Estradiol delivery by vaginal rings: potential for hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if delivery of estradiol from elastomeric vaginal rings gives estradiol blood levels in the range associated with effective estrogen replacement therapy and to determine the relation between in vitro estradiol release from the rings and blood levels in vivo. Secondary objectives related to changes in lipoprotein cholesterol, changes in climacteric symptoms, and evaluation of acceptability to users. METHODS: Three ring variants releasing approximately 100, 150 and 200 micrograms/day of estradiol in vitro were used through 22 days in 21 postmenopausal women, 7 on each dose levels. Blood samples for measurement of estradiol were taken at 3-4 day intervals. Lipoprotein cholesterol was measured before and at the end of treatment. Women were questioned about climacteric symptoms and about their satisfaction with the ring. RESULTS: Mean serum estradiol levels for the three groups of rings were 63 +/- 6, 94 +/- 5 and 136 +/- 13 pg/ml for the 100, 150 and 200 micrograms/day rings, respectively. FSH levels declined during ring use and the maturation values of cells collected on vaginal swabs markedly increased. Total and LDL cholesterol were significantly reduced and HDL cholesterol was not significantly changed. All women reported relief of postmenopausal symptoms. Vaginal discomfort during the first 3 days of use was reported by 12 women but overall satisfaction with the method was high. CONCLUSIONS: Women using the vaginal rings attained estradiol blood levels compatible with control of climacteric symptoms and bone loss. The relation between in vitro estradiol release and blood levels in vivo was essentially identical for all 3 doses. The use of vaginal rings to deliver estradiol for hormone replacement therapy is judged to merit further evaluation.