Effect of ultra-low-dose estradiol and dydrogesterone on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women

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.