The optimal dose of oral norethindrone acetate for addition to transdermal estradiol: a multicenter study.
The effects of adding one of three doses (0.5, 0.75, or 1.0 mg/d) of norethindrone acetate for 12 days each month to continuous, transdermal estradiol (0.05 mg/d) have been determined in a prospective, randomized, multicenter study. Significant symptomatic and psychological improvements were observed and, with one exception, were not opposed by the added progestogen. Distinct redness at the site of last patch application was reported by 10% of patients and faint erythema by 30%. However, less than 5% of patients discontinued treatment because of skin problems. Breakthrough bleeding occurred infrequently and all three doses of norethindrone acetate induced a regular pattern of bleeding with secretory transformation in the endometrium. There was no hyperplasia or carcinoma.
Fraser
D I
DI
King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital, Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London, United Kingdom.
Parsons
A
A
Whitehead
M I
MI
Wordsworth
J
J
Stuart
G
G
Pryse-Davies
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
D004958:Estradiol; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D009640:Norethindrone