OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy， safety and patient compliance of transdermal estrogen patches (17-β estradiol，1.5 mg per patch )in the hormone therapy in menopausal women.METHODS Thirty-five naturally menopausal women with serum levels of FSH>40 u·L-1 and E2<30 pg·mL-1 were chosen. Transdermal estrogen patches were continuously used once a week for 24 weeks. On the same day of using the forth patches every month， the patients began taking 10 mg dydrogesterone per day for 10 d. Menopausal complaints were evaluated， and the serum FSH and E2 levels were determined before and after the hormone therapy. The safety index and the compliance of patients were observed. RESULTS Kupperman index were decreased significantly and menopausal complaints were relieved notablely; serum E2 levels increased after therapy. Before and after treatment， liver and kidney functions， blood glucose and blood coagulation were within the normal range. CONCLUSION Transdermal estrogen patches (17-β estradiol，1.5 mg per patch ) is effective and safe for relieving menopausal symptoms at least in a short term.
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