Effect of Prolonged Use of Estrogens on Circulating Lipids in Patients with Idiopathic Hyperlipemia or Idiopathic Hypercholesteremia

Abstract
The low incidence of atherosclerosis in premenopausal women and the effects of gonadal extracts on serum lipids indicate the desirability of further clinical and biochemical studies. Ethinyl estradiol was administered to 12 persons with idiopathic hyperlipemia or idiopathic hypercholesteremia. Medication was given for an average period of 16 months and was well tolerated, despite moderate gynecomastia, diminished libido, or uterine bleeding. The effects on the levels of circulating lipids and the clinical feasibility of this therapy are discussed.