Treatment of climacteric complaints with Org OD 14: a comparative study with oestradiol valerate and placebo

Org OD 14 (7 alpha,17 alpha-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one) is a steroid possessing mixed hormonal activity, which in earlier studies has been shown to alleviate climacteric complaints and to prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis without affecting the endometrium. The effects of Org OD 14 on climacteric complaints were compared with those of oestradiol valerate (E2V) and placebo in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study in 20 women who had been oophorectomized and hysterectomized 3-6 yr earlier as part of their treatment for cervical cancer. Each patient was treated orally for a total period of 18 wk, comprising 6 wk on each preparation. Capsules of identical appearance were given; these contained either 2.5 mg Org OD 14, 2 mg E2V or placebo. The patients' scores for symptoms and mood items on standardized rating scales were recorded at the end of each 6-wk treatment period (i.e. on days 43, 85 and 127). There were no differences between the effects of Org OD 14 and E2V on symptoms and mood items, while both compounds were more effective than placebo. Our findings confirmed that Org OD 14 is effective in ameliorating oestrogen deficiency symptoms in climacteric women.