[Treatment of climacteric syndrome using Estraderm TTS and premarin in a comparative study]

In an open-label, multicentric randomized trial the efficacy and tolerability of Estraderm TTS, a 17 beta-estradiol, and Premarin, consisting of conjugated estrogens, were compared in the treatment of the climacteric syndrome. 84 patients with manifest menopausal complaints were randomized into two groups of 42 women each. The duration of treatment was 11 weeks or 3 cycles, each with 3 weeks of estrogen treatment followed by a therapy-free week. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed with a questionnaire recording frequency and intensity of hot flushes and of sweating episodes during the night, changes in psychic well-being, frequency of micturition and dryness of the vagina. Systemic and local tolerability was also evaluated. Both substances proved almost equivalent in the treatment of menopausal complaints, although Estraderm TTS was markedly superior in suppressing vasomotor symptoms.