Hormonal and metabolic effects of transdermal estradiol/progestagen administration in postmenopausal women

To evaluate the effects on hormonal and metabolic variables and bone density of a transdermal system delivering estrogen and progestagen.

Twenty-one patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to the following treatments: group A was treated with transdermal 17 beta-estradiol, 50 micrograms/day (Estraderm TTS 50), from the first to the fourteenth day of the cycle and with a transdermal combination of 17 beta-estradiol (50 micrograms/day) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) 250 micrograms/day during the following 14 days; group B was treated with Estraderm TTS 50 from the first to the twenty-eighth day, adding oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 10 mg/day, during the final 14 days. DHEAS, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, gonadotropins, and estrogens were measured in basal conditions and after 6 months' therapy. In the same schedule, lipid patterns (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), phosphocalcium variables (osteocalcin, calcitonin, parathormone), and bone mineral density were also studied.

Both treatments were efficient in reducing menopausal symptoms. An increase of DHEAS (P < .05) and a decrease of FSH and LH (P < .02, < .01, respectively) were observed in group B. No significant modifications in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism were shown in either group after 6 months. The calcium-regulating hormone osteocalcin (BCG) decreased significantly (P < .05) only in group A; calcitonin, parathormone, and bone density were unchanged after treatment.

Transdermal administration of estrogen plus progestagen reduces menopausal symptoms, but does not induce changes in metabolic variables and hormonal levels (androgens and prolactin).