Impact of Menopausal Hormonal Therapy on Anti-SARS-Cov-2 Antibody Titers in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

Aim: Postmenopausal women often contract the common cold. Following treatment with HRT, symptoms resolve in some women. We hypothesize menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may increase anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibody titers, leading to greater resilience against COVID-19 infection. Methods: 219 patients were enrolled. Anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibody titers were measured, and the number of days since the second SARS-Cov-2 vaccination was recorded. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between these two variables for patients receiving MHT, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving methotrexate and non-MHT/non-RA (NMR). Analysis was further divided into groups aged <50, age 50 to 60, and age >60. Results: Anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibody titers in the MHT group were significantly higher than NMR aged >50 (p < 0.05). In addition, anti-IgG antibody values in NMR were significantly higher than in patients with RA aged >60 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MHT results in increased production of anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibodies in women aged >50. This may confer additional protection against SARS-Cov-2 infection. Women with RA on methotrexate over 60 have lower antibody titers than NMR aged >60.