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.

Key words::

• PULSE WAVE VELOCITY
• ULTRA-LOW-DOSE ESTRADIOL
• ARTERIAL STIFFNESS

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C:25462596) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.