[Continuous, low dosage estradiol administration with a vaginal ring: a placebo-controlled study].
Estrogen replacement therapy is used in postmenopausal women with symptoms of urogenital atrophy. The aim of this study was to detect differences in efficacy of a low-dose estradiol-releasing vaginal ring and a placebo ring in the relief of symptoms of estrogen deficiency and reduction of urogenital atrophy (pH and vaginal mucosal maturation) in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
This was a multicentre double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
84 postmenopausal women, of whom 67 completed the full 24 weeks of treatment.


RESULTS
Vaginal pH decreased significantly (p = 0.0006) in the estradiol group compared with the placebo group. Similarly, in the estradiol group the mean maturation value increased significantly (p = 0.0004), while incidence of pallor and friability were significantly reduced. Patients in the estradiol group reported significantly greater relief of dyspareunia.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that the estradiol-releasing vaginal ring is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of local estrogen deficiency.
Casper
F
F
Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Mainz.
Petri
E
E
Benninghoff
B
B
D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010570:Pessaries; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004958:Estradiol