Transdermal applying of 17β-oestradiol. Is this a progress in hormone replacement therapy?

The group of 1790 women (51.92±4.52 years), having commenced transdermal HRT – matrix patches with 17β-oestradiol (Oesclim, Laboratoires Fournier), entered this study. The observational period – three months of HRT. The following parameters were under evaluation: 1) climacteric symptoms intensity; 2) side-effects estimation (breast pain, allergic reactions, changes in body weight and arterial hypertension); 3) patch detachment frequency; 4) patien’t will for continuation of hormonal therapy and 5) general efficacy of the treatment. Obtained results: 1) Transdermal oestradiol in the form of matrix patch is effective and safe in the therapy of climacteric symptoms in menopausal women; 2) Breast pain and a slight body mass gain are typical ”start” symptoms for HRT, being present in less than half of patients; 3) Matrix patches are characterized by good skin adherence and low percentage of local and general allergic reactions; 4) Positive assessment of the therapy made by our patients resulted in high and increasing percentage of women willing to continue this type of transdermal HRT.