Effects of estrogen and estrogen–progestogen therapy on homocysteine levels and their correlation with carotid vascular resistance

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the correlation between homocysteine levels and carotid vascular resistance in menopausal women submitted to estrogen and estrogen–progestogen therapy.Methods. Eighty-six women with a mean age of 52 years were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, 6-month study. Patients were allocated to use one of three oral therapies: placebo (n = 26), micronized estradiol 2 mg/day (n = 30) or micronized estradiol 2 mg/day plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg/day (n = 30). Evaluation of homocysteine levels and Doppler sonography of the common carotid artery, used to calculate pulsatility index (PI), were carried out prior to initiating therapy and at the end of the study. The correlation between these two parameters was evaluated using Pearson's coefficient of correlation.Results. There was a significant reduction in homocysteine levels in the groups treated with estrogen alone or estrogen combined with norethisterone. PI was significantly lower only in users of estrogen alone; however, no significant correlation was found between homocysteine measurements and PI.Conclusion. No significant correlation was found between homocysteine levels and carotid vascular resistance following hormone therapy.