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Published on: April 7, 2014
Menopause rather than estrogen modifies plasma homocysteine levels
D Marchesoni1, L Driul, L Plaino
1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. diego.marchesoni@dsc.uniud.it
Summary
Postmenopausal women, particularly those surgically menopausal, exhibit elevated homocysteine levels. Transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) over 12 months did not alter these homocysteine levels in surgically menopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Surgically induced menopause can alter metabolic profiles.
- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is used to manage menopausal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of transdermal ERT on plasma homocysteine levels.
- To compare homocysteine concentrations between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- To evaluate changes in homocysteine after 6 and 12 months of transdermal ERT.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- Transdermal estrogen treatment (TTS 50 twice-weekly) administered to postmenopausal participants.
- Plasma homocysteine levels measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in baseline homocysteine levels were observed between premenopausal and postmenopausal women (P<0.05).
- No significant changes in plasma homocysteine levels were detected in postmenopausal women after 6 or 12 months of transdermal ERT.
Conclusions:
- Surgically menopausal women present with higher plasma homocysteine concentrations compared to premenopausal women.
- Transdermal estrogen treatment for 12 months does not appear to modify homocysteine levels in surgically menopausal women.
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