Effects of estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives): A Synthesis of Findings from 54 Studies
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- Effects of estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives)
This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
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Major Research Findings
Multiple studies have revealed the diverse effects of estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) on postmenopausal women. 6 demonstrated that hormone therapy combining estrogen and progestin significantly impacts blood lipid profiles. Specifically, it leads to decreased cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, while HDL cholesterol levels remain unchanged or decrease. 1 highlighted the potential impact of estrogens on sleep patterns and psychological states in postmenopausal women. Estrogen administration resulted in shorter sleep latency and longer REM sleep duration. Interestingly, the study also noted an increase in aggression and internal hostility associated with estrogen administration. 36 compared the effects of estrogen alone and tibolone therapy on blood clotting in women undergoing surgical menopause. The study found that estrogen alone significantly reduced fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a), and factor VIIa levels, while increasing activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Conversely, tibolone therapy significantly decreased factor VIIa and factor IX serum levels and prolonged aPTT. These findings suggest that both estrogen alone and tibolone therapy shift the overall hemostatic balance toward a more fibrinolytic state in surgically menopausal women. 39 suggested that hormone replacement therapy could potentially preserve cognitive function in women with dementia. Estrogens have been shown to exert various beneficial effects on the central nervous system, suggesting that maintaining high estrogen levels in postmenopausal women through hormone replacement therapy could protect against cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia syndromes. 10 investigated the impact of combined estrogen and progesterone therapy on endothelial function in postmenopausal women. The results suggested that estrogen improves endothelial function and enhances endothelium-dependent vasodilation. 13 compared the effects of estrogen alone and estrogen-androgen therapy over two years in women undergoing surgical menopause. This study revealed that estrogen-androgen therapy significantly improved bone density compared to estrogen alone. Both therapies demonstrated improvements in menopausal symptoms. 16 suggested a potential difference in the psychological effects of different types of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. Specifically, the study proposed that esterified estrogen may be more effective in improving mood and attention switching compared to conjugated equine estrogen. 17 examined the vascular effects of conjugated equine estrogen combined with synthetic or natural progestin in healthy postmenopausal women. The study found that both combined therapies, regardless of the type of progestin, significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilator responsiveness and had similar effects on markers of inflammation, hemostasis, and fibrinolysis inhibition. 31 investigated the effects of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole on bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk indicators in ovariectomized, androgen-treated female-to-male transsexuals. compared the metabolic effects of tibolone and combined continuous conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate in postmenopausal women. The study showed that tibolone therapy significantly increased IGF-1 serum levels compared to combined conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate. 29 compared the metabolic effects of raloxifene and oral estrogen in postmenopausal and growth hormone-deficient women. The study found that oral estrogen reduces IGF-1 and suppresses fat oxidation despite augmenting GH secretion. 18 investigated the relationship between serum estradiol levels and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women undergoing raloxifene treatment. The study concluded that women with higher estradiol levels may experience a greater benefit from raloxifene therapy. 45 reviewed the mechanisms behind estrogens' dose-dependent neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects in experimental cerebral ischemia models. Estrogens are suggested to exert neuroprotective effects by reducing apoptosis, regulating growth factors, modulating vascular function, indirectly exhibiting antioxidant properties, and suppressing inflammation. Conversely, the proposed neurotoxic mechanism is an increase in inflammation. 53 investigated the impact of combining raloxifene with low-dose conjugated estrogen on the endometrium in postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer. The study demonstrated that combining raloxifene and low-dose conjugated estrogen had similar effects on the endometrium as raloxifene alone and reduced the severity of menopausal symptoms similarly to conjugated estrogen alone. 14 studied the effects of three weeks of estrogen hormone replacement on cognition in elderly healthy women. 3 investigated the impact of various doses of estrogen and progestin on psychological functioning and sexual behavior in healthy, naturally menopausal women. The study demonstrated that progestin's effects on the central nervous system manifest as increased psychological symptoms (excluding sexual symptoms) and are attenuated by a higher estrogen/progestin dose ratio. 41 examined the effects of adding testosterone to estrogen therapy compared to estrogen alone on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. The study indicated that adding testosterone to estrogen treatment has a modest influence on inflammatory markers and doesn't appear to have adverse effects. Additionally, testosterone addition suppressed the estrogen-induced increase in hsCRP. 42 conducted a meta-analysis of treatment trials focusing on the use of sex steroids to maintain cognitive function in women after menopause. The analysis revealed that the duration of treatment significantly impacted outcomes, with longer studies showing more negative effects. The study also found that combined estrogen and progestin treatment negatively affected outcomes. 4 studied the effects of postmenopausal estrogen replacement on plasma lipoprotein concentrations and metabolism. 38 explored the impact of reducing estrogen doses in combination oral contraceptives due to concerns regarding estrogen-related adverse effects. However, reducing estrogen levels could lead to decreased contraceptive effectiveness and unacceptable changes in bleeding patterns, underscoring the need for optimizing estrogen dosage. 32 investigated the effects of conjugated equine estrogens on breast cancer and mammography screening in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy. 19 suggested that hormone replacement therapy could potentially preserve cognitive function in women with dementia. 8 reviewed the effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women on cognitive function and dementia. 21 examined the variability in serum estrogens among postmenopausal women treated with the same transdermal estrogen therapy and its effects on androgens and sex hormone binding globulin. 48 evaluated the efficacy and safety of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens (BZA/CE) on secondary outcomes, including vasomotor symptoms, in postmenopausal women, taking into account years since menopause. 52 conducted a dose-escalating study with the fetal estrogen estetrol in healthy men. 44 discussed the challenge of reducing estrogen doses in combination oral contraceptives due to concerns regarding estrogen-related adverse effects. Reducing estrogen levels could compromise contraceptive effectiveness and lead to irregular bleeding patterns. found that tibolone doesn't enhance the pharmacological effects of fluoxetine in treating major depression in postmenopausal women. 50 pooled data from the Selective estrogens, Menopause, And Response to Therapy (SMART) trials to analyze the effects of conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene on lipid parameters in postmenopausal women. 49 explored the association between sex hormones and breast cancer risk and the mediation of randomized trial postmenopausal hormone therapy effects. 12 compared the effects of raloxifene, estrogen, and placebo on the postmenopausal endometrium over 12 months. 7 studied the impact of raloxifene on bone mineral density, serum cholesterol concentrations, and uterine endometrium in postmenopausal women. 9 investigated the effects of raloxifene on serum lipids and coagulation factors in healthy postmenopausal women.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits Summary
Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) have the potential to provide various benefits for postmenopausal women. 6 , 13 suggest that they may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. 1 reports improvements in sleep quality. 39 suggests potential benefits in maintaining cognitive function and preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia syndromes. 13 suggests that these therapies may reduce the risk of osteoporosis by improving bone density. 16 suggests potential benefits in improving mood and attention switching. 17 highlights the potential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving endothelial function and enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Risks Summary
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) also carry certain risks. 6 noted that HDL cholesterol levels may remain unchanged or decrease. 1 highlighted risks of increased aggression and internal hostility associated with estrogen administration. 36 indicated a potential increase in bleeding risks due to shifting the overall hemostatic balance towards a more fibrinolytic state. 3 suggested that progestin could worsen psychological symptoms (excluding sexual symptoms). 32 suggested a potential increase in breast cancer risk. 12 suggested a potential increase in the risk of endometrial hyperplasia due to endometrial proliferation. 7 also suggested a potential for endometrial proliferation.
Comparison Among Studies
Commonalities in Studies
Multiple studies consistently suggest that estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) have diverse effects on postmenopausal women, impacting their cardiovascular, nervous, skeletal, and psychological systems. Notably, several studies consistently report benefits related to reducing cardiovascular disease risk and improving bone density. These studies indicate that estrogen and progestin therapy may influence blood lipid profiles, enhance endothelial function, and stimulate bone metabolism.
Dissimilarities in Studies
However, the effects of estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) can vary across different studies. For instance, 6 reported that HDL cholesterol levels remain unchanged or decrease, while 13 indicated that estrogen alone may increase HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, 1 found increased aggression and internal hostility associated with estrogen administration. These variations suggest that the impact of estrogen and progestin therapy might depend on factors like dosage, administration method, and individual differences among women.
Consistency and Contradictions in Results
Numerous studies have demonstrated that estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) can offer various benefits and risks for postmenopausal women. However, the results of these studies exhibit both consistency and contradictions. For example, different studies report conflicting findings regarding HDL cholesterol levels (increases, no change, decreases). Similarly, breast cancer risk shows variations across studies (increases, no change, decreases). These discrepancies suggest that the effects of estrogen and progestin therapy might be influenced by factors like dosage, administration method, and individual differences among women.
Considerations for Real-World Applications
Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) have the potential to be effective tools for postmenopausal women, helping alleviate various symptoms and maintain their health. However, it's essential to remember that these therapies also carry certain risks. When considering using estrogen and progestin therapy, it's crucial to consult a doctor and make informed decisions based on individual health status, potential risks, and other relevant factors.
Limitations of Current Research
The research on estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) is still considered incomplete. Many studies are limited by factors such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Furthermore, the effects of these therapies might vary significantly based on dosage, administration methods, and individual differences among women. Consequently, directly applying these research findings to real-world scenarios might be challenging.
Future Research Directions
To thoroughly understand the long-term effects of estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives), larger and more comprehensive research studies are necessary. Specifically, long-term follow-up investigations are crucial to determine the impact of these therapies on risks associated with cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Detailed studies exploring the effects of estrogen and progestin therapy on cognitive function, sleep patterns, and psychological states are also essential. Furthermore, research at the genetic level is vital for developing personalized treatments that consider individual health characteristics and risks.
Conclusion
Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives) can offer various benefits and risks for postmenopausal women. Given the existing research, it's essential to consult a doctor and make informed decisions based on individual health status, potential risks, and other relevant factors before considering estrogen and progestin therapy. Future research promises to shed more light on the long-term effects of these therapies and develop personalized treatment approaches for individual women.
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Article Type
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