Transvaginal ultrasonographic assessment of the endometrium in asymptomatic, postmenopausal women using different HRT regimens containing tibolone or estrogen.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on endometrial thickness as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic, postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Between 1997 and 2001, 307 women who had no risk factors for endometrial cancer or abnormal vaginal bleeding were enrolled in a study. Patients received 1 of the following HRT modalities: (1) oral equine HRT modalities: (1) oral equine estrogen, (2) oral 17beta-estrogen, (3) transdermal 17beta-estrogen, or (4) oral tibolone. All women taking estrogens were also taking a progestin. Only the patients with endometrial thickness >7 mm underwent endometrial biopsy while taking HRT.


RESULTS
Although we observed an increase in serum estrogen levels as compared to the levels before tibolone therapy, changes in endometrial thickness were not statistically significant in patients taking tibolone.


CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial thickness with tibolone closely mimics the naturally atrophic postmenopausal state. Thus, tibolone is suggested for those postmenopausal women who have concerns about HRT.
Kurtay
Gulay
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. bulentberker@hotmail.com
Berker
Bulent
B
Demirel
Cem
C
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D001284:Atrophy; D004717:Endometrium / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D017698:Postmenopause; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014621:Vagina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D004967:Estrogens; D009652:Norpregnenes; C027385:tibolone