Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This study included 91 patients who applied to SSK İzmir Ege Maternity and Gynecology Training and Research Hospital Menopause Outpatient Clinic between 01.10.2004 and 31.03.2005 and who don’t have a history of metabolic disease (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia). Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, serum lipid profile and blood pressure levels were compared in 55 patients who never used HRT and 36 cases in whom HRT was started after the diagnosis of menopause and was still in use. In each case, the insulin resistance (IR) was calculated with the formula of Homa Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were measured to evaluate the presence of obesity and central obesity. These data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

When the two groups were compared, the number of patients who are positive for IR was significantly higher in the group who don’t receive HRT, than the group who receive HRT (P=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of number of cases with obesity and central obesity, serum biochemistry parameters, and blood pressure values.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The effect of HRT used in postmenopausal period on glucose metabolism has not been clearly demonstrated. According to the results of our study, HRT appears to decrease insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. More detailed studies should be conducted on this subject.