Effects of low-dose 17-beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate and tibolone on fasting plasma homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women.
BACKGROUND
Many postmenopausal women currently receive hormone replacement therapy. The use of low-dose 17beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate and tibolone for hormone replacement therapy is not uncommon in postmenopausal women. Homocysteine, which is known to be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, is found in increased levels postmenopause. This study compared the effects of low-dose 17beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate and tibolone on the fasting plasma homocysteine level in healthy postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Healthy postmenopausal women (n = 44) were enrolled in the study. Women randomly assigned received 1 mg of 17beta-estradiol plus 0.5 mg of norethisterone acetate or 2.5 mg tibolone during a period of 12 weeks. Fasting plasma homocysteine levels were measured at baseline, the 4th week, and the 12th week of therapy.


RESULTS
In the 4th week there were no significant changes in plasma homocysteine levels in both groups (p > 0.05). However at the end of the 12th week the plasma homocysteine levels were reduced significantly in both groups (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose 17beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate and tibolone lower the fasting plasma homocysteine levels in healthy postmenopausal women.
Kaleli
Babur
B
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey. bkaleli@netscape.net
Yildirim
Basak
B
Demir
Suleyman
S
Alatas
Erkan
E
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D009652:Norpregnenes; D006710:Homocysteine; D004958:Estradiol; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; C027385:tibolone; D009640:Norethindrone