Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of endogenous estrogen on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
DESIGN
Prospective randomized study.
SETTING
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Beilinson Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University Medical School, Israel.
SUBJECTS
Twenty-seven women, 15 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal, undergoing surgical castration (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
METHOD
Blood samples were drawn before the surgical intervention and after a 6-month interval.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Assays were performed for estradiol, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL as well as HDL/LDL ratio.
RESULTS
No significant differences were found in both groups, before castration and after 6 months. A modest, but statistically significant, rise in triglycerides was observed in the premenopausal group.
CONCLUSIONS
The serum lipid and lipoprotein profile encountered in premenopausal and postmenopausal women were unchanged 6 months after surgical castration. The clinical significance indicates that the effect of endogenous estrogen on lipid metabolism is doubtful and should be further investigated.
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