Summary

The therapy of dyslipidemias in women follows the same rules applied for men. However, there are some particularities in women that demand differentiated orientation during fertile period and after menopause.

During fertile or reproductive period, in addition to diet recomendations, the drug indicated is cholestyramine, except in the presence of hypertriglyceridemia. The use of oral contraceptives in dyslipidemic women must be careful. Estrogen reduces LDL-cholesterol and increases HDL-cholesterol but rises thrombotic risk and triglyceride levels. Dyslipidemias women under the age of 35 without any other risk factors may be under oral contraception. It is not indicated in women older than 35 years old.
Lipid modifications and direct protection of the arterial wall used to explain the cardioprotective action of hormonal replacement therapy during post-menopausal period.

After menopause, women with dyslipidemia and no contraindication for hormonal replacement therapy the association of estrogen plus progestin may be an alternative for statin.