Estrogen and Microvascular Function

Effects of Continuous Estrogen on Human in Vivo Microvascular Function

The goal of this study is to learn how long-term use of estrogen affects blood vessels in healthy adults.

Participants will:

• give one blood draw of 5 mL
• have one Dexa Scan taken to measure adipose and muscle mass
• have a camera placed under the tongue to take pictures of blood vessels
• have 2 laser Doppler microdialysis catheters placed on the forearm to monitor blood vessels before and after local drug infusion

Researchers will compare blood vessel function of those who take estrogen to those who do not.

Inclusion Criteria:

Estrogen/Progestin Group

• Adults aged 18-40 years
• Females with estrogen/progestin treatment for a minimum of 1 year.
• Blood pressure <140/ < 90 mmHg
• No more than 1 cardiovascular risk factor Control Groups
• Adults aged 18-40 years
• Female with no estrogen/progestin treatment for minimum of 5 years.
• Female undergoing progestin only treatment for a minimum of 1 year.
• Blood pressure <140/ < 90 mmHg
• No more than 1 cardiovascular risk factor

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medications that could alter cardiovascular control

• Rash, skin disease, or pigmentation disorders on both forearms

• Anemia

• Kidney Disease

• Known skin allergies

• Smoking or tobacco use within last 6 months

• Coronary Artery Disease

  -1 cardiovascular risk factor Hypertension Diabetes Hypercholesterolemia Hyperlipidemia

• Bleeding disorders

• Use of anti-coagulants

• Allergies to study drugs

• Use of topical/non-topical steroids in last 6 months

• Internal mouth sores

• Forearms covered with tattoos

• Pregnancy