Effects of patch or gel estrogen therapies on auditory brainstem response in surgically postmenopausal women: a prospective, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of gonadal steroids on the nongenital audiological target in surgically postmenopausal women treated with patch or gel transdermal estrogen therapy (ET).


METHODS
Prospective randomized study.


METHODS
Research Group for Sexology, University of Catania, Italy.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-two surgically postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Transdermal E(2) by patch or gel, and evaluation of auditory brainstem response by auditory-evoked potentials for waves I, III, and V latencies, and for interpeak I-III, I-V, and III-V intervals.


METHODS
Changes in auditory wave latencies and in interpeak intervals during treatment with ET with respect to baseline levels.


RESULTS
One hundred two women completed the study. Forty-eight subjects used E(2) patches and 54 E(2) gel. No significant difference was observed in plasma E(2) improvement and in auditory brainstem response values with the two estrogen (E) formulations. The wave latencies and the interpeak intervals showed lower values during the E treatment than at baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
Auditory brainstem response seems to depend on the type of E given. Our data suggest that fluctuating E levels act on waves, even if the exact mechanism of the gonadal steroids is not clear. However, we believe that E could influence neuronal plasticity, the metabolic levels of neurotransmitters, and thus, the neuronal conduction time into the audiological system.
Caruso
Salvatore
S
Research Group for Sexology, Department of Microbiological Science and Gynecological Science, University of Catania School of Medicine, Italy. scaruso@mbox.unict.it
Maiolino
Luigi
L
Agnello
Carmela
C
Garozzo
Aldo
A
Di Mari
Lucia
L
Serra
Agostino
A
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005782:Gels; D004958:Estradiol