Low-dose esterified estrogens (0.3 mg/day): long-term and short-term effects on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of low-dose unopposed esterified estrogens on menopausal symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: In a long-term, 2-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 204 postmenopausal women were treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg daily or placebo. Menopausal symptoms were assessed with a modified Kupperman index at baseline, 3, 6 and thereafter every 6 months. In a second 12-week, open-label, short-term pilot study, 25 postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms were treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg daily for 12 weeks. Vasomotor symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Greene scale and Quality of Life Menopause Scale (QUALMS). RESULTS: In the long-term study, significant (p < 0.05) reductions in total symptom scores were observed at each time point with esterified estrogens compared with placebo. Somatic symptom scores (hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in patients treated with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg compared to baseline and placebo. In the short-term, open-label pilot study, the incidence of vasomotor symptoms was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced with esterified estrogens 0.3 mg from week 4 until the study end. Significant (p < 0.05) improvements versus baseline were seen in the somatic and vasomotor/sleep domains and in the total quality-of-life score. CONCLUSIONS: Esterified estrogens 0.3 mg given daily provide adequate menopausal symptom relief and improved quality of life in postmenopausal women.