A comparison of 25 mg and 50 mg oestradiol implants in the control of climacteric symptoms following hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Hormone replacement therapy subcutaneous implants for refractory menopause symptoms; the patient's perspective

OBJECTIVE

For women with menopause symptoms refractory to standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations, HRT implants offer an alternative. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate women's perceptions regarding efficacy, tolerability, satisfaction and safety of implant therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

A single centre service evaluation study performed at Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Hospital Trust. An anonymised semi-structured survey link was posted to all women (n = 397) recorded to have received HRT implant(s) at a tertiary Menopause clinic (May 1982 and Dec 2018). Women attending clinic (June 2020 to Sept 2020) were opportunistically invited to complete a written version of the survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data collected included demographics, medical and surgical history, therapy duration, type, indication and complications. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale.

RESULTS

Data was obtained for 119 women. The written survey yielded higher response rates (n = 73, 61.3%). Most respondents were 51-60 years old (n = 51 42.9%) and 87.4% (n = 104) were 'White British'. 70 women used estradiol only implants. 30.1%% (n = 34) of patients reported a low Greene Climacteric Scale score (0-5). Subgroup analysis showed prevalence of sexual dysfunction and vasomotor symptoms across ages. There was a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms amongst ≥51 year olds. High satisfaction rates were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from a large cohort is presented. Good symptom control, satisfaction and long-term efficacy was demonstrated. This study supports the value of HRT implants for refractory menopause symptoms. A national database of implant users would be a useful tool to record satisfaction scores and adverse events.

Low dose 25 mg oestradiol implants and 1 mg norethisterone as continuous combined hormone therapy: a prospective study

The anxiety regarding no-bleed regimens is that breakthrough bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia may occur. We aimed to demonstrate that 25 mg oestradiol implants can be adequately opposed by a low dose of progestogen protecting against osteoporosis. Twenty-two patients were recruited to the study. The mean age was 62 years and body mass index of 26.5. Median oestradiol rose from 77 pmol/L at baseline to 275 pmol/L at one year. Median endometrial thickness remained unchanged at 4 mm and only two women withdrew with bleeding problems. There was one case of proliferative endometrium at one year--all others samples were either atrophic or secretory. Lumbar bone density (L2-L4) rose significantly from 0.939 to 0.992 g/cm2 (6%, P = 0.005) and the total femoral density rose from 0.872 to 0.890 g/cm2 (+2.1%). Bone formation markers increased significantly (serum type 1 procollagen C terminal peptide, P1CP = 112-114, P = 0.0376) and bone resorption fell (serum type 1 collagen C terminal telopeptide, 1CTP = 3.0-2.9, P = 0.2863). E25 implants and low dose progestogen appear to avoid endometrial hyperplasia and bleeding problems while increasing bone density.