Higher Androgens in Postmenopausal Women Tied to Increased Risk for CVD Events

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH

Higher androgen levels in postmenopausal women are associated with increased risks for cardiovascular events, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Some 2800 postmenopausal women free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) had their sex hormone levels measured at baseline. During a median 12 years' follow-up, CVD occurred in 283 participants, coronary heart disease (CHD) in 171, and heart failure in 103.

Among the findings, after adjustment for traditional risk factors and hormone therapy use:

• Higher total testosterone/estradiol ratio was associated with significantly increased risks for all outcomes.

• Higher total testosterone conferred significantly increased risks for CVD and CHD.

• Higher estradiol, on the other hand, was associated with significantly lower CHD risk.

The researchers note that "the best strategy to modify sex hormone levels to affect CVD risk is still uncertain." They continue, "Nonetheless, a more androgenic sex hormone profile may identify a woman at higher risk for CVD who may benefit from other risk-reducing strategies."