title: Effect of ultra-low-dose estradiol and dydrogesterone on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.
abstract: Abstract Background Ultra-low-dose estradiol is known to improve menopausal symptoms and increase bone mineral density. However, the effect of ultra-low-dose estradiol on vascular function has not been clarified. Objectives We examined the effects of ultra-low-dose estradiol on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and circulating markers of cardiovascular risk. Patients and methods Twenty-eight postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. Fourteen women received oral estradiol (0.5 mg) and dydrogesterone (5 mg) every day for 12 months (ultra-low-dose group) as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 14 women as a control group did not receive HRT. The baPWV, lipid profiles, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and vascular inflammatory markers were measured. Results The baPWV level significantly decreased in the ultra-low-dose group (p = 0.037), while the baPWV level did not significantly change in the control group. HOMA-IR tended to decrease in the ultra-low-dose group (p = 0.076). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly in either group. Conclusion An HRT regimen using oral ultra-low-dose estradiol and dydrogesterone has an effect on arterial stiffness and insulin resistance.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsui
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yasui
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tani
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Uemura
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuwahara
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsuzaki
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arisawa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Irahara
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004394:Dydrogesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D004958:Estradiol; D004394:Dydrogesterone; D002784:Cholesterol