Triglycerides are a type of fat in your body that affect your risk of developing heart disease. Your body converts unused calories into triglycerides that it stores in your fat cell. Hormones such as estrogen regulate the release of triglyceride between meals for use as energy. Factors such as the kinds of food you eat and age also affect your triglyceride levels. A study published in October 2000 in "Maturitas" indicates that estriol, a type of estrogen, can lower triglyceride levels.
Triglyceride Level and Health
Triglyceride levels are measured via blood test. A triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL is considered normal. Triglyceride levels between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL are considered borderline high. Triglyceride levels between 200 mg/dL and 499 mg/dL are considered high. Having a triglyceride level of 500 mg/dL or greater is considered very high. Nevertheless, the optimal triglyceride level is 100 mg/dL and below. Keeping your triglyceride levels within the optimal range is vital in ensuring that your heart stays healthy. High triglyceride levels can help cause your arteries to thicken and harden, elevating your risk of stroke and heart attack. High triglycerides are sometimes a symptom of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
Estriol and Estrogen
Estriol, also called E3, is made from other estrogens. Estradiol, known as E2, is a kind of estrogen made in the ovaries prior to the onset of menopause. Estrone, known as E1, is the type of estrogen made in the ovaries and fat tissue. Estrone is the primary type of estrogen found in menopausal women. According to a study published in December 1981 in "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," estrogen in general helps reduce low density lipoprotein triglycerides. However, the overall effect of estrogen on triglyceride levels is not considered significant.
Estriol and Triglycerides
Estriol supplements prevent the triglyceride levels in early menopausal women from reaching high levels, according to the study published in October 2000 in "Maturitas." The study involved 67 healthy early menopausal women and was conducted over the course of 48 months. The women were given daily doses of 2 mg of estriol and their triglyceride levels were measured every 6 months. The results indicate that estriol reduced the women's overall triglyceride levels by about 6.7 percent. Moreover, estriol did not cause hypertriglyceridemia, or high triglyceride levels.
Side Effects and Safety
Estrogen supplements typically cause breast pain, elevated heartbeat and skin irritation, MayoClinic.com notes. Joint pain and stiffness, as well as swelling of the facial area and lower legs, are also common side effects of estrogen supplements.
References
- Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education; About Estrogen; July 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Estrogen (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Topical Application Route, Transdermal Route); June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Triglycerides: Why do they Matter?; June 2011
- "Maturitas"; Comparisons of the Long-Term Effects of Oral Estriol with the Effects of Conjugated Estrogen on Serum Lipid Profile in Early Menopausal Women; Itoi H, et al.; October 2000
- "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Oral Contraceptive and Postmenopausal Estrogen Effects of Lipoprotein Triglyceride and Cholesterol in an Adult Female Population: Relationships to Estrogen and Progestin Potencey; Knopp RH, et al.; December 1981
