[Estrogens and lipid metabolism]

In the woman, lipoprotein plasma concentrations vary according to ovarian function. In general, menopause induces variations in lipoprotein plasma concentrations which are related to an increase in cardiovascular risk. Oestrogen therapy increases the synthesis of all lipoproteins including ApoB and increases the rate of their metabolism in various degrees depending on the type of lipoprotein. Globally, under oestrogen treatment, LDL cholesterol is decreased and HDL cholesterol is increased--more specifically HDL 2 and Lp A1 fractions. Oestrogens alter the lipoprotein metabolism through numerous mechanisms. New drugs such as Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators or phytoestrogens act on lipid metabolism: these effects could be useful in clinical practice.