Lipid Levels In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Effects of five types of exercise on vascular function in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis and systematic review of 32 randomized controlled trials.

As women age, especially after menopause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence rises, posing a significant global health concern. Regular exercise can mitigate CVD risks by improving blood pressure and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Yet, the optimal exercise modality for enhancing vascular structure and function in this demographic remains uncertain. This study aims to compare five exercise forms to discern the most effective interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. The study searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Embase databases. It conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on five exercise interventions: continuous endurance training (CET), interval training (INT), resistance training (RT), aerobic combined with resistance training (CT), and hybrid-type training (HYB). Outcome measures included carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), nitric oxide (NO), augmentation index (AIx), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Eligible studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane tool. A frequentist random-effects NMA was employed to rank exercise effects, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis of 32 studies (n = 1,427) indicates significant increases in FMD with CET, INT, RT, and HYB in postmenopausal women. Reductions in PWV were significant with CET, INT, RT, CT, and HYB. AIx decreased significantly with INT and HYB. CET, INT, and CT significantly increased NO levels. However, no significant reduction in IMT was observed. SUCRA probabilities show INT as most effective for increasing FMD, CT for reducing PWV, INT for decreasing AIx, CT for lowering IMT, and INT for increasing NO in postmenopausal women. The study demonstrates that CET, INT, RT, and HYB have a significant positive impact on FMD in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, all five forms of exercise significantly enhance PWV in this population. INT and HYB were found to have a significant positive effect on AIx in postmenopausal women, while CET, INT, and CT were found to significantly improve NO levels. For improving vascular function in postmenopausal women, it is recommended to prioritize INT and CT exercise modalities. On the other hand, as CET and RT were not ranked at the top of the Sucra value ranking in this study and were less effective than INT and CT as exercise interventions to improve vascular function in postmenopausal women, it is not recommended that CET and RT be considered the preferred exercise modality.

High dietary daidzein intake lowers cholesterol levels among post-menopausal women

BackgroundMenopause is associated with changes in metabolic profile. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, its adverse effects have indicated a need for alternative estrogen-based treatments. Several investigations have evaluated the effects of isoflavones on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women, but the results were ambiguous. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of dietary daidzein, genistein, and glycitein levels with lipid profile in postmenopausal women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 186 post-menopausal women. A food recall questionnaire was used to measure dietary genistein, daidzein, and glycitein levels. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triacylglycerol (TAG) were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Simple and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsGenistein intake was significantly associated with TC (b=145.48, p=0.023) and HDL cholesterol levels (b=48.80, p=0.032). Daidzein intake was significantly associated with TC (b=-204.60, p=0.003), LDL cholesterol (b=-160.81, p=0.014) and HDL cholesterol levels (b=-67.118, p=0.032). Glycitein was not significantly associated with TC (b=232.78;p=0.133), HDL (b=43.59;p=0.428), and LDL (b=235.84;p=0.116). Dietary daidzein had a more lowering effect on TC (Beta=-2.80) and HDL cholesterol (Beta=-2.67) than had genistein on TC (Beta=2.66) and HDL cholesterol (Beta=2.03).ConclusionsHigh dietary daidzein level has a significant lowering effect on TC, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in post-menopausal women. Our study supports the advice given to the public to increase soy isoflavone intake in post-menopausal women.

Follicle-stimulating hormone is associated with lipids in postmenopausal women.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between FSH and lipid levels in postmenopausal women from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Postmenopausal women (n = 588) aged 53 to 73 years and not using hormone therapy were included. The relation between FSH and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) was evaluated using linear regression, adjusting for estradiol, body mass, smoking, and other hormonal and lifestyle factors. The relation between FSH, dyslipidemia, and abnormal lipid levels were also evaluated. FSH was positively and linearly associated with TC (P = 0.001) and LDL-C (P = 0.01) in all participants, with stronger relations seen in younger compared with older postmenopausal women. FSH was less strongly associated with HDL-C and TG. FSH was not associated with dyslipidemia; however, higher FSH was associated with increased risk of high TC (P = 0.02) and high LDL-C (P = 0.03). These data suggest that higher FSH in postmenopausal women is related to higher levels of both TC and LDL-C.

Effect of supplementation with polyphenol extract from grape seed on blood lipid levels in postmenopausal women: A pilot study

Effect of supplementation with polyphenol extract from grape seed on blood lipid levels in postmenopausal women: A pilot study

Endogenous estrogen and androgen levels are not independent predictors of lipid levels in postmenopausal women

The relationships between endogenous sex hormone levels and cardiovascular disease risk in women are contentious. Our aim was to systematically investigate the relationships between sex steroids and lipid levels in postmenopausal women, taking into account other potential risk factors. This is a cross-sectional study of 624 naturally and surgically postmenopausal women not using any systemic hormones or lipid-lowering therapy, with a mean (SD) age of 53.9 (5.8) years, who were recruited in the United States, Canada, Australia, UK, and Sweden between July 2004 and February 2005. The relationships between total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and each lipid variable were explored using multivariable linear regression. None of the sex steroids measured made an independent contribution to the multivariable models for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides (TG). The best model for total cholesterol included race and age, and that for LDL cholesterol included race and blood pressure, with each model only explaining 4.8% and 3.3% of the variation in each lipid, respectively. About 7.7% of the variation in non-HDL cholesterol was explained by HOMA-IR, race, and SHBG. HOMA-IR, SHBG, age, and surgical menopause explained 22.8% of the variation in HDL cholesterol, whereas HOMA-IR, SHBG, race, and surgical menopause explained 25.4% of the variation in TG. Endogenous estrogen and androgen levels are not independent predictors of lipid levels in postmenopausal women. HOMA-IR and SHBG each make independent contributions to HDL cholesterol and TG. These factors make little contribution to total and LDL cholesterol.

Impact of Phytoestrogens on Serum Lipids in Postmenopausal Women.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of soy- and red clover-derived isoflavones on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women and to compare the effects to the lipid levels of healthy postmenopausal women without phytoestrogen supplementation. Materials and Methods: Blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions were assessed. Measurements were performed before treatment and at 6-month intervals over a period of 18 months. The investigation included 74 healthy postmenopausal women randomized into three groups according to treatment. The first group of 23 patients received soy-derived isoflavones, the second group (26 patients) was given red clover-derived phytoestrogens, while the third control group (25 patients) received no supplements. Results: Mean triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels of patients in the control group were significantly higher than in both the soy and the red clover groups (p < 0.001) at all three time points, while mean values did not differ significantly between the soy and the red clover groups. The mean HDL levels of patients in the control group was significantly lower than in both the soy and the red clover groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Phytoestrogen supplementation had a positive metabolic effect on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women. The impact on serum lipids levels was similar for soy and red clover.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCIC CTG MAP.2) examining the effects of exemestane on mammographic breast density, bone density, markers of bone metabolism and serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women

We hypothesized that exemestane (EXE) would reduce mammographic breast density and have unique effects on biomarkers of bone and lipid metabolism. Healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to EXE (25 mg daily) or placebo (PLAC) for 12 months and followed for a total of 24 months. The primary endpoint was change in percent breast density (PD) between the baseline and 12-month mammograms and secondary endpoints were changes in serum lipid levels, bone biomarkers, and bone mineral density (BMD). Ninety-eight women were randomized (49 to EXE; 49 to PLAC) and 65 had PD data at baseline and 12 months. Among women treated with EXE, PD was not significantly changed from baseline at 6, 12, or 24 months and was not different from PLAC. EXE was associated with significant percentage increase from baseline in N-telopeptide at 12 months compared with PLAC. No differences in percent change from baseline in BMD (lumbar spine and femoral neck) were observed between EXE and PLAC at either 12 or 24 months. Patients on EXE had a significantly larger percent decrease in total cholesterol than in the PLAC arm at 6 months and in HDL cholesterol at 3, 6, and 12 months. No significant differences in percent change in LDL or triglycerides were noted at any time point between the two treatment arms. EXE administered for 1 year to healthy postmenopausal women did not result in significant changes in mammographic density. A reversible increase in the bone resorption marker N-telopeptide without significant change in bone specific alkaline phosphatase or BMD during the 12 months treatment period and 1 year later was noted. Changes in lipid parameters on this trial were modest and reversible.

Effects of Web-based Health Education on Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Improvement in Postmenopausal Women with Impaired Fasting Blood Glucose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an educational intervention that used both cellular phones and the Internet to provide a short messaging service (SMS) relating to blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Twenty-eight postmenopausal women were assigned to an intervention group and twenty-one postmenopausal women to a control group. The intervention was provided for 12 weeks. Patients in the intervention group were asked to access a web site by using a cellular phone or to use the Internet directly and input their blood glucose and blood pressure levels weekly. Participants were sent the optimal recommendations weekly by both cellular phone and Internet. The intervention group had a mean decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) level of 8.1 mmHg but changes for the control group were not significant. There was a significant mean change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) level for the intervention group (-7.7 mmHg). The mean change in the control group was not significant. This educational intervention using the Internet and a SMS by cellular phone improved levels of SBP and DBP in postmenopausal women with IFG.

Influence of red clover‐derived isoflavones on serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women

Menopause is associated with adverse metabolic changes, especially in plasma lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Estrogens have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Phytoestrogens are plant substances that are structurally and functionally similar to 17beta-estradiol and are capable of producing estrogenic effects. The goal of the present study was to estimate the effects of red clover-derived isoflavones on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women. The study comprised 40 healthy postmenopausal women with an average age of 56 years. The women were divided into two groups: 22 were allocated to a red clover-derived isoflavone medication group, and 18 were allocated to a non-medication group. Total blood cholesterol, cholesterol fractions and triglycerides in the women of both groups were investigated before treatment and at 4-month intervals over the following 12 months. Both total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, as well as triglyceride levels, were decreased significantly in the group receiving phytoestrogens. However, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol showed a significant increase. Red clover phytoestrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women had favorable metabolic effects on serum lipids. Furthermore, red clover phytoestrogens have no side-effects and can be considered safe.

Assessment of hypercoagulability markers and lipid levels in postmenopausal women undergoing either oral or transdermal hormone replacement therapy

This study investigated the effect of either oral or transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on haemostatic, fibrinolytic and lipid profiles in a group of Brazilian women 3 months after beginning treatment by comparing these results with those obtained immediately before HRT. Plasma levels of TAT, DDi, F1+2, PC, PS, AT, PAI-1 and serum lipids were determined in blood samples collected from 24 women undergoing oral HRT and from 11 women undergoing transdermal HRT. Significant increases in DDi and F1+2 plasma levels were observed after 3 months of oral HRT, while PS levels decreased. After transdermal HRT, a significant decrease was observed only for AT levels. After 3 months of oral HRT and in the absence of major genetic and acquired risk factors, women displayed a predisposition for activation of blood coagulation, and an increased activity of the fibrinolytic system. Oral HRT seemed to be more effective in predisposing haemostatic changes as compared to transdermal.

Effectiveness of raloxifene on bone mineral density and serum lipid levels in post-menopausal women with low BMD after discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy

To evaluate the effect of raloxifene on bone mineral density (BMD) and serum lipid levels in post-menopausal women who had discontinued hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Thirty-four post-menopausal women with low BMD who had taken 60 mg of raloxifene daily for 12 months after discontinuing HRT were evaluated retrospectively. Information about their demographics, fracture history, BMD, lipid profiles and adverse events were collected from medical records and intranet database. The outcome measures were changes in the spine (L2-L4) and femur BMD, serum lipid concentrations, fracture rate and tolerability. The post-menopausal women had a significant increase in their spine (L2-L4) and femur BMD from their baseline BMD [spine, 2.9 +/- 4.6% (P < 0.001); femur, 3.0 +/- 6.6% (P = 0.01)]. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was significantly reduced by 22.6% below baseline after 12 months (P = 0.007). No fractures were observed during therapy. Raloxifene was well tolerated. The most common adverse event was hot flash, which was generally mild. Raloxifene increases BMD at important skeletal sites, and lowers LDL cholesterol with tolerable adverse events.

The association of androgenic sex steroids with serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women.

The aim of the present study was to examine the correlations between androgenic sex steroids and serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Methods. The study group included 72 postmenopausal women. Correlation analysis between serum hormone [dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, free testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] and lipid [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-1) and apolipoprotein B (apo B)] levels was performed. DHEA-S was found to be positively correlated with HDL-C (r = 0.231, p = 0.049) and negatively correlated with Lp (a) (r = - 0.355, p = 0.002). These correlations were statistically significant even after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.332, p = 0.005 and r = -0.362, p = 0.002, respectively). SHBG was positively correlated with HDL-C (r = 0.352, p = 0.002). There was a significant but weaker correlation between SHBG and HDL-C levels after controlling for age and BMI (r = 0.243, p = 0.041). No other correlations were found between sex hormone and lipid levels. DHEA-S was found to be associated with a less atherogenic lipid profile in postmenopausal women.

Tibolone versus four estrogen replacement therapy protocols and plasma lipid levels in postmenopausal women

Objectives: To compare tibolone therapy with four different estrogen replacement therapy protocols, with regard to the effects on plasma lipid profiles. Methods: The plasma lipid levels of 178 postmenopausal women in five different therapy groups were compared with each other as well as their baseline levels with 6-month intervals during 2-year follow-up. Student's t-test, paired t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Results: HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly from baseline in groups using oral estrogen (P<0.05) but a slight non-significant decrease was seen in tibolone therapy (P>0.05). LDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased at the end of the second year in oral estrogen and tibolone users (P<0.05). Triglyceride levels increased non-significantly with estrogen therapy (P>0.05), whilst decreased significantly in the tibolone group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tibolone may be a good alternative to estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women, as it has beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which play important role in atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia in women.

Cardiovascular disease, primarily coronary heart disease (CHD), outnumbers the next 16 causes of death in women combined. However, the long-held belief that heart disease in women has a more benign prognosis than in men has resulted in less aggressive diagnosis and management patterns. Appreciation of the differences between men and women in CHD risk factors and presentation can assist in treatment decisions. Although estrogen replacement offers substantial beneficial effects on lipid levels in postmenopausal women, the first 2 randomized trials of estrogen alone and estrogen plus progestin, the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study and Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Study, observed no benefit in reducing risk of CHD death and nonfatal myocardial infarction and angiographic progression of CHD, respectively, in women with CHD. Available data show that lipid-lowering therapy reduces women's CHD risk and mortality but also indicate that a considerable proportion of women remains untreated or undertreated. Randomized trials of statins for primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease suggest that these agents are at least as effective for lowering coronary disease risk in women as in men. Therefore, statin drugs should be the drug of first choice for women with established CHD. Hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women who require estrogen for menopausal symptoms may derive further reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reductions in trigyceride levels with the addition of a statin drug.

The effect of a cyclophasic estrogen/progestogen regimen on blood lipid levels in postmenopausal women

The effect of a cyclophasic estrogen/progestogen regimen on blood lipid levels in postmenopausal women

Metabolic effects of tibolone in postmenopausal women with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective: Postmenopausal women with non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) are frequently obese, hypertensive and hyperlipidaemic and hence at particular risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). They might therefore benefit from menopausal therapy. In view of the improvement in insulin sensitivity and the reduction in triglyceride levels induced by tibolone in healthy postmenopausal women we evaluated the effects of 12 months of tibolone on glycaemic control, serum insulin and lipid levels in postmenopausal women with NIDDM. Design: A prospective 12 months before/after intervention study. Patients: Fourteen postmenopausal women (mean age 58.14±1.25 years; mean duration of menopause 121.21±13.42 months; mean BMI: 26.55±0.97) with NIDDM (mean duration of diabetes 113.79±13.89 months). Measurements: Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were assessed monthly, serum fructosamine, fasting and postprandial insulin every 3 months and serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) every 6 months. Results: Changes in blood glucose, both fasting and postprandial, were not statistically significant during the treatment period. Serum fructosamine concentration increased significantly after 9 months. A significant decrease in fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations was observed after 9 months. A non-significant decrease was observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride but no change in HDL cholesterol. Body weight did not change during the period of observation. Conclusion: A slight deterioration in glycaemic control, a fall in insulin concentration and no change in serum lipids were observed in women with NIDDM during 12 months treatment with tibolone.

F073 Comparing the effect of combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy with the effect of simvastatin therapy on lipid levels in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolaemia

F073 Comparing the effect of combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy with the effect of simvastatin therapy on lipid levels in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolaemia

Effect of hormone replacement therapy on lipoprotein(a) and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Influence of various progestogens and duration of therapy

Effect of hormone replacement therapy on lipoprotein(a) and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Influence of various progestogens and duration of therapy

Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Lipoprotein(a) and Lipid Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. One of the possible mechanisms of this effect is the modification of lipid profiles. However, there is controversy concerning the effects on lipoprotein(a) [Lp (a)] and lipid levels of progestogens administered with estrogen. Five hundred fifty-one postmenopausal women were divided into 5 groups: group 1, 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) (n = 140); group 2, 0.625 mg of CEE plus 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (n = 97); group 3, 0.625 mg of CEE plus 10 mg of MPA (n = 109); group 4, 2 mg of estradiol valerate plus 0.5 mg of norgestrel (n = 134); and group 5, control (n = 71). The Lp(a) and lipid levels were measured before and 2, 6, and 12 months after hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy for 12 months lowered the Lp(a) level by 37.1%. The addition of progestogen attenuated the Lp(a)-lowering effect of estrogen. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was markedly increased in group 1 (16.5%), was moderately increased in groups 2 (10.8%) and 3 (11.3%), and was not changed in group 4. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was decreased by 10.9% to 17.6% in all the treatment groups. Estrogen replacement therapy for 2, 6, and 12 months raised the HDL-C level by 7.2%, 17.4%, and 17.8%, respectively. In the group with combined estradiol plus norgestrel therapy, the HDL-C level was decreased after 2 months and was not changed after 6 and 12 months. The groups that received CEE plus MPA showed intermediate effects between the group that received CEE only and the group that received estradiol plus norgestrel. Combined estrogen and progestogen therapy may have effects on the heart different from those of estrogen therapy alone because of adverse impact of progestogens on Lp(a) and HDL-C levels. The effects of progesterones were dependent on the androgenic potency of progestogen and the duration of therapy.

Antiatherogenic effects of adjuvant antiestrogens: a randomized trial comparing the effects of tamoxifen and toremifene on plasma lipid levels in postmenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer.

To evaluate whether a novel antiestrogen, toremifene, has similar antiatherogenic effects as tamoxifen. Forty-nine postmenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer were randomized in a trial that compared the effects of tamoxifen and toremifene on serum lipoproteins. Tamoxifen was given at 20 mg and toremifene at 60 mg orally per day for 3 years. Serum concentrations of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, A-II, and B, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol were measured before and after 12 months of antiestrogen therapy. Both antiestrogens significantly reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol and apo B levels. However, the response of HDL cholesterol to treatments was clearly different between the groups. Toremifene increased the HDL level by 14%, whereas tamoxifen decreased it by 5% (P = .001). As a consequence, both cholesterol-to-HDL and LDL-to-HDL ratios decreased more in the toremifene than tamoxifen group (P = .008 and P = .03, respectively). Toremifene also increased the apo A-I level (P = .00007) and apo A-I-to-A-II ratio (P = .018). Both tamoxifen and toremifene decreased the Lp(a) concentration significantly (change, 34% v 41%). These results provide positive evidence that toremifene has antiatherogenic properties with potency to improve all lipoproteins that are associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.