white women.
Supporting Evidence
- American women had 47% higher oestrone levels than Japanese women.
- American women had 36% higher oestradiol levels than Japanese women.
- After adjusting for weight, American women still had significantly higher estrogen levels.
Takeaway
This study found that older Japanese women have less estrogen in their blood than American women, which might help explain why they have lower breast cancer rates.
Methodology
The study compared serum estrogen and SHBG levels in postmenopausal Japanese and American women, adjusting for weight and other factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection as Japanese women were chosen from a rural agricultural area.
Limitations
The study may not represent urban Japanese women and was limited to specific rural areas.
Participant Demographics
Postmenopausal women aged 60 to 70, with 91 Japanese and 38 American participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
(78.0, 88.4) for Japanese oestrone, (109.5, 136.5) for American oestrone
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website