Overview: This article describes a study done to research the effect of the estradiol hormone on hot flushes
Abstract Objective
To assess the efficacy and safety of 17-beta estradiol buccal tablets in reducing hot flush frequency (HFF) in postmenopausal women.
Methods
Estradiol buccal tablets containing 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg or placebo were administered for 28 days to 99 postmenopausal women in a randomized, double-blind study, and 19 premenopausal women were studied concurrently for comparison of laboratory data. Objective and subjective assessments of HFF were obtained along with measures of estradiol, estrone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Results
Measurements of HFF revealed significant decreases from baseline in all estradiol groups (P < 0.01). All estradiol doses produced similar improvements in the vaginal maturation index. Mean serum estradiol levels increased as doses increased, but were lower than in the premenopausal subjects. Mean serum FSH and LH levels decreased in all estradiol groups but not to the levels of the premenopausal subjects. The greatest decrease occurred at the two highest estradiol doses.
Conclusion
A numerical dose-response relationship with hot flushes was seen in this pilot study comparing 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg buccal estradiol. Only 0.4 mg 17-beta estradiol significantly reduced the occurrence of hot flushes compared to placebo.