http://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(08)00258-2/abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 months of estrogen replacement therapy, estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy and a placebo, on the resting cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in post-menopausal women.
Methods
Forty-three women were randomised to one of three treatment arms: estradiol 2 mg/day (ERT), estradiol 2 mg/day plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg/day (HRT), or a placebo that was administered orally for 3 months.
Results
Cortisol levels showed a significant condition by intervention interaction. Post hoc tests showed that ERT significantly increased cortisol levels after treatment compared to baseline, while in the HRT group a trend toward increased cortisol was found. No changes were observed in IL-6 levels.
Conclusions
Estrogen administration elevated cortisol levels, but this effect may be moderated by progestins. IL-6 was not altered by ERT or HRT, future studies should consider the interaction of cortisol increases on change in IL-6 expression.
Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 months of estrogen replacement therapy, estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy and a placebo, on the resting cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in post-menopausal women.
Methods
Forty-three women were randomised to one of three treatment arms: estradiol 2 mg/day (ERT), estradiol 2 mg/day plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg/day (HRT), or a placebo that was administered orally for 3 months.
Results
Cortisol levels showed a significant condition by intervention interaction. Post hoc tests showed that ERT significantly increased cortisol levels after treatment compared to baseline, while in the HRT group a trend toward increased cortisol was found. No changes were observed in IL-6 levels.
Conclusions
Estrogen administration elevated cortisol levels, but this effect may be moderated by progestins. IL-6 was not altered by ERT or HRT, future studies should consider the interaction of cortisol increases on change in IL-6 expression.
