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The effect of transdermal estradiol on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women
D Vavilis1, T Agorastos, M Vakiani
12nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotelian University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of hormonal replacement therapy on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women.
Study Design:
A prospective clinical study in the setting of a tertiary-care university hospital. Eleven postmenopausal women received hormonal replacement therapy (transdermal estradiol or transdermal estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate) for 4 months. Serum estradiol levels as well as vaginal and conjunctival maturation value (a cytological parameter) were measured before and after the treatment. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-Rank test.
Results:
A significant increase of serum estradiol levels (P < 0.01) and of vaginal maturation value (P < 0.01) were found. Cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium were also observed. These changes, although mild, were statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
These data support the view that the hormonal replacement therapy induces cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium in postmenopausal women.