A comparison of the effects of ethinyl estradiol and estradiol valerate on serum and lipoprotein lipids

Serum lipids and lipoproteins were assessed after treatment with 2 mg of oestradiol valerate (E₂V) and 10 μg of ethinyl oestreadiol (EE) in a group of 24 oophorectomised women in a study with an open cross-over design.

E₂V in this oral dose was quite inert in its effect on lipoprotein lipids. Ten micrograms of EE is a dose which in most women is sufficient to alleviate post-menopausal vasomotor symptoms. However, this low dose of EE increased serum triglycerides as a result of increased levels in the ultracentrifugally isolated lipoprotein fractions. Increased levels of serum and lipoprotein triglycerides are considered cardiovascular risk factors in women.