Effects of Postmenopausal Use of Raloxifene on Serum Homocysteine
and Lipid Profile

Deniz KÖSE, Hüsamettin USLU, Özay ORAL, Semih TUĞRUL, Akif ALKAN, Evrim AKSOY
İstanbul-Turkey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Raloxifene in postmenopausal patients on serum homocysteine levels and lipid profile.
STUDY DESIGN: 51 patients who had been followed prospectively were included in this study. All the patients were given 60 mg Raloxifene single dose daily for 6 months. Pre-treatment and 6th month serum levels had been recorded evaluating homocysteine, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels. Statistical analysis was made by using paired t-test on SPSS version 11.5.
RESULTS: Mean patient age was 54.1±6.7 years and mean menopause age was 7.1±5.7 years. No significant differences were recorded in terms of serum homocysteine, HDL and triglyceride levels in the pre and post treatment groups. Significant decrease was recorded in the 6th month serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to pre-treatment levels. (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively)
CONCLUSION: The levels of homocysteine have not been altered after 6 months of Raloxifene use and we have found a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. Raloxifene can be used safely in postmenopausal patients regarding lipid profile.
(Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 2005; 11:117-119)

Key Words: Raloxifene, Homocysteine, Lipid profile