Effects of medrogestone and conjugated oestrogens on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations

Maturitas. 1985 Nov;7(4):343-50. doi: 10.1016/0378-5122(85)90058-1.

Abstract

Twenty patients, aged 30-60 yr, who had undergone bilateral ovariectomy, were treated orally with 5 mg medrogestone (6,17-dimethylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione) and 1.25 mg conjugated oestrogens per day, according to a constant dosage pattern during the cycle (22 + 6 days). The lipids and lipoproteins were determined twice before the start of therapy and 3, 6 and 12 mth thereafter. The lipids were quantified enzymatically and the lipoproteins by quantitative lipoprotein electrophoresis. Whilst cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations showed no detectable change, a slight but significant increase was seen in the high-density alphalipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. The low-density beta-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level showed a moderate fall. There was a resultant reduction in the beta/alpha-lipoprotein ratio. Accordingly, the apoprotein A1 concentrations were found to be elevated, while apoprotein B tended to fall to lower levels during therapy. When these changes are measured by the lipid metabolism risk criterion for the occurrence of coronary heart disease applicable to post-menopausal patients, the effects of the above-mentioned combination may be regarded as entirely favourable.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coronary Disease / etiology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / administration & dosage*
  • Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Lipoproteins / blood*
  • Medrogestone / administration & dosage*
  • Medrogestone / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovariectomy
  • Pregnadienes / administration & dosage*
  • Risk

Substances

  • Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
  • Lipids
  • Lipoproteins
  • Pregnadienes
  • Medrogestone