[Effects of estrogens and progestogens on the lipid profile in postmenopausal hypogonadism]

It is known that postmenopausal hypogonadism is associated to an increase of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and a decrease of high density lipoproteins (HDL) that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The hormonal replacement therapy of estrogen with or without a progestin reduces such risk in approximately 50%. This study of a retrospective clinical design was longitudinal, descriptive and comparative of 172 patient grouped for treatment received: a) with estrogen and progestin (E + P: 59.1%, n = 122), and b) estrogen alone (E: 40.9%, n = 50), in whom was determined: lipid profile and aterogenic risk initially and each year until 5 years of follow up. Results obtained were: 172 with average age of 51.5 +/- SD 9.2 years with average 5.5 duration years of postmenopause, in both groups the aterogenic risk was reduced as well as concentrations of serum LDL, while HDL increased. It is concluded that hormonal replacement therapy exerted a substantial effect upon main lipoproteins (HDL, LDL) modifying sensitively the aterogenic risk and consequently ameliorating the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.