Title:The Effect of Menopause and Menopausal Hormone Therapy on the Risk
of Peripheral Artery Disease
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
Author(s): Panagiotis Anagnostis*, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Ales Blinc, Mojca Jensterle, Mateja K. Ježovnik, Gerit-Holger Schernthaner, Pier Luigi Antignani, Katica Bajuk Studen, Miso Šabović and Pavel Poredos
Affiliation:
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University
of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Keywords:
Menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, menopausal hormone therapy, peripheral artery disease.
Abstract: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), defined as lower extremity arterial disease, constitutes an
underestimated aspect of the menopause-associated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
(ASCVD). Accumulation of ASCVD risk factors, such as atherogenic dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and
arterial hypertension, after the transition to menopause may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation
in peripheral arteries. However, inconsistency exists among studies as to whether transition to
menopause increases the risk of PAD, although early menopause (<45 years) or premature ovarian
insufficiency may accelerate peripheral atherosclerotic plaque formation. Menopausal hormone therapy
may decrease the risk of PAD if administered early (i.e., within the first 5-6 years after last menstruation),
whereas it has no effect in women with established ASCVD.
