ABSTRACT

Objective:

We compared metabolic effects of transdermal and oral progestin combinations in postmenopausal women receiving transdermal estrogen replacement therapy.

Study Design:

One hundred fourteen postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either transdermal continous 17β estradiol, 0.05 mg/day with transdermal cyclic norethisterone acetate, 0.25 mg/day or transdermal continous 17β estradiol, 0.05 mg/day with oral cyclic medroxiprogesteron acetate, 10mg/day. Women in two groups were studied for one year. Lipoprotein profiles at 3,6 and 12 months were compared with baseline values by means of analysis of variance.

Results:

Plasma total cholesterol, low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoprotein and trigliserides were all significatly reduced.

Argument:

Transdermal and oral progestin combinations in transdermal estrogen replacement therapy have similar effects on serum lipids and lipoproteins.