Obstetrics & Gynecology

Answer 6 Impaired glucose tolerance. Low-dose postmenopausal HRT has been shown to improve peripheral insulin resistance, prevent hyperinsulinemia, and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In fact, the cardiovascular benefits of HRT may significantly help patients with diabetes mellitus. Estrogen is metabolized in the liver; therefore, HRT is contraindicated in patients with chronically impaired liver function. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is almost always an estrogen-sensitive cancer, and HRT is accordingly contraindicated. Breast cancer also is often an estrogen-sensitive cancer. After primary treatment of the breast cancer, metastatic cells may still be present and susceptible to exogenous hormones. Hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis can be precipitated by HRT administration in women with triglyceride levels between 250 and 750 mg/dL. Click here to return to the questions

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