Activated protein C resistance among postmenopausal women using transdermal estrogens: importance of progestogen

Low thrombin generation in postmenopausal women using estetrol

OBJECTIVE

Estetrol (E4) represents a novel estrogen of interest to relieve vasomotor symptoms. E4 activates the nuclear estrogen receptor α (ERα) but antagonizes the estradiol ERα-dependent membrane-initiated steroid signaling pathway. The distinct pharmacological properties of E4 could explain its low impact on hemostasis. This study aimed to assess the effect of E4 on coagulation in postmenopausal women, using the thrombin generation assay (TGA).

METHODS

Data were collected from a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study in postmenopausal women (NCT02834312). Oral E4 (2.5 mg, n = 42; 5 mg, n = 29; 10 mg, n = 34; or 15 mg, n = 32) or placebo (n = 31) was administered daily for 12 weeks. Thrombograms and TGA parameters were extracted for each subject at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, all treatment groups showed a mean thrombogram (±95% confidence interval [CI] of the mean) within the reference ranges, that is, the 2.5th-97.5th percentile of all baseline thrombograms (n = 168), as well as for TGA parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The intake of E4 15 mg for 12 weeks led to significant but not clinically relevant changes compared to baseline as the mean values (±95% CI of the mean) remained within reference ranges, demonstrating a neutral profile of this estrogen on hemostasis.

Factor XII Deficiency in Mexico: High Prevalence in the General Population and Patients with Venous Thromboembolic Disease

INTRODUCTION

Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Venous thromboembolic disease (VTD) is considered a new epidemic. FXII deficiency is supposed to be a cause of thrombosis. To search for unknown causes of thrombosis in our population, our aim was to determine if FXII deficiency can be considered a risk factor for VTD.

METHODS

Young adult Mexican patients with at least one VTD episode and healthy controls were included in this prospective, observational, controlled study. Liver and renal function tests, blood cytometry, and blood coagulation assays were performed. Plasma FXII activity and its concentration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Over a two-year period, 250 patients and 250 controls were included. FXII activity was significantly lower in the control group compared to patients with VTD (p = 0.005). However, percentage of patients and controls with FXII deficiency was 8.8 and 9.2%, respectively (p = 1.000). No significant association was found between FXII deficiency and VTD (p = 1.0). FXII plasma concentration was lower in controls vs. patients with VTD: 4.05 vs. 6.19 ng/mL (p <0.001). Percentage of patients with low FXII plasma concentration was 1.6% and 6.0% in patients and controls, respectively (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

FXII deficiency is a frequent finding in patients with VTD and controls in Mexico. Some patients with FXII deficiency had normal APTT result, an effect not described above. FXII plasma concentration was lower in patients with low activity.

Statin Use and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Women Taking Hormone Therapy

Importance

Although hormone therapy (HT) in perimenopausal women is associated with increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), it is unclear to what extent statins may mitigate this HT-associated risk.

Objective

To estimate VTE risk in women aged 50 to 64 years taking HT with or without statins.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nested case-control study analyzed data from a commercially insured claims database in the US. Eligible participants included women aged 50 to 64 years with at least 1 year of continuous enrollment between 2008 and 2019. Data analysis occurred from January 2022 to August 2023.

Exposure

Filled prescriptions for estrogens, progestogens, and statins were recorded in the 12 months prior to index. Recent HT was defined as any estrogen or progestogen exposure within 60 days before the index date. Current statin exposure was defined as 90 or more days of continuous exposure prior to and including the index date. Statin intensity was defined by the statin exposure 30 days prior to index.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cases were identified with VTE diagnoses (diagnostic codes) preceded by at least 12 months without VTE and followed within 30 days by anticoagulation, an inferior vena cava filter placement, or death. Controls were matched to cases (10:1) on date and age. Conditional logistic regression models estimated risk for HT and statin exposures with odds ratios (OR), adjusted for comorbidities. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate VTE risk for HT and statin exposures with odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for comorbidities. Intensity of statin therapy was measured as a subgroup analysis.

Results

The total sample of 223 949 individuals (mean [SD] age, 57.5 [4.4] years) included 20 359 cases and 203 590 matched controls. Of the entire sample, 19 558 individuals (8.73%) had recent HT exposure and 36 238 individuals (16.18%) had current statin exposure. In adjusted models, individuals with any recent HT exposure had greater odds of VTE compared with those with no recent HT exposure (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.43-1.60). Individuals receiving current statin therapy had lower odds of VTE compared with those with no current statin exposure (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93). When compared with those not recently taking HT or statins, the odds of VTE were greater for those taking HT without statins (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.44-1.63) and for those taking HT with statins (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.43), but were lower for those taking statins without HT (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.94). Individuals taking HT with statin therapy had 18% lower odds of VTE than those taking HT without statins (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71-0.94) and there was greater risk reduction with higher intensity statins.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case-control study, statin therapy was associated with reduced risk of VTE in women taking HT, with greater risk reduction with high-intensity statins. These findings suggest that statins may reduce risk of VTE in women exposed to HT and that HT may not be contraindicated in women taking statins.

Counseling on hormone replacement therapy: the real risks and benefits

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The menopause transition can be a time of great upheaval and suffering for some patients. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life but the perceived risks of HRT have decreased use over the past two decades. Understanding the real risks and benefits will ease physician and other healthcare professionals discomfort with counseling and prescribing this potentially life changing therapy in appropriate patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Menopausal symptoms may persist several years beyond the final menstrual period. Previously stated risks of HRT overestimated the concern with menopausal therapy. New data indicates there are medical benefits to HRT beyond quality of life measures.

SUMMARY

In appropriate patients, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh the risks. Extended use of hormone replacement therapy is reasonable in patients with persistent symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy in women with history of thrombosis or a thrombophilia

Findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) were published at the beginning of this century. They suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis The findings led to a decline in HRT prescriptions and negative publicity about the use of HRT for women with significant menopausal symptoms. Subsequent studies have shown that the risk of thrombosis with HRT relates to whether estrogen is combined with a progestogen and the route of administration of estrogen. In healthy women with no background medical problems, transdermal hormone replacement is not associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. However, much less is known about the safety of various HRT preparations in women with a high background risk of thrombosis. These cases can often be challenging for clinicians with uncertainties around testing for thrombophilia, use of anticoagulation and striking a balance between the risks and benefits of prescribing HRT. This article will review the mechanism of thrombosis with differing types of HRT and present the evidence from the relevant trials. The article will also present the evidence that specifically relates to women with a personal history of thrombosis or thrombophilia (heritable and acquired) to enable clinicians to better individualise the risk assessment for each woman requesting HRT and understand the role of thrombophilia screening or concomitant anticoagulation in such situations.

Review of menopausal hormone therapy with estradiol and progesterone versus other estrogens and progestins

Objective: The objective of the present document was to review/summarize reported outcomes compared between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) containing estradiol (E2) versus other estrogens and MHT with progesterone (P4) versus progestins (defined as synthetic progestogens).Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched through February 2021 for studies comparing oral E2 versus oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) or P4 versus progestins for endometrial outcomes, venous thromboembolism (VTE), cardiovascular outcomes, breast outcomes, cognition, and bone outcomes in postmenopausal women.Results: A total of 74 comparative publications were identified/summarized. Randomized studies suggested that P4 and progestins are likely equally effective in preventing endometrial hyperplasia/cancer when used at adequate doses. E2- versus CEE-based MHT had a similar or possibly better risk profile for VTE and cardiovascular outcomes, and P4- versus progestin-based MHT had a similar or possibly better profile for breast cancer and cardiovascular outcomes. E2 may potentially protect better against age-related cognitive decline and bone fractures versus CEE; P4 was similar or possibly better versus progestins for these outcomes. Limitations are that many studies were observational and some were not adequately powered for the reported outcomes.Conclusions: Evidence suggests a differential effect of MHT containing E2 or P4 and those containing CEE or progestins, with some evidence trending to a potentially better safety profile with E2 and/or P4.

The impact of micronized progesterone on cardiovascular events - a systematic review

Biologically identical menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) including micronized progesterone (MP) has gained much attention. We aimed to assess the impact of MP in combined MHT on venous and arterial thromboembolism (VTE/ATE) (e.g. deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction [MI] and ischemic stroke). Articles were eligible if they provided endpoints regarding cardiovascular events and use of exogenous MP. Literature searches were designed and executed for the databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and interdisciplinary database Web of Science. Twelve studies consisting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies and prospective or retrospective cohort studies were included, and risk of bias was assessed. Only a minority assessed thromboembolic events as a primary endpoint, showing that in contrast to norpregnane derivatives, primary and recurrent VTE risk was not altered by combining estrogens with MP, which was also true for ischemic stroke risk. Similarly, in placebo-controlled RCTs assessing VTE/ATE as adverse events there were no significant intergroup differences. Studies on MI as a primary endpoint are missing. In conclusion, while available data suggest that MP as a component in combined MHT may have a neutral effect on the vascular system, more RCTs investigating the impact of MP alone or in combined MHT on vascular primary endpoints are needed.

Menopausal hormone therapy in women with medical conditions

Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for menopause-related symptoms. Current evidence supports its use in young healthy postmenopausal women under the age of 60 years, and within 10 years of menopause, with benefits typically outweighing risks. However, decision making is more complex in the more common clinical scenario of a symptomatic woman with one or more chronic medical conditions that potentially alter the risk-benefit balance of hormone therapy use. In this review, we present the evidence relating to the use of hormone therapy in women with chronic medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, venous thromboembolism, and autoimmune diseases. We discuss the differences between oral and transdermal routes of administration of estrogen and the situations when one route might be preferred over another. We also review evidence regarding the effect of different progestogens, when available.

Comparative venous thromboembolic safety of oral and transdermal postmenopausal hormone therapies among women Veterans

OBJECTIVE

Hormone therapy (HT) is used by menopausal women to treat vasomotor symptoms. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important risk of HT use, and more knowledge on the comparative safety of different estrogenic compounds is useful for women who use HT for these symptoms. The objective was to compare the risk of VTE among users of oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), oral estradiol (E2), and transdermal E2, in a cohort of women veterans.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all women veterans aged 40 to 89 years, using CEE or E2, without prior VTE, between 2003 and 2011. All incident VTE events were adjudicated. Time-to-event analyses using a time-varying HT exposure evaluated the relative VTE risk between estrogen subtypes, with adjustment for age, race, and body mass index, with stratification for prevalent versus incident use of HT.

RESULTS

Among 51,571 users of HT (74.5% CEE, 12.6% oral, and 12.9% transdermal E2 at cohort entry), with a mean age of 54.0 years, the incidence of VTE was 1.9/1,000 person-years. Compared with CEE use, in the multivariable regression model, there was no difference in the risk of incident VTE associated with oral E2 use (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.64-1.46) or with transdermal E2 use (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.60-1.49). Results were unchanged when restricting to incident users of HT.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women veterans, the risk of VTE was similar in users of oral CEE, oral E2, and transdermal E2. These findings do not confirm the previously observed greater safety of transdermal and oral E2 over CEE.

[Menopause and risk of thromboembolic events. Postmenopausal women management: CNGOF and GEMVi clinical practice guidelines]

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with age with an annual incidence of 1.25/1000 women in the 40-59 age group. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may also increase the risk of VTE. This risk must be assessed during the first consultation before initiating MHT and assess each renewal of the MHT. MHT with oral estrogen combined (or not) with progestin increases the risk of VTE by about 70%. Using transdermal estrogen does not appear to increase the risk of VTE in women. VTE risk appears to be modulated by the type of progestin combined in MHT. The risk of VTE associated with MHT with transdermal estradiol appears to be safe in women using micronised progesterone and pregnane derivatives and higher in women using norpregnane derivatives . To limit the risk of VTE associated with MHT, transdermal estradiol use is recommended. In women at risk of VTE, MHT with oral estrogen is contraindicated. MHT with transdermal estradiol associated (or not) with micronised progesterone or dydrogesterone may be used in women with low or moderate risk of VTE.

Risks, Benefits, and Treatment Modalities of Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Current Concepts

Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) prescribing practices have evolved over the last few decades guided by the changing understanding of the treatment's risks and benefits. Since the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial results in 2002, including post-intervention analysis and cumulative 18-year follow up, it has become clear that the risks of HT are low for healthy women less than age 60 or within ten years from menopause. For those who are experiencing bothersome vasomotor symptoms, the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks in view of HT's efficacy for symptom management. HT also has a role in preventing osteoporosis in appropriate candidates for treatment. A comprehensive overview of the types, routes, and formulations of currently available HT, as well as HT's benefits and risks by outcomes of interest are provided to facilitate clinical decision making.

Venous thromboembolism in women: new challenges for an old disease

In countries that have controlled classic causes of maternal death, such as eclampsia and hemorrhage, venous thromboembolism (VTE) has become the major concern. Prevention of VTE during pregnancy and postpartum by applying guidelines and implementing pharmacoprophylaxis is still the best strategy to reduce occurrence of this complication. Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy also increase the risk of VTE, but women cannot be deprived of their benefits, which increase their freedom at childbearing age and reduce their symptoms at menopause. Both indiscriminate use and unmotivated prohibition are inappropriate. Contraceptive and hormone replacement methods should be chosen with care, evaluating the patients’ contraindications, eligibility criteria, and autonomy. This article presents a nonsystematic review of recent literature with the aim of evaluating and summarizing the associations between VTE and clinical situations peculiar to women.

Association of Surgical Risk With Exogenous Hormone Use in Transgender Patients: A Systematic Review

Importance

A growing number of transgender patients are receiving gender-affirming hormone treatments. It is unclear whether the evidence supports the current practice of routinely discontinuing these hormones prior to surgery.

Objective

To determine how medications used in cross-sex hormone treatment (CSHT) affect perioperative risk.

Evidence Review

A series of searches were carried out in PubMed and Excerpta Medica Database to identify articles using each of the terms testosterone, estrogen, estradiol, oral contraceptive, spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, finasteride, dutasteride, leuprolide, goserelin, and histrelin, in combination with the terms surgery, perioperative, thrombosis, thromboembolism, and operative. The search was not restricted to perioperative outcomes in transgender populations because many surgeons routinely discontinue hormone use prior to surgery in this population, which makes it impossible to study how hormones affect outcomes. Additional sources were also identified from the texts of reviewed articles. Articles were excluded if they were animal studies or case reports, did not explicitly discuss surgical outcomes, or were restricted to removal of hormonally sensitive tissues.

Findings

Eighteen articles addressing perioperative outcomes were identified by this systematic review, including 1 on CSHT, 12 on estrogens and progesterones, 1 on testosterone, and 4 on spironolactone and antiandrogens. Data were limited, but use of exogenous testosterone was not found to be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism or other complications during surgery. Moderate evidence suggests that spironolactone is not associated with negative surgical outcomes. The data linking estrogen use and thrombosis is inconsistent in the perioperative period and does not address the types of estrogens most often used for CSHT.

Conclusions and Relevance

Current evidence does not support routine discontinuation of all CSHT prior to surgery, particularly given the lack of information on risks associated with resuming these medications after they have been stopped. Evidence suggests there is no need to discontinue either testosterone or spironolactone, although their association with perioperative outcome quality has not been studied in depth. Most of the evidence that supports discontinuation of estrogen prior to surgery is based on oral estrogen regimens that are not typically used in transgender patients, and even with those formulations, there are conflicting reports on perioperative risk. Further research is needed to determine the safety of continuing hormone treatment and elucidate risks of short-term discontinuation.

Management of Menopausal Symptoms for Women Who Are at High Risk of Thrombosis

For women at elevated risk of thrombosis, clinicians are challenged to relieve menopausal symptoms without increasing the risk of thrombosis. Oral menopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by 2-fold to 3-fold. Observational studies suggest less thrombotic risk with transdermal therapies and with progesterone over synthetic progestogens (progestins), but the data are limited. Beneficial nonpharmacologic therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis, whereas beneficial nonhormonal pharmacologic therapies include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, low-dose vaginal estrogen, and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone are options.

The 2017 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society

The 2017 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) updates the 2012 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society and identifies future research needs. An Advisory Panel of clinicians and researchers expert in the field of women's health and menopause was recruited by NAMS to review the 2012 Position Statement, evaluate new literature, assess the evidence, and reach consensus on recommendations, using the level of evidence to identify the strength of recommendations and the quality of the evidence. The Panel's recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NAMS Board of Trustees.Hormone therapy (HT) remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture. The risks of HT differ depending on type, dose, duration of use, route of administration, timing of initiation, and whether a progestogen is used. Treatment should be individualized to identify the most appropriate HT type, dose, formulation, route of administration, and duration of use, using the best available evidence to maximize benefits and minimize risks, with periodic reevaluation of the benefits and risks of continuing or discontinuing HT.For women aged younger than 60 years or who are within 10 years of menopause onset and have no contraindications, the benefit-risk ratio is most favorable for treatment of bothersome VMS and for those at elevated risk for bone loss or fracture. For women who initiate HT more than 10 or 20 years from menopause onset or are aged 60 years or older, the benefit-risk ratio appears less favorable because of the greater absolute risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and dementia. Longer durations of therapy should be for documented indications such as persistent VMS or bone loss, with shared decision making and periodic reevaluation. For bothersome GSM symptoms not relieved with over-the-counter therapies and without indications for use of systemic HT, low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy or other therapies are recommended.This NAMS position statement has been endorsed by Academy of Women's Health, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Medical Women's Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Asociación Mexicana para el Estudio del Climaterio, Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Australasian Menopause Society, Chinese Menopause Society, Colegio Mexicano de Especialistas en Ginecologia y Obstetricia, Czech Menopause and Andropause Society, Dominican Menopause Society, European Menopause and Andropause Society, German Menopause Society, Groupe d'études de la ménopause et du vieillissement Hormonal, HealthyWomen, Indian Menopause Society, International Menopause Society, International Osteoporosis Foundation, International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, Israeli Menopause Society, Japan Society of Menopause and Women's Health, Korean Society of Menopause, Menopause Research Society of Singapore, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, SOBRAC and FEBRASGO, SIGMA Canadian Menopause Society, Società Italiana della Menopausa, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, South African Menopause Society, Taiwanese Menopause Society, and the Thai Menopause Society. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the value of this clinical document as an educational tool, June 2017. The British Menopause Society supports this Position Statement.

Evidence on the use of progesterone in menopausal hormone therapy

A need exists for a regulatory agency-approved hormone therapy (HT) with naturally occurring hormones combining progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2), since no single product contains both endogenous hormones. Many women choose HT with P4 and millions of women around the world are using unapproved, poorly regulated compounded HT. The use of natural P4 in HT results, for the most part, in favorable outcomes without deleterious effects, as shown in clinical studies of postmenopausal women. Importantly, P4 used in HT prevents endometrial hyperplasia from estrogens while helping relieve vasomotor symptoms and improving quality-of-life measures. Additionally, risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer does not appear to increase with use of P4 plus estrogens as shown with synthetic progestins plus estrogens in large observations studies, and no detrimental effects of P4 in HT have been found on outcomes related to cardiovascular disease or cognition. A regulatory agency-approved HT with naturally occurring E2/P4 could be an option for the millions of women who desire a bioidentical product and/or are exposed to potential risks of inadequately studied and under-regulated compounded HT.

Progestogens and venous thromboembolism in menopausal women: an updated oral versus transdermal estrogen meta-analysis

Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) is a modifiable risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). While the route of estrogen administration is now well recognized as an important determinant of VTE risk, there is also increasing evidence that progestogens may modulate the estrogen-related VTE risk. This review updates previous meta-analyses of VTE risk in HT users, focusing on the route of estrogen administration, hormonal regimen and progestogen type. Among women using estrogen-only preparations, oral but not transdermal preparations increased VTE risk (relative risk (RR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.58; RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87-1.09, respectively). In women using opposed estrogen, results were highly heterogeneous due to important differences between the molecules of progestogen. In transdermal estrogen users, there was no change in VTE risk in women using micronized progesterone (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.65-1.33), whereas norpregnane derivatives were associated with increased VTE risk (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.84-3.18). Among women using opposed oral estrogen, there was higher VTE risk in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate (RR 2.77, 95% CI 2.33-3.30) than in those using other progestins. These clinical findings, together with consistent biological data, emphasize the safety advantage of transdermal estrogen combined with progesterone and support the current evidence-based recommendations on HT, especially in women at high VTE risk.

Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with local and systemic use of hormone therapy in peri- and postmenopausal women and in relation to type and route of administration

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with systemic hormone therapy according to type and to route of administration and the risk of VTE associated with locally administered estrogen.

METHODS

In this case-control study, conducted in Sweden between 2003 and 2009, we included 838 cases of VTE and 891 controls with a mean age of 55 years. Controls were matched by age to the cases and randomly selected from the population. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs and adjusted for smoking, body mass index, and immobilization.

RESULTS

Current use of any hormone therapy was associated with an increased risk of VTE (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.34-2.20). For estrogen in combination with progestogen the OR was 2.85 (95% CI 2.08-3.90), and for estrogen only the OR was 1.31 (95% CI 0.78-2.21). In orally administered estrogen combined with progestogen, the OR was slightly, but not significantly, higher among users of medroxyprogesterone acetate (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.67-5.36) than among norethisterone acetate users (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.50-3.40). Transdermal estrogen combined with progestogen was not associated with VTE risk (crude and imprecise ORs ranging from 0.87 to 1.16). For local effect of estrogen, there was no association with VTE risk (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43-1.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of VTE risk is higher in users of systemic combined estrogen-progestogen treatment than in users of estrogen only. Furthermore, the risk of VTE was lower for women who used local estrogen than among those using oral estrogen only. Transdermal estrogen only treatment and estrogen for local effect seem not to be related to an increased risk of VTE.

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Stroke: Impact of the Route of Estrogen Administration and Type of Progestogen

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background and Purpose—

The benefit/risk analysis of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women is not straightforward and depends on cardiovascular disease. Evidence supports the safety of transdermal estrogens and the importance of progestogens for thrombotic risk. However, the differential association of oral and transdermal estrogens with stroke remains poorly investigated. Furthermore, there are no data regarding the impact of progestogens.

Methods—

We set up a nested case–control study of ischemic stroke (IS) within all French women aged 51 to 62 years between 2009 and 2011 without personal history of cardiovascular disease or contraindication to hormone therapy. Participants were identified using the French National Health Insurance database, which includes complete drug claims for the past 3 years and French National hospital data. We identified 3144 hospitalized IS cases who were matched for age and zip code to 12 158 controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results—

Compared with nonusers, the adjusted ORs of IS were1.58 (95% CI, 1.01–2.49) in oral estrogen users and 0.83 (0.56–1.24) in transdermal estrogens users (P<0.01). There was no association of IS with use of progesterone (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.49–1.26), pregnanes (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.60–1.67), and nortestosterones (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.62–2.58), whereas norpregnanes increased IS risk (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.05–4.81).

Conclusions—

Both route of estrogen administration and progestogens were important determinants of IS. Our findings suggest that transdermal estrogens might be the safest option for short-term hormone therapy use.

Hormone therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism among postmenopausal women

Despite a decrease in the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) over the last decade, many women are still prescribed this treatment, as it remains the most effective means of counteracting climacteric symptoms. Its use declined when it was shown that HT increases the risk of breast cancer, stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nevertheless, that benefit/risk ratio was established among women using oral estrogens alone or combined with a specific progestogen and it cannot necessarily be extrapolated to other HTs. Oral estrogens increase the risk of VTE especially during the first year of treatment and past users revert to a similar risk as women who have never used them. There is now growing evidence that VTE risk among HT users strongly depends on the route of administration. Indeed, transdermal estrogens, unlike oral estrogens, are not associated with an increased VTE risk and biological data support this difference between oral and transdermal estrogens. In addition, transdermal estrogens may not confer additional risk in women at high risk of VTE. Significant differences in thrombotic risk between HT preparations also relate to the concomitant progestogen. Studies have consistently shown that VTE risk is higher among users of combined estrogens plus progestogens than among users of estrogens alone. With respect to the different pharmacological classes of progestogens, two observational studies found that norpregnane derivatives are associated with an increased VTE risk, whereas micronized progesterone may be safe with respect to thrombotic risk. In conclusion, transdermal estrogens alone or combined with micronized progesterone may represent the safest alternative for women who require HT.

Hormone therapy and hemostasis among postmenopausal women: a review

OBJECTIVE

Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT), which consists of exogenous estrogens with or without combined progestogens, remains the most effective treatment of climacteric symptoms. Depending on its characteristics, it may nevertheless increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, and its effects on hemostasis have been studied for several decades. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the effects of HT on hemostasis, taking into account the route of estrogen administration, the daily dose and chemical structure of estrogens, and the pharmacologic class of progestogens.

METHODS

Data from randomized controlled trials that included a control group (either placebo or no treatment) were selected, and analysis was conducted on different generations of biomarkers.

RESULTS

Overall, studies showed a hemostasis imbalance among oral estrogen users with a decrease in coagulation inhibitors and an increase in markers of activation coagulation, leading to global enhanced thrombin generation. By contrast, transdermal estrogen use was associated with less change in hemostasis variables and did not activate coagulation and fibrinolysis. No clear difference in HT effects on hemostasis was highlighted between daily doses of estrogens, between estrogen compounds, and between pharmacologic classes of progestogens.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in hemostasis are in accordance with clinical results showing an increased thrombotic risk with oral--but not transdermal--estrogen use.

Progestogens used in postmenopausal hormone therapy: differences in their pharmacological properties, intracellular actions, and clinical effects

The safety of progestogens as a class has come under increased scrutiny after the publication of data from the Women's Health Initiative trial, particularly with respect to breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risk, despite the fact that only one progestogen, medroxyprogesterone acetate, was used in this study. Inconsistency in nomenclature has also caused confusion between synthetic progestogens, defined here by the term progestin, and natural progesterone. Although all progestogens by definition have progestational activity, they also have a divergent range of other properties that can translate to very different clinical effects. Endometrial protection is the primary reason for prescribing a progestogen concomitantly with postmenopausal estrogen therapy in women with a uterus, but several progestogens are known to have a range of other potentially beneficial effects, for example on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Because women remain suspicious of the progestogen component of postmenopausal hormone therapy in the light of the Women's Health Initiative trial, practitioners should not ignore the potential benefits to their patients of some progestogens by considering them to be a single pharmacological class. There is a lack of understanding of the differences between progestins and progesterone and between individual progestins differing in their effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, the breast, and bone. This review elucidates the differences between the substantial number of individual progestogens employed in postmenopausal hormone therapy, including both progestins and progesterone. We conclude that these differences in chemical structure, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, affinity, potency, and efficacy via steroid receptors, intracellular action, and biological and clinical effects confirm the absence of a class effect of progestogens.

The 2012 hormone therapy position statement of: The North American Menopause Society

OBJECTIVE

This position statement aimed to update the evidence-based position statement published by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in 2010 regarding recommendations for hormone therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women. This updated position statement further distinguishes the emerging differences in the therapeutic benefit-risk ratio between estrogen therapy (ET) and combined estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) at various ages and time intervals since menopause onset.

METHODS

An Advisory Panel of expert clinicians and researchers in the field of women's health was enlisted to review the 2010 NAMS position statement, evaluate new evidence, and reach consensus on recommendations. The Panel's recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NAMS Board of Trustees as an official NAMS position statement.

RESULTS

Current evidence supports the use of HT for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women when the balance of potential benefits and risks is favorable for the individual woman. This position statement reviews the effects of ET and EPT on many aspects of women's health and recognizes the greater safety profile associated with ET.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent data support the initiation of HT around the time of menopause to treat menopause-related symptoms and to prevent osteoporosis in women at high risk of fracture. The more favorable benefit-risk ratio for ET allows more flexibility in extending the duration of use compared with EPT, where the earlier appearance of increased breast cancer risk precludes a recommendation for use beyond 3 to 5 years.

EMAS position statement: Managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of VTE

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a serious cardiovascular event whose incidence rises with increasing age.

AIMS

To formulate a position statement on the management of the menopause in women with a personal or family history of VTE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Randomized controlled trials have shown an increased risk of VTE in oral hormone therapy (HT) users. There are no randomized trial data on the effect of transdermal estrogen on VTE. Recent observational studies and meta-analyses suggest that transdermal estrogen does not increase VTE risk. These clinical observations are supported by experimental data showing that transdermal estrogen has a minimal effect on hepatic metabolism of hemostatic proteins as the portal circulation is bypassed. A personal or family history of VTE, especially in individuals with a prothrombotic mutation, is a strong contraindication to oral HT but transdermal estrogen can be considered after careful individual evaluation of the benefits and risks. Transdermal estrogen should be also the first choice in overweight/obese women requiring HT. Observational studies suggest that micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone might have a better risk profile than other progestins with regard to VTE risk. Although these findings should be confirmed by randomized clinical trials, they strongly suggest that both the route of estrogen administration and the type of progestin may be important determinants of the overall benefit-risk profile of HT.