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Human Reproduction, Vol. 18, No. 8, 1561-1563, August 2003
© 2003 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

Issues to debate on the Women’s Health Initiative

Estrogen: an instrument or the conductor of the orchestra?

J. Bódis1, M. Koppán, J. Garai, K. Zámbó and A. Török

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology County Teaching Hospital and Institute of Clinical and Nurse Sciences, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, H-7623 Pécs, Rákóczi u.2., Hungary

1 To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: bodisj@freemail.hu

Although it is well known that cyclic production of sex hormones is essential to establish reproductive function and female characteristics, distant impacts of the activity of the female endocrine system result from a concert of delicate mechanisms. Estrogen is rather an instrument than a conductor in this physiological orchestra of the female. Thus, controversies in the explanation of results from studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention might be eliminated, if we analyse not only the role of estrogen but a broader spectrum of factors leading to CVD. Authors would like to hypothesize that haemorheological changes in women around menopause, such as increased blood and plasma viscosity, haematocrit and fibrinogen, are largely responsible for the increased mortality in the post-menopausal life period. We believe that a cyclic withdrawal bleeding establishes a more favourable haemorheological condition, thus, sequentially administered estrogen might be protective in post-menopausal women. Nevertheless, other factors, that decrease blood viscosity, such as daily exercise, intake of ample amount of fluids as well as ideal nutrition, are equally important. We are confident that sequential HRT, as well as healthy life style and risk prevention programmes have their proper place in the management of this issue.

Key words: cardiovascular disease/haematocrit/HRT/menopause


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