Female Sex Hormones Contribute to Vulnerability to Athero-Sclerosis: Overview of Mechanisms and Specific Risk Factors

Abstract

Atherosclerosis poses a significant challenge to the general population, with its prevalence particularly prominent among older individuals. Age, however, is not the sole determinant of risk, as gender also plays a crucial role. Sex-related disparities exist not only in the incidence of atherosclerosis but also in its progression and development. The intricate interplay of hormones in the female reproductive system contributes to its proper functioning. Perturbations in this hormonal system can give rise to disorders and conditions that influence the susceptibility to various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. Such conditions encompass both natural occurrences like menopause as well as pathological conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. This comprehensive review delves into the examination of hormonal imbalances in females as risk factors and compiles pertinent information regarding the role of key hormones, particularly estrogen and its derivatives, in the context of atherosclerosis. The review article not only highlights the impact of hormonal imbalances on the risk of developing atherosclerosis but also provides comprehensive insights into the specific mechanisms underlying estrogen's role in the disease process. Additionally, it explores the influence of other major hormones, expanding the understanding of their contributions to atherosclerosis. To select the initial literature sources, we searched the PubMed database with the following keywords and their combinations: "Female hormones", "atherosclerosis", "sex as a risk factor", and "estrogen". Using this search, we chose several papers, from the analysis of which we started this review. Moving through these papers, we developed the structure of the review.