Effect of the use of female hormones on platelet volume indices: evidence from ELSA-Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Platelet volume indices (PVI) are obtained using haematology analysers at a low cost. Studies have suggested that these indices might be good markers of platelet function in women using oral contraceptives (OC) or hormone therapy (HT). This study aims to investigate the association of PVI with both OC and HT use (current or past) in women. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 609 women of childbearing age and 640 going through menopause from the baseline of ELSA-Brasil. We used analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post-test to compare the PVI means according to the use of OC and HT, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean (SD) age of participants of childbearing age was 45.1 (5.0) years, and of those going through menopause 58.3 (6.5) years. No significant differences were observed in the mean values of PVI between non-users, ex-users, and current users of OC and HT. Conclusion: PVI were not associated with the current or past use of OC and HT in women over 35 years of age.

Keywords

• oral contraceptive
• hormone therapy
• medium platelet volume