Acute Metabolic Effects of Estradiol

Estradiol affects muscle and fat distribution, and thereby lipid metabolism. A reduction in muscle power is seen after menopause, readily counteracted by female hormone therapy (HT). Treatment with HT through months to previously untreated postmenopausal women, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to women with Turner syndrome, increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass. HT in postmenopausal women furthermore prevents fat accumulation and increases lipoprotein lipase activity and lipolysis to an extent comparable to premenopausal women. In contrast, it has also been shown that estradiol may actually attenuate lipolysis during basal as well as catecholamine stimulated conditions. In addition, one study found whole body fat metabolism to be lower during treatment with estradiol than without, and reduced lipolysis is present in postmenopausal women during treatment with estradiol, along with an increased number of α-adrenergic receptors and a decreased number of β-adrenergic receptors.

It is not clear whether the lipolytic effect of estradiol happens acutely or is dependent on chronic exposure. Moreover, regional differences in the pharmacodynamics of estradiol have not been assessed. Finally, effects on skeletal muscle have never been examined.

The purpose of the present study was 1) by microdialysis to quantify the regional production of glycerol in two tissues (muscle and fat), and in two regions (abdominal and femoral). 2) To quantify the whole-body lipolytic effect of estradiol, and 3) in biopsies to study intracellular mechanisms behind the action of estradiol.

Inclusion criteria

• Postmenopausal women assessed by FSH and estradiol levels
• Not taking any drugs
• Non-smokers

Exclusion criteria

• Obesity (BMI>30)