Withdrawal of hormonal therapy for 4 weeks decreases arterial compliance in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background. We demonstrated in a previous cross-sectional study that arterial compliance is elevated in postmenopausal women taking estrogen-containing hormonal therapy, which may partially account for the reduction in cardiovascular risk observed. Objective. To investigate the effects of withdrawal and recommencement of hormonal therapy, each for 4 weeks, on arterial compliance. Methods. Seventeen postmenopausal women [aged 56 ± 4 years (mean ± SD)] taking long-term hormonal therapy (+HT group) were studied at baseline, 4 weeks after withdrawal of hormonal therapy and again 4 weeks after recommencement. Systemic arterial compliance (SAC), pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the aorto-femoral and f..