Effects of hormone replacement therapy including a progestin on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in postmenopausal women

Background: The cardiovascular protective properties of hormone replacement therapy can be hampered when a progestin is used. Aim: To assess tbe effec ts of hormone replacement therapy with progestins oil insulin sensitivity a nd lipid profile. Patients and methods: Twelve healthy postmenopausal women aged 45 to 55 years old were studied. Blood lipids and insulin sensitivity , determined using the insulin tolerance lest, were measured at baseline an d after three months of hormone replacement therapy using 5 mg/day. Results : The glucose disappearance constant was hgihger after the treatment period than at baseline (5.3 +/-0.8 and 4.7 +/-0.8%/min respectively, p = 0.005) Serum LDL cholesterol was also lower at tbe end of treatment period (124.5 +/- 30.2 and 140 +/- 25.4 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.019), Conclusions: In t his group of postmenopausal women, a period of three months of hormone repl acement therapy with a progestin improved insulin sensitivity and lowered L DL cholesterol levels (Rev Med Chile 2001; 129: 989-94).