Elevation of C-reactive protein during the luteal phase in healthy adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Variations in inflammatory markers have been reported in adult women during the luteal phase, but whether these findings are observed during adolescence is unknown. We postulate that higher ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP) and lower 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE) levels, an estrogen metabolite with cardioprotective actions, are present during the luteal phase in young women. AIM: To evaluate usCRP levels during the menstrual cycle and to determine its association with 2OHE and 16α-hydroxyestrone (16OHE) in adolescents. METHODS: Healthy postmenarcheal adolescents (N = 37) were studied during one menstrual cycle in follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase-like period (LP-L). RESULTS: Elevations in usCRP levels in the LP-L were observed in the entire group and in anovulatory cycles (1.9 ± 1.1 mg/L in FP to 2.5 ± 1.8 mg/L in LP-L; p < 0.0001). Increases in estrone, estradiol, free and bioavailable estradiol, testosterone, usCRP and 2OHE levels were observed in LP-L compared with FP (p < 0.01), with a borderline elevation in IFG-I levels (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We report an elevation of usCRP and 2OHE levels during the luteal phase in healthy adolescents. Elevations of this inflammatory marker in anovulatory adolescents without an increase in 2OHE may play a role in metabolic risks associated with chronic anovulation.