Correlation between Eustachian Tube Function and Estrogen Levels

Objective: We aimed to study if there is any effect of estrogen levels on the function of eustachian tube Patients and Methods: A total number of 35 women undergoing induction of ovulation. All women were studied by daily evaluation of serum estrogen and progesterone levels. All women underwent tympanometry to test the Eustachian tube function. The test was performed in the upright sitting position, and women were instructed to refrain from talking, chewing, or swallowing while the probe tip was in place. Results: All women had an initial estradiol level of <50 pg/ml and a progesterone level of <1 ng/ml. The maximal estradiol level measured in the study group was 2700 pg/ml. In 28 women eustachian tube function did not change significantly with estradiol levels at the physiologic range (25–300 pg/ml) as well as at levels highly beyond that range. Four patients showed significantly decreased function with increasing estradiol levels while three patients showed a mild increase in eustachian tube function with increasing estradiol levels. As for the whole group, there is a moderate decrease in function with increasing serum estrogen levels. Conclusion: There is a poor correlation between estrogen levels and eustachian tube function over a wide range of estrogen levels. However, a moderate decrease in eustachian tube function with high blood levels of estradiol in a small number of women may explain the symptomatology encountered in various physiologic or pathologic situations.