Exogenous estrogen in systemic lupus erythematosus: oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
The role of exogenous estrogen in the initiation and maintenance of human SLE remains very controversial. Although cohort studies suggest an increase in the incidence of SLE with both oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, recent retrospective studies suggest that the risk of flare is not increased with hormone replacement therapy. However, exogenous estrogen does increase hypercoagulability, an issue in SLE patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. The prospective SELENA study will ultimately address whether exogenous estrogen increases severe flares in SLE.
Petri
M
M
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 7500, Baltimore, MA 21205, USA. mpetri@welch.jhu.edu
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004967:Estrogens