Both low-dose and micro-dose 17β-oestradiol are effective for postmenopausal hot flushes
G A Bachmann
Dr G A Bachmann, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; gloria.bachmann@umdnj.edu
QUESTION
Does micro-dose 17β-oestradiol reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes in symptomatic postmenopausal women?
METHODS
Design:
randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Allocation:
concealed.
Blinding:
blinded (patients, clinicians, and data collectors).
Follow-up period:
12 weeks.
Setting:
48 centres in the US.
Patients:
425 healthy postmenopausal women ⩾40 years of age (mean age 53 y) who had an average of ⩾7 moderate or severe hot flushes per day for ⩾1 week during screening. Women taking hormone therapy or other drugs that might affect vasomotor symptoms underwent a wash-out period. Exclusion criteria included abnormal Pap test result, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and history of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorder.
Intervention:
transdermal …
