Open AccessStatin therapy: does sex matter?
Author(s) -
Stephanie S. Faubion,
Ekta Kapoor,
Ann M. Moyer,
Howard N. Hodis,
Virginia M. Miller
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
menopause
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.086
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1530-0374
pISSN - 1072-3714
DOI - 10.1097/gme.0000000000001412
Subject(s) - medicine , clinical trial , statin , disease , dosing , randomized controlled trial , estrogen , hmg coa reductase , physical therapy , reductase , biochemistry , chemistry , enzyme
Statins are a class of drugs that competitively bind to the active site of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, thereby inhibiting the initial steps in cholesterol synthesis. Originally approved for use in lowering serum cholesterol, a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, statins have subsequently been noted to have myriad extrahepatic effects, including potential effects on cognition, diabetes, breast cancer, bone, and muscle. This narrative review assesses the current state of the science regarding the risks and benefits of statin therapy in women to identify areas where additional research is needed.