Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis tha a very-low-dose regimen of vaginal estrogen would provide effective relief from atrophic vaginitis without endometrial proliferation. METHODS: Twenty postmenopausal women with symptoms, signs, and cytologic evidence of atrophic vaginitis were enrolled. Each subject was treated with 0.3 mg of conjugated estrogens, administered vaginally 3 nights per week for 6 months. We examined the following outcomes: symptoms, vaginal cellular (cytologic) maturity, endometrial histology, sonographic evaluation of endometrial thickness, Doppler measures of uterine artery blood flow, and serum levels of estrone and estradiol. Pre- and post-treatment data were compared for each subject. RESULTS: Satisfactory relief of symptoms occurred in 19 of 20 cases. Vaginal cellular maturation improved significantly with therapy (P < .01). There were no significant changes in endometrial thickness, uterine artery blood flow, or serum estrogen levels. Endometrial proliferation was observed in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Relief from atrophic vaginitis can be achieved with 0.3 mg of conjugated estrogens administered vaginally three times per week. Endometrial proliferation may occur at this low dose, albeit rarely.
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Authors | V L Handa, K E Bachus, W W Johnston, S J Robboy, C B Hammond |
Journal | Obstetrics and gynecology
(Obstet Gynecol)
Vol. 84
Issue 2
Pg. 215-8
(Aug 1994)
ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8041532
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
- Estrone
- Estradiol
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Topics |
- Administration, Intravaginal
- Aged
- Atrophy
- Biopsy
- Blood Flow Velocity
(drug effects)
- Cell Division
(drug effects)
- Endometrium
(blood supply, drug effects, pathology, physiopathology)
- Estradiol
(blood)
- Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
(administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
- Estrone
(blood)
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Postmenopause
- Rheology
- Time Factors
- Vaginitis
(blood, drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology)
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