Effects of standard and low dose 17beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate on body composition and leptin in postmenopausal women at risk of body mass index and waist girth related cardiovascular and metabolic disease

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of standard and low dose of 17beta-estradiol/norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA) on body composition and leptin in postmenopausal women at risk of body mass index (BMI) -and waist girth (WG) related cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

METHODS: Ninety postmenopausal women aged 45-55 years with BMI >/= 25 kg/m2 participated in this 6-month prospective, randomized, single-blinded and controlled study, conducted between September 2004 and April 2006 at Adnan Menderes University Hospital. According to their WG, the subjects were divided into 2 risk groups: WG <88 cm (Group increased risk [IR], n=48) or WG >/= 88 cm (Group high risk [HR], n=42). The subjects in each group were equally assigned to receive standard or low dose of E2/NETA (2 mg E2/1 mg NETA, or 1 mg E2/0.5 mg NETA). Accordingly, the 2 groups were divided into 4 subgroups. Serum leptin levels (SLLs), body weight/height, waist/hip girth, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were evaluated before and after therapy.

RESULTS: In the Group IR, WG decreased significantly only in low dose subgroup. In the Group HR, both standard and low dose subgroups had a significant reduction in WG. Those who had WG >/= 88 cm showed more reduction than those who had WG <88 cm in response to both doses of E2/NETA, insignificantly. Basal SLLs had a significant correlation with body weight, BMI and WG.

CONCLUSION: Oral standard and low dose E2/NETA reduce WG and attenuate the BMI- and waist girth- related risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in postmenopausal women.