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Three studies show protective effects of estradiol on aging patients
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Three recently published studies examined the protective effects of estrogen in older men and women. Study findings related to bone strength, cholesterol levels and brain metabolism demonstrated protective effects that differed between the sexes.
Endocrine Today asked Margery Gass, MD, NCMP, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, to comment on the significance of the studies.
“These three interesting studies underscore the complexity of estrogen and its importance to both men and women’s health. The type of estrogen, the amount and the route of delivery all have an effect. The studies contribute to the wealth of data we have about estrogen, yet continue to remind us that we still do not have all the answers,” Gass told Endocrine Today.
Margery Gass
The studies associated reductions in LDL cholesterol and dementia symptoms with estradiol supplementation in women; meanwhile, data showed that baseline low estradiol levels in men were linked to a higher risk for bone fractures and poor cortical bone strength.
“Looking at the effects in both men and women gives us a broader perspective and is even more thought provoking. However, a key difference remains — symptoms. The top priority still should be finding the safest regimen for women who want relief from symptoms,” Gass said.
Low serum estradiol levels put older men at high risk for bone fracture
Men experiencing low estradiol serum levels in the later stages of life may be at an increased risk for bone fracture due to an associated reduction of cortical bone strength and increased porosity, researchers said. Read more.
Estradiol reduced triglyceride levels in postmenopausal women
A reduction in plasma triglyceride concentrations was observed in postmenopausal women after estradiol treatment but not progesterone or testosterone, according to research in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shedding light on the sexual dimorphism in metabolizing the cholesterol component. Read more.
Estradiol preserved brain metabolism in postmenopausal women at risk for dementia
In postmenopausal women considered at risk for dementia, continued treatment with 17-beta-estradiol hormone therapy is associated with the preservation of regional cerebral cortical metabolism for at least 2 years, according to recent findings. Read more. — by Reagan Copeland
Disclosure: See each study for a list of relevant financial disclosures.