In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent advances in understanding
estrogen effects on the vascular endothelium. Epidemiological studies suggest the female
sex hormone estrogen mediates the relative protection of premenopausal women against
cardiovascular disease, compared with age-matched men. However, results from clinical
trials of exogenous estrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women have been
disappointing, generating much controversy about the role of estrogen and demonstrating …