High C‐reactive protein levels are associated with oral hormonal menopausal therapy but not with intrauterine levonorgestrel and transdermal estradiol

Objective. Oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to increased cardiovascular (CVD) morbidity. HRT causes a sustained increase in C‐reactive protein (CRP), an excellent marker of subclinical inflammation and CVD. The aim of the study was to support our hypothesis that CRP, which is synthesized in the liver, is not increased in association with transdermal/intrauterine HRT. Material and methods. A case‐control study was performed in which CRP measurements in women receiving levonorgestrel intrauterine system combined with transdermal estradiol (LNG/TDE, n = 27) were followed for 9 months or longer. CRP concentrations in these women were compared with those of either oral HRT users (n = 20) or controls (n = 19). Results. No significant differences were found in CRP concentrations between the LGN/TDE and control groups (1.8±1.2 and 1.8±1.8 mg/L, respectively). However, CRP was significantly increased in the oral HRT group (5.5±2.9 mg/L, p<0.001). Conclusions. CRP is significantly increased by...