Abstract
Context and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in postmenopausal women and dyslipidemia has important contributing factor. The objective of the study was to evaluate low-dose estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT) + simvastatin for vasomotor symptoms and lipid and lipoprotein profiles. Design and Setting: Clinical trial was conducted in a private clinical research center. Methods: Two hundred forty symptommatic postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia were randomized to one of three treatment groups: A) 1 mg estradiol/ 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA) + 20 mg simvastatin; B) E2/NETA + placebo; or C) 20 mg simvastatin + placebo. Lipid and lipoprotein profiles and menopausal symptoms were evaluated after 16 weeks. Results: Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol decreased (P cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apo B and ApoB/Apoa1 (P Conclusions: Thus in postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia, the association of E2/ NETA low-dose with simvastatin relieved climacteric symptoms similar to that observed with isolated E2/NETA and improved lipid and lipoprotein profile similar to the isolated use of simvastatin. The use of E2/NETA alone decreased menopausal symptoms, but did not improve dyslipidemia.
Highlights
Menopause heralds a time of new challenges for women, with respect to the menopausal symptoms that affect quality of life and the increased cardiovascular risk
Conclusions: in postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia, the association of E2/ NETA low-dose with simvastatin relieved climacteric symptoms similar to that observed with isolated E2/NETA and improved lipid and lipoprotein profile similar to the isolated use of simvastatin
Following interventional studies who questioned the benefits of replacement therapy for cardiovascular disease, [5,6] physicians became more reluctant to prescribe this therapy, despite the methodological issues involved in these studies [7]
Summary
Menopause heralds a time of new challenges for women, with respect to the menopausal symptoms that affect quality of life and the increased cardiovascular risk. The most prevalent of these symptoms are the hot flushes that affect more than 60% of menopausal women. At this same time, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) become the principal culprits responsible for mortality in women of this age-group [1,2]. Steiner et al / Health 5 (2013) 110-118 fective treatment for menopausal symptoms. HT was indicated for the primary and secondary prevention of CVD and was long recommended as the treatment of choice for menopausal women [2,3,4]. Following interventional studies who questioned the benefits of replacement therapy for cardiovascular disease, [5,6] physicians became more reluctant to prescribe this therapy, despite the methodological issues involved in these studies [7]
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