Effects of menopause and tibolone on antioxidants in postmenopausal women

Abstract

The menopause is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease of some antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, total thiols and erythrocyte GSH. Tibolone treatment leads to a decrease in concentrations of plasma lipid peroxide, probably by stimulating direct and indirect mechanisms of tocopherol regeneration and increasing plasma concentrations of vitamin E. However, due to the relatively small numbers involved this study can be regarded as a pilot. Further studies performed on a larger scale are necessary to establish the exact mechanisms of tibolone in inhibiting oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.