EFFECTS OF A 17-BETA ESTRADIOL TRANSDERMA L GEL ON HORMONE LEVELS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Different delivery forms of supplemental estrogens may differ in their hormonal effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a daily dose of 2.5 g of 17 beta estradiol transdermal gel, given duri ng four weeks, on hormone levels of six postmenopausal women. At the f ourth week we observed a significant increase hz estradiol and a decre ase in FSH levels. Estrone levels also increased but the estradiol/est rone ratio was maintained in values over 1. No changes in SHBG or IGF1 levels were observed. Two Patients that used the gel in the abdominal skin achieved lower estradiol levels (below 60 pg/ml). We conclude th at the gel increased serum estradiol levels over 60 pg/ml in four of s ix women, that there is a big individual variability and the applicati on zone could influence the serum estradiol levels achieved.