Estrogen's effects on arteries may vary with stage of life

Article

Estrogen seems to have significant protective effects against atherosclerosis during the pre-, peri-, and early postmenopausal years, but may have deleterious effects during the late postmenopausal years, according to a recent report in Menopause.

Estrogen seems to have significant protective effects against atherosclerosis during the pre-, peri-, and early postmenopausal years, but may have deleterious effects during the late postmenopausal years, according to a recent report in Menopause.

Thomas B. Clarkson, DVM, says that during the premenopausal years, both women and monkeys with estrogen deficiency develop premature atherosclerosis, which can be largely prevented with combination OCs.

Concerning the peri- and early post-menopausal years, he reports that monkeys given estrogens immediately after surgical menopause have a 70% inhibition in coronary atherosclerosis progression. Similarly, the Estrogen in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Trial, a meta-analysis of women younger than 60 years, showed that those given combination hormone therapy had reduced total mortality (RR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39–0.95).

Clarkson TB. Estrogen effects on arteries vary with stage of reproductive life and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis progression. Menopause. 2007;14:373-384.

Recent Videos
Devon Ramaeker, MD
Elizabeth Gandee, APRN-CNP, highlights gaps in women's menopause knowledge | Image Credit: wexnermedical.osu.edu
Doula highlights how postpartum care is failing new mothers | Image Credit: linkedin.com
Nicky Herrick MD; and Anushree Agarwal, MD, MBBS, highlight their study on cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy | Image Credit: © Igor Borodin - stock.adobe.com.
Lisa Becht, MD, FACOG, sheds light on fertility awareness | Image Credit: havingbabies.com.
First US national HPV conference highlights advances in cancer prevention | Image Credit: uchealth.com.
Mitchell Creinin, MD, reports estetrol pill eases menstrual symptoms | Image Credit: health.ucdavis.edu
1 expert is featured in this series.
Susanna Mitro, PhD, reveals ethnic disparities in uterine fibroid diagnosis | Image Credit: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org.
Shayna Mancuso, DO, highlights the real impact of menopause | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.