Low-dose hormone therapy in the perimenopause

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of low-dose hormone therapy (LD-HT) on bleeding pattern and vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal women. Methods In a prospective, open-label study at an University clinic, 120 perimenopausal women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles and hot flushes were randomized to micronized 17β-estradiol 1 mg plus dydrogesterone 10 mg sequential added (LD-HT; group A: 60 subjects) or dydrogesterone 10 mg from day 15 to 28 (group B: 60 subjects). Number and severity of hot flushes and bleeding pattern were assessed throughout the study. Results Women in group A experienced a significant reduction in number of hot flushes while no significant variation was observed in group B. The incidence of cyclic bleeding was 86% in group A and 76% in group B, the mean duration was significantly lower in group A than in group B. Conclusions LD-HT may control both irregular bleeding and hot flushes in perimenopausal women.