Estrogen and stroke: a review of the current literature.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability annually, and one of the larger populations for which neuroscience nurses care. Differences in gender have been identified as a risk factor for stroke repeatedly throughout the literature. The purpose of this evidence-based literature review is to provide information to healthcare professionals regarding stroke and its relationship with estrogen, the major female sex hormone. Background information on the three types of stroke is outlined, and information on estrogen compounds and hormone replacement therapy is detailed. A review of articles relating estrogen and/or hormone replacement therapy with stroke was performed. Fifty-seven articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review, 19 articles support the use of estrogen and/or an estrogen-related compound in the prevention or treatment of stroke, 6 articles claim estrogen and/or estrogen-related compounds are risk factors for stroke, and 11 articles remain inconclusive with regard to an estrogen and stroke relationship.
Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Erin
E
Carwile
Amy K
AK
Wagner
Elizabeth
E
Crago
Sheila A
SA
Alexander
D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004958:Estradiol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D020521:Stroke / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004967:Estrogens; D004958:Estradiol