Low-dose transdermal estradiol for symptomatic perimenopause.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether low-dose transdermal estrogen therapy is associated with a reduction in vasomotor symptoms in women who continue to have menstrual cycles.


METHODS
An open-label, observational evaluation conducted over 12 months in 22 consecutive perimenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms.


RESULTS
Improvement in vasomotor symptoms was reported by 16 (73%) of women evaluated. Of responders, 11 characterized symptom relief as complete and 6 as moderate. Fifteen (68%) of the women remained on transdermal estrogen at 12 months. No adverse health-related events were attributed to estrogen therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose transdermal estrogen is well tolerated and was associated with a reduction in complaints of vasomotor symptoms before menopause. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of transdermal delivery of unopposed estrogen may be advantageous in a population sensitive to fluctuations in circulating hormone levels.
Shulman
Lee P
LP
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Molecular Genetics, and Division of Reproductive Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. lps5@cornell.edu
Harari
David
D
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D002979:Climacteric / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004958:Estradiol