Oestradiol Transdermal Matrix Patch for Menopausal Symptoms

Nutan Agarwal (Assistant Professor)
Rohini Sehgal (Research Officer)
Deep Thakkar (Professor & Head)
Kamal Buckshee (Retd Professor & Head)

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, India

Summary

• The efficacy and safety of 6 months' hormone replacement therapy (HRT) delivered in the form of the oestradiol transdermal matrix patch was assessed in a prospective study of 114 postmenopausal women.
  
  
• Using the Greene Climacteric Scale, climacteric complaints in five major categories (psychological, somatic, vasomotor, genito-urinary, sexual function) were rated before, during, and after treatment with HRT.
  
  
• There was a marked, statistically significant improvement in all menopausal symptoms on HRT, which was apparent after the first month of treatment. After 6 months, vasomotor and genito-urinary symptoms were almost completely cured.
  
  
• The oestradiol transdermal matrix patch was well tolerated: adverse skin reactions and irregular bleeding per vaginum were seen in only 5% and 7% of cases, respectively.
  
  
• The patch appears to be an effective and safe alternative to oral HRT, especially in situations where the latter is contraindicated or deemed unsuitable.

Editor's Comment

The results of this prospective study show that vasomotor and genito-urinary symptoms of the menopause can be almost completely cured by short-term HRT given transdermally, but for somatic symptoms and sexual function it may be necessary to continue HRT for a longer period. This hypothesis should now be tested in randomised, placebo-controlled study.

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