THE ROLE OF ESTROGEN IN HEPATIC LIPID METABOLISM CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Keywords:
Estrogen deficiency, hepatic lipid metabolism, postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, estrogen receptors, metabolic syndrome.Abstract
Estrogen is a major endocrine regulator that contributes to multiple physiological processes, including the control of lipid metabolism within the liver.
During menopause, circulating estrogen levels decline markedly, leading to significant metabolic alterations. These changes include increased hepatic fat accumulation, dyslipidemia, and a higher risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that postmenopausal women experience a greater incidence of hepatic metabolic disorders compared with women of reproductive age. This article examines the biological mechanisms through which estrogen regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and evaluates clinical data regarding the metabolic consequences of estrogen deficiency. In addition, the potential benefits and limitations of hormone replacement therapy are analyzed. Understanding the role of estrogen in hepatic metabolism may support the development of gender-specific strategies aimed at preventing metabolic disorders in aging female populations.
