Long-term estrogen therapy improves vascular function in male to female transsexuals

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to examine the effects of long-term estrogen therapy on vascular function in male to female transsexuals and to compare the findings with those observed in men and premenopausal women. Background. Gender differences in coronary artery disease have largely been attributed to the beneficial effects of estrogen on vascular function and plasma lipids in women. However, the effects of estrogen on the male vasculature have not been widely studied. Methods. We compared the effects of estrogen on vascular function in 14 male to female transsexuals, 14 age- matched men and 15 premenopausal women. Flow-mediated vasodilation and response to nitroglycerin were assessed in t..