title: Vaginal rings for continuous low-dose release of oestradiol in the treatment of urogenital atrophy.
abstract: Silicone vaginal rings for the continuous release of 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) with 2 constant in vitro release rates were used for the treatment of symptoms of urogenital atrophy in 2 groups of postmenopausal women. The very low dose of 7 micrograms/24 h was found to alleviate atrophic symptoms effectively and to induce significant maturation of vaginal and urethral epithelium. After a brief initial peak, the serum levels of E2 over 3 mth of treatment remained close to the detection limit. The 'undetectable' E2 release pattern was reflected only in increased levels of oestrone sulphate. There was no evidence of a systemic metabolic response and patient acceptance of the method was excellent. Continuous low-dose release of E2 via vaginal rings consequently offers an alternative means of administering local oestrogen therapy which may be particularly suitable for geriatric patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Holmgren
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindskog
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: von Schoultz
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000473:pathology*; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone