The effect of transdermal estradiol on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of hormonal replacement therapy on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
A prospective clinical study in the setting of a tertiary-care university hospital. Eleven postmenopausal women received hormonal replacement therapy (transdermal estradiol or transdermal estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate) for 4 months. Serum estradiol levels as well as vaginal and conjunctival maturation value (a cytological parameter) were measured before and after the treatment. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-Rank test.


RESULTS
A significant increase of serum estradiol levels (P < 0.01) and of vaginal maturation value (P < 0.01) were found. Cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium were also observed. These changes, although mild, were statistically significant (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
These data support the view that the hormonal replacement therapy induces cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium in postmenopausal women.
Vavilis
D
D
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotelian University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Agorastos
T
T
Vakiani
M
M
Jafetas
J
J
Panidis
D
D
Konstantinidis
T
T
Bontis
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D004958:Estradiol; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate