Efficacies of different low-dose regimens of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women

Objective To compare the general effects of different low-dose regimens of hormone therapy (HT) and a formulation of Chinese herbs, which could be helpful to find the optimal regimen for prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Methods Applied with 1-year, open-labeled, randomized, clinical trial design, eligible postmenopausal women aged between 41 to 65 years were assigned into 4 groups. Group A: Estradiol valerate (E2V) 1mg+Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2mg/d; Group B: Premarin 0.45mg +MPA2mg/d; Group C: Tibolone 1.25mg/d; Group D: Chinese formulated products (Kuntai capsule) 4# t.i.d. Each subject took element calcium 400mg/d and vitamin D 200 IU/d concomitantly. BMD on lumbar 2-4 and femoral neck as well as blood lipids profile was measured before and after treatment. Kupperman scores and side effects such as irrugular vaginal bleeding and mastalgia were also recorded. Results No clinical fracture occurred during the trial. Changes of BMD of spine were (2.91 3.58)%, (2.44±3.20)%, (2.48±3.43)%, (-0.97±3.50)%, respectively, with insignificant difference among HT groups, butin group Dit was significantly lower than the others(P0.01), and that of femoral neck did not show statistical difference (P0.05). The decrease of Kupperman scores was more distinct in HT groups than in Group D. Blood lipid profiles changed differently among groups. Incidence of side-effects such as bleeding and tenderness of breast were less in Group C and D. Conclusion The general efficacies of three HT regimens in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women seem similar, but side-effects occur less in group C. Chinese formulated herbs(Kuntai) products can not prevent postmenopausal bone loss, but alleviate menopausal symptoms at some extent.