Which hormone is generally found at higher levels in obese women?

In the context of obesity and hormone levels, estrone is the hormone typically found at higher levels in obese women. Estrone is a form of estrogen that is synthesized in adipose (fat) tissue, particularly in postmenopausal women where ovarian production of estrogens declines. As body fat increases, the amount of estrone can rise due to greater conversion of androgens (like testosterone) in adipose tissue to estrogens.

This relationship signifies how obesity can influence hormone balance, leading to higher circulating levels of estrone. This can have various implications for health, including the potential for increased risks of certain conditions such as endometrial cancer, as estrone acts similarly to other estrogens in the body.

In contrast, while testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone can also be involved in hormonal regulation and might be present in varying amounts due to different bodily processes, they do not typically show the same consistent elevation linked to obesity as estrone does. Thus, recognizing estrone's significant increase in obese women helps in understanding the broader implications of obesity on hormonal health.