Comparison of the Concentration of Estrogen and Testosterone Ratio in Male Patients With Cirrhosis and Hypotension

Another potential contributor to the development of hypotension in cirrhosis is thought to be due to the increased production of estrogen in males especially the estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) concentration. The concentration of estrogen in cirrhotic patients is thought to increase by fourfold compared to individuals without cirrhosis. The increased estrogen concentration in cirrhosis patients results, in large part, from an increased peripheral conversion from androgens including testosterone. Previous studies have shown that increased estrogen concentration can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure in various cell, animal, and human models. Of note, estrogen has also been shown to enhance nitric oxide production in human beings.