An audit of oestradiol levels and implant frequency in women undergoing subcutaneous implant therapy

Abstract

This study shows that effective, safe and sympathetic management of women with oestrogen deficient symptoms may be achieved by use of two criteria to determine re-treatment; the return of symptoms, and a serum E2 level no higher than 400 pmol/l. Once therapy is established, E2 implants may need to be prescribed only on an annual basis. There appears to be no justification for giving E2 implants more frequently as this policy achieves satisfactory (physiological) premenopausal E2 levels and good symptomatic relief without any evidence for accumulation of E2 or 'tachyphylaxis'.