Prospective double-blind study of CEE3 in peri- and postmenopausal women: effects on bone loss and lipoprotein lipids

A prospective double-blind study was carried out in 136 women 0.5 to 21 years since menopause (YSM) in order to demonstrate the effects of a long-acting estriol derivative-Nylestriol (CEE3) on bone loss and lipoprotein lipids. They were orally administered at 2 mg of CEE3 or placebo every 2 weeks. Among 90 subjects who finished 1 year of medication, 49 received CEE3 and 41 placebo. The results were: 1. Serum ALP, Ca/Cr and Hop/Cr in fasting urine decreased in 3 months (P < 0.05); 2. Menopause-related reduction of forearm bone density was restrained; 3. LDL-C decreased in 3 months and HDL-C increased in 6 months (P < 0.05), with no significant changes in TC and TG; 4. Side effects were mild. 1/3 of those with intact uterus had spotting and another 1/3 had moderate withdrawal bleeding after the addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate at the end of 12 months of CEE3 therapy. This study demonstrates that CEE3 is effective and acceptable for preventing osteoporosis and lipoprotein lipids disorder in postmenopausal women. Long-term application awaits further studies.