Effect of estrogen replacement therapy on lipids. Implications for cardiovascular risk.
Estrogen administration lowers low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels and raises high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels; those effects are associated with a diminished risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Because of adverse effects on the endometrium, estrogen is commonly given in combination with a progestogen. Progestogens have adverse effects on plasma lipoproteins, though, and the beneficial effects of estrogen may be neutralized when a progestogen is added. Data on lipoprotein effects of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women are scarce, and further study is needed.
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D045166:Estradiol Congeners / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012306:Risk
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D045166:Estradiol Congeners; D008055:Lipids; D045167:Progesterone Congeners