For Combatting Menopausal Symptoms, Low-Dose Oral Conjugated Estrogens and Transdermal Estradiol Work Well

Both estrogen preparations were highly effective against hot flashes and night sweats over a 4-year timeframe.

Menopausal symptoms, experienced by most perimenopausal women and continuing for years in many, are a recognized indication for menopausal hormone therapy (HT). To compare the efficacy of two forms of HT, 727 women (baseline age range, 42–58; within 3 years of menopause onset) were randomized to receive daily oral conjugated estrogens (o-CEE; 0.45 mg) or transdermal estradiol (t-E₂; 50 µg) with micronized oral progesterone (200 mg for 12 days each month) or placebo for 48 months. Menopausal symptoms were self-assessed at regular intervals.

By 6 months, incidence of moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased more with either HT (from 44% to 4% [o-CEE] or 7% [t-E₂]) than with placebo (from 44% to 28%; P<0.001), and efficacy of the two formulatio…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

For Combatting Menopausal Symptoms, Low-Dose Oral Conjugated Estrogens and Transdermal Estradiol Work Well

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Reviewing Author