Estrogen-Progestogen Replacement in Climacteric Women, Particularly as Regards a New Type of Continuous Regimen

Abstract

Twenty-six peri- and postmenopausal women were treated with daily dose of 2 mg 17-.beta.-estradiol, 1 mg estriol and 1 mg norethisterone-acetate in a continuous regimen for 12 mo. Clinical parameters such as vasomotor symptoms, bleeding patterns and histopathology were recorded. Blood samples were collected before, after 3 mo. and after 12 mo. of treatment and were analyzed for estradiol-17-.beta., estrone, androstenedione in serum and lipoprotein lipids. A marked reduction of hot flushes and sweatings was noted and the number of days with bleeding gradually decreased during treatment, especially in the postmenopausal group of women. No signs of hyperplasia of the endometrium were recorded. A decrease in the serum concentration of testosterone and androstenedione was found during treatment. The reduction in triglycerides in very low density lipoproteins after 3 mo., concomitant with a decrease in the cholesterol content of high density lipoproteins, was interpreted as an effect mainly of the progestogen component in the preparation. The present formulation of estrogen-progestogen, continuously administered, may be an appropriate alternative treatment regimen for many women. One proposition of how to treat women with climacteric complaints around the menopause is presented.