Correlation between auditory‐vestibular functions and estrogen levels in postmenopausal patients with Meniere's disease

Abstract

Estrogen levels correlated with auditory and vestibular function in postmenopausal patients with MD. Low estrogen may be involved in the microcirculatory disturbance of the inner ear, affecting the occurrence and development of MD.

Sex Differences in the Triad of Acquired Sensorineural Hearing Loss

“…Several reports had revealed a slight female preponderance in Meniere’s disease [ 54 , 55 ]. Those who had a lower estrogen level presented poor auditory function in postmenopausal patients with Meniere’s disease [ 56 ]. Autoimmune inner ear disease features fluctuating bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss within weeks or months, likely due to a consequence of antibodies from various conditions such as viral infection, trauma, and vascular injury that damaged the inner ear [ 57 ].…”

“…Therefore, estrogen may play an important role in maintaining hearing and balance. For example, estrogen levels correlated with auditory and vestibular function in postmenopausal patients with Meniere’s disease [ 56 ] because lower estrogen may be involved in the microcirculatory disturbance and endolymphatic hydrops of the inner ear [ 117 ].…”

Effects of hormone therapy containing 2 mg drospirenone and 1 mg 17β‑estradiol on postmenopausal exacerbation of Meniere's disease: Preliminary study

“…Moreover, it has been shown that the low estrogen levels noted in postmenopausal women may cause microcirculatory disorders in the inner ear, leading to the development of MD ( 7 ). Consequently, the present study indicated that the benefits obtained by postmenopausal women with MD using DRSP/E2 treatment may be due to the type, dosage, combination and regimen of progestogen and E2.…”

“…DRSP derived from 17a-spironolactone is a progestin with an important antimineralocorticoid activity, which is able to reduce salt and water retention and to exert diuretic and anti-edema effects (11). Moreover, it has been shown that the low estrogen levels noted in postmenopausal women may cause microcirculatory disorders in the inner ear, leading to the development of MD (7). Consequently, the present study indicated that the benefits obtained by postmenopausal women with MD using DRSP/E2 treatment may be due to the type, dosage, combination and regimen of progestogen and E2.…”

“…The age of onset ranges from the third to the seventh decades of life, with a female predominance ( 6 ). It has been recognized that the specific reduction in estrogen levels in perimenopausal women may cause microcirculatory disruption in the inner ear, promoting the development of MD or contributing to the deterioration of the symptoms ( 7 ). The peak range of the development of MD is estimated at the age of 40-60 years in women ( 8 ).…”