Progesterone therapy, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors: a 3-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy early postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Progesterone is effective treatment for hot flushes/night sweats. The cardiovascular effects of progesterone therapy are unknown but evidence suggests that premenopausal normal estradiol with also normal progesterone levels may provide later cardiovascular protection. We compared the effects of progesterone to placebo on endothelial function, weight, blood pressure, metabolism, lipids, inflammation and coagulation.

Methods and results

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, 3-month placebo-controlled trial of progesterone (300 mg daily) among 133 healthy postmenopausal women in Vancouver, Canada from 2003-2009. Endothelial function by venous occlusion plethysmography was a planned primary outcome. Enrolled women were 1-11 y since last menstruation, not using horm

SUBMITTER: Prior JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3897380 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature