Sex Hormone Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Men are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women regardless of concomitant risk factors, drawing attention to the potential role of sex hormones in cardiovascular health.

• The sex-based difference in CVD risk is noted as independent of other concomitant risk factors.
• This disparity motivates investigation into sex hormones as modulators of cardiovascular health.
• The review synthesizes recent clinical studies on both female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Both hormonal deficiency and excess can exert detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system.

• The review found that both ends of the hormonal spectrum — deficiency and excess — are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
• This bidirectional risk complicates the determination of universal safety profiles and use indications.
• The authors describe 'a sophisticated and delicate relationship between hormonal balance and heart health.'

HRT and TRT offer cardiovascular benefits to specific patient populations but their broad biological actions can lead to adverse effects.

• Benefits of HRT and TRT are described as population-specific rather than universal.
• Broad biological actions of these therapies contribute to both beneficial and adverse cardiovascular effects.
• The risk-benefit ratio of hormonal therapies is described as 'a critical concern in clinical practice.'

Cardiovascular effects of sex hormone therapies vary significantly based on individual patient profiles, necessitating a nuanced prescribing approach.

• Universal safety profiles for hormonal therapies cannot be determined due to individual variability in cardiovascular response.
• The authors conclude that 'a nuanced approach to prescribing is necessary' given the variability in cardiovascular effects.
• Further research is identified as required to refine safety guidelines for use of sex hormones in cardiovascular prevention and treatment.

The cardiovascular implications of hormonal therapies remain complex and incompletely understood despite their established roles in reproductive and endocrine health.

• The review characterizes the cardiovascular implications of hormonal therapies as 'complex and incompletely understood.'
• Knowledge gaps are explicitly identified as a target for further research.
• The review aims to provide 'an updated overview of recent studies on this topic, highlighting the practical clinical aspects and knowledge gaps.'