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  • Title: Comparison of a transdermal continuous combined and an interrupted progestogen HRT.
    Author: Cameron ST, Glasier AF, Gebbie A, Dewart H, Baird DT.
    Journal: Maturitas; 2006 Jan 10; 53(1):19-26. PubMed ID: 16325020.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: Pilot study to compare the effects of a continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen with an interrupted progestogen regimen administered transdermally, upon the endometrium of postmenopausal women, the incidence of amenorrhoea and relief of menopausal symptoms. METHODS: Fifty-nine postmenopausal women aged 50-63 years were randomised to either (i) continuous combined regimen: combined oestrogen/progestogen skin patches (releasing continuous 50 microg estradiol and 20 microg levonorgestrel/day) or (ii) interrupted regimen: oestrogen-only patches (releasing 80 microg estradiol/day) for 4 days followed by combined oestrogen/progestogen patches (releasing continuous 50 microg estradiol and 20 microg levonorgestrel/day) for 3 days, for 6 months. An endometrial biopsy was performed at end of treatment for histological analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three women (56%) completed the study. Significantly higher rates of amenorrhoea were observed with the interrupted than continuous combined regimen (P<0.0001; 25% versus 7% at 6 months). The interrupted regimen was also associated with fewer days of bleeding overall (total 20 versus 44 days during months 4-6; P=0.001). Both regimens improved vasomotor symptoms. No endometrial hyperplasia or atypical changes were observed in endometrial biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Although significantly less bleeding was observed with the interrupted regimen, it did not have a sufficiently high incidence of amenorrhoea to render it clinically useful.
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