Evaluation of the body composition and fat distribution in long-term usersof hormone replacement therapy

The aim of the study was to evaluate the body composition and fat distribut ion in long-term users of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). 18 healthy me nopausal women, long-term users of HRT (transdermal estradiol 50 mu g conti nuously administered and 10 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 da ys/month) and 18 healthy menopausal women, who had never used HRT were incl uded in the study. Age, menopausal age, parity, weight and height (body mas s index, weight/height(2)), and lifestyle habits were similar. Waist and hi p circumference, body composition and waist/hip ratio were measured and the results were analyzed, No significant difference was demonstrated in fat a nd water percentage, and waist/hip ratio, Nevertheless, the waist circumfer ence of long-term HRT users was significantly lower than that of non-users. In conclusion, abdominal fat in longterm HRT users is lower than that of n on-users of similar age, menopausal age and body mass index.