Low-dose hormone therapy in the perimenopause.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of low-dose hormone therapy (LD-HT) on bleeding pattern and vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal women.


METHODS
In a prospective, open-label study at an University clinic, 120 perimenopausal women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles and hot flushes were randomized to micronized 17beta-estradiol 1 mg plus dydrogesterone 10 mg sequential added (LD-HT; group A: 60 subjects) or dydrogesterone 10 mg from day 15 to 28 (group B: 60 subjects). Number and severity of hot flushes and bleeding pattern were assessed throughout the study.


RESULTS
Women in group A experienced a significant reduction in number of hot flushes while no significant variation was observed in group B. The incidence of cyclic bleeding was 86% in group A and 76% in group B, the mean duration was significantly lower in group A than in group B.


CONCLUSIONS
LD-HT may control both irregular bleeding and hot flushes in perimenopausal women.
De Franciscis
P
P
Outpatient menopausal clinic, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Sciences, Second University of Naples, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, 80138 Naples, Italy. pasquale.defranciscis@unina2.it
Cobellis
L
L
Fornaro
F
F
Sepe
E
E
Torella
M
M
Colacurci
N
N
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004394:Dydrogesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D047648:Perimenopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004338:Drug Combinations; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D004958:Estradiol; D004394:Dydrogesterone