Effect of Postmenopausal Hormone Treatment on Serum Lipid Profile and Coagulation Factors

Background & Objectives: To assess the effects of different hormone treatment regimes on blood lipids, lipoproteins, ATIII, fibrinogen in postmenopausal patients. Methods: We studied retrospectively 115 patients who recieved one of four different estrogen treatment protocols. Of the 115 patiens; 25 had received transdermal estradiol patch 3.9 mg/week(TD) (Group-1), 22 patients had received TD + MPA 2.5 (Group-2), 19 patients had received oral CEE 0.625 mg/day (Group-3), 23 patients had received CEE 0.625 mg/day + MPA 2.5 mg/day (Group-4), 26 postmenopausal patients who had no hormonal treatment composed control group. Plasma cholesterol, lipids, lipoproteins, ATIII, and fibrinogen levels before and 6 months after treatment were checked from their recordings retrospectively. Results: Serum cholesterol level increased in control group, decreased in MPA taking Group-2, and Group-4. Serum LDL level decreased significantly in Group 2, 3, and 4 while it increased insignificantly in control group. Serum HDL level increased significantly only in oral CEE taking Group-3 (24% increase). Trigliseride level significantly decreased in Group-2 (10.1% decrease). Fibrinogen decreased in all treatment groups, ATIII did not change in treatment groups but increased in control group by 22.9%. Interpretation and Conclusion: Estrogen alone or in combination with progestin effects plasma lipid levels in a positive way. It also decreases fibrinogen level that might be protective for CVD.