| Abstract: | The effect of a combined treatment with ethinyl estradiol and norethisteron for height reduction on serum lipids and lipoproteins was investigated in 23 excessively tall girls (greater than 97th percentile). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C were determined before and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the onset and 3 to 12 months after cessation of therapy. Treatment with ethinyl estradiol and norethisteron resulted in significant (p less than 0.01) mean increases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C of 20.6%, 95.5%, 23.6%, and 22.2% above pretreatment values, respectively. This increase occurred during the first 3 months of therapy and thereafter no further significant change was observed. After cessation of therapy elevated levels returned to pretreatment levels within 3 to 12 months in all but two patients. The results obtained suggest an influence of ethinyl estradiol and norethisteron on serum lipids and lipoproteins. Whether these reversible changes of serum lipids and lipoproteins are associated with an increased risk for developing atherosclerosis has to be evaluated in long term investigations. |
