Sex hormones and atherosclerosis — conclusions

Abstract

It is difficult to draw conclusions about the relationship of sex hormones to atherosclerosis. There is no doubt that in parts of the world where atherosclerosis is common, cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in younger men than in women of the same age. Whether this is due to acceleration of atherosclerosis in males or protection against atherosclerosis in females is unclear. Nor is it clear that the differences are related to hormone secretion. The fact that the difference in incidence in males and females decreases after the menopause may suggest endocrine mechanisms, but other factors may also be involved.