The Influence of the Sex Hormones on the Circulating Lipids and Lipoproteins in Coronary Sclerosis

Abstract

The administration of ethinyl estradiol to 100 survivors of myocardial infarction resulted in uniform correction of the abnormal circulating lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. Gynecomastia and depression of libido were well tolerated by the patients but were not ameliorated by an androgen preparation nor by a progesterone analogue. Methyl testosterone, which partly inhibited the estrogen effect, increased the concentration of cholesterol on the beta lipoprotein fraction. Progesterone had no significant effect on the circulating lipids and lipoproteins. Assessment of the effect of ethinyl estradiol on human atherogenesis must depend on long-term evaluation of its influence on morbidity and mortality rates.