Short-term effects of hormone therapy on serum C-reactive protein levels in postmenopausal women

Kiran H., Kiran G.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, vol.274, no.1, pp.9-12, 2006 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 274 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00404-005-0111-1
  • Journal Name: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.9-12
  • Keywords: C-reactive protein, Hormone therapy, Inflammation, Menopause
  • Bezmialem Vakıf University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tibolone and conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (CEE + MPA) on levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, in postmenopausal women. Study design: In this prospective randomized study, we randomly assigned 58 healthy postmenopausal women to CEE (0.625 mg/day) plus MPA (2.5 mg/day) (CEE + MPA) or tibolone (2.5 mg/day). The serum levels of CRP at 3 months after starting treatment were compared with baseline values for both therapies. Results: After 3 months of treatment the median CRP levels increased by 29% in the CEE + MPA group and by 5% in the tibolone group. But, these changes did not have statistical significance (P = 0.15, P = 0.06, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings show that neither tibolone nor CEE + MPA caused significant changes in serum CRP levels in postmenopausal women. The potential impact of hormone therapy on serum CRP levels should be investigated in ongoing clinical trials. © Springer-Verlag 2005.