EFFECT OF LOW-DOSE FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION VERSUS HRT AND COMBINATION OF FOLIC ACID AND HRT ON PLASMA LEVEL OF HOMOCYSTEINE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and folic acid supplementation on Homocysteine (Hcy) level in postmenopausal women. Methodology: This is a randomized clinical trail conducted on 66 postmenopausal women (menopause at least for 2 years) attending Hamedan outpatient Fatemieh teaching hospital. Since March 2006 till April 2007. The patients were randomly divided into four groups. Before studying plasma level of Albumin, total protein, folate, fasting level of plasma Hcy was measured. The patients of first group received folic acid 5mg daily. In the second group of patients took oral conjugated estrogen 0/625mg and medroxy progesterone acetate 2/5 mg daily. In third group the patients received combination of folic acid and HRT and placebo in fourth group. Fasting plasma level of Hcy was measured four weeks later. Results: Plasma level of Hcy was significantly decreased in group1, 2 and 3(P<0/05) after treatment. There was significant difference between group 1, 3(p=0/026) and 1, 4 (P=0/005) for plasma level of Hcy Conclusion: HRT and folic acid therapy can reduce plasma Hcy. Combination of both HRT and folic acid supplementation is more effective than HRT or folic acid alone in reduction of hyperhomocysteinemia.