Abstract
Sex hormones have been shown to alter high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C). Estrogens increase, while androgens (A) decrease, HDL-C. Some progestogens reduce HDL-C, but effects of low dose combined oral contraceptives remain controversial. Data is sparse concerning the effect of low dose A therapy. 11 patients with Turner syndrome (TS), aged 9 to 14 years, received Premarin (P, conjugated estrogens) 0.15 mg (0.16 ± 0.004 mg/M2) and Halotestin (H, Fluoxymesterone) 1 mg (1.09±0.03 mg/M2) p.o. daily with the exception of one girl who received P,H every other day. Baseline HDL-C was measured after at least 3 months without P, H and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. All 11 girls completed 6 months and 5 girls 12 months of therapy. Mean ± S.E. levels of HDL-C for baseline, 6 and 12 months were 50.7 ± 1.9, 45.0± 2.8 and 45.0 ± 2.8 mg/dl respectively and indicated significant decrease from baseline to 6 month (p< 0.01 - paired t) and 12 month (p<0.025 paired t) of therapy. Plasma testosterone, measured in 9 girls was in the prepubertal range. In 3 TS girls, 15, 12, 9 years, receiving low dose P without H for more than 6 months, HDL-C levels were 59, 49 and 56. Our study suggests that even low dose H therapy can reduce HDL-C, and may imply that low dose combined oral contraceptives can be associated with reduced HDL-C in normal females. Girls with TS or other disorders who receive A may have decreased HDLC which has been associated as an independent risk factor in coronary heart disease.
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Lin, TH., Kirkland, R., Probstfield, J. et al. EFFECT OF LOW DOSE PREMARIN AND HALOTESTIN ON LIPOPROTEIN IN TURNER SYNDROME. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 170 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00465
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00465