Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objectives: This literature review examines the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women and evaluates HRT’s potential role as an adjunctive or standalone therapy in lipid management.

Methods: Searches were performed in Google Scholar and the Valparaiso University library database using the terms “hormone replacement therapy and lipids,” “menopause HRT lipid levels,” and “menopause HRT cardiovascular.” Five peer-reviewed studies were selected, with designs ranging from randomized double-blind controlled trials to retrospective cohort studies, sample sizes from 22 to 562 postmenopausal women, and follow-up periods up to twelve months.

Results: Four of the five studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL cholesterol with HRT use. Three out of five studies showed statistically significant increases in HDL. Total cholesterol decreased significantly in two studies. Triglyceride changes were variable and route-dependent; oral estrogen was associated with a statistically significant increase in triglycerides, while transdermal estradiol showed no significant change. No study demonstrated worsening of any lipid parameter with HRT use.

Conclusion: HRT is associated with favorable changes in lipid profiles in postmenopausal women, particularly reductions in LDL and total cholesterol and increases in HDL. These findings suggest HRT may serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy for lipid management in appropriate candidates. HRT should not replace statins or lifestyle modifications as primary interventions. Further research with larger cohorts, standardized HRT formulations, and studies with lipid profiles as the primary endpoint is needed to clarify HRT’s role in postmenopausal lipid management.

Keywords: hormone replacement therapy; dyslipidemia; postmenopausal; lipid profile.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Renee Seaney has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. Her favorite rotation was General Surgery because of the hands-on work and instant gratification associated with the treatments. She plans on working in general surgery or orthopedic surgery after graduation. Her favorite memory from rotations this past year was first assisting with open abdominal surgeries. Renee was inspired to research the topic of “The Relationship Between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Lipid Profiles in Postmenopausal Women” because she has a special interest in physiologic changes associated with menopause. Renee would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout PA school. Their confidence in her made this achievement possible.

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