Effects of oral continuous and transdermal cyclic 17-beta estradiol and norethindrone acetate replacement therapy on platelet aggregation in postmenopausal women.

Author(s): Kaplan PB, Gucer F, Sayin NC, Yuce MA, Yardim T

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey.

Publication date & source: 2002-08, J Reprod Med., 47(8):651-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an oral continuous and transdermal cyclic 17-beta estradiol and norethindrone acetate combination on platelet aggregation in post-menopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive 17-beta estradiol and norethindrone acetate either orally continuously or transdermally cyclically and sequentially. Platelet counts and maximum platelet aggregation rates were measured before and after three months treatment. RESULTS: At three months there were no significant changes in platelet counts or in adenosine diphosphate-induced or epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation rates in either treatment group. CONCLUSION: Hormone replacement treatment with a 17-beta estradiol and norethindrone acetate combination either orally continuously or transdermally cyclically and sequentially does not affect platelet aggregation in postmenopausal women.