CLIMACTERIC SYMPTOMS, GONADOTROPINS, SEX STEROIDS, AND BINDING-PROTEINS WITH CONJUGATED EQUINE ESTROGEN-PROGESTIN AND TIBOLONE OVER 2 YEARS

The objective of this research was to assess endocrine profiles in pos tmenopausal women taking tibolone or conjugated equine estrogen-proges tin, compared with a reference group. Sixty-three women were randomize d to take a conjugated equine estrogen-progestin preparation (n = 31) or tibolone (n = 32), and 50 other women acted as controls. Levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, estrone, SHBG, anxiety, and climacteric symptoms w ere measured over 96 weeks, The reference group was older and postmeno pausal longer than the therapy groups. with significantly lower levels of estradiol and climacteric symptoms. FSH was also lower in the refe rence group, but this was significant compared to the estrogen-progest in group only. Anxiety scores were higher in the tibolone group at bas eline. FSH decreased significantly with both therapies, whereas decrea ses in LH were not significant. Estradiol decreased in the tibolone an d reference groups, but increased with the estrogen-progestin, whereas estrone changed in an inconsistent manner. Significant increases and decreases occurred in SI-IBG with the estrogen-progestin and tibolone respectively. Anxiety scores and climacteric symptoms were similarly a nd significantly decreased with both therapies. The lack of significan t change in LH with either therapy in the face of decreases in FSH, ma y reflect different hypothalamic pulsatility rates for GnRH. Changes f ound in FSH, an as expected, considering tibolone's androgenic nature. Both therapies are effective in alleviating climacteric symptoms and anxiety levels.