Comparison of continuous and sequential oestrogen-progestogen treatment in women with climacteric symptoms

Continuous (Kliogest) and sequential (Trisequens) oestrogen-progestogen treatment were compared in a randomized, parallel, group study in women suffering from climacteric symptoms. The subjects were treated with Trisequens for 4 mth prior to randomized assignment to 1 of 2 treatment groups, and with either Trisequens or Kliogest for 12 mth thereafter. Forty-one (41) patients were initially recruited for the study. Of these, 34 completed the study, each treatment group hence comprised 17 women. The results suggest that continuous treatment is as effective as sequential treatment in alleviating climacteric symptoms. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly reduced after changeover from sequential to continuous treatment (LH: P less than 0.001; FSH: P less than 0.01). Breast cancer was detected in 2 women, 1 being from each treatment group. Weight, blood pressure and cholesterol concentrations were not significantly altered in either of the groups. There were no cases of endometrial hyperplasia. In the continuous-treatment group a temporary increase in breakthrough bleeding occurred at the beginning of the treatment period. It was concluded that continuous treatment seems to constitute an efficacious regimen for climacteric symptoms, which does not induce monthly bleeding.