Abstract

Background: There is an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in postmenopausal women. Estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and autonomic function. Various hormone therapies are widely used in postmenopausal women, especially combination therapy of low-dose estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy might be useful not only in alleviating menopausal symptoms but help in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving quality of life.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to study the effect of combined estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy on BP and sympathetic overactivity in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods: The study included two groups of 50 women each. Group I included postmenopausal women of age 45–55 years who were taking combined hormone therapy while Group II included postmenopausal women of the same age group who were not on any replacement therapy. Heart rate and BP in resting state was noted in both the groups. Sympathetic function assessment was done by performing cold pressor test, handgrip test, and BP response to standing on all the participants. Statistical analysis was done using the student’s t-test.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in resting heart rate, BP, and sympathetic function tests in both groups.

Conclusion: There is a facilitatory role of combined estrogen and progesterone therapy in menopausal women in reducing BP and sympathetic system dysregulation.

Key words: Menopause; Estrogen; Progesterone; Sympathetic Nervous System Function