The effects of different doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate on serum lipids, lipoprotein levels and atherogenic index in the menopausal period

The purpose of our study was to make a contribution to research in determining the least harmful progestogen dose for women who have not had their uterus removed. The study was an open comparative trial. The patients were consecutively assigned to two groups. The first group (n = 19) were given 0.625-mg conjugated equine estrogen plus 5-mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), and the second (n = 18) 0.625-mg conjugated equine estrogen plus 2.5-mg MPA. Serum total cholesterol (T-cholesterol), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels plus LDL-C/HDL-C values (atherogenic index) were measured before the study and again after 6 and 12 months. These values were compared with ANOVA and postANOVA tests (Scheffe) within the groups and with unpaired t-test between the two groups. The triglyceride serum levels in the first group were decreased in the 12th month compared to baseline levels. In addition, LDL-C/HDL-C values were significantly decreased in the 6th month, but there values slightly increased in the following 6 months. In the second group, T-cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and atherogenic index were decreased in the 12th month when compared to baseline levels within the groups. This decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Hormone replacement therapy with continuous 0.625-mg conjugated equine estrogen and 2.5-mg MPA had a better effect on lipid profiles than 0.625-mg conjugated equine estrogens and 5-mg MPA after 12 months of treatment.