Effects of simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, on plasma lipids and steroid hormones.

Seven hyperlipidemic postmenopausal women received 2.5 mg of simvastatin daily for six months, 5 mg for four months, and 2.5 mg for two months. During treatment, there were significant decreases in the patients' levels of plasma total cholesterol, phospholipids, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B, apo E, and in the ratios of low-density lipoprotein:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apo B:apo A-I. Levels of high-density triglycerides increased significantly. Blood pressures tended to decrease. No significant changes in the plasma levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, testosterone, progesterone, or plasma renin activity were noted. Plasma aldosterone levels decreased significantly after nine months of treatment, but remained within normal limits. No other treatment side effects were recorded.