Ovarian function during hormonal replacement therapy in perimenopausal women

Abstract

To determine the need for contraception during Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) in perimenopausal women, ultrasound monitoring of ovarian function was performed on 10 perimenopausal women in the second month of treatment. All patients were not at risk of unwanted pregnancy during the study period and had last regular menses at least three months before starting HRT. All of them received transdermal implants of 50 mg of estrogen, twice per week, and 10 mg of oral dydrogesterone on the fourth week. Ultrasound performed at treatment days 7, 14 and 21 of the second month revealed follicular development and rupture in 5 out of the 10 patients. Contraceptive implications are discussed.