Randomized comparison of lower and standard dosages of transdermal estradiol on serum estradiol levels and vaginal maturation index.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate serum estradiol (E2) in postmenopausal women who received 0.025 mg/d or 0.05 mg/d transdermal estradiol, in an equivalent trial.


METHODS
One hundred and eight postmenopausal women were randomized into 0.025 mg/d and 0.05 mg/d of transdermal E2 matrix patch. After 12 weeks, serum E2 and vaginal maturation index (VMI) were checked in both groups. Adverse effects, such as breast tenderness, application site reaction, weight gain, and headache, were also assessed.


RESULTS
Serum E2 in 0.025 mg/d and 0.05 mg/d groups were 42.43 +/- 35.11 and 48.41 +/- 22.36 pg/mL, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Equivalence was found under CI of +/- 14 pg/mL. Mean value of superficial cells and vaginal maturation index (VMI) were comparable between both groups. Adverse effects seem to be less in the lower dosage group compared to the standard dosage group.


CONCLUSIONS
The lower dosage (0.025 mg/d) of the transdermal E2 matrix system is probably an appropriate treatment option for postmenopausal women who need minimal effective and minimal adverse effects.
Rungruxsirivorn
Tassawan
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. trungrux@gmail.com
Panyakamlerd
Krasean
K
Trerattanachart
Surang
S
Taechakraichana
Nimit
N
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D004958:Estradiol