Progress report on long-term oestrogen therapy

Abstract

The effect of long-term therapy with natural conjugated oestrogens was studied in 119 patients exhibiting a variety of menopausal symptoms and ranging in age from 29 to 70 years. A high percentage of good or excellent response (93%), with complete relief of symptoms, was noted after 6 months on oestrogen therapy. In the patients who have participated for more than one year, 100% showed an excellent response. After 6 months, a marked increase was seen in the number of women with a superficial cell level of 60% or more. Improvement continued to be made throughout the study.

A significant lowering of cholesterol and total lipid levels was seen in the 4 groups studied. Increases in phospholipid levels were significant only in the early and surgical menopause groups, and not significant in the typical and late menopausal groups. The changes in lipid levels had no correlation with the age of the subjects.

Commonly noted oestrogenic adverse reactions were soreness of the breasts, hypogastric pain and breakthrough bleeding. However, these were mild in all cases and did not necessitate discontinuation of the drug.

Key words: :

• Menopause
• oestrogenic substances
• conjugated
• hypercholesteremia
• hyperlipemia