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Published on: November 10, 2017
[The effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on lipid metabolism in the menopause]
A Camilli1, L Di Benedetto, F M Camilli
1II Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza.
Insights
Hormone replacement therapy in menopause improves lipid profiles, reducing cardiovascular risk. Transdermal estrogen showed a stronger positive correlation with HDL cholesterol levels compared to oral administration.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Women's Health
Context:
- Menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk due to declining estradiol levels.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a potential intervention to mitigate these risks.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effect of oestroprogestinic replacement therapy on lipid status in postmenopausal women.
- To compare the efficacy of oral versus transdermal HRT on lipid profiles.
Summary:
- A study involving 34 menopausal women receiving HRT (oral or transdermal) assessed metabolic status before and after 12 months.
- Results showed a significant positive correlation between estrogen use and HDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.0001).
- Transdermal treatment demonstrated a more pronounced effect on HDL cholesterol compared to oral HRT.
Impact:
- HRT in menopause offers a beneficial effect on lipid status, potentially lowering cardiovascular attack risk.
- The study confirmed the protective effect of prescribed progestin doses against endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
- Further evaluation is ongoing regarding the potential impact of HRT on breast cancer incidence.
Introduction And Aims:
During menopause the number of cardiovascular attacks increases parallel to the elimination of estradiol production. The administration of the latter reverses this tendency owing to a compound mechanism (improved HDL) cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio, diminished vasal resistance).
Materials And Methods:
The authors present a study performed in 34 patients in menopause receiving oestroprogestinic replacement therapy using an oral or transdermal route. Metabolic status (serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and HDL cholesterol (C.HDL) was evaluated in all patients before treatment and after 12 months.
Results:
A statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.0001) was found between the use of oestrogen and serum levels of HDL. This correlation appeared to be more evident in patients using transdermal treatment compared to the oral form.
Conclusions:
The authors conclude that in the absence of contraindications, hormone replacement therapy in menopause exercises a beneficial effect on the lipid status, contributing to diminishing the risk of cardiovascular attacks. The possibility of an increased incidence of breast cancer is now being evaluated, whereas effective protection of the endometrium against the risk of hyperplasia and cancer was shown using the doses of progestin used in this study, which coincide with those currently prescribed in the literature.
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