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Post-menopausal hormone therapy and concentrations of protein C and antithrombin in elderly women

M Cushman1, B M Psaty, E N Meilahn

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA. mcushman@salus.uvm.edu

British Journal of Haematology
|July 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hormone therapy (HRT) in elderly women impacts blood clotting proteins. Oestrogen increased protein C, while both HRT types lowered antithrombin, potentially increasing venous thrombosis risk.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Post-menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) effects on blood coagulation in elderly women remain unclear.
  • Elderly women are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between HRT use and natural anticoagulant protein levels in women aged 65 and older.
  • To determine if HRT influences protein C and antithrombin concentrations in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 3393 women from the Cardiovascular Health Study.
  • Measured protein C antigen and antithrombin levels in HRT users (oestrogen-only and oestrogen/progestin) and non-users.
  • Age- and race-matched comparison groups were used.

Main Results:

  • Oestrogen therapy was linked to significantly higher protein C levels compared to non-users.
  • Both oestrogen-only and oestrogen/progestin therapies were associated with lower antithrombin levels.
  • HRT-associated antithrombin reduction was more pronounced in thinner Caucasian and Black women.

Conclusions:

  • HRT may increase venous thrombosis risk in elderly women, potentially mediated by reduced antithrombin levels.
  • Protein C levels do not appear to be a significant factor in HRT-related venous thrombosis.
  • Further research is needed to explore HRT-induced changes in anticoagulant function and their relation to thrombosis occurrence.

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