Transdermal delivery of steroids.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Transdermal drug delivery offers advantages for systemic therapy, with a growing focus on steroid applications.
• Oral administration of some steroids presents toxicity concerns, highlighting the need for alternative delivery routes.
• The skin, particularly the stratum corneum, acts as both a reservoir and a rate-controlling membrane for transdermal systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and applications of transdermal steroid delivery.
• To highlight the efficacy and acceptability of transdermal estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.
• To discuss the potential impact of transdermal steroid therapy on patient care.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on transdermal steroid delivery systems.
• Analysis of clinical data regarding the effectiveness and acceptability of transdermal estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.
• Evaluation of the skin's role as a barrier and reservoir in transdermal drug administration.

Main Results:

• Estradiol transdermal delivery has demonstrated effectiveness and acceptability in postmenopausal women.
• Topical progesterone administration has shown efficacy in managing benign breast disease.
• Transdermal testosterone delivery has proven highly acceptable and effective for male hypogonadism.

Conclusions:

• Transdermal steroid delivery represents a significant advancement in hormonal replacement therapy.
• This route of administration offers a safer and more effective alternative to oral steroids in various clinical settings.
• Transdermal steroid therapy is poised to substantially improve patient care for both men and women.