Low-dose transdermal estradiol for symptomatic perimenopause.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low-dose transdermal estrogen therapy is associated with a reduction in vasomotor symptoms in women who continue to have menstrual cycles. DESIGN: An open-label, observational evaluation conducted over 12 months in 22 consecutive perimenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. RESULTS: Improvement in vasomotor symptoms was reported by 16 (73%) of women evaluated. Of responders, 11 characterized symptom relief as complete and 6 as moderate. Fifteen (68%) of the women remained on transdermal estrogen at 12 months. No adverse health-related events were attributed to estrogen therapy. CONCLUSION: Low-dose transdermal estrogen is well tolerated and was associated with a reduction in complaints of vasomotor symptoms before menopause. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of transdermal delivery of unopposed estrogen may be advantageous in a population sensitive to fluctuations in circulating hormone levels.