The effect of natural oestrogens on coagulation.

A study was undertaken to assess the effect of natural oestrogen on the coagulation profile of menopausal women. Forty-five postmenopausal women were selected at random and treated with conjugated oestrogen (PREMARIN) FOR ONE YEAR. Blood samples were tested before treatment, at the end of 3 and 9 months' therapy, and 1 month after treatment had been suspended. Parameters studied included: fibrinogen; platelet count and aggregation; single-stage prothrombin time; kaolin partial thromboplastin time; factors v and x assays and euglobulin lysis time. The only statistically significant alteration noted was a depressant effect on the platelet count. The significance of this change is commented upon. For practical purposes, it may be concluded that treatment of a group of menopausal women with conjugated oestraogen for one year had no adverse effect on their coagulation mechanism.