Associations of Anthropometric Parameters with Serum TSH, Prolactin, IGF-I, and Testosterone Levels: Results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)

Abstract

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disorders. Divergent associations between obesity and hormonal changes have been reported. The objective of the present study was to analyse the associations between anthropometric measurements and hormone levels including serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I, and testosterone. Form the cross-sectional Study of Health in Pomerania 1 women and 1 864 men aged 20-79 years were included in the analyses. Serum TSH, prolactin, IGF-I, and testosterone levels were determined by immunochemiluminescent procedures. Body height, weight as well as waist and hip circumferences were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Our analyses revealed inverse linear associations of waist and hip circumferences, BMI and WHtR with serum TSH levels and linear associations between waist circumference as well as WHtR and serum prolactin levels in women. In men, inverse linear and quadratic associations between anthropometric parameters and serum IGF-I as well as serum testosterone levels were found. Additionally, men with high waist circumference had more often low serum IGF-I or testosterone levels and less often high serum IGF-I or testosterone levels compared to men with low waist circumference. These sex-specific differences should be noted in studies regarding hormones and obesity.