Assessment of hypercoagulability markers and lipid levels in postmenopausal women undergoing either oral or transdermal hormone replacement therapy.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the effect of either oral or transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on haemostatic, fibrinolytic and lipid profiles in a group of Brazilian women 3 months after beginning treatment by comparing these results with those obtained immediately before HRT.


METHODS
Plasma levels of TAT, DDi, F1+2, PC, PS, AT, PAI-1 and serum lipids were determined in blood samples collected from 24 women undergoing oral HRT and from 11 women undergoing transdermal HRT.


RESULTS
Significant increases in DDi and F1+2 plasma levels were observed after 3 months of oral HRT, while PS levels decreased. After transdermal HRT, a significant decrease was observed only for AT levels.


CONCLUSIONS
After 3 months of oral HRT and in the absence of major genetic and acquired risk factors, women displayed a predisposition for activation of blood coagulation, and an increased activity of the fibrinolytic system. Oral HRT seemed to be more effective in predisposing haemostatic changes as compared to transdermal.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil. daniamgb@yahoo.com.br
Daniela Amorim Melgaço
DA
Guimarães
Maria
M
das Graças Carvalho
Jarbas
J
Cardoso
Marinez
M
de Oliveira Sousa
Romerson Martins
RM
Franco
Hilton
H
de Almeida Franco
Túlio César
TC
Alvim
George
G
da Silva Teixeira
Luci Maria
LM
SantAna Dusse
Ana Paula
AP
Fernandes
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*
D015415:Biomarkers; D008055:Lipids