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Effect of hormone replacement therapy on hemostatic variables in post-menopausal women

Hana M Al-Farra1, Sahar K Al-Fahoum, Mohammed A Tabbaa

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Damascus University, PO Box 32131, Damascus, Syria. hana-f@scs-net.org

Saudi Medical Journal
|December 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not alter fibrinogen levels but decreased antithrombin III and protein C. This impacts understanding of HRT risks in post-menopausal women.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Thrombosis Research
  • Women's Health and Menopause Studies

Background:

  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used for menopausal symptoms and chronic disease prevention.
  • Recent trials link HRT to increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thrombosis.
  • Understanding HRT's effects on hemostatic parameters is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate mean levels of hemostatic parameters (fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C) in women with varying estrogen levels.
  • To compare these parameters between post-menopausal HRT users, post-menopausal non-users, and pre-menopausal women.

Main Methods:

  • An observational comparative study of 150 healthy women in Damascus, Syria.
  • Three groups: 40 post-menopausal HRT users, 55 post-menopausal non-users, and 55 pre-menopausal women (20-54 years).
  • Measurements included estradiol, fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT III), and protein C.

Main Results:

  • HRT users had higher estradiol and fibrinogen, but lower AT III and protein C compared to non-users.
  • Compared to pre-menopausal women, HRT users showed similar estradiol, AT III, and protein C, but higher fibrinogen.
  • Post-menopausal non-users had higher fibrinogen and lower AT III and protein C than pre-menopausal women.

Conclusions:

  • HRT treatment did not significantly alter mean fibrinogen levels.
  • HRT was associated with a decrease in mean antithrombin III and protein C levels.
  • These changes in hemostatic factors may contribute to the observed risks associated with HRT.
Abstract

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