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Premarin Effects on Lipid Proteins

Premarin is a prescription estrogen formula used to treat troublesome symptoms of menopause and prevent development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is sometimes prescribed for patients with certain types of cancer and teens who fail to develop at normal rates. Though not approved for prevention of heart disease, Premarin can have a beneficial effect on lipid proteins, reducing the chance of postmenopausal heart disease.

  1. Inhibiting oxidation

    • According to a 2003 Canadian study funded by grants from the medical research council of Canada and Women's Health Care Research, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, estrogen was found to inhibit oxidation of high density lipoprotein (HDL--the so-called "good cholesterol"). That finding is significant because oxidized HDL may play a role in development of heart disease. The presence of HDL cholesterol inhibits oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL--the so-called "bad" cholesterol linked to development of heart disease), an effect enhanced by estrogen, the study found. "This may be another mechanism by which estrogens may reduce the risk of CHD and neurodegenerative diseases in healthy and younger postmenopausal women," researchers concluded

    Reducing Lp(a)

    • In a 1996 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers reported that women who had undergone hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries showed reduced levels of Lp(a) lipoprotein when given Premarin. A high level of Lp(a) lipoprotein is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

    Elevating HDL

    • The Archives of Internal Medicine study also showed the women's HDL cholesterol levels were significantly elevated when Premarin was given.

    Not a panacea

    • Lipoprotein benefits aside, Premarin and other estrogens are not a panacea against development of heart and circulatory problems. Recent studies have also shown estrogens, when taken for five years or longer, increase the rates of blood clots, stroke and heart attack. Blood clots can cause serious health problems, including thrombosis. Estrogens are also linked to increased risk of uterine and endometrial cancer.

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