Vaginal rings for continuous low-dose release of oestradiol in the treatment of urogenital atrophy

P A Holmgren, Per Holmgren, Marianne Lindskog, M Lindskog, Bo von Schoultz, B von Schoultz
Maturitas · 1989 · vol. 11(1) , pp. 55–63 · doi:10.1016/0378-5122(89)90120-5 · PMID:2498619 · W2018011684
Non-randomised trial OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation
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This study evaluated silicone vaginal rings for continuous low-dose oestradiol release in postmenopausal women, finding that 7 micrograms per day effectively alleviated urogenital atrophy symptoms with minimal systemic metabolic response.

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Abstract

Silicone vaginal rings for the continuous release of 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) with 2 constant in vitro release rates were used for the treatment of symptoms of urogenital atrophy in 2 groups of postmenopausal women. The very low dose of 7 micrograms/24 h was found to alleviate atrophic symptoms effectively and to induce significant maturation of vaginal and urethral epithelium. After a brief initial peak, the serum levels of E2 over 3 mth of treatment remained close to the detection limit. The 'undetectable' E2 release pattern was reflected only in increased levels of oestrone sulphate. There was no evidence of a systemic metabolic response and patient acceptance of the method was excellent. Continuous low-dose release of E2 via vaginal rings consequently offers an alternative means of administering local oestrogen therapy which may be particularly suitable for geriatric patients.

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MeSH descriptors

Estradiol Urethral Diseases Urogenital System Vaginal Diseases Administration, Intravaginal Aged Atrophy Atrophy Atrophy Delayed-Action Preparations Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Estradiol Estradiol Estradiol Female Follicle Stimulating Hormone Follicle Stimulating Hormone Histological Techniques Humans Menopause

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