Estrogens and human cardiovascular physiology

The importance of estrogens for cardiovascular physiology in women is accep ted, even if the clinical place for hormonal supplementation after menopaus e remains uncertain. However, although men produce significant quantities o f estrogen, relatively little is known about the role of estrogens in the m ale cardiovascular system. Recent evidence about the epidemiology of cardio vascular disease, the mechanisms of action of estrogens, the biological act ions of endogenously produced estrogens in men, and the acute and chronic e ffects of estrogens on the vasculature in both men and women, suggests that these hormones may well play an important role in normal male cardiovascul ar physiology. In addition, they may provide useful adjuncts to therapy in selected groups of men.