[Effects of oral administration of estrogen replacement therapy in surgical menopause]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze effects of oral administration of conjugated estrogens in women after surgical menopause.

Material and methods: A prospective study that included 41 women after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, was performed. All patients received conjugated estrogens (Premarin) 0.625 mg daily from second or third days after surgery. Plasma level of estradiol, FSH and several homeostatic parameters were evaluated before and after 2, 5 days and 6 weeks of hormone therapy. The symptoms of climacteric syndrome were estimated based on the scale of Kuppermann.

Results: A decrease in plasma estradiol levels in early postoperative days and an increase up to 100 pg/ml in estradiol concentration after 6 weeks of estrogen therapy were observed. Changes in platelet number, plasma concentration of coagulation factors were transient and there were no significant thrombophilic effects after 6 weeks of Premarin administration.

Conclusions: The postoperative oral administration of conjugated estrogens did not cause thromboembolic complications among women after surgical menopause. Early beginning of estrogen replacement therapy after hysterectomy may prevent symptoms of climacteric syndrome occurrence.