THE EFFECT OF ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY WITH OR WITHOUT PROGESTOGEN ON THE FIBRINOLYTIC SYSTEM AND COAGULATION INHIBITORS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL STATUS

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze several fibrinolytic c omponents and coagulation inhibitors in postmenopausal women and to ev aluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Severa l hemostatic parameters were evaluated in 75 postmenopausal women befo re and after 3 to 4 and 12 months of hormone therapy. RESULTS: An incr ease in plasma fibrinolytic activity primarily related to a significan t increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator and a decrease in plas minogen activator inhibitor type 1 was observed in women receiving hor mone replacement therapy. A significant decrease in protein S and lipo protein(a) was detected under therapy. No modifications in tissue-type plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and activated protein C/alpha(1)-antitrypsin complexes, urokinase activity, plasmin ogen, and antithrombin III were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in fibrinolytic activity and the decrease in lipoprotein(a) levels obser ved in women receiving hormone replacement therapy could help decrease the risk of coronary disease associated with the postmenopausal state .