Moderate dosage estrogen–androgen therapy improves continuation rates in postmenopausal women: impact of the WHI reports

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this report is not to provide descriptive data for practice recommendations but to point the way to more liberal thinking than the conservatism of today. The patients in this historical practice, where moderate dosages of estrogen are used, with androgens added when indicated, continue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for many years. These women were audited to determine the reasons for continuance.

Design During the 3 years from 1996 to 1999, 814 women have been followed prospectively, the date of this first visit recorded, as well as the date last seen, the years of hormone use, and their current hormone replacement, so that continuation rates could be determined. The records of the patients were reviewed in January 2005 to determine the impact of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Results Of the 814 patients, there were 573 surgically menopausal women with a mean age of 61.8±3.25 years and 241 naturally menopausal women with a mean age of 58.6±3.08 years. During the 3 years of observation, 692 women continued HRT while 122 discontinued their therapy. Of those continuing therapy, 606 were treated with the implantation of various combinations of estradiol and testosterone pellets, while 86 used injectables, patches or oral hormones. Continuation rates for pellet patients were 96.7% for 10 years, 88.8% for 20 years, and 21.9% for 40 or more years. Continuation rates for the other hormone users were 53.5% for 10 years and 20.9% for 20 years. Eighty-one percent of the patients were prescribed progestogens, and 18 different progestogens or dosages or regimens were used to individualize therapy and provide as side-effect-free a regimen as possible. Continuation rates in the 692 remaining patients declined to 66.7% during the next 5 years.

Conclusions Moderate dosages of estrogens, with androgens added when indicated, improve continuation rates. Therapy must be individualized so that not only are menopausal symptoms relieved but also side-effects are minimal and women continue to feel good. The implantation of estradiol and testosterone pellets is not necessary for even the majority of postmenopausal women. However, estrogen dosages must be adequate to provide a sense of well-being. After the WHI reports, continuation rates declined more rapidly.

Key words:

• POSTMENOPAUSAL
• MODERATE-DOSAGE HRT
• CONTINUATION RATES