Endocrinology of Pregnancy

This is the first comprehensive review in endocrinology of pregnancy in the English language and prepared the reader for the interpretation of the different parameters in present-day hormone assays.

Abstract

This is the first comprehensive review in endocrinology of pregnancy in the English language. That alone makes it an outstanding contribution. Fourteen chapters are written by 17 contributors from the Americas and Europe, all of whom are known for outstanding contributions in the endocrine field. The biochemical and biophysical aspects of gestation related to endocrine action are discussed. An introductory chapter dealing with the dynamics of hormone production-secretion-excretion prepares the reader for the interpretation of the different parameters in present-day hormone assays. The subjects are well indexed and make orientation easy. The steroid hormones (estrogens, progestagens, androgens, cortisol, and aldosterone) are presented in separate chapters outlining the chemistry, assay method, and biotransformation during pregnancy. The critical evaluation and interpretation of findings will make these chapters attractive and comprehendible to the less-informed reader. The polypeptide hormones (human chorionic gonadotrophin, human placental lactogen, insulin, oxytocin, and vasopressin) are explored in a similar