Effects of Hormone Therapy on the Immune Systems of Postmenopausal Women With Chronic Infections
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2001-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart disease are much more common in men
than in women. However, as women grow older, especially after menopause the incidence of
atherosclerosis and heart disease increases. These findings suggest that estrogen may be
protective and help in preventing heart disease.
Studies of large groups of post-menopausal women suggest that hormone replacement therapy
(therapy that includes estrogen) reduces the risk of heart disease. Estrogen causes favorable
changes in particles that carry cholesterol in the blood stream and improves function of
blood vessels. Estrogen may also stimulate the immune system's ability to fight off
infections that may lead to or contribute to atherosclerosis.
Researchers believe two specific infectious agents (Chlamydia pneumoniae and human
cytomegalovirus) may cause damage to the lining of blood vessels resulting in inflammation
and the development of atherosclerosis.
The purpose of this study is to determine if estrogen treatment can change how the immune
system responds to chronic infections, by Chlamydia pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus, in
postmenopausal women.