ABSTRACT
To examine the effect of estrogen replacement therapy [ERT] on lipid values in postmenopausal women, lipid profiles were obtained in 50 postmenopausal women. Women were divided into two groups, group [1] [20 women] were not receiving any hormonal treatment and group [2] [30 women] were receiving unopposed ERT. Fifteen women [subgroup A] of the ERT users were receiving oral estrogen [0.625 mg daily] and fifteen women [sub group "B"] were receiving transdermal patches with estrogen [delivering 0.1 mg daily]. The two groups were matched for the same age group, years after menopause, socioeconomic class and body mass index. The Mean high-density liporotein [HDL] cholesterol level was significantly higher [70 +/- 5 vs 60 +/- 7 P< 0.05] and mean total / HDL cholesterol ratio significantly lower in women receiving estrogen than in those who were not [3.7 +/- 0.3 vs 4.9 +/- 0.6]. Total cholesterol level [263 +/- 35 vs 295 +/- 33] and LDL cholesterol level [169 +/- vs 200 +/- 25] were significantly lower in women receiving ERT than those who were not. These results are in agreement with those of Paganini et al [1996] and Hong et al [1992]. Triglycerides levels showed no significant differences between group [1] and group [2]. Women of subgroup [A] had a significant higher level of triglycerides than women in subgroup [B] [221 +/- 35 vs 189 +/- 25] and than women in group [1] [221 +/- 35 vs 194 +/- 23]. Denek [1995] and Hong et al [1992] reported the same results in their studies. With exception of triglycerides no significant difference in lipid values was found between the two subgroups. The study showed that women taking ERT have a more favorable lipid profile than those who were not. The triglyceride levels was augmented by oral ERT and not affected by transdermal estrogen