A comparison of the effects of sequential transdermal versus continuous orally administered hormone replacement therapies on plasma total homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women: A randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Objective The objective was to determine the effects of transdermal and oral hormone replacement therapies on plasma total homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women. Material and methods One hundred and ten postmenopausal patients were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomized into three groups: in Group A ( n = 31) oral continuous combined therapy and in Group B ( n = 30) transdermal sequential hormone replacement therapy were given for 6 months. A placebo was administered orally to the control group (Group C, n = 30). Serum homocysteine levels were studied prior to and after 6 months of treatment in all groups. Results There were no statistical significant differences in mean serum homocysteine levels among the groups prior to the study. The mean homocysteine levels after 6 months in Groups A–C were also similar. Conclusions Serum homocysteine levels alter with neither oral continuous nor sequential transdermal hormone replacement therapy.