A groundbreaking ten-year study by the Institut Pasteur has unveiled fascinating insights into the fluctuations of steroid hormone levels. These crucial molecules, impacting our overall health, are influenced significantly by age, sex, and lifestyle choices. The results of this research were recently published in Science Advances.
Understanding Steroid Hormones
Steroid hormones encompass a wide array of molecules, from corticosteroids like cortisone to sex hormones such as progestogens, estrogens, and androgens. These hormones play a pivotal role in regulating our metabolism, immune system, sexual characteristics, reproductive health, and even our response to stress.
Yet, despite their significance, research on the precise variations of these hormones due to factors like sex and age has been limited. What can we learn about how our everyday choices influence these essential molecules?
Unraveling the Research: A Ten-Year Study
To fill the gaps in our understanding, two passionate teams at the Institut Pasteur embarked on a ten-year longitudinal study involving nearly a thousand healthy individuals aged 20 to 69. This innovative study was spearheaded by Darragh Duffy, Head of the Translational Immunology Unit, and Molly Ingersoll, Head of the Mucosal Inflammation and Immunity Joint Unit.
The Milieu Intérieur cohort comprised an equal split of men and women. Researchers utilized mass spectrometry to measure changes in **17 different steroid hormones** over time, marking a significant milestone in our comprehension of hormonal variations across a healthy population.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices
Oral Contraceptives and Hormonal Fluctuations
The study’s findings emphasize that hormonal levels are not solely influenced by genetics and age but are also significantly impacted by lifestyle factors. One of the standout revelations concerns **oral contraception**; it was found to significantly affect **12 steroid hormones** in women. As Molly Ingersoll notes, “Estrogen, androgen, and progestogen levels in women taking oral contraceptives are astonishingly low – lower than those seen in menopausal women.”
Smoking’s Ripple Effect
In addition, the study highlights how **smoking** dramatically alters steroid levels in men. As men age, they often experience declining androgen levels, including testosterone, which may correlate with various health issues. As Darragh Duffy points out, “This suggests that these hormones play a crucial role in the **development of certain diseases**.”
Unexpected Connections: Food Choices and Hormones
The research uncovered even more intriguing correlations, particularly between lifestyle choices and hormonal levels. According to Léa Deltourbe, a PhD student involved in the research, “A link between fast food consumption and levels of cortisone and cortisol emerged from the study.” This underscores how our diet can adversely influence hormonal health.
The Future of Hormonal Health Research
These findings lay a critical foundation for understanding the **normal variations** in hormone levels and their implications for our health. The researchers emphasize the necessity of tailoring treatment for hormone-related diseases according to factors like sex, age, and even specific behaviors. As they move forward, the team is set to explore further connections between hormonal variations and the onset of diseases.
Stay tuned for more insights as scientists deepen their study of how our daily choices intertwine with the very fabric of our hormonal health.
For additional information, check the full study: Steroid hormone levels vary with sex, aging, lifestyle, and genetics, published in March 2025.
