Use of an estradiol transdermal spray in women with menopausal symptoms: a non-interventional study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness, tolerability and application of estradiol metered-dose transdermal spray (EMDTS) in postmenopausal women during real-world use. Methods This was a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter, observational phase IV cohort study. The Menopause Rating Scale II (MRS II) was used to assess symptoms and clinical response. Safety was assessed by the occurrence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Results A total of 451 postmenopausal women were enrolled at 52 gynecological practices across Germany; 383 patients were evaluated for effectiveness and 430 patients for safety. Mean age was 54.3 ± 7.4 years. In total, 228 patients (59.5%) received EMDTS monotherapy and 155 patients (40.5%) received EMDTS plus progestogens. Significant improvements (p < 0.0001) from baseline in symptom severity were recorded for all 11 items of the MRS II at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. At 12 months, 81.4% of patients reported improvement in hot flushes/sweating. At final visit, 73% of patients and 77% of physicians were ‘satisfied/very pleased’ with EMDTS. Most common ADRs were headache (n = 6), nausea (n = 4), dizziness (n = 4) and pruritus (n = 3). Conclusions EMDTS is an effective, well tolerated and easily applied hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing postmenopausal symptoms.