Comparative Effects of 17-8 Estradiol Gel and Conjugated Estrogen on Climacteric Symptoms and Hormonal Levels in Oophorectomized Women

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of estradiol gel and conjugated estrogen as treatment for climacteric symptoms and their effects on hormonal levels in oophorectomized women. The patients had hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy performed at least 6 weeks prior to estrogen treatment. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1 (21 patients) received 17-ß estradiol gel 2.5 gm percutaneously once daily. Group 2 (21 patients) received 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogen orally. These were given for 3 weeks. Both groups had similar mean age, weight and height. After treatment the climacteric symptoms decreased in all patients. The patients reported that treatments were favourable. No significant adverse effect of the drugs was observed. Mean serum estradiol level in both groups increased to early follicular phase level. (from 11.05–8.01 and 10.11+4.48 to 67.83–64.32 and 59.89+42.96 pg/ml in group 1 and 2, respectively). In conclusion conjugated estrogen and 17-B estradiol at dosage used in this study were comparable in clinical and hormonal effects. (Thai J Obstet Gynaecol 1989; 1:.25-30)