Pulmonary hypertension affects about 1% of the global population and is more common in females. Researchers believe that estrogen may play a role in the development of this condition. A recent study from The University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may improve pulmonary hypertension symptoms in females. The study, presented at the American Thoracic Society 2024 International Conference, involved 742 female participants with various forms of pulmonary hypertension.
The participants were divided into different groups based on the cause of their pulmonary hypertension. The study examined the impact of hormone exposure on the disease. Researchers found that pulmonary arterial pressure decreased with a greater lifetime duration of menstruation. Additionally, the use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with lower mean pulmonary artery pressure and improved right ventricular function in those with pulmonary hypertension.
The preliminary findings suggest that hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. However, further research is needed to confirm these results. Some experts have noted that hormones can have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. While hormones may dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, they can also increase the risk of clotting.
As pulmonary hypertension is a challenging condition to treat, this study offers a new perspective on potential treatment options. The results may lead to further research on the role of estrogen in improving pulmonary hypertension. It is important to conduct randomized control trials to validate these findings and determine the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in managing this disease.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy for individuals with pulmonary hypertension, particularly in the pulmonary arterial hypertension subgroup. While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of hormones on this condition, these preliminary findings offer hope for improving the quality of life for those affected by pulmonary hypertension.
